FxPro Help Centre - Glossary

  1. Forex glossary terms and definitions
  2. Base Currency

Base Currency

Definition

The base currency, also known as the domestic currency or accounting currency, is the first currency quoted in a currency pair in forex trading. It serves as the reference point or basis for determining the value of the currency pair. In a currency pair, the base currency indicates the amount of the quote currency needed to purchase one unit of the base currency.

Role in Forex Trading

In forex trading, understanding the concept of base currency is fundamental as it determines how currency pairs are quoted and traded. For example, in the currency pair EUR/USD, where EUR is the base currency and USD is the quote currency, if the exchange rate is 1.1500, it means 1 euro is equivalent to 1.1500 US dollars. Traders use the base currency to assess the strength or weakness of a currency pair and make informed trading decisions.

Selection of Base Currency

The selection of the base currency in a currency pair depends on various factors such as convention, liquidity, and market demand. Typically, the base currency is the currency of the country where the trader resides or conducts most of their business. However, in major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, the US dollar (USD) often serves as the base currency due to its widespread use and liquidity in the forex market.

Conclusion

In summary, the base currency plays a crucial role in forex trading as it forms the basis for quoting and trading currency pairs. Understanding the concept of base currency is essential for traders to analyze currency movements, assess risk, and execute trading strategies effectively in the dynamic forex market.

Other terms in this category

Back-Testing
Balance
Bear Market
Bearish Reversal

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