"Forex" stands for foreign exchange and refers to the buying or selling of one currency in exchange for another. It's the most heavily traded market in the world because people, businesses, and countries all participate in it, and it's an easy market to get into without much capital. When you go on a trip and convert your U.S. dollars for euros, you're participating in the global foreign exchange market.

At any time, the demand for a certain currency will either push it up or down in value relative to other currencies. Here are some basics about the currency market so that you can take the next step and start forex trading.