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Retail Traders

Individual, non-institutional traders who trade their own capital.

Quick answer

Retail traders are individual traders using their own capital, distinct from institutions.

Definition

Retail traders are individuals trading their own money, as opposed to institutions managing funds. They are a small share of overall forex volume but the core audience of most trading education. Their accounts typically carry higher leverage and higher loss rates than institutional desks.

How It Works

  • They are a small share of total volume
  • Their accounts often use higher leverage
  • Loss rates are higher than institutions

Trading Tips

1

Trade with a plan, not the crowd

2

Use leverage deliberately, not by default

3

Check the loss disclosure before choosing a broker

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