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28 Most Liquid and Widely-Traded Currency Pairs on Forex

Vuk Martin
Written by:
Vuk Martin
Dr. BJ Johnson
Reviewed by:
Dr. BJ Johnson
Mirjan Hipolito
Fact-checked by:
Mirjan Hipolito
Updated:
October 29, 2026

Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

According to the trading volume the major Forex pairs are:

  1. EUR/USD – 21.2% of global trading volume;

  2. USD/JPY – 14.3% of global trading volume;

  3. USD/CNY – 8.1% of global trading volume;

  4. GBP/USD – 7.6% of global trading volume;

  5. USD/CAD – 4.3% of global trading volume;

  6. AUD/USD – 4.2% of global trading volume;

  7. USD/CHF – 3.8% of global trading volume;

  8. NZD/USD – 1.7% of global trading volume;

Forex trading is a popular investment choice for many, due to its large market and high liquidity. This article will provide a comprehensive list of the 28 major Forex pairs and the unique characteristics that make them attractive to traders.

We will discuss the major world currencies and Forex pairs between them, as well as commodity currency pairs and how they can be used in your trading strategy.

With this information, you will be able to make informed decisions and take advantage of the opportunities available in the Forex market.

Risk warning: Forex trading carries high risks, with potential losses including your entire deposit. Market fluctuations, economic instability, and geopolitical factors impact outcomes. Studies show that 70-80% of traders lose money. Consult a financial advisor before trading.

What makes the majors unique?

Drawing upon their high liquidity, low spreads, stability, and trends, the major Forex pairs stand out as unique in the world of trading. These pairs include EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CHF, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD. Each of these pairs has its own characteristics, such as trading volume, volatility, liquidity, and other features.

Europe North America Asia-Pacific
EURGBPCHFUSDCADAUDNZD
EUR/USDGBP/USDCHF/JPYUSD/JPYCAD/JPYAUD/USDNDZ/USD
EUR/GBPGBP/CHFUSD/CHFCAD/CHFAUD/CHFNZD/CHF
EUR/CHFGBP/JPYUSD/CADAUD/JPYNZD/JPY
EUR/JPYGBP/CADAUD/NZDNZD/CAD
EUR/CADGBP/AUDAUD/CAD
EUR/AUDGBP/NZD
EUR/NZD

EUR/USD remains the most actively traded currency pair, accounting for approximately 21.2% of global daily Forex turnover. USD/JPY ranks second with 14.3%, followed by USD/CNY at 8.1%. GBP/USD accounts for 7.6% of global trading volume, while USD/CAD, AUD/USD, USD/CHF, and NZD/USD represent approximately 4.3%, 4.2%, 3.8%, and 1.7%, respectively.

The high liquidity of these pairs means that traders can quickly enter and exit positions with minimal slippage. They also feature low spreads, which helps traders reduce their trading costs. The stability of these pairs makes them ideal for long-term investments, as their prices tend to remain relatively stable.

In addition, these pairs tend to be trend-followers, so traders can take advantage of their price movements to generate profits.

Which platform is best for trading major currency pairs?

In our belief, platforms with ECN support, low commissions, and significant trading volumes.

Why:

  • ECN (Electronic Communication Network): Provides better spreads and faster order execution.

  • Low Commissions: Reduces trading costs, increasing profitability.

  • High Trading Volumes: Ensures liquidity, allowing quick entry and exit from trades.

Best platforms for trading major currency pairs
Currency pairs ECN ECN Commission ECN Spread EUR/USD Open account

FOREX.com

80 Yes 5 0.2 Study review

IG Markets

80 Yes 2.3 0.8 Study review

OANDA

68 Yes 3.5 0.15 Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.

Plus500

60 No No No Go to broker
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Trading.com USA

69 No No No Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.

Major financial center currencies

Beyond the major Forex pairs, there are also several currencies traded in major financial centers that are important to consider when trading the Forex market. These currencies include the Euro (EUR), the US Dollar (USD), the British Pound (GBP), the Swiss Franc (CHF), and the Japanese Yen (JPY). Each of these currencies is associated with a major financial center and has distinct features that set it apart from the others.

