What is Spread in Forex
In forex trading, the spread is simply the difference between the bid price and the ask price. For example, if EUR/USD has a bid price of 1.1050 and an ask price of 1.1052, the spread is 2 pips. When you open a buy trade, you pay the ask price, and when you sell, you receive the bid price. This means your trade starts at a small loss equal to the spread. For Jordan traders, this is especially important because you are trading in USD, and every pip has a monetary value. A standard lot (100,000 units) with a 1-pip spread costs $10. So a 2-pip spread costs $20 per trade. Spreads can be fixed or variable. Fixed spreads stay constant regardless of market conditions, which is helpful during news events. Variable spreads fluctuate based on liquidity and volatility—they are often lower during calm markets but can widen sharply during economic releases. For Jordan traders using USDT or Skrill, variable spreads might be more common with international brokers. Your choice of broker also affects spreads. Some brokers offer tight spreads but charge commissions, while others have wider spreads with no commission. For example, a broker might offer EUR/USD with a 0.5-pip spread and a $5 commission per lot, versus a 1.5-pip spread with no commission. You need to calculate which is cheaper for your trading style. In Jordan, where internet connectivity and broker reliability vary, always test spreads during your typical trading hours (e.g., London or New York sessions) to get a realistic picture.