GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Forex Industry Statistics

The global foreign exchange (Forex) industry has a daily trading volume of over $6.6 trillion, making it the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.

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Highlights: Forex Industry Statistics

  • The Forex market is the largest and most liquid market globally, with over $6.6 trillion traded on an average daily basis.
  • 85% of global Forex market transactions occur on only 7 currency pairs.
  • On average, 71.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with a Forex broker.
  • Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week.
  • Only 5.5% of Forex traders who start without any training become successful.
  • The average daily trading volume in Forex is almost 50 times more than the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
  • About $5.1 trillion is the approximate daily turnover in the Forex market.
  • The most traded currency pair in the world is the EUR/USD pairing.
  • Forex trading by retail investors reached a record of $1.3 trillion a day in April 2019.
  • The most active Forex trading hours are during the UK and US market sessions.
  • Around 5% of daily Forex volume is from companies and governments that buy or sell products and services in a foreign country.
  • USD is on one side of 88% of the world's Forex transactions.
  • As of 2020, Japan has the world's highest number of retail Forex traders.
  • Over 40% of all Forex trades are executed in London.
  • Forex market transaction costs are typically less than 0.1% under normal market conditions.
  • Approximately 90% of Forex trading is speculative.
  • Around 50% of retail Forex traders use a mobile device or a tablet to trade.

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The Forex industry is a vast and dynamic market that involves trading currencies from around the world. Understanding the key statistics and trends within the Forex industry is essential for traders, investors, and anyone interested in the global financial markets. In this blog post, we will delve into the latest Forex industry statistics, providing valuable insights and analysis to help you navigate this complex and exciting market.

The Latest Forex Industry Statistics Explained

The Forex market is the largest and most liquid market globally, with over $6.6 trillion traded on an average daily basis.

The statistic that the Forex market is the largest and most liquid market globally, with over $6.6 trillion traded on an average daily basis, highlights the immense scale and dynamism of the foreign exchange market. This statistic indicates the vast amount of money that changes hands in the Forex market on a daily basis, far surpassing the trading volumes of other financial markets such as stocks or commodities. The high liquidity of the Forex market means that traders can easily buy and sell currencies without significantly impacting prices, allowing for efficient and rapid transactions. Overall, this statistic underscores the significant role that the Forex market plays in the global economy and its attractiveness to a wide range of participants including individual traders, financial institutions, and governments.

85% of global Forex market transactions occur on only 7 currency pairs.

This statistic indicates that the foreign exchange (Forex) market is heavily concentrated on a small number of currency pairs, with 85% of all transactions taking place across just 7 pairs. This suggests that the majority of trading activity and liquidity in the global Forex market is focused on these key pairs. The significance of this concentration lies in the fact that these specific currency pairs likely exhibit the highest levels of volatility, trading volume, and market interest among all the pairs available for trading. Traders and investors may prioritize these pairs due to their liquidity and potential for profit generation, while other lesser-traded pairs may have lower liquidity and be subject to higher levels of risk.

On average, 71.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with a Forex broker.

This statistic indicates that, on average, 71.5% of retail investors who trade Contracts for Difference (CFDs) with a Forex broker experience financial losses. This means that a significant majority of individual investors who engage in CFD trading through Forex brokers end up with a lower account balance than when they started. The high percentage of losing accounts suggests that trading CFDs involves substantial risk, and highlights the importance of understanding the complexities and risks associated with this type of financial instrument before engaging in such trading activities.

Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week.

The statistic stating that the Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week highlights a key characteristic of this global financial market. Unlike traditional stock markets that have specific trading hours, the Forex market remains open around the clock from Sunday evening to Friday evening. This continuous operation allows traders from different time zones worldwide to participate at their convenience, leading to high liquidity and constant trading opportunities. The extended trading hours also reflect the decentralized nature of the Forex market, where currencies are traded in various financial centers across the globe, ensuring that trading can take place at any time of day or night.

Only 5.5% of Forex traders who start without any training become successful.

