More from
SEC on FOREX Trading
The foreign exchange markets are sometimes referred to as "forex." The
forex market is the largest financial market in the world, with daily
average trading turnover of approximately $1.5 trillion. Operating 24
hours a day, the forex market is highly liquid and most of the trading is
conducted electronically or over the phone. Banks, insurance companies,
large corporations and other large financial institutions all use the
forex markets to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in currency
rates. In recent years, retail investors have also looked to the forex
markets as yet another possible investment opportunity.
FOREX
Managed Account
The commodities Futures Trading Commission
cautions investors to be wary of websites that purport to offer high yield
investment opportunities in forex transactions, because this is a common
area of internet fraud. The CFTC has posted several fictitious websites
that are representative of typical websites that have been the subject of
CFTC enforcement actions. CFTC's examples of fraudulent websites include:
Global Financial Capital Management, Colfax Trading International,
TradeForex4You, White, Truman and Fischer, Excalibier Precious Metals, and
commodities Profits.com.
More info on currency trading
Foreign currency futures contracts may be
legitimately traded either on a recognized futures exchange or in the "interbank
market," which generally involves trading between large institutions such
as banks and corporations. The interbank market does not typically include
individual or retail customers. Fraudulent currency trading firms often
tell customers that their trading is done in the "interbank market."
Be wary of any firm that claims that you
can or should trade in the "interbank market" or that it can or will do so
on your behalf. Your losses can be very large in a single day. Companies
that tell you otherwise may well be engaged in illegal schemes.
For more information about the CFTC or
foreign currency transactions, please visit the
visit the CFTC's website.
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