Forex Education
1.3 What Are Currency Pairs?
Currencies in forex trading are always quoted in pairs, because one currency must be exchanged for another.
Example:
- EUR/USD = 1.1000
This quote means that 1 Euro is worth 1.10 US Dollars.
Each currency pair reflects the relative value between two currencies. Price movements show how the value of one currency changes compared to the other.
Types of Currency Pairs
Major Pairs
These pairs include the US Dollar and are the most actively traded. They typically have high liquidity and tighter spreads.
Examples: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY
Minor Pairs
Minor pairs do not include the US Dollar but involve major global currencies.
Examples: EUR/GBP, GBP/JPY
Exotic Pairs
These pairs include one major currency and one currency from an emerging or smaller economy. They often have wider spreads and lower liquidity.
Examples: USD/THB, EUR/TRY
Understanding the type of pair being traded helps traders manage expectations regarding volatility and trading costs.