Definition of Eurocurrency

Financial Terms Beginning with E

What is Eurocurrency

Eurocurrency is a term that refers to any currency that is deposited in a bank that is located outside the currency's country of origin. Despite its name, the term eurocurrency does not specifically refer to the euro or to European countries. Instead, the prefix euro- denotes that the currency is deposited outside of its home country. This term originated in the late 1950s when the Soviet Union started depositing US dollars in European banks to avoid the risk of asset freezing by the US government.

Forex and Eurocurrency

The eurocurrency market is one of the main segments of the foreign exchange market or forex, which is one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world. It provides a platform for currency exchange outside the restrictions of domestic banking regulations, offering greater flexibility to banks, businesses and investors.

 

Banks and Eurocurrency

In the eurocurrency market, banks accept deposits and make loans in foreign currencies. The transactions in this market are mostly interbank transactions, which involve large sums and are carried out through electronic networks. Banks can freely set interest rates on eurocurrency deposits and loans, unlike in the domestic markets where interest rates are often regulated by the central bank.

Types of Eurocurrency

While eurodollars (US dollars deposited in banks outside the United States) are the most widely traded Eurocurrency, the market encompasses a range of others, including Euroyen (Japanese yen deposited outside Japan), Eurosterling (British pounds sterling deposited outside the UK) and many others.

 

Role of Eurocurrency

The eurocurrency market plays a significant role in the global economy, facilitating international trade and finance. It provides a means for companies to manage foreign exchange risk, finance international trade and invest in foreign countries.

Risks for Eurocurrency

The eurocurrency market is not without risks. Some of the risks include credit risk (the risk that a borrower might default on a loan), currency risk (the potential for losses due to changes in currency exchange rates) and country risk (the economic, political and social risks associated with investing in a foreign country).

Final Thoughts on Eurocurrency

In summary, eurocurrency is a major component of the forex market, serving as an essential tool for global finance. Trading in eurocurrency requires an understanding of both the opportunities it presents and the risks it entails.

GlobEx Markets Financial Dictionary of Terms, Phrases and Concepts

The GlobEx Markets financial dictionary is a reference resource that provides the definitions and explanations of various financial terms, phrases and concepts that are used in international finance and global investing. It includes a broad range of financial terms, such as those related to stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, options, futures, crypto and much more.

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Related Investment Terms

Currency Risk

Foreign Investment Risk

Japanese Yen

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