JennyCanuck

Excellent post covering the main points of FOREX. Should also add that the geographical dispersion means that local politics of all the countries in the world can also have a huge impact on trading. For most people, it is very difficult to keep track (and to understand the consequences) of events happening halfway across the globe. Unlike stocks (which are usually local companies/multinationals), FOREX requires a lot more research and a lot more awareness of political events.

Hi - this is what I gathered from a quick search, though I am by no means an expert on the exchange so feel free to correct me. Each stock listed on the exchange has a specialist who works for the company. The specialist stands at one place and auctions out the stocks. Brokers gather near the specialist to buy/sell. Since the specialist is a person, he or she can move. In other words, we're not talking about abstract movement, but physical movement. Hope this helps