Forex vs. Stocks

Forex (abbreviated from foreign exchange) and stocks are popular investment options that differ in several aspects. Forex trading involves the buying and selling of currencies, aiming to profit from fluctuations in their exchange rates. Stock trading involves buying and selling shares of publicly listed companies, seeking to capitalize on the company's growth and performance.

One key difference between forex and stocks is the market hours. Forex markets are open 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders to participate in the market at any time. This flexibility caters to individuals who may have other commitments during regular trading hours. Stock markets have specific trading hours, typically aligned with the business hours of the exchange where the stocks are listed. This restricts stock trading to specific timeframes and may limit opportunities for those with time constraints.

Another distinction lies in the nature of the markets. Forex is a decentralized market, meaning that trades are conducted directly between participants, facilitated by electronic communication networks. This autonomy gives forex traders more control over their positions and allows for anonymity. Stock trading, however, occurs through centralized exchanges, where buyers and sellers transact through intermediaries, such as brokers. This factor can result in longer transaction times and a potential lack of anonymity.

Leverage is a feature that further sets forex and stocks apart. In forex trading, leverage enables traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital, amplifying potential profits or losses. This high leverage can be both advantageous and risky, as it increases the exposure to market movements. In contrast, stock trading usually involves lower leverage or no leverage at all, as traders typically invest their own capital without borrowing additional funds. This factor can make stock trading less volatile but also potentially reduce profit opportunities.

Both forex and stocks offer unique advantages and risks. Forex presents a more flexible market with extended trading hours, while stocks provide the opportunity to invest in specific companies. Traders should consider their risk tolerance, time availability and financial goals before deciding which market aligns better with their investment strategy.

To the untrained eye, the stock market and the forex market might look one and the same. This article compares these markets to help traders decide which to explore based on their trading style, goals or location.

What is Forex Trading?

Forex trading is an attempt to profit from movements in the foreign exchange markets. Since currency pairs trade as pairs, they’re pitted against one another, creating an oscillating ratio. These oscillations happen because of changes in supply and demand for currencies — usually driven by fundamental events that influence the particular market. Examples include the U.S. unemployment report, the Bank of England’s interest rate decisions and the EU’s GDP projections.

In this environment, forex traders attempt to successfully predict the price movement through fundamental or technical analysis and profit by buying the currency that should appreciate or selling the currency that should depreciate in the foreign exchange or currency market.

Pros and Cons of Forex Trading

Forex trading has been around for decades, and its pros and cons are well documented. Consider the following.

Pros of Forex

• 24/5 market: The forex market trades 24 hours per day, 5 days per week. Regardless of their location, traders always have access to the market.
• Low cost: For traders who want to start with modest capital, trading forex can be cheap — especially if they’re trading only the most popular pairs like EUR/USD with tight spreads.
• Deep liquidity: Forex is one of the most liquid markets in the world. Liquidity helps the cost but also takes away scalability problems.
• High leverage: Forex brokers offer higher leverage than other markets. Usually, that is up to 1:50 or even more at some offshore brokers.

Cons of Forex

• Tougher trading environment: The biggest traders on the forex market are the financial institutions that are better informed and prepared than retail traders.
• High risk: The forex market can be very volatile. Combined with higher leverage, it can be dangerous for any trader.
• Lighter regulation: Forex trades over-the-counter (OTC), so there is no centralized exchange. Thus, regulatory oversight is somewhat limited, and traders must conduct due diligence before committing to a broker.
• Lack of yield: Except for more complex strategies like “carry trade,” forex offers no dividend payments like the stock market — limiting the passive capital growth

What is Stock Trading?

Stock trading is buying or selling shares in a publicly listed company to generate profits. Profitable stock trading relies on a correct price forecast to take positions before the anticipated move plays out.

For that reason, traders turn to fundamental analysis to identify undervalued (or overvalued) companies or technical analysis to spot recurring patterns in the market. However, a successful trade is often a combination of both.

Pros and Cons of Stock Trading

Stock trading is quintessential, as it has been around for centuries. Here are some of its competing qualities.

