People trade currencies for two main reasons. The first is to hedge against currency fluctuations. If a multinational company wants to ensure that its profits are not disrupted by the swings of a particular currency, it can use forex markets to lock in a particular exchange rate so it can remove that source of volatility from its business. Secondly, people trade currencies because they think they can make money as traders, buying and selling currencies in an attempt to make a profit.

Forex trading, short for foreign exchange trading, is the practice of trading different world currencies on financial markets. Currencies can be traded directly in the spot market or using a variety of derivatives contracts such as forwards, futures, and swaps. Forex spot trading does not occur on an exchange, only over-the-counter (OTC), and goes on 24/7.

There’s no set amount, or even a range for what forex traders make. How much you make depends on market conditions, if you’re an independent trader or working for a trading firm, and your skill at trading.