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Forex is an abbreviated name for "foreign exchange." The Forex market is a non-stop cash market where the currencies of nations are bought and sold, typically via brokers. For example, you buy Euros, paying with U.S. Dollars, or you sell Euros for Japanese Yen.

The value of your Forex investment increases or decreases because of changes in the currency exchange rate or Forex rate. These changes often result from economic and political factors, such as the price of oil or political unrest. To better understand how the exchange rate can affect the value of your Forex investment, this article shows you how to read a Forex quote.

Forex quotes are always expressed in pairs. In the following example, your "pair" of currencies are the U.S. Dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR). The Forex

   I had to laugh...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>I stopped for gas today at a Shell gas station and had to chuckle as I filled up my car.</p><p>A sign on top of the pump urged me to sign up for a Citi Mastercard that gives 10 percent back on all Shell gas purchases. On the sign, in big, black type, the sign says &quot;Earn 38 cents/gallon.&quot; Then underneath it in much smaller print, the sign says, &quot;@ $3.82/gallon.&quot;</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/i_had_to_laugh#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
And in more restaurant news...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>Raleigh&#39;s Rocky Top Hospitality has reopened its Michael Dean&#39;s and Bogart&#39;s restaurants for lunch service during December. Both had gone to evening-only hours this past summer. Michael Dean&#39;s on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh is open for lunch through Dec. 24. Bogart&#39;s on Glenwood South will be open for lunch through the 19th. Both are serving from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/and_in_more_restaurant_news#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Urban Food Group expanding to Charlotte...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>Raleigh&#39;s Urban Food Group is expanding to the Queen City. The company behind Porters, Frazier&#39;s, Vivace and the newly opened Coquette in North Hills is planning a new Vivace location at 1100 Metropolitan Ave. The restaurant will open in the summer.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/urban_food_group_expanding_to_charlotte#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Save on flowers...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>If you need to send flowers this week, 1-800-FLOWERS is offering free shipping or no service charge when you pay with a MasterCard and use the promotion code M33. But the offer is only good through Sunday.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/save_on_flowers#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
OpenTable for iPhones...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p><img src="/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/images/iphone3sm.thumbnail.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="83" height="100" align="left" />If you use the OpenTable Web site to make restaurant reservations, you might be intested to know that there&#39;s now a free OpenTable app for iPhone users.</p><p>The system will allow users to check real-time availability in restaurants, make reservations and get directions. Find out more on the OpenTable Web site <a href="http://www.opentable.com/mobile/">here</a>.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/opentable_for_iphones#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Walgreens prescription coupon...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>If you missed the coupon that ran in the paper a few weeks ago, Walgreens has put its new prescription transfer coupon online as well. The deal is that you get a $25 Walgreens gift card when you transfer your prescription to a Walgreens pharmacy. These coupons can be a great way to get a little extra if you have a monthly prescription that you fill. However, I always caution people that this is not a good strategy if you take several medications that could have weird interactions. Fair warning. You can find the printable coupon <a href="http://walgreens.shoplocal.com/walgreens/Default.aspx?action=detailbrowselarge&amp;storeid=2504303&amp;title=$25+Walgreens+Gift+Card+&amp;img=http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/dyn_li/600.0.90.0/Retailers/Walgreens/081012_01DD_1CPN.JPG" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/walgreens_prescription_coupon#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (1)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Tree lighting in Clayton...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>In Clayton, the Christmas Village &amp; Tree Lighting is happening tomorrow (Thursday), beginning at 6 p.m. The tree lighting will take place just before 9. If you are interested in going, there&#39;s a schedule of events <a href="http://downtownclayton.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-christmas-village-tree-lighting.html" target="_blank">here</a> and a map <a href="http://downtownclayton.blogspot.com/2008/12/map-of-christmas-village-tree-lighting.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And, if you happen to live in the area, you should know that Main Street will be closed from Smith Street to O&#39;Neil Street between 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the event.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/father_of_the_bride/tree_lighting_in_clayton#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
How's this for a BOGO deal?
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>Buy one get one free deals are usually pretty good bargains, but most of the time they&#39;re on things like cans of soup. It&#39;s time to think much bigger.</p><p>Florida car dealers, who have seen sales plummet this year, have taken to offering BOGO deals on vehicles. Seriously! <a href="http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smartspending/archive/2008/07/29/buy-a-gas-guzzler-get-a-second-car-for-free.aspx" target="_blank">MSN reports</a> on one Chevy dealer offering a free gas-efficient vehicle when you buy a SUV or truck. And check out <a href="http://www.universitydodge.com/specials/index.htm" target="_blank">this ad</a> from a Dodge dealer offering a BOGO deal on Dodge trucks. Feel free to place your bets on what the next big BOGO deal will be. Jet planes? McMansions? </p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/hows_this_for_a_bogo_deal#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (3)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Here's the deal...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>If you are a fan of this blog, here&#39;s something that may interest you... The News &amp; Observer has started a weekly e-newsletter for women called <strong>Here&#39;s the Deal</strong> that compiles information from Taking Stock as well as other N&amp;O blogs. In the newsletter, which is e-mailed Wednesday mornings after Wednesday Deals is posted, you&#39;ll find information on deals, fashion, food and more. And as you all are well aware, it pays to be in the know!</p><p>You must be a registered user on newsobserver.com to get Here&#39;s the Deal. <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/heresthedeal/" target="_blank">You can sign up here</a>.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/heres_the_deal#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (1)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Know an outdoorsman (or woman)?
