When barter form of exchange existed trade could be done between any two parties. The invention of currency posed a problem – since each regime had its own currency, a successful transaction demanded that both deal in the same currency. So, inter–regime trade suffered except when barter was involved. For example, Indian spices were traded for Chilean gold through the English merchants, although all had their own currencies. Foreign Exchange, or Forex, was the system devised to get over this problem. In a Forex Market, one currency is traded against another.

Foreign exchange markets are unique in that the exchange rates are highly sensitive to many varying factors, different types of investors, the market is liquid, and currencies are traded round the clock. According to a survey, the USD was involved in 89% of all Forex transactions; the relevant figures for other currencies were: Euro 37%, Yen 20%, Pound Sterling 17%. Unlike other markets, there are no closing hours for the Forex Market, and dealing goes on around the clock, and around the world (as one national market closes in one part of the world, another opens up in another part of the world). Some of the participants in this market are simply seeking to exchange a foreign currency for their own. A large part of the market is made up of currency traders, who speculate on exchange rate movements.

As the world becomes more globalized, and as international trade and business increases, Forex market will become even more important, at both individual and corporate level. In this section of the directory we provide a list of traders dealing in Forex.

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