The most traded forex pairs—EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CAD—drive over 60% of global forex volume (BIS stat). But what do real traders pick? Tradexprop’s data from 1,000 funded trades reveals a twist: EUR/USD (31%), GBP/USD (30%), USD/JPY (22%), AUD/USD (11%), USD/CAD (6%)—vs. BIS’s 28/13/10/5.5/4.4%. This guide blends global trends with our exclusive trader preferences—unpacking the top 5, their drivers, and why they’re trader magnets. This guide dives into the top 5, blends global trends with our trader insights, and offers actionable tips—your edge starts here.
Why Focus on the Most Traded Forex Pairs?
Liquidity fuels forex—EUR/USD’s 0.2-pip spreads and 80-100 pip moves (industry norm) prove it. Globally, they’re 60%+ of volume (BIS); at Tradexprop, our traders’ top picks—31% EUR/USD, 30% GBP/USD—show why. Big economies, central bank moves, and volatility keep them in play—timeless trader gold.
1. EUR/USD – The Trader’s Staple
BIS pegs EUR/USD at ~28%; Tradexprop traders hit 31% (1,000 trades). Tight spreads (0.2-0.5 pips) and Fed/ECB-driven moves—50 pips on a 0.25% hike—make it a benchmark.
Why Traders Love It: 70% of our 31% use 15-min charts—steady pips win
2. USD/JPY – The Scalper’s Pick
Global ~13% (BIS); our 22% favor USD/JPY’s safe-haven stability—100-150 pips on BoJ news (Oanda volatility).
Why Traders Love It: 80% of our 22% scalp—low-risk, high-reward.
3. GBP/USD – The Volatility King
BIS’s ~10% soars to 30% at Tradexprop—GBP/USD’s 120-200 pip swings (BoE-driven) draw risk-takers.
Why Traders Love It: 60% of our 30% chase 50-pip swings—volatility pays.
What Are the Most Traded Forex Pairs?
EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CAD lead forex with 60%+ global volume (BIS) and Tradexprop’s trader picks: 31%, 22%, 30%, 11%, 6%.
How Do the Top Forex Pairs Compare?
Pair | Global Share (BIS) | Tradexprop Share | Daily Move | Driver | Trader Edge |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EUR/USD | ~28% | 31% | 80-100 pips | Fed/ECB rates | 15-min charts, 70% |
USD/JPY | ~13% | 22% | 100-150 pips | BoJ, crises | Scalping, 80% |
GBP/USD | ~10% | 30% | 120-200 pips | BoE, UK news | 50-pip swings, 60% |
AUD/USD | ~5.5% | 11% | 70-120 pips | Commodity prices | Gold spikes, 50% |
USD/CAD | ~4.4% | 6% | 80-130 pips | Oil, BoC | Oil pairing, 40% |
4. AUD/USD – The Aussie
AUD/USD, “The Aussie,” takes ~5.5% of volume but hits 11% with Tradexprop traders. Tied to Australia’s commodity exports (gold, iron ore), it rides China’s economic waves—its top buyer. Rising commodity prices lift it; drops tank it. Carry traders love its higher rates—steady 70-120 pip moves.
Why Traders Love It: 50% of our 11% ride commodity waves—gold’s key.
5. USD/CAD – The Oil Play
USD/CAD, at ~4.4% globally is 6% at Tradexprop, dances with oil—Canada’s export king. Oil up, CAD rises; oil down, it dips—20% of its moves tie to crude. Bank of Canada rates and U.S. trade news nudge it too—80-130 pips daily. Oil traders watch this close.
Why Traders Love It: 40% of our 6% pair with Brent—oil drives it.
What Fuels These Pairs?
U.S., Eurozone, Japan, UK, Australia, Canada—central banks, commodities, and news power them. BIS says 60%+ volume; our 31/22/30/11/6% split (1,000 trades) shows trader bias—GBP/USD’s 30% crushes BIS’s 10%. Amp it with technical analysis.
Why Traders Can’t Quit Them
- Liquidity: EUR/USD’s 0.2 pips—our 31% agree—beats exotics’ 5+.
- Volatility: GBP/USD’s 30% chase 200-pip swings—big wins.
- Timing: News moves—sync with market hours.
Conclusion
The most traded forex pairs—EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/CAD—power forex with 60%+ global volume and Tradexprop’s trader picks (31%, 22%, 30%, 11%, 6%). Liquidity, volatility, and economic ties make them magnets for traders. At Tradexprop, we’ve watched them shape strategies—pick yours, test them, and trade smartly.
FAQ: Common Questions on Most Traded Forex Pairs
Why are these forex pairs the most traded?
Liquidity and economic weight—EUR/USD’s 28% volume comes from tight spreads and U.S./Eurozone clout. Over 60% of trades stick here for fast fills and low costs (evergreen stat).
Which pair is best for beginners?
EUR/USD—low spreads (0.2-0.5 pips) and steady moves (80-100 pips) ease newbies in. It’s less wild than GBP/USD’s 200-pip swings—start simple, scale up.
How do oil prices affect USD/CAD?
Oil’s 20% sway on CAD—prices up, CAD strengthens; down, it weakens. Canada’s crude exports tie this pair to energy markets—watch Brent or WTI shifts.