What is liquidity, and why do spreads widen?

Liquidity is how easily you can trade without moving the price. When liquidity thins — overnight, around holidays, during news — spreads widen because market makers demand more for the risk.

What is liquidity, and why do spreads widen? — bid-ask spread diagram
The bid-ask spread on a currency pair

Post your observations:

  • the widest spread you've seen, and when
  • which times of day your pairs spread the most
  • how you avoid the worst moments
What is liquidity, and why do spreads widen? — moving average crossover diagram
A fast moving average crossing a slower one

The bid, ask and slippage guide explains the mechanics.

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