Pros of Stocks

• Historic growth: Stocks grow with an economy, offering a positive upwards bias. For stock indexes like S&P 500, this growth has averaged about 10% (pre-tax).
• Passive income opportunity: Many profitable companies pay dividends, distributing part of their profits to the shareholders. For some sectors like real estate, this can be in double digits, offering a significant passive income opportunity.
• Convenience: In modern times, trading stocks from any smart device is handy. Calling brokers and waiting for the price quote is a matter of the past — nowadays, everything works automatically in seconds.
• Liquidity: The stock market is relatively liquid unless you’re trading penny stocks. The depth of the market ensures high scalability and low costs. It is unlikely that you’ll have issues trading any blue chip stock.

Cons of Stocks

• Risk: Companies can go bankrupt and completely wipe out shareholders since they’re last to get compensated (after debt holders) if there is anything left.
• Emotional volatility: Stock prices can rise and fall, causing emotions from fear to greed. That volatility can be taxing, even for experienced traders.
• Competitiveness: Stock traders compete with institutions with more resources, time and dedicated research teams.
• Time-consuming: Finding good opportunities on the stock market takes time since every publicly listed company is a world of its own.

Differences Between Forex Trading and Stock Trading

Despite many similarities, forex vs stock trading has a few considerable differences.

Leverage

Stock brokers offer modest leverage, up to 1:2, as per Regulation T. On the other hand, forex brokers can offer leverage up to 1:50, and for offshore brokers, it might be even 1:500 or more. Forex traders can find great opportunities in the foreign exchange market which have higher leverage compared to penny stocks or blue chip companies.

Trading Hours

Forex market starts trading with an Australian market opening up on Sunday and trades 24 hours per day until the U.S market closes on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, the stock market is open for a much shorter time. For the U.S stock market, that is between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET.

Market Size

The forex market is one of the largest in the world, with a daily volume exceeding $6.6 trillion. Meanwhile, the stock market is much smaller, with the combined volume of the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq exchange and Chicago Board Options Exchange not exceeding $300 billion.

Similarities Between Forex Trading and Stock Trading

Both stock and forex markets have considerable similarities, making it attractive for traders to switch between them.

Brokers

Regardless of the market, almost all non-institutional traders operate through brokers — regulated intermediaries that execute transactions on their behalf. While there are specialized brokers, many large brokers offer both stocks and forex, making it convenient for traders to switch to whichever market they find the most attractive.

Short-Term Trading

Short-term or intraday trading relies on patterns, momentum and relative strength. These concepts are evergreen and transferable between markets.

Technical Analysis

Technical analysis relies on the identification and analysis of patterns that repeat over time, looking to find reliable setups that produce profitable results in the long term. Many technical concepts like support and resistance, divergence or Elliot Wave theory apply to any market, including stocks and forex.

Forex vs. Stocks Which Is More Profitable?

Choosing between forex vs. stocks is a matter of trading style, lifestyle and trading goals. Short-term intraday traders have to take their location into account as trading the U.S. stock market hours isn’t as convenient from some parts of the world. The forex market is more accessible because of its trading hours.

Your trading goals make an even larger difference. For a trader who enjoys volatility and going long as well as short, forex can be more profitable, although at a higher risk from higher leverage.

For those who are focused on the long term and looking for passive yield, the stock market will be a better choice regardless of location.

When it comes to forex vs. stocks, it's really all about your goals and which market works best for you.

Decision Factors

Both forex and stock trading offer unique opportunities for traders based on their trading style, goals and risk tolerance. Forex trading provides a 24/5 market with higher leverage and the potential for faster profits but comes with higher risk. Stock trading offers historic growth, passive income through dividends and the convenience of trading from any smart device. The decision between forex and stocks depends on the trader's preference, location and long-term goals. Understanding the market and having a well-defined trading plan are crucial for success in either financial market.

Best Forex Trading Platforms

Trading platforms are an essential tool for traders to analyze stock market trading as well as the foreign exchange market, making working with quality brokers vital — regulated intermediaries that buy or sell currencies on your behalf. In the table below, you’ll find Benzinga’s selection of the best forex trading platforms.

Best Stock Trading Platforms

Novice traders might get overwhelmed by the variety of platforms available for stock trading. Benzinga compiled a list of recommended stock trading platforms for any experience level.

Frequently Asked Questions