The statistic that only 5.5% of Forex traders who start without any training become successful suggests that the vast majority of individuals who engage in Forex trading without formal education or preparation are unlikely to achieve success in the industry. This statistic underscores the importance of obtaining proper training and knowledge before entering the Forex market, as it can significantly increase one’s chances of success. Forex trading is a complex and highly volatile financial market, and without the necessary skills and understanding of the market dynamics, traders may face significant risks and challenges that could lead to failure. Therefore, aspiring traders are advised to seek out educational resources, training programs, and mentorship to improve their chances of success in Forex trading.

The average daily trading volume in Forex is almost 50 times more than the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

This statistic suggests that the average daily trading volume in the foreign exchange (Forex) market is significantly higher than that of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Specifically, the Forex market sees nearly 50 times more trading volume on a daily basis compared to the NYSE. This highlights the immense liquidity and popularity of the Forex market, where currencies are exchanged globally around the clock. The comparison with the NYSE, one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, underscores the scale and scope of trading activities in the Forex market, making it a key financial market for investors and institutions seeking opportunities for speculation, hedging, and investment.

About $5.1 trillion is the approximate daily turnover in the Forex market.

The statistic that about $5.1 trillion is the approximate daily turnover in the Forex market represents the massive scale and liquidity of the foreign exchange market. This figure highlights the immense volume of transactions taking place on a daily basis, where various currencies are bought and sold by individuals, financial institutions, corporations, and governments around the world. The sheer size of the Forex market indicates its significance in the global economy and emphasizes the importance of foreign exchange for international trade, investment, and financial stability. This statistic also underscores the potential for rapid price movements and volatility in currency values, making the Forex market an attractive but highly risky and fast-paced environment for participants.

The most traded currency pair in the world is the EUR/USD pairing.

The statement “The most traded currency pair in the world is the EUR/USD pairing” indicates that the pairing of the Euro (EUR) and the United States Dollar (USD) is the most commonly exchanged pair in the global foreign exchange market. This statistic suggests that the EUR/USD pair is the most actively bought and sold currency pair by traders and investors worldwide. The popularity of this pairing can be attributed to several factors, including the economic significance of the Eurozone and the United States, the large volume of trading activity in these currencies, and the high liquidity of the EUR/USD market. Traders often favor this pairing due to the stability and predictability of both the Euro and the US Dollar, making it a preferred choice for participants in the forex market.

Forex trading by retail investors reached a record of $1.3 trillion a day in April 2019.

The statistic indicates that retail investors engaged in forex trading reached an all-time high of $1.3 trillion per day in April 2019. This substantial amount reflects the significant participation of individual traders in the foreign exchange market, which is traditionally dominated by institutional players. The surge in retail forex trading may be driven by increased accessibility to trading platforms, educational resources, and a growing interest among individuals to diversify their investment portfolios. The record-breaking figure highlights the growing influence of retail investors in the forex market and underscores the importance of understanding the impact they have on currency exchange rates and market dynamics.

The most active Forex trading hours are during the UK and US market sessions.

The statistic suggests that the times when the Forex market is most active are during the overlapping market sessions of the United Kingdom and the United States. This is a commonly observed phenomenon since these two regions have significant financial markets and trading activity. The UK market session typically starts around 8:00 AM GMT and overlaps with the US market session, which starts around 1:00 PM GMT. During this overlap, there tends to be increased liquidity, volatility, and trading opportunities in the Forex market as market participants from both regions are actively trading and reacting to news and economic events. Traders often prefer to trade during these hours to capitalize on the increased market activity and potentially higher profit opportunities.

Around 5% of daily Forex volume is from companies and governments that buy or sell products and services in a foreign country.

The statistic suggests that approximately 5% of the total daily trading volume in the foreign exchange market (Forex) consists of transactions initiated by companies and governments engaged in international trade, where they buy or sell products and services across borders. This segment of the Forex market primarily represents the commercial aspect of international trade, where entities need to exchange currencies to facilitate their cross-border transactions. These transactions could involve importing goods, paying for services, or repatriating profits earned in foreign markets, highlighting the importance of businesses and governments in influencing the daily trading activities in the foreign exchange market.

