Trading USD/HKD
Trading the USD/HKD is an excellent way to access the world’s two largest economies, the US and China. However, its fixed self-correcting system makes it best suited to experienced forex traders. This page will cover everything you need to know about trading the cross currency pair, from exchange spot rates to trends and forecasts. We also list the best brokers for trading the USD/HKD.
Best USD/HKD Brokers
Based on our routine evaluations, these are the best 6 brokers for trading USD/HKD:
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
- IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
- Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
- Fusion Markets - Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
- Plus500 - Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
| Currency Pairs | USD/CNH, EUR/CNH, AUD/CNH, CNH/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/SGD, EUR/TRY, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/JPY, GBP/ZAR, USD/HKD, USD/SGD, USD/THB |
Pros
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
Cons
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
| Currency Pairs | USD/CNH, EUR/AUD, EUR/SGD, EUR/TRY, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/JPY, USD/HKD, USD/SGD, USD/THB |
Pros
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
Cons
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
XM Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
| Currency Pairs | EUR/AUD, EUR/JPY, EUR/SGD, EUR/TRY, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/JPY, NZD/SGD, USD/HKD, USD/SGD |
Pros
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
- XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
Cons
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
| Currency Pairs | USD/CNH, EUR/CNH, GBP/CNH, NZD/CNH, EUR/AUD, EUR/SGD, EUR/TRY, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/HUF, GBP/JPY, NZD/SGD, USD/HKD, USD/INR, USD/SGD, USD/THB |
Pros
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
Cons
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
Fusion Markets
"Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC."
Fusion Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, VFSC, FSA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
| Currency Pairs | USD/CNH, EUR/AUD, EUR/JPY, EUR/SGD, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/HUF, GBP/JPY, GBP/ZAR, NZD/SGD, USD/HKD, USD/INR, USD/SGD, USD/THB |
Pros
- Fusion Markets is set up to support algo traders with a sponsored VPS solution and a 25% discount if you opt for the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
- Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
- The market analysis features, Market Buzz and Analyst Views, are great tools for discovering opportunities and conveniently integrated into the client dashboard.
Cons
- While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
- Traders outside of Australia must sign up with weakly regulated global entities with limited safeguards and no negative balance protection.
- The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.
Plus500
"Plus500 offers a super-clean experience for traders with a CFD trading platform that sports a modern design and dynamic charting. That said, the broker’s research tools are limited, fees trail the cheapest brokers, and there’s room for enhancement in its educational resources."
Plus500 Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | Variable |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK |
| Currency Pairs | EUR/AUD, EUR/JPY, EUR/SGD, EUR/CAD, EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD, GBP/CAD, GBP/JPY, GBP/ZAR, USD/HKD, USD/SGD |
Pros
- The broker offers commission-free trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders
- Plus500 provides a specialized WebTrader platform designed explicitly for CFD trading, offering a clean and uncluttered interface
- The customer support team continue to provide reliable 24/7 support via email, live chat and WhatsApp
Cons
- Algo trading and scalping are not supported, which may deter some day traders
- Compared to some competitors, especially IG, Plus500’s research and analysis tools are limited
- Plus500’s lack of support for MetaTrader or cTrader charting tools might be a deal breaker for advanced day traders looking for familiarity
Chart
The Hong Kong Dollar
Hong Kong is one of the most attractive free-market economies for foreign investment. Its stock market is the 6th largest and its exchange fund has become one of the world’s biggest with reserves totalling 442 billion USD at the end of 2020. This is all rather impressive given the size of the island state.
Hong Kong is also widely considered a gateway into the Chinese mainland and despite the nation’s best efforts, its fortunes are becoming increasingly tied to the Asian superpower. As a result, any geopolitical events tied to China can impact the volatility of the USD/HKD.
USD/HKD History
In 1983, the Hong Kong dollar was pegged to the US dollar. After months of unease, the HKD hit an all-time low of 9.6 HKD per USD. As a result, the nation abandoned the floating exchange rate and pegged the HKD to the USD in an attempt to stabilise the currency.
Today, the USD/HKD pair typically trades between narrow limits, 7.75 and 7.85, as fixed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The fixed system self-corrects to maintain the stability of the HKD exchange rate.
Over its history, the pair has seen tumultuous times and maintaining the peg has not been easy. The US’ low-interest rates have caused problems for the HKMA, which has been forced to match them. As a result, property prices and the Hong Kong exchange rate have increased dramatically in recent years.
Influences On USD/HKD Movement
The USD/HKD is special in that many of the economic factors that influence movement in most currency pairs have a limited effect on the USD/HKD. Labour market conditions plus interest and inflation rates all have a muted effect on the pair given that it operates between a fixed, pre-determined range. As a result, many speculative investors are put off and generating profit requires skill and patience.
