There is a reason why forex is the largest market in the world: It empowers everyone from central banks to retail investors to potentially see profits from currency fluctuations related to the global economy. There are various strategies that can be used to trade and hedge currencies, such as the carry trade, which highlights how forex players impact the global economy.
The reasons for forex trading are varied. Speculative trades – executed by banks, financial institutions, hedge funds, and individual investors – are profit-motivated. Central banks move forex markets dramatically through monetary policy, exchange regime setting, and, in rare cases, currency intervention. Corporations trade currency for global business operations and to hedge risk.
Overall, investors can benefit from knowing who trades forex and why they do so.