USD is on one side of 88% of the world’s Forex transactions.

The statistic that USD is on one side of 88% of the world’s Forex transactions indicates that the US dollar plays a dominant role in the global foreign exchange market. This means that in the vast majority of international currency trades, one of the trading pairs involves the USD. The US dollar’s status as the world’s primary reserve currency, along with the size and strength of the US economy, contribute to its widespread use in global trade and finance. As a result, many countries and market participants around the world transact in USD, making it a key player in the foreign exchange market.

As of 2020, Japan has the world’s highest number of retail Forex traders.

As of 2020, Japan has the world’s highest number of retail Forex traders, indicating a significant presence of individual traders participating in the foreign exchange market within the country. This statistic suggests that a large number of Japanese residents are actively engaging in currency trading on various online platforms. This trend could be attributed to factors such as a strong interest in financial markets, technological advancements facilitating easy access to trading platforms, and a culture that values financial literacy and investment opportunities. Japan’s position as the country with the highest number of retail Forex traders underscores the popularity and widespread adoption of Forex trading among its population compared to other countries globally.

Over 40% of all Forex trades are executed in London.

The statistic that over 40% of all Forex trades are executed in London indicates that London is a major hub for foreign exchange trading activities. Forex trading involves the buying and selling of currencies, and the fact that a significant portion of these transactions take place in London highlights the city’s importance in the global financial market. London’s role as a leading financial center is supported by factors such as its strategic geographic location between the U.S. and Asian markets, the presence of a well-developed infrastructure for trading, and a high concentration of financial institutions and traders. This statistic reflects London’s position as a key player in the Forex market and underscores its significance in the world of international finance.

Forex market transaction costs are typically less than 0.1% under normal market conditions.

The statistic that Forex market transaction costs are typically less than 0.1% under normal market conditions implies that the fees associated with buying or selling currencies in the foreign exchange market are generally quite low. This low transaction cost percentage suggests that Forex trading can be cost-effective for investors, as they are not being charged a significant portion of their transaction amount in fees. This statistic indicates that Forex market participants can engage in trading activities with relatively minimal expenses compared to other financial markets, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in currencies.

Approximately 90% of Forex trading is speculative.

The statistic that approximately 90% of Forex trading is speculative indicates that the vast majority of trading in the foreign exchange market is driven by traders aiming to profit from short-term price fluctuations rather than by those seeking to participate in the actual exchange of currencies for conducting business or investment activities. Speculative trading involves buying and selling currencies with the expectation of making a profit based on anticipated market movements, rather than holding positions for the long term. This high level of speculation in the Forex market can lead to increased volatility and rapid price changes, as traders react to various economic indicators, news events, and geopolitical developments, making it a dynamic and potentially risky environment for participants.

Around 50% of retail Forex traders use a mobile device or a tablet to trade.

The statistic “Around 50% of retail Forex traders use a mobile device or a tablet to trade” indicates that approximately half of individual traders in the foreign exchange market utilize mobile devices or tablets for executing trades. This suggests a significant shift towards mobile trading platforms in the retail Forex sector, highlighting the convenience and accessibility of trading on the go. This trend reflects the growing importance of technology and mobile applications in the financial industry, enabling traders to monitor market conditions, make informed decisions, and execute trades at their convenience wherever they are. The statistic underscores the evolving landscape of Forex trading towards more flexible and tech-savvy platforms to meet the changing needs and preferences of traders.

References

0. – https://www.www.forextime.com

1. – https://www.www.bis.org

2. – https://www.financialtribune.com

3. – https://www.www.financemagnates.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.dummies.com

6. – https://www.www.dailyfx.com

7. – https://www.www.ig.com

8. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

9. – https://www.www.tradeciety.com

10. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

11. – https://www.www.sec.gov

12. – https://www.www.loyalforex.com

13. – https://www.www.cmegroup.com

14. – https://www.www.babypips.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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