What is Spread in Forex
The spread is essentially the transaction cost you pay to open a trade. It is measured in pips, which is the smallest price movement in forex. For instance, if EUR/USD has a bid price of 1.1000 and an ask price of 1.1002, the spread is 2 pips. For Armenia traders, this means if you buy the pair, you start with a 2-pip loss. To break even, the price must move at least 2 pips in your favor. The spread can be fixed or variable. Fixed spreads remain constant regardless of market volatility, making them predictable for beginners. Variable spreads fluctuate based on liquidity and news events. In Armenia, retail traders often prefer variable spreads during low-volatility periods to save costs. However, during major economic announcements like US Non-Farm Payrolls, spreads can widen significantly. Another key concept is the spread cost in monetary terms. For a standard lot (100,000 units), a 1-pip spread costs $10. So a 3-pip spread costs $30 per trade. For micro lots (1,000 units), the cost is $0.30 per pip. Armenia traders using USDT deposits should also consider conversion fees if the broker charges for crypto deposits. When comparing brokers, look for those regulated by the local financial authority, as they must disclose spreads transparently. Some brokers offer zero-spread accounts but charge a commission instead. This can be cheaper for high-volume traders. Always test spreads with a demo account before trading real money in Armenia.