Currency Pairs

What are currency pairs?

In the foreign exchange market, currency is traded in pairs. Pairs have meaning in relation to each other so must always stay together.

The two currencies in a pair are traded one against the other. The rate at which they are traded is called the exchange rate. The exchange rate is affected by currency supply and demand.

Most common currencies

The most common currencies traded in the market are called 'majors'. Most currencies are traded against the United States dollar (USD). USD is traded more than any other currency. The five currencies most traded next are: the euro (EUR); the Japanese yen (JPY); the British pound sterling (GBP); the Swiss franc (CHF), and the Australian dollar (AUD). Trades of the six major currencies total 90% of the market.

The most common currency pair is EUR / USD.