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Forex Slang

Cable

Forex slang for the GBP/USD currency pair, one of the oldest and most traded pairs.

Definition

Cable is the traditional nickname for the GBP/USD (British Pound/US Dollar) pair. The name dates back to the mid-1800s when the exchange rate was transmitted between London and New York via a transatlantic telegraph cable under the ocean.

How It Works

  • "Buying Cable" = going long GBP/USD
  • "Selling Cable" = going short GBP/USD
  • One of the most liquid currency pairs
  • Third most traded pair after EUR/USD and USD/JPY

Trading Tips

1

Most volatile during London session

2

Sensitive to Bank of England decisions and UK politics

3

Often moves with EUR/USD but can diverge on UK-specific news

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