The forex markets are extremely popular trading and investment market. Forex brokers constitute a very important element in this market. There are four types of forex brokers. They are market operators, market makers, small brokers, and kitchens. Forex brokers generally do not charge any commissions. Have you wondered ever how do they make profit? The answer is spread, which is the difference between bid and ask price.
So, more wide the spread becomes, higher is the ask price and lower the bid price. As a result of which you pay more while buying and get less while selling and earn less from your trades. That is why it is advised to look for a broker who is offering tightest spread. But, do not believe the promise of best spread. If it is “too good to be true” an offer, be cautious. Good quality always demands a fair price. Brokers, however, do not normally earn the full spread, particularly when they hedge the client positions.
Spread policies vary significantly from one broker to the other. Often, the policies are not transparent. Some brokers offer a fixed spreads that will remain the same regardless of market condition and liquidity. Others offer variable spreads depending on market liquidity. For them, it is tighter when there is good market liquidity and wider when liquidity is less.
Some brokers who have fully automated trading systems and no direct human involvement can offer the tightest spread. They are electronically connected to many liquidity providers. These liquidity providers can hedge the client’s positions. For every hedging trade, they select the provider with most attractive price. The broker, in tern, can pass on this price saving to their clients as tighter spreads.