BASICS & MECHANICS

Spread

SUMMARY DEFINITION

The difference between the Bid (selling) price and the Ask (buying) price quoted by a broker, representing the primary transaction cost of opening a trade.

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What is Spread?

Spread is an essential concept in currency trading.

The difference between the Bid (selling) price and the Ask (buying) price quoted by a broker, representing the primary transaction cost of opening a trade.

Mastering Spread gives traders an edge in evaluating market conditions and managing risk effectively.

Why It Matters for Forex Traders

Understanding foundational mechanics like Spread is essential for accurate order execution, pricing, and capital management.

How to Identify and Apply Spread

  • 1
    Review how Spread affects your transaction costs and margin allocation.
  • 2
    Verify how your broker quotes and executes trades involving Spread.
  • 3
    Factor Spread into your pre-trade risk calculations before executing orders.

Practical Forex Example

A beginner trader double-checks Spread before placing an order to ensure position sizing fits account guidelines.
PRO TRADER TIP

Double check lot sizing and pricing decimals when switching between currency pairs to prevent order entry errors.

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Educational Disclaimer: All definitions and explanations in the MyForexSchool Forex Glossary are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Trading foreign exchange involves substantial risk of loss.