Forex is able to trade 24 hours because it isn't traded on an exchange; rather by banks around the globe. Even though it may be 9:00 pm on a Wednesday, there is a market open somewhere in which the world's currencies are available for trading.

Forex is a true 24-hour market, starting in Australia and Tokyo, moving to Europe, and ending in New York, repeating the next night - only pausing while the world takes a break over the weekend. Such 24-hour trading allows investors to trade on their own schedule - and not on the schedule of an exchange.

See what it's like trading on a 24 hour schedule

Many other markets have advertized pricing that is often riddled with fine print and added fees. There can be regulatory fees, contract fees, transaction fees, processing fees... the list goes on.

When trading with IBFX, not only are there no commissions, the entire cost of the trade with IBFX is in the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price (learn more about forex pricing). We advertise low spreads - and we back them up by allowing anyone to view our historical spreads.

Visit ourspread performance page to learn more.

*The entire cost of the trade with IBFX is in the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price (Not including other fees charged by third parties such as Introducing Advisors or Money Managers). We advertise low spreads - and we back them up by allowing anyone to view our historical spreads.

Forex differs from other markets in that prices are quoted in pairs: Euros to US Dollars, US Dollars to Japanese Yen, etc. Because of this pairing, a "buying" opportunity is always available. Imagine if you will a teeter-totter, with Euros on one side and Dollars on the other: for Euros to be up, Dollars must be down; and for Euros to be down, Dollars must be up.

This market dynamic is what allows a trader to sell-short with the same margin requirements as buying long, effectively removing the added cost and hassle of selling short.

Keep in mind that this dynamic doesn't necessarily make it easier to be profitable in forex, but it helps make for some excellent trading opportunities. To learn some trading strategies from our Currency Analyst, visit the Daily Trading Edge.

Some markets offer some degree of leverage, but trading forex with IBFX gives you up to 400:1 leverage - regardless of how often you trade or how much you have in your account.

Leverage can be a useful tool in the world of forex because it allows traders to control more in the market with less margin from their account. Without leverage a trader would need to put up $100,000 in margin to trade 1 standard lot in forex! But with 50:1 leverage, only $2,000 is needed to control that same contract.

Two-Edge Sword

Keep in mind, more leverage can be beneficial, but it also means more risk. For example, assume a trader is holding a 1 standard lot contract (100,000) with $2,000 in margin. If this trade increases by 100 points (which a daily 100+ point move is not uncommon for many currency pairs), at $20 per point the trader sees a 100% return on investment. Likewise, if the trade decreases by 100 points, the entire investment could be lost. It is important that forex traders carefully manage their risk exposure.

By default, IBFX traders are given 400:1 leverage; but for those risk-conscious traders, IBFX can dial in on just about any leverage amount from 1:1 to 400:1. After all, we want to put you in control of your account.

Learn more about leverage

IBFX offers two different account types: standard and mini. A mini account allows a trader to trade smaller contract sizes. On top of that, with IBFX you have the ability to place fractional lot sizes - down to 0.01 of a contract.

There are many reasons a trader would be interested in trading a fraction of a contract. For example, a trader trying out a new trading strategy could trade 0.01 of a mini contract - effectively trading cents - and limit the exposure during the testing phase. Or, another trader can zero in on a desired risk level by trading the amount that is just right for him or her.

In other markets, this would be akin to trading 38/100th of a bushel of corn; or 5/100th of a share. As you may see, the opportunities abound!

More about contract sizes

With the advantages of 400:1* leverage and flexible contract sizes, it doesn't take much to get started trading forex. With IBFX, a trader can easily get started with less than $100.

IBFX also offers fast and convenient methods to deposit and withdraw your funds. Get started

*An increase in leverage increases risk.

Deposit Options:
Credit / Debit Card Including IBFX Global Debit Card	Bank Wire	Mail a check

Withdrawal Options:
Mail a check	IBFX Debit Card (Zions Bank)	Check (US & Canada)