What are the Most Volatile Forex Pairs?

What are the Most Volatile Forex Pairs

01 The Most Volatile Major Forex Pairs

If there were no volatility in the foreign exchange market, then traders would have no dependable source for creating opportunities for gain. To the amazement of central bankers and government officials, the floating of currency pairs back in the seventies was supposed to be a non-event. Up to that point, rates had been fixed daily with small adjustments over time to accommodate changes in interest rates, trading reserves, inflation, and other economic factors.

When currencies were released from these chains, speculators stepped in and wild swings erupted in immediate volatility, which no one expected. Arbitrage opportunities were plentiful, but the sheer volume of attention by speculators over the years gradually brought volatility in the forex market back down to acceptable norms.

What is volatility in the world of forex? Volatility is the rate of change that prices experience for a selected currency pair over a chosen period of time. Economic announcements, geopolitical strife, trade wars, and monetary policy adjustments can result in wild swings in value, but over time, the height of these waves gradually subsides, as when a rock is thrown into a pool of water. The primary benefit of speculators in a market is to regulate volatility in quick order.

Volatility is a good thing for traders in that it does create profitable opportunities for trading, but too much volatility can spoil your day, as well. When price behaviour is too chaotic, Bid/Ask spreads may widen enormously. Execution speeds may suffer, and prices may jump beyond any stop-loss orders in play. It is best to wait on the side-lines when the forex market is too choppy.

Are some volatile forex pairs more volatile than others? Pairs involving major currencies, especially when paired with the US Dollar, can be volatile to a degree and in a dissimilar fashion. For example, the prices for the GBP/USD pair versus the EUR/USD pair can fluctuate on a given day anywhere from 25% to 50% or more on a purely transactional basis.

What are the Most Volatile Forex Pairs

Minor and exotic pairings can also fluctuate to a higher degree due to lower liquidity and the nature of the respective country’s economic condition. For countries that are heavily dependent upon exports of raw materials, the price points for those raw materials can indirectly impact the value of the nation’s currency, as well. Developed countries also tend to be more stable than countries with developing economies.

In this article, you will learn about which pairings are the most volatile forex pairs. These comparisons are usually made over long periods of time to arrive at general averages. On a given day, however, volatility can exceed these expectations when factors are in turmoil. We will also provide guidance on how to trade a volatile forex pair and what indicators can provide welcomed insights. For the pairs listed, rankings can always change as economic, monetary, geopolitical, and trading influences ripple around the globe. Volatility, however, will exist in some quarter.

The Most Volatile Major Forex Pairs

Major pairings involve the USD paired with any of the other seven major currencies. The most volatile pairings of this group, based on recent calculations, include:

  • GBP/USD: Of the major pairings, pound Sterling tops the ranks. Trade flows and economic stability weigh heavy, as does monetary policy. The GBP/USD pair is often likened to the EUR/USD pair on ‘steroids’.
  • USD/JPY: This pairing tends to be very reactive to announcements by the Bank of Japan, which are frequent. The BOJ also has a habit of intervening to ensure the yen hits desired targets.
  • AUD/USD: The value of AUD is driven by its wealth of commodities, but demand can fluctuate, as can the value of these commodities, which have a direct impact on the currency down under.

02 The Most Volatile Minor Forex Pairs

The Most Volatile Minor Forex Pairs

Minor pairs, sometimes referred to as ‘crosses’, are also popular, but liquidity will be less than pairings with the USD. Here are a few from this group to consider:

  • AUD/JPY: The inverse relationship shared by these two countries has an impact on the volatility of this cross as economic outlooks shift. Australia exports commodities. Japan imports them.
  • NZD/JPY: Similarly, the NZD is also a commodity currency, the opposite of the yen. As prices for New Zealand’s products fluctuate in global markets, this forex pair reacts accordingly.
  • GBP/EUR: This pairing of the pound versus the euro has seen an uptick in volatility, particularly in recent times due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Both governmental infrastructures make independent policy announcements, which take time to predict the impact on trade.

The Most Volatile Exotic Forex Pairs

Exotic pairs tend to be with developing economies, have even less liquidity, and may be difficult to find. Brokers may carry USD pairings with these exotics in their portfolio offering:

  • USD/ZAR: The US dollar is paired here with another commodity currency, the South African rand, which, in turn, is driven by the price of gold.
  • USD/TRY: The Turkish lira has been reeling in forex markets since political instability became a national issue in Turkey in 2016.
  • USD/BRL: Brazil is an emerging market economy with a bright future, but political instability and intrigue continue to plague the local situation and currency valuations.
  • USD/MXN: The Mexican peso suffered greatly during the Trump administration due to tariffs and trade wars. Its value was cut in half in 2020, but it has recovered of late.

How to Trade Volatile Forex Pairs

Volatility is often said to be equivalent to risk, and your ability to trade in these choppy waters depends to a degree on how much tolerance you have for dealing with risk. One general rule is that volatility tends to increase for currency pairings where low liquidity is the rule. Wide Bid/Ask spreads can handicap your entry and exit of a position, but as long as you have a tested trading strategy, adhering to sound risk management principles, then fear should not be an issue.

