Foreign exchange, most commonly known as , refers to the buying and selling of currencies to make a profit off the fluctuations in their value. Forex can also be simply described as the process of exchanging currencies. There are many reasons as to why you would exchange your currency for another. It may for commercial reasons, trading reasons, or tourism purposes. However, the main reason why currencies are exchanged is to make a profit out of it. As different currencies get converted every day, some currencies experience price movements in an extremely volatile manner. While this volatility increases the risks of conducting forex trade, traders are highly attracted to it, as it also brings about a greater chance of earning high profits. Forex is unique because it has no central marketplace where the exchange takes place. There is not one centralized exchange center, but rather, the trade is conducted in an electronic manner over-the-counter (OTC). This, means that all forex transactions are carried out through computer networks and electronic trading platforms interconnecting all forex traders around the world. . Such a trading system means that when the trading day in the US ends, a forex trader based in the US can begin a new trading day on the Hong Kong or Tokyo market for example. This is what causes the price quotes of the forex market to change constantly. In some way are similar to those adopted by traders on the stock market. A trader will have to critically think about where the value of a given currency stands and where it is heading to. The biggest difference, however, lies in the fact that with Forex, it very easy to trade down or up. For instance, if you think that the value of a currency will increase, you proceed to buy it. On the other hand, if you feel that it will depreciate, you will sell it. Today's globalized market is vast, making it easy to find a buyer or a seller.