In a pivotal step to expand its foreign exchange (FX) offering in Europe, the derivatives exchange, Eurex tapped Goldman Sachs as a new partner to enhance the European FX liquidity hub. The European exchange said that it is a "major milestone" for its currency business.
Goldman Sachs' Dual FX Role at Eurex
Goldman Sachs is joining Eurex as a member, a clearing member and a liquidity provider for off-book transactions. This dual role enables market participants to maintain bilateral trading relationships while benefiting from fully cleared FX contracts. The arrangement facilitates the conversion of over-the-counter (OTC) trades into exchange-traded and centrally cleared contracts, thereby mitigating risks.
Jens Quiram, the Global Head of FIC Derivatives & Repo Sales at Eurex, commented on Goldman Sachs' involvement in the derivatives exchange's operations. He noted that the financial giant's dual role would allow even more clients to benefit from Eurex's listed FX liquidity.
"This is another major milestone on our way to expand Europe's leading listed FX liquidity hub," Quiram added.
In addition, Joseph Nehorai, the Global Co-Head of Futures at Goldman Sachs, pointed out that the growing costs in the FX markets are driving a shift toward listed FX derivatives. This shift allows the buy-side community to enjoy the advantages of both OTC trading and centrally cleared derivatives.
The Impact on the European FX Market
This partnership is a significant move for Eurex, which is part of the Deutsche Börse Group and one of the leading central counterparties globally. Goldman Sachs' entry into Eurex's FX business will bring five essential changes to the current European FX market operations.
First of all, it will strengthen the local FX liquidity hub , offering better pricing and more efficient trades. Secondly, the partnership allows for converting OTC trades into exchange-traded and centrally cleared contracts. This is crucial for risk management, as it eliminates uncleared exposure of OTC trading.
Third, as the FX market evolves, a growing appetite exists for listed FX derivatives. Goldman Sachs' support enables Eurex to effectively meet this demand, offering the advantages of OTC and centrally cleared trading options. Additionally, this collaboration should enhance local market integrity and efficiency by bringing more transparency.
Finally, Goldman Sachs will bring global expertise but also attract a base of potential new market participants and clients.
When the Foreign Exchange Market Is the Most Active?
A recent study by FOREX.com reveals the timing preferences of traders across different asset classes and experience levels. The data indicates that traders are most active during the opening and closing hours of the trading day. Specifically, 38% of Forex traders favor the first hour to execute most of their trades.
While the preferences for other asset classes are more evenly distributed, the overarching trend suggests that traders, irrespective of their experience, asset type, or geographic location, are most active at the start and close of the trading day. This information is invaluable for brokers and providers of FX/CFD services.
The best and highest probability times to trade forex are...
— Trader Mike (@tradermike1234) May 9, 2023
2-5 AM EST (London killzone)
7-10 AM EST (New York Killzone)
All the opportunities you will ever need will occur during these times
You dont gotta be trading all the fuckin time
Focus
Understanding when their clients are most likely to trade enables them to send timely alerts about promising trading opportunities, thereby boosting overall trading volume and client retention.
