The document discusses the global foreign exchange and capital markets. It provides information on how the foreign exchange market works, why companies deal in foreign exchange, and the major institutions involved. The key points are:
- The foreign exchange market facilitates the trade of national currencies and sees over $1.2 trillion traded daily.
- Companies deal in foreign exchange to convert currencies for international trade payments, hedge currency risk, and speculate on future exchange rates.
- Major banks like Deutsche Bank, UBS, and Citigroup dominate the over-the-counter foreign exchange market.
- The U.S. dollar is the most actively traded currency due to its stability and role in international trade and finance.