CurrencyFinancial CenterDescription
EUREurozoneThe Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, a region comprising 27 countries in the European Union, 20 of which use the Euro as the official currency. It is the second-most traded currency in the world, and its importance and widespread use has made it a major influence on global trade.
USDUnited StatesThe US Dollar is the world’s reserve currency, with a dominant position in the global economy. It is the most widely traded currency, and its strength and stability make it a popular choice for investors.
GBPUnited KingdomThe British Pound is the official currency of the United Kingdom, and it has a long history of being a major force in the global economy. It is seen as a safe-haven currency due to its stability and strength.
CHFSwitzerlandThe Swiss Franc is the official currency of Switzerland, a country known for its neutrality. It is considered to be a safe currency, and is widely used as a reserve currency by many central banks.
JPYJapanThe Japanese Yen is the official currency of Japan, and is one of the most heavily traded currencies in the world. It is the only major financial center currency from the Asia-Pacific region making it so high on the list.

Commodity currency pairs

In addition to the major Forex pairs, there are also several commodity currency pairs that are important to consider when trading the Forex market. The Australian dollar (AUD), Canadian dollar (CAD), and New Zealand dollar (NZD) are all considered commodity currencies due to their commodity export dependence.

Movement in commodity prices has a direct impact on each of these currencies. The AUD is closely correlated with the price of commodities, such as gold and iron ore, due to Australia’s rich resources. The CAD is tied to global oil prices and is significant in North America. Meanwhile, the NZD is connected to agricultural exports and is important in the Pacific.

Understanding the relationship between commodity prices and these currencies can be very beneficial and lead to better trading outcomes.

Start by paper trading the major pairs

Oleg Tkachenko
Oleg Tkachenko Editor at Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Department

When it comes to choosing pairs to trade, I believe the major pairs listed in this article like EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD are excellent options for beginning traders. Their high liquidity means it's easy to enter and exit positions and also makes them more predictable and easier to analyze long-term trends.

However, I don't think new traders should limit themselves only to the most popular pairs. While majors offer stability, some of the less common pairs can provide greater volatility and profit potential. The commodity currencies like AUD, CAD, and NZD often see large swings in response to commodity price movements. With experience, these pairs can be traded around significant economic reports and events.

More important than which exact pairs you choose is having a clear trading strategy, risk management plan, and understanding how global macroeconomic forces influence currency values. Don't get discouraged by small losses at first as you're learning. Practice disciplined money management and always trade with stop losses in place.

My advice would be to start by paper trading the major pairs to get a feel for the market dynamics. But don't be afraid to test out some larger moves on less liquid pairs either, once you have your methodology down. Variety keeps trading interesting, and there are opportunities in many different currency combinations for those willing to do their research.

Conclusion

Mastering the major Forex pairs is the key to unlocking consistent trading opportunities, thanks to their unrivaled liquidity, tight spreads, and clear market trends. For example, pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY offer stability and ease of entry and exit, making them ideal choices for both new and seasoned traders. Understanding how global macroeconomic factors impact these pairs, as well as commodity-linked currencies like AUD, CAD, and NZD, can offer additional avenues for profit. Ultimately, informed strategy and disciplined risk management will empower traders to turn the natural strengths of major pairs into lasting trading success.

FAQs

How are spreads and trading costs affected when trading the 28 major Forex pairs?

Spreads are typically lower for the 28 major Forex pairs due to their high liquidity and trading volume. Lower spreads reduce overall trading costs, making it more affordable and efficient to trade these pairs compared to less popular or exotic currency pairs.

What factors contribute to the stability of the major Forex pairs?

The stability of major Forex pairs is primarily due to their connection with strong, economically robust countries, high global trading volume, and broad use in international finance. These factors help ensure smoother price movements and reduce the likelihood of extreme volatility.

Why is understanding currency correlations important when trading multiple major pairs?

Understanding currency correlations helps traders manage risk and avoid overexposure, as some major pairs may move similarly or in opposition due to shared currencies or economic ties. Recognizing these relationships can help in constructing a balanced trading portfolio.

How can macroeconomic events impact the prices of major Forex pairs?

Macroeconomic events, such as interest rate decisions, employment reports, and geopolitical developments, can significantly influence the prices of major Forex pairs. These events affect economic outlooks and investor sentiment, often leading to increased volatility and new trading opportunities.

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Team that worked on the article

Vuk Martin
Vuk Martin
Contributor

Vuk stands at the forefront of financial journalism, blending over six years of crypto investing experience with profound insights gained from navigating two bull/bear cycles. A dedicated content writer, Vuk has contributed to a myriad of publications and projects.

Learn about our editorial policies
Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK.

Mirjan Hipolito
Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets.

Glossary for novice traders
Risk Management

Risk management is a risk management model that involves controlling potential losses while maximizing profits. The main risk management tools are stop loss, take profit, calculation of position volume taking into account leverage and pip value.

ECN

An ECN, or Electronic Communication Network, is a technology that connects traders directly to market participants, facilitating transparent and direct access to financial markets.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Index

Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

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