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>Outdoor superstore Cabela&#39;s is offering $20 off orders of $100 or more on its Web site through midnight on Dec. 8 (Monday). Of course, there&#39;s always a catch. To get the deal, you need to give up your e-mail address. And by entering your e-mail, you will be signing up for the Cabela&#39;s e-newsletter. But it&#39;s still a good deal and probably worth it, especially if you are shopping for an outdoorsman or woman. <a href="http://information.cabelas.com/cabelasrebates/offer.jsp?cmCat=email&amp;cm_cat=3964&amp;cm_ven=email-nl&amp;cm_pla=HA-0100&amp;cm_ite=offer.jsp&amp;eid=8451667&amp;cmp=I081203A&amp;seg=AN1&amp;cnt=3964&amp;ctb=offer" target="_blank">Check out the details here</a>.</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/know_an_outdoorsman_or_woman#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (1)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Wednesday deals...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"> <p><img src="/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/images/coupon%20cart-sm.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="106" height="160" align="left" />Well, it?s a mighty fine deals week out there! The pharmacies are busy promoting holiday sales, and Harris Teeter has gone all out to promote its latest initiative involving lower prices on several store brand products and an expanded Unreal Deals selection. There are good deals this week on razors, candy and medications, and there are a few good ones that make the item free after rebate or coupon or both.<br /> <br /> And don?t miss the special Walgreens flier in today?s paper, which has a coupon to get $5 in Register Rewards (good like a $5 bill on a future Walgreens purchase) when you spend $25.<br /> <br /> Happy shopping!!<br /> <strong><br /> Deal of the week</strong>: At Harris Teeter this week, Fiber One toaster pastries are three for $5 and there was a 70-cent coupon on Nov. 16. That will double and make those 27 cents a box.<br /> <br /> Click ?Read more? to see the list! And remember, if the store has a loyalty card, you?ll need it to get the sale price. </p> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-readmore"> <a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/wednesday_deals_49"><img src="http://projects.newsobserver.com/sites/8830.newsobserver-drupal-projects.apps.prod.nandomedia.com/themes/nao/images/dome_read_more.gif" width="74" height="23" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments">&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/wednesday_deals_49#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (7)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Galleries staying open late...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>If you&#39;re a fan of Raleigh&#39;s First Friday events, you&#39;ll be happy to know that 10 downtown art galleries have declared every Friday in December First Friday and are planning to stay open late for shoppers. Dates include Dec. 5, 12 and 19.</p><p>Most galleries will be open until 9 p.m. Participating galleries include:<br /><br /><strong>Adam Cave Fine Art</strong> - (<a href="http://www.adamcavefineart.com" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>Artspace</strong> - (<a href="http://www.artspacenc.org" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>The Collectors Gallery</strong> - (<a href="http://www.thecollectorsgallery.com" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>Flanders 311</strong> - (<a href="http://www.flandersartgallery.com" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>Lee Hansley Gallery</strong> - (<a href="http://www.leehansleygallery.com" target="_blank">Web site)</a><br /><strong>Lump</strong> - (<a href="http://www.lumpgallery.com" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>M Street Gallery - (<a href="http://www.mstreetgallery.net" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br />Nicole&#39;s Studio &amp; Gallery</strong> - (<a href="http://www.nicolestudio.com" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>Rebus Works</strong> - (<a href="http://www.rebusworks.us" target="_blank">Web site</a>)<br /><strong>Visual Art Exchange</strong> - (<a href="http://www.visualartexchange.org" target="_blank">Web site</a>)</p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/galleries_staying_open_late#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
What are people searching for?
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>Google has created a fun Web site that shows what the top 10 searches are in certain categories, including toys, food and cold weather clothes. I totally enjoy the fact that &quot;ugly christmas sweater&quot; made the list. You can <a href="http://www.google.com/landing/holidayshopping08/gifts.html" target="_blank">check it out here</a>. </p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/what_are_people_searching_for#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (1)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Saving online...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>If you like surfing the Web for online coupon codes, you might like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/technology/internet/27coupon.html?_r=1&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;emc=eta1&amp;adxnnlx=1228238295-1lXLq8ojvpQ7iAzAS68uBA" target="_blank">this New York Times story</a> on the topic. The story lists several Web sites, including a few of my favorites. Share your favorites if they&#39;re not included! </p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/saving_online#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Cashing in your points...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon --> <!-- End check for Blog Icon --> <!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle --> <div class="field-item"><p>I got an interesting press release this weekend from American Express about how more consumers are using their credit card rewards points for holiday purchases this year. I&#39;m particularly interested in this because I&#39;ve found a lot of people will just sit on piles and piles of points because they don&#39;t know how to redeem them or they are waiting to make some huge purchase in the future.</p><p>What are you doing? Have you redeemed points this year, and what did you buy? Or, are you saving up 10,000 points for some big-ticket item? </p></div> <div class="node-blog-teaser-footer"> <div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/cashing_in_your_points#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (4)</a> <!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser --> <!-- End edit link code --> </div> </div> <!-- End check for Teaser Toggle --> <!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->

