The best currency pairs to trade for beginners are typically those that offer high liquidity, low spreads, and stable price movements. Major currency pairs—where one currency is always the US dollar (USD)—are generally recommended for new traders because they are easier to analyze, less volatile, and more cost-effective to trade.[1][3][4]
- EUR/USD (Euro/US Dollar): This is the most traded pair globally and is favored by beginners for its high liquidity, tight spreads, and relatively low volatility.[1][3][4][5]
- USD/JPY (US Dollar/Japanese Yen): Known for its high liquidity and frequent price movements, this pair is also among the most straightforward pairs for beginners. It is influenced primarily by interest rate differentials between the US and Japan.[1][3][5][8]
- GBP/USD (British Pound/US Dollar): Also called ‘Cable,’ this pair is a major choice for beginners but features slightly more volatility compared to EUR/USD, providing both risk and opportunity.[1][3][8]
- USD/CHF (US Dollar/Swiss Franc): Generally features low spreads and is favored for the Swiss franc’s reputation as a stable ‘safe haven’ currency, especially during market uncertainty.[2][5]
- AUD/USD (Australian Dollar/US Dollar) and USD/CAD (US Dollar/Canadian Dollar): These also belong to the group of major pairs, offering high liquidity and straightforward analysis, suitable for new traders.[2][4]
For absolute beginners, experts advise focusing on only a couple of these major pairs at first—most notably EUR/USD and USD/JPY—due to ease of finding information, predictable movements, and lower costs.[3][4][8]
Other pairs (such as USD/HKD and SGD/USD) can offer unique opportunities, but for new traders, they may involve added complexity or higher spreads.[2]
Liquidity and spread should be the key criteria when choosing a currency pair as a beginner. Stick to the majors, avoid exotic pairs at first, and always use risk management strategies while trading.[3]
References
- [1] The 7 major forex pairs you need to know before you start trading – Saxo Bank
- [2] Best Currency Pairs to Trade in 2025 for Beginners – Religare Broking
- [3] How to start forex trading: A complete guide for beginners – Saxo Bank
- [4] Best Currency Pairs for Beginners to Trade – FBS
- [5] Your Ultimate Guide to Forex Trading for Beginners | IG International
- [8] Best Currency Pairs to Trade for Beginners – RemitX Blog