G10 currency pairs involve the ten most heavily traded and liquid currencies in the world. These pairs are preferred by forex traders due to their low spreads, deep liquidity, and stable economies behind them. Understanding G10 currency pairs helps you make smarter trading decisions with tighter risk control.
Key Takeaways
- G10 currencies represent the most stable and liquid currencies globally.
- G10 pairs usually have low spreads, especially on platforms like Defcofx.
- Major forex pairs are made up of combinations of these G10 currencies.
- These pairs are ideal for both beginner and professional forex traders.
- Economic indicators from G10 countries drive global forex volatility.
What Are G10 Currencies?
The G10 currencies are the ten most traded and widely held currencies in the world. These are from economically stable, industrialized countries. G10 currencies are favored for their
- High liquidity
- Strong global acceptance
- Transparent monetary policies
- Tight spreads (ideal for scalping and swing trading)
Although G10 originally referred to a group of advanced economies in international finance, in forex trading, it refers specifically to the most liquid currencies.
G10 Currency List
Here’s a list of the 10 currencies that make up the G10 in forex:
| Currency Code | Currency Name | Country |
| USD | US Dollar | United States |
| EUR | Euro | Eurozone (EU countries) |
| JPY | Japanese Yen | Japan |
| GBP | British Pound Sterling | United Kingdom |
| AUD | Australian Dollar | Australia |
| NZD | New Zealand Dollar | New Zealand |
| CAD | Canadian Dollar | Canada |
| CHF | Swiss Franc | Switzerland |
| SEK | Swedish Krona | Sweden |
| NOK | Norwegian Krone | Norway |
All of these currencies are freely traded, with high daily volume. They are available on most platforms, including Defcofx, where spreads are lowest during peak market hours.
Open a Live Trading AccountG10 Currency Pairs List
G10 currency pairs are combinations of two G10 currencies. These are also called major and cross currency pairs. Let’s break them down.
Major G10 Pairs
These all involve the US Dollar (USD):
| Pair | Description |
| EUR/USD | Euro / US Dollar |
| USD/JPY | US Dollar / Japanese Yen |
| GBP/USD | British Pound / US Dollar |
| USD/CHF | US Dollar / Swiss Franc |
| AUD/USD | Australian Dollar / US Dollar |
| USD/CAD | US Dollar / Canadian Dollar |
| NZD/USD | New Zealand Dollar / US Dollar |
These are the most traded pairs in the world, with extremely tight spreads, especially useful when trading through brokers like Defcofx that offer raw pricing.
Cross G10 Pairs (No USD)
These include G10 currencies but exclude the US dollar:
| Pair | Description |
| EUR/GBP | Euro / British Pound |
| EUR/JPY | Euro / Japanese Yen |
| GBP/JPY | British Pound / Japanese Yen |
| AUD/JPY | Australian Dollar / Japanese Yen |
| EUR/AUD | Euro / Australian Dollar |
| GBP/CHF | British Pound / Swiss Franc |
| NZD/JPY | New Zealand Dollar / Japanese Yen |
These pairs can show strong trends and are popular among technical traders using ICT, trendline, or breakout strategies. Cross pairs may have slightly higher spreads, but platforms like Defcofx help reduce costs even in volatile conditions.
Why Trade G10 Currency Pairs?
Trading G10 currencies comes with a host of benefits:
Liquidity
G10 currencies make up over 85% of daily forex volume. That means less slippage, faster execution, and better chart patterns, all critical when scalping or swing trading.
Low Spreads
High liquidity leads to tighter spreads, especially on platforms like Defcofx, which offers raw spreads during peak sessions.
Economic Transparency
G10 countries release regular, reliable economic data, helping traders stay ahead using economic calendars, news releases, and analysis.
Compatibility with All Strategies
Whether you’re trading price action, using the ICT model, or following moving averages, G10 pairs react well to most trading systems.
Notice Box: G10 pairs are highly sensitive to central bank announcements, interest rate changes, and global economic shifts. Stay informed to avoid surprise volatility spikes, especially during NFP, ECB, or Fed announcements.
Best Times to Trade G10 Currency Pairs
Timing matters in forex. Here’s when to trade each G10 pair for maximum effectiveness:
| Pair | Best Time (EST) |
| EUR/USD | 8 AM – 12 PM (London/NY Overlap) |
| GBP/USD | 3 AM – 12 PM |
| USD/JPY | 7 PM – 11 AM |
| AUD/USD | 5 PM – 2 AM |
| EUR/JPY | 2 AM – 11 AM |
Defcofx trading servers are optimized to handle major session overlaps, giving you the best shot at trading with precision and speed.
Looking to trade the G10 with minimal slippage, low spreads, and institutional-grade execution? Defcofx offers all major and cross G10 pairs with advanced tools and MT5 support.
Open AccountFinal Thoughts on G10 Currency Pairs
G10 currency pairs form the backbone of forex trading. They offer the best mix of liquidity, stability, and price action clarity. Whether you’re a beginner exploring major pairs or a seasoned trader looking to catch volatility on cross pairs, G10 currencies offer everything you need.
With the right timing, tools, and a reliable broker like Defcofx, you’ll be equipped to take full advantage of the G10 currency universe.
Open a Live Trading AccountFAQs
What does “G10” mean in forex trading?
In forex, “G10” refers to the ten most liquid and stable currencies in the world. These include USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, NZD, CAD, CHF, SEK, and NOK. G10 currencies are favored by traders because of their tight spreads and predictable price behavior.
Are G10 pairs better than exotic currencies?
Yes, especially for beginners. G10 pairs have tighter spreads, lower trading costs, and smoother price movement. Exotic currencies often have large spreads and lower liquidity, making them riskier. Most brokers, including Defcofx, recommend starting with G10 pairs.
Do G10 pairs have good trading volume?
Absolutely. G10 pairs represent the highest share of global forex volume. EUR/USD alone accounts for around 20% of daily trades. This high volume leads to better execution, especially during key trading hours when volume peaks.
Can I trade all G10 pairs on MetaTrader 5?
Yes. MetaTrader 5 (MT5) supports all G10 major and cross pairs. On platforms like Defcofx, you get access to these pairs with ultra-fast execution, real-time quotes, and built-in indicators tailored for professional trading.
Are there specific news events to watch when trading G10 currencies?
Yes. Keep an eye on central bank decisions (like the Fed, ECB, and BoJ), GDP releases, unemployment data, and inflation figures. These impact G10 pairs significantly. Using Defcofx’s integrated economic calendar can help you plan trades around these events.
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