The foreign exchange (forex) market is the world’s largest financial market, with daily trading volume reaching $9.6 trillion in April 2025 according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Triennial Central Bank Survey[reference:0][reference:1]. This guide examines the most traded forex currency, explaining what drives their dominance, how they are used, how to evaluate them, and the risks involved.
The term “most traded forex currency” refers to the currencies that appear most frequently on one side of foreign exchange transactions. Because every FX trade involves two currencies, the sum of all currencies’ percentage shares totals 200%[reference:2]. The BIS Triennial Survey, conducted across 52 jurisdictions with data from more than 1,100 banks and dealers, is the definitive source for measuring which currencies are the most actively traded[reference:3].
A currency’s trading volume is not the same as its value or its use in international reserves. Trading volume reflects the frequency and size of transactions in the global over-the-counter (OTC) forex market, covering spot transactions, forwards, FX swaps, currency swaps, and options[reference:4].
According to the BIS Triennial Survey for April 2025, the ranking of the most traded currencies by share of global FX turnover is as follows[reference:6][reference:7]:
| Rank | Currency | Code | Share of FX Turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Dollar | USD | 89.2% |
| 2 | Euro | EUR | 28.9% |
| 3 | Japanese Yen | JPY | 16.8% |
| 4 | British Pound | GBP | 10.2% |
| 5 | Chinese Renminbi | CNY | 8.5% |
| 6 | Swiss Franc | CHF | 6.4% |
| 7 | Australian Dollar | AUD | 6.1% |
| 8 | Canadian Dollar | CAD | 5.8% |
| 9 | Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 3.8% |
| 10 | Singapore Dollar | SGD | ~2.4% |
Source: BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey, April 2025[reference:8]. Percentages sum to more than 100% because each transaction involves two currencies.
While individual currency rankings show which currencies are most active, traders typically deal in currency pairs. The most traded pairs are:
The seven “major” currency pairs (EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and USD/CNY) accounted for 66.3% of global turnover in 2025, down from 85% in 2022, as trading in emerging-market currencies has increased[reference:14].
The forex market operates as a decentralised, over-the-counter (OTC) market where currencies are traded in pairs. When you trade the most traded forex currency—the US dollar, for example—you are simultaneously buying one currency and selling another.
The most traded currencies benefit from deep liquidity, meaning large transactions can be executed with minimal price slippage. Liquidity is provided by a network of banks, hedge funds, central banks, and retail brokers. The BIS notes that “FX swaps remained the most traded instrument, with average daily turnover rising to $4 trillion in April 2025”[reference:17].
Central banks, such as the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, influence currency values through monetary policy, interest rate decisions, and intervention. The Federal Reserve publishes daily exchange rates for major currencies against the dollar, providing a transparent reference for market participants[reference:18].
Immediate delivery of currencies (typically T+2 settlement). Spot turnover increased by 42% between 2022 and 2025[reference:19].
Contracts to exchange currencies at a future date. Forwards turnover rose 60% over the same period[reference:20].
The most traded forex currency serves multiple functions across different user groups:
When evaluating which currency or pair to trade, participants consider several factors:
The most traded currencies offer the tightest bid-ask spreads, reducing transaction costs. EUR/USD, for example, typically has the lowest spreads in the market.
Volatility measures how much a currency’s price moves over a given period. While major pairs are generally less volatile than exotic pairs, they can still experience sharp movements around economic data releases or central bank announcements.
Traders evaluate interest rate differentials, inflation, GDP growth, trade balances, and political stability. The US dollar’s dominance is supported by “US economic dominance, deep capital markets, and safe-haven status”[reference:23].
In the United States, retail forex trading is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA). The CFTC warns that “two out of three retail foreign exchange traders lose money each quarter”[reference:24]. The NFA provides the BASIC database, which allows investors to verify the registration and disciplinary history of forex firms[reference:25].
| Pair | 2025 Turnover Share | Typical Spread | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 21.2% | Very tight | ECB vs Fed policy |
| USD/JPY | 14.3% | Tight | BoJ policy, risk sentiment |
| USD/CNY | 8.1% | Moderate | China trade, PBOC policy |
| USD/GBP | 7.6% | Tight | BoE policy, Brexit impacts |
Sources: BIS Triennial Survey April 2025[reference:26]; spread characteristics are market estimates and vary by broker.
High trading volume does not guarantee profitability. While major pairs offer tight spreads and liquidity, they also reflect efficient markets where it is difficult to gain an edge. Profitability depends on strategy, risk management, and market timing.
The CFTC warns that “forex-related fraud has grown significantly” and that scammers often target inexperienced traders with promises of guaranteed profits[reference:27]. Forex trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors.
While major pairs are less volatile than exotic pairs, they are not “safe.” Events such as the Swiss National Bank’s removal of the EUR/CHF floor in 2015 demonstrate that even major currencies can experience extreme moves.
Liquidity varies by broker and by time of day. Some brokers “bucket shop” or internalise order flow, which can result in wider spreads or execution delays. The CFTC advises investors to verify that firms are registered and to understand how orders are executed[reference:28].
Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The CFTC warns that “two out of three retail foreign exchange traders lose money each quarter”[reference:29]. Leverage can magnify both gains and losses. You should never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
This guide does not provide personalised financial, legal, or tax advice. Always verify current rules, fees, spreads, rates, broker availability, and platform terms with the relevant authority or provider before making any trading decision.
The US dollar (USD) is the most traded currency. According to the BIS Triennial Survey of April 2025, the dollar was on one side of 89% of all FX trades[reference:33].
EUR/USD (euro versus US dollar) is the most traded pair, accounting for 21.2% of global daily FX turnover in April 2025[reference:34].
The US dollar is the world’s primary reserve currency, the pricing currency for most commodities, and is backed by deep US capital markets. It appears in nearly all major currency pairs[reference:35].
The major pairs are EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, and USD/CAD. They all include the US dollar and account for the majority of global trading volume.
According to the BIS Triennial Survey of April 2025, global daily forex trading averaged $9.6 trillion, up 28% from $7.5 trillion in 2022[reference:36].
Yes. The Chinese renminbi (CNY) is the fifth most traded currency globally, with an 8.5% share of global FX turnover in April 2025[reference:37].
Key risks include leverage risk (amplified losses), counterparty risk, liquidity risk during volatile periods, and fraud. The CFTC warns that two out of three retail forex traders lose money each quarter[reference:38].
Check the broker’s registration with regulators like the CFTC and NFA. Use the NFA BASIC database to view registration status and disciplinary history[reference:39]. Always verify current terms directly with the regulator or broker.