Access global currency markets
A Market Shaped by the Global Economy
The foreign exchange market, commonly known as Forex or FX, is the global market where currencies are exchanged and valued against one another.
CFD First provides access to available Forex markets through currency pairs, allowing clients to follow price movements between currencies from major economies around the world.
Forex markets can respond to changes in interest rates, economic expectations, monetary policy, geopolitical developments and global market sentiment.
What is Forex trading?
Understanding Currency Price Movements
Forex trading involves gaining exposure to changes in the value of one currency relative to another. Currencies are traded in pairs. For example, EUR/USD represents the value of the euro against the US dollar.
In a currency pair, the first currency is the base currency, while the second is the quote currency. If EUR/USD is quoted at 1.1000, one euro is valued at 1.10 US dollars.
With Forex CFDs, clients can gain exposure to these price movements without physically exchanging or owning the underlying currencies.
Base Currency
The first currency shown in a pair. In EUR/USD, EUR is the base currency.
Quote Currency
The second currency shown in a pair. The quoted price represents the base currency's value relative to it.
Types of Forex pairs
Major and Minor Currency Pairs
Major Currency Pairs
Major pairs generally combine the US dollar with another widely traded global currency.
- EUR/USD Euro / US Dollar
- GBP/USD British Pound / US Dollar
- USD/JPY US Dollar / Japanese Yen
- USD/CHF US Dollar / Swiss Franc
- AUD/USD Australian Dollar / US Dollar
- USD/CAD US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
Minor Currency Pairs
Minor pairs generally combine major global currencies without the US dollar.
- EUR/GBP Euro / British Pound
- EUR/JPY Euro / Japanese Yen
- GBP/JPY British Pound / Japanese Yen
- AUD/JPY Australian Dollar / Japanese Yen
Why trade Forex with CFD First?
Connected Access and Clear Information
Global Currency Access
Explore available currency pairs representing major economies and financial markets.
Multiple Currency Pairs
Access available major, minor and other supported currency pairs.
Web & Mobile Access
Stay connected through supported CFD First web and mobile environments.
Flexible Accounts
Choose from available account options designed around different trading requirements.
Clear Information
Understand applicable pricing and conditions when managing Forex CFD positions.
Market Knowledge
Follow information and economic developments influencing currency markets.
What moves Forex markets?
Six Key Market Drivers
Interest Rates
Rate changes and future monetary-policy expectations can influence currency values.
Central Bank Decisions
Rate decisions, policy statements and guidance can move currency markets.
Inflation
Inflation data can affect expectations about policy, rates and economic conditions.
Economic Data
Employment, GDP and consumer activity can influence expectations about an economy.
Geopolitical Developments
Political uncertainty, conflict and trade developments can change market conditions.
Market Sentiment
Changes in confidence and attitudes toward risk can influence currency demand.
How Forex CFD trading works
Long, Short, Sessions and Pricing
Forex CFDs provide exposure to changes in currency-pair prices without physically exchanging the underlying currencies.
Going Long
A long position is based on the expectation that a currency pair may rise. For example, a long EUR/USD position provides exposure to a potential increase in its price.
Going Short
A short position is based on the expectation that a currency pair may fall. Both long and short positions involve risk when the market moves against them.
Forex Market Sessions
Activity takes place across financial centres including Sydney, Tokyo, London and New York. Liquidity can vary throughout the day, particularly when major sessions overlap. Trading hours vary by pair and schedule.
Understanding Forex Pricing
Bid Price
The price generally associated with selling a currency pair.
Ask Price
The price generally associated with buying a currency pair.
Spread
The difference between bid and ask prices. Conditions can vary by pair, account, liquidity and market conditions.
Leverage
Leverage creates exposure greater than the margin required. Gains and losses reflect the full exposure, so small currency moves can have a larger effect.
Before you trade
Important Risk Information
Forex CFDs are leveraged products and involve significant risk. Currency prices can change rapidly in response to economic announcements, monetary-policy decisions, geopolitical events and changing market conditions.
Leverage increases market exposure and can magnify both gains and losses. Clients should understand applicable trading conditions, margin requirements and associated risks before participating in Forex CFD trading.
Market information and educational content are provided for general informational purposes and do not guarantee future market performance.