Minor pairs are currency pairs that include major currencies but do not involve the US Dollar (USD).
In the Forex market, minor pairs—also called cross currency pairs—consist of two major currencies excluding the US Dollar. While they are not traded as heavily as major pairs, minor pairs still offer good liquidity and can be influenced by regional economic data and geopolitical events.
These pairs usually have wider spreads and lower volume compared to majors, but they are still actively traded by professionals and institutions. They are ideal for traders who want to speculate on the relative strength between two non-USD currencies.
Common examples of minor pairs include:
If a trader believes the Euro will outperform the British Pound, they may buy EUR/GBP at 0.8500 and aim for a rise in value.
Major Currencies, Currency Pair, Exotic Pairs, Forex, Liquidity, Spread
Forex / Currency Classification
Minor pairs can offer unique trading opportunities—just watch out for wider spreads and lower volatility during off-peak hours.
