The foreign exchange market is a form of exchange for global decentralised trading of international currencies. In a typical foreign exchange transaction, a party purchases a quantity of a currency by paying a quantity of another currency.
The foreign exchange market is unique because of the following:
1. Its huge trading volume represents the largest asset class in the world leading to high liquidity
2. Its geographical dispersion
3. Its continuous operation runs 24 hours a day five days a week, so trading can take place from 20.15 GMT on Sunday until 22.00 GMT Friday
4. There are a variety of factors that affect exchange rates
5. Low margins of relative profit compared with other markets of fixed income
6. The use of leverage to enhance profit and loss margins and with respect to account size
You may be contemplating buying premises or property abroad and need to make sure you get the best European foreign exchange rate. Or perhaps you have an invoice from an overseas supplier that needs payment.
The more informed you are, the better your chances of trading successfully. Be aware that some market participants have different intentions, for example, hedgers will sell into a market that is rising. Looking for good average prices on large orders will enable better risk management in their portfolios. This is in contrast to individual traders who seek to maximise profit on each trade.
For those wishing to make life easier for themselves, partnership programmes are available. With the knowledge, technology and global reach, these create customised solutions to perfectly suit your business requirements.
A currency market expert will have access to the latest information and pricing systems, secure online international payment platforms, and back office technologies. This all helps ensure that you undertake your foreign exchange transaction in the most cost effective and hassle-free manner. Foreign exchange specialists can often provide a much more personal and tailored service than any bank.
Timely information is crucial within the business environment. Armed with this knowledge you can make informed decisions regarding your foreign currency transactions or your hedging strategies.