CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing all your money. Read our full Risk Warning.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What Is EUR/USD OTC: Is It Different From EUR/USD?

The battle between EUR/USD OTC and EUR/USD continues.

Andrew Moran - Writer for Fortrade
By Andrew Moran
Edited by Anelisa Nokoyo

Published November 22, 2023.

Closeup of a wall depicting the current exchange rates for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and other currency pairs

The EUR/USD currency pair is the exchange rate between the euro, the base currency, and the U.S. dollar, the quote currency. Put simply, it represents how many dollars it would take to purchase one euro. The EUR/USD is the most traded currency pair in international foreign exchange markets, representing about one-third of the entire forex market.

» Confused about pairs? Here's the difference between major and minor currency pairs



Understanding EUR/USD OTC

Now, before diving deeper into the currency pair, you might come across OTC in your financial market adventures. OTC stands for "Over-The-Counter." This is when investments are traded directly between parties without mediation from centralized exchanges, primarily conducted through dealers and electronic networks.

Therefore, when you are trading EUR/USD OTC, the various platform constraints involved with embarking upon the EUR/USD pair are absent.

» Learn more: The role of central banks in forex trading

Key Differences

Trading EUR/USD on regular exchanges confines you to their rules and trading mechanisms. On the other hand, trading EUR/USD OTC may help you avoid some of the constraints of centralized exchanges, like opening hours or the intense volatility during regular hours.

In other words, trading EUR/USD OTC offers more flexibility regarding terms and conditions, meaning that you can customize your investing options. At the same time, you might come across a wide array of risks, such as a lack of transparency, fewer regulations, and inaccurate EUR/USD OTC quotes. Therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with forex trading and understand your options.