Some currency pairs dominate global trading. Learn which pairs are the majors and why they matter.
Majors, Minors and Exotics
Currency pairs fall into three groups. Majors include the US dollar and are the most traded; minors exclude the dollar; exotics pair a major with an emerging-market currency.
The Big Names
- EUR/USD, the most traded pair in the world
- USD/JPY
- GBP/USD
- USD/CHF
Why Majors Matter
Major pairs offer the tightest spreads and the deepest liquidity, making them ideal for beginners.
Exotics and Risk
Exotic pairs can move sharply and carry wider spreads, so they suit more experienced traders.