Major Pair
Trading BasicsA currency pair that includes the US dollar and one of the other most traded currencies. The seven majors are EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD.
What Are Major Pairs?
Major pairs are the seven most traded Currency Pairs in forex, all of which include the US dollar (USD). They account for approximately 75% of all forex trading volume. The majors are: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, and NZD/USD.
Why Major Pairs Are Popular
Major pairs offer several advantages for traders. They have the tightest Spreads (EUR/USD often trades below 1 pip), the highest liquidity (reducing Slippage), and the most predictable behavior during economic releases. They are also available with the highest Leverage under ESMA rules (1:30 vs. 1:20 for minors and 1:10 for exotics).
Trading Major Pairs
Major pairs are most active during the London and New York sessions when both European and American markets are open. The tightest spreads and deepest liquidity occur during the London-New York overlap period. Our Best Time to Trade Forex covers the optimal trading times for each major pair.
Related Terms
Minor Pair
A currency pair that does not include the US dollar but consists of other major currencies. Examples include EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY, and GBP/JPY. Also called cross pairs.
Exotic Pair
A currency pair that combines a major currency with the currency of a developing economy. Examples include USD/TRY, EUR/ZAR, and USD/MXN.
Cross Pair
A currency pair that does not include the US dollar. Cross pairs are traded directly without converting through USD first. Synonymous with minor pair.
Currency Pair
Two currencies quoted together showing how much of one currency is needed to buy one unit of the other. EUR/USD = 1.0850 means 1 euro costs 1.0850 US dollars.