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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:
June 03, 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 - 22.7% of trading volume

  2. USD/JPY - 13.5% of trading volume

  3. GBP/USD - 9.5% of trading volume

  4. USD/CAD - 5.5% of trading volume

  5. AUD/USD - 5.1% of trading volume

  6. USD/CHF - 3.9% of trading volume

  7. NZD/USD - 1.3% of 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.

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 is the most popular pair and accounts for 22.7% of the total daily trading volume. USD/JPY is the second most popular pair, accounting for 13.5% of the daily trading volume. GBP/USD is the third most popular pair, accounting for 9.5%. AUD/USD and USD/CHF account for 5.1% and 3.9%, respectively, and USD/CAD and NZD/USD account for 5.5% and 1.3%, 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

Venom by Cobra Trading

40 Yes 1.5 0.1 Study review

FOREX.com

80 Yes 5 0.2 Study review

OANDA

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

Trading.com USA

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

Plus500

60 No No No Go to broker
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

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

Understanding the 28 major Forex pairs is essential for any trader aiming to navigate the volatile currency markets with confidence. As highlighted by examples such as EUR/USD and USD/JPY, these pairs dominate global trading volume and offer the liquidity and tight spreads that attract both beginners and professionals. Mastery of these core pairs empowers traders to make informed decisions and manage risk more effectively. Ultimately, focusing on these major pairs can serve as the foundation for a disciplined and profitable Forex trading strategy.

FAQs

What are the advantages of trading the 28 major Forex pairs compared to less liquid pairs?

Trading the 28 major Forex pairs offers higher liquidity, tighter spreads, greater market stability, and clearer trends. These features can reduce trading costs and make entering and exiting positions more efficient compared to less liquid pairs, which may have wider spreads and greater price fluctuations.

How do currency correlations impact strategies when trading multiple major Forex pairs?

Some major Forex pairs are closely correlated because of shared base or quote currencies, meaning price movements in one pair can influence or mirror those in another. Understanding these correlations helps traders manage risk and avoid overexposure when opening positions across different pairs involving the same currencies.

Are major Forex pairs suitable for both beginner and experienced traders?

Yes, major Forex pairs are suitable for traders at all experience levels. Their high liquidity and predictable trends make them accessible for beginners, while their volatility and range of influencing factors provide experienced traders with opportunities for advanced strategies.

How does economic stability of major financial centers affect the major Forex pairs?

The economic stability of major financial centers, such as the US, Eurozone, UK, Switzerland, and Japan, underpins the reliability and global demand for their respective currencies. This stability contributes to the attractiveness and steady trading environment of major Forex pairs.

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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
Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

Index

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

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.

Forex Trading

Forex trading, short for foreign exchange trading, is the practice of buying and selling currencies in the global foreign exchange market with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. Traders speculate on whether one currency will rise or fall in value relative to another currency and make trading decisions accordingly. However, beware that trading carries risks, and you can lose your whole capital.

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.

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