03 How to Trade Volatile Forex Pairs

Since volatility swings have a habit of scooping up stop-loss orders, it is wise to set your stops a bit further from your position than normal. Tie these levels to a multiple of the ongoing Average True Range (ATR), as appropriate. Also, lower the size of your position until comfortable. Set a target for exit, but ride the trend if there is strength behind it.

The Best Forex Brokers

If you wish to trade the most volatile forex pairs, you will want a broker that is safe and has a reputation for tight spreads and quick execution speeds. In order to make your selection process an easier one, we have provided a list of the Best Forex Brokers below, which we continually update, based on current reviews of their offerings and news in the marketplace. All of these brokers are top-of-the-line and worthy of your consideration.

Broker Features Regulator Platforms Next Step
Number One Broker tickmill_logo-173 % of retail CFD accounts lose money Founded: 2014
73 % of retail ...
  • Ultra-fast execution from 0.1s
  • Low spreads from 0.0 pips
  • All trading strategies allowed
FSA SC MetaTrader 4, Web Trader
BlackBull Markets LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2014
  • Leverage Up To 500:1
  • $200 Min Deposit
  • 60+ Tradeable Instruments
FSPR MT4
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2006
Europe* CFDs ar...
  • 40% New Member Bonus
  • Regulatory licenses across 5 continents
  • 24/7 trading
ASIC, FSA, FSB, MiFID MetaTrader4, Sirix, AvaOptions, AvaTrader, Mirror Trader
Between 74-89% of CFD traders lose Founded: 2010
Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs
  • Four user-friendly trading platforms
  • Consistently rater No1 for Trader Support
  • Set up by traders, for traders
ASIC, FCA MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2020
  • Impressive range of trading platforms
  • Tight spreads and low commissions
  • Excellent customer services
  • STP and ECN trade execution
- Pro Trader, MT4, MT5
vantage logoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2009
  • Leverage up to 500:1
  • $200 Min Deposit
  • Spreads from 0.0
CIMA MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader
LegacyFX LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2012
  • Meta Trader 5 Trading platform
  • Exclusive professional trading tools
  • Dedicated support staff during all trading hours
BaFin, CySEC, FCA, NBRB, VFSC MetaTrader 5
AdroFX LogoYour capital is at risk Founded:
  • Crypto deposits possible
  • Bonus offers
  • Leverage up to 1:500
  • MT4 and Allpips platforms
FSA, VFSC MetaTrader 4, Web Trader, Social Trading Allpips, Web Platform Allpips
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2000
  • Good range of assets, such as CFDs
  • Fully regulated brokerage
  • Multi-lingual reporting
DFSA, FCA, FINMA, MFSA, only EU traders), SFC FCA (Swissquote LTD MT4, MT5, AdvancedTrader
Trade360 LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2013
  • Over 200 Tradeable Accounts
  • $50 no deposit bonus
  • Trading Central Insight Portal
CySEC CrowdTrading
Oanda Logo77% of retail CFD accounts lose money Founded: 1996
  • No Minimum Deposit
  • Over 100 instruments
  • Web, desktop, mobile platform and MT4

ASIC, FCA, IIROC, MAS fxTrade, MT4
vt markets logoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2016
ASIC, CIMA MT4
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2015
  • $50 Min Deposit
  • Flexible Leverage
  • Low Min Order Values
FCA, SCB MT4
Your capital is at risk Founded: 1991
73.05% of investors lose money when trading CFDs with FXCM
  • Enhanced Execution and pricing.
  • Award-winning trading platform
  • Free Access to Exclusive Trading Tools
- FXCM Trading Station (Web, Desktop, Mobile), FXCM MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader
city index new75% of clients lose money. Capital at risk. Founded: 1983
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Free Webinars
ASIC, FCA, MAS Advantage Web, AT Pro, MT4, WebTrader
Exness LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2008
  • Instant automated withdrawals 24/7
  • Commission-free Standard accounts
  • Some of the lowest spreads on the markets and stable execution
  • Unlimited leverage
  • Free VPS Hosting
CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSCA MT4, MT5, WebTerminal
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2017
FSC XOH, MT5,
SquaredFinance LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2016
CySEC
fusion markets logoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2017

Lowest Commissions in Australia

$4.50 per lot RT

ASIC, VFSC MT4
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2012
Trading in Forex/ CFDs and Other Derivatives is highly speculative and carries a high level of risk. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.
  • High leverage.
  • Variety of trading tools.
  • Multilingual support.
  • Excellent range of educational tools
  • Leverage up to 1:1000
  • Spreads from 0.3 Pips
  • Only a $10 minimum deposit
FSA, FSC MT4, MT5, WebTrader, Proprietary Mobile App

    Concluding Remarks

    Where there is volatility, trading opportunities will abound. Veteran traders desire volatility as a prerequisite for potentially winning trades. There are several indicators designed for this purpose, especially Bollinger Bands and Average True Range, but gain experience on a demo system to pick your favourite. Focusing on any of the volatile pairings discussed above will require a broker that offers it. More practice time is warranted to experience actual Bid/Ask spreads and if you can open and close positions as you wish. Attend to risk issues, and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.


    Risk Statement: Trading Foreign Exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The possibility exists that you could lose more than your initial deposit. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you.