If you have a multi-currency margin account, you can trade domestic and foreign securities and currencies from the same account.
To use FXTrader for trading FX, see the FXTrader topic.
To trade FX from the trading window
To add a primary pair, simply enter the symbol using the syntax xxx.yyy, for example EUR.USD.
Example 1
If you want to buy/sell a specific amount of GBP, set up the market data line by entering the symbol GBP (as the transaction currency) and selecting Forex as the instrument type. In the Contract Selection box, choose USD as the Currency (settlement currency) from the list in the right pane. Or simply enter GBP.USD. You will then receive the quote GBP.USD, with the Bid: 1.5598 Ask: 1.5600. This means that GBP 1 = USD 1.56XX
To buy GBP 10,000, click on the ask and enter 10,000 as the quantity of GBP that you wish to buy. You will pay $1.5600 for each GBP.
To sell GBP 10,000, click on the bid and enter 10,000 as the quantity of GBP that you wish to sell. You will receive $1.5598 for each GBP.
Example 2
If you want to buy/sell a specific amount of USD, set up the market data line by entering the symbol USD (as the transaction currency) and selecting Forex as the instrument type. In the Contract Selection box, choose GBP as the Currency (settlement currency) from the list in the right pane. You will then receive the quote USD.GBP, with the Bid: 0.5950 Ask: 0.6230. This means that USD 1 = GBP 0.62XX
To buy USD 10,000, click on the ask and enter 10,000 as the quantity of USD that you wish to buy. You will pay GBP 0.6230 for each USD. Thus, you will pay GBP 6,230.
To sell USD 10,000, click on the bid and enter 10,000 as the quantity of USD that you wish to sell. You will receive GBP 0.5950 for each USD. Thus, you will receive GBP 5,950.
For more details, see the Forex Products pages on the IB website.