What is a foreign exchange trader?

A foreign exchange (forex) trader is a specialized type of trader who buys and sells foreign currency for profit. You work for a large investment bank or a specialized firm dealing in foreign exchange transactions. Your chief duties are to follow the currency market, research the price fluctuations in currency pairs, which consist of a base currency and a quote currency, and manage an investment account for your clients. Because you are dealing with international markets, you can expect long hours, often working when markets are open in time zones other than your own.