   quote, USD/EUR = 265.50, means that one U.S. dollar is equal to 265.50 Euros. The currency to the left of the / (USD in this case) is referred to as base currency and its value is always 1. The currency to the right of the / (EUR in this case) is referred to as the counter currency. In this example, one USD can buy 265.50 EUR, since it is the stronger of the two currencies.

Because the U.S. dollar is regarded as the central currency of the Forex market, it is always treated as the base currency in any Forex quote where it is one of the pairs. Incidentally, the U.S. Dollar is involved in nearly 90% of all Forex transactions.

In this example, your "pair" of currencies are the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Euro (EUR). The Forex quote, JPY/EUR= 175.10, means that one Japanese Yen is equal to 175.10 Euros. The currency to the left of the / (JPY in this case) is referred to as base currency and its value is 1. The currency to the right of the / (EUR in this case) is referred to as the counter currency. In this example, one JPY can buy 175.10 EUR, since it is the stronger of the two currencies.

The goal of any Forex system is to profit from foreign currency movements. This requires adequate training in basic Forex principles, such as performing a Technical Analysis, using Forex charts and Stop/Loss tools, and keeping up-to-date with economic and political events. In a sense, Forex training never ends.

Gregory DeVictor is a consultant who has been developing and marketing web sites since 1999. Learn what you need to know to get started in Forex and how to develop a successful Forex system at: http://www.forex-trading-system.name