What Does Cable Mean In Forex Trading?

What Does Cable Mean In Forex Trading?

The forex market consists of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Major pairs in particular are some of the most stable and liquid investments available on any financial market. 

Major currency pairs consist of EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, and USD/CHF. GBP/USD is an especially interesting pair, as it consists of the global reserve currency as the quote currency and one of the most historically stable currencies as the base currency.

The GBP/USD pair is known colloquially as the cable. The nickname "cable" dates back to the 19th century when the exchange rate between the British Pound and the U.S. Dollar was transmitted across the Atlantic Ocean via a submarine telegraph cable.

Nowadays, "cable" is still widely used by traders and financial professionals to refer to the GBP/USD currency pair.

If you are a beginner forex trader and would like to know more about the meaning of cable in forex, this Investfox guide is for you. 

The Importance Of Cable In Forex Trading

GBP/USD is one of the most traded currency pairs on the forex market. It is one of the most liquid and volatile pairs, which presents traders with a lot of profitable trade opportunities. 

Many traders use GBP/USD as part of a diversified forex portfolio because it tends to have a different risk profile compared to other currency pairs, such as EUR/USD and CHF/USD. 

The pair represents a significant portion of global trade and finance. The British Pound (GBP) is a major reserve currency, and the U.S. Dollar (USD) is the world's primary reserve currency.

Historically, the British pound has been stronger than the U.S dollar. However, it must be noted that the post-World War II period has seen the pound lose some ground to the greenback. 

As of September 29, 2023, the exchange rate of GBP/USD was 1.2235.

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How To Trade Cable In Forex

Gaining exposure to the cable in forex is a quick and easy process. All you will need to do is open and verify a forex brokerage account and deposit the amount of funds that you would like to trade with. After that, find the GBP/USD pair and decide what your strategy will be and at what price you are willing to enter the market. 

Consider the rates of inflation for each currency and the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to better gauge the possible long-term direction of the pair. 

Pros And Cons Of Trading Cable In Forex

The cable, or GBP/USD, comes with its fair share of market risks and opportunities and traders need to be aware of these factors to avoid losses and make the most of opportunities as they arise. 

Pros

  • High Liquidity: GBP/USD is one of the most liquid forex pairs, ensuring that traders can easily enter and exit positions with minimal slippage. High liquidity means more competitive spreads and fewer trading restrictions
  • Volatility and Trading Opportunities: The pair often experiences significant price movements and volatility, providing traders with frequent trading opportunities. News events, economic data releases, and geopolitical developments can lead to sizable price swings
  • Diversification: Trading GBP/USD can be a way to diversify a forex trading portfolio. It has a different risk profile compared to other currency pairs, potentially allowing traders to spread risk effectively

Cons

  • Volatility and Risk: While volatility can present trading opportunities, it also entails higher risk. Sharp price movements can result in substantial losses if traders do not use proper risk management techniques like stop-loss orders
  • Market Sensitivity: GBP/USD is sensitive to political developments, economic data releases, and central bank policies in both the UK and the U.S. These factors can lead to sudden and unpredictable price shifts
  • Time Zone Challenges: Traders in different time zones may need to adapt their schedules to effectively trade GBP/USD during its most active hours, which often align with the London and New York trading sessions. This can be challenging for traders in distant time zones

Key Takeaways From What Does Cable Mean In Forex Trading

  • Cable is a term that is often used by forex traders and professionals to refer to the GBP/USD currency pair 
  • The term comes from the transatlantic cable used to transmit the exchange rate of the pair 
  • GBP/USD is one of the most liquid and volatile currency pairs on the market, and one of the four major pairs in forex trading
  • The pair is most active during the London and New York trading sessions 

FAQs In Cable In Forex

What is cable in forex?

In forex, "cable" refers to the GBP/USD currency pair, which represents the British Pound (GBP) against the U.S. Dollar (USD). The nickname "cable" originated from the time when exchange rates were transmitted between London and New York via a transatlantic telegraph cable.

Is trading cable risky in forex?

Trading GBP/USD (cable) in forex can be risky due to its significant volatility, sensitivity to economic and political events, and sudden price swings. In general, GBP/USD can be considerably more stable than some minor and exotic pairs. 

Why is GBPUSD called cable?

The term “cable” comes from the transatlantic cable that was used to transmit the GBP/USD rates in the mid-19th century. The code used for these transmissions included the word "cable," and the nickname stuck.