Fortunately, some factors still influence the quoted price of the HKD/USD:
- Economic growth – The strength of an economy is often reflected in the value of its currency. When the Hong Kong economy is strong, HKD will rise against the USD. Conversely, a weakened Hong Kong economy will see the HKD fall against the USD.
- China – Hong Kong is closely linked with China which means that changes in the value of the Chinese yuan can heavily influence the value of the USD/HKD. This was seen during the Asian financial crisis when the HKD rose towards its upper limit several times. Usually, the currencies move in the same direction.
- Political stability – Political turmoil and major events can have huge implications on the value of a currency. Generally speaking, stability is likely to attract foreign investment and increased investment will lead to an appreciation in the currency’s quoted price.
- Market sentiment – If the value of the USD is expected to fall, there will be less demand as investors will typically need more of it to bank profit. A drop in value can mean more expensive exports and reduced competitiveness in global markets. Hong Kong relies on both imports and exports, so any change is felt heavily.
Pros Of Trading USD/HKD
- The Chinese economy – Hong Kong’s close ties with China means that for many, the HKD represents an accessible way to engage in the Chinese economy. China takes in more than half of Hong Kong’s exports and currently stands as the second-largest global economy. China’s position on the world stage is a real draw for many forex traders.
- Risk/reward ratio – Given the pegging of the USD/HKD pair, the risk/reward ratio is favourable. The assurance of a bottom limit means that traders can operate within relatively safe parameters. This does mean, however, that generating large profits can prove challenging.
- Liquidity – The forex market generally promises a highly liquid environment with low bid-ask spreads. This makes FX trading popular over assets, such as stocks and cryptos.
- Costs – Transaction costs are usually incorporated into the spread and pips in forex markets, meaning traders typically don’t have to factor in additional commissions.
Cons Of Trading USD/HKD
As with any forex pair, trading USD/HKD does come with risks:
- Re-pegging – If HKD was to be re-pegged to the USD or even the CNY, it would have drastic implications for investments. Traders should ensure they are up to date with the latest financial news and conversion forecasts. Risk and money management strategies should also be implemented.
- Leverage – Leveraged trading is popular in the forex market but it does carry increased risk. Margin trading should only be used by traders comfortable with greater exposure.
- Political intervention – Political unrest, as seen in recent riots in Hong Kong, can have major implications on the pair’s valuation. Keep an eye on announcements from the Chinese government to stay ahead of trends.
USD Vs HKD Strategy Options
When it comes to USD/HKD strategy, different tactics work for different people. Capital requirements, timescales and risk tolerance will all play a role. Whether you choose to use exchange rate historical data and monthly averages or live charts and forward rates, different tools work for different traders.
Trading News
For those less interested in trading using USD/HKD historical exchange rates, live charts, graphs and forecasts, financial news is a great source of information to help inform investment decisions. Economic reports on the latest inflation and interest rates, GDP and consumer sentiment can all influence movement. Traders should stay abreast of updates to react quickly. The first movers stand the best chance of asserting an edge.
Oanda, Reuters, Yahoo Finance, DailyFX, online converters, TradingView and MarketWatch are just a handful of the resources available to traders. They provide live forex updates in addition to forecasts, daily USD/HKD buy and sell swap rates, plus commentary.
Carry Trading
Carry trading is a popular strategy that enables investors to capitalise on low interest rates. Traders borrow more in currencies with lower interest rates and invest in high-yielding markets. The demand creates inflows of capital which strengthens a currency.
The recent widening of the gap between Hong Kong and US interest rates has seen a surge in investors opening new carry trade positions. The relatively low-interest rates of the HKD means that some investors will look to borrow against the USD and invest in the HKD.
USD/HKD Forecasts
There is speculation that the HKD will be re-pegged amid concerns that the peg may be limiting growth in Hong Kong. Adjustments to the peg range or a peg break would allow for greater movement. There is also talk that the Hong Kong dollar could be pegged to the Chinese yuan in the future. However, the possibility of a slowdown in Chinese economic growth may halt that move for now.
There is also some discussion about the long-term prosperity of the Hong Kong dollar. Some experts argue that with the increasing Chinese influence over the state, the outlook is looking bleak for the HKD, which may become redundant.
Final Word On Trading USD/HKD
The narrow range of the USD/HKD cross currency pair means that it can be difficult to generate profit and traditional strategies don’t always yield the same results. For many, the pair’s potential primarily lies in business transactions and swaps. For those that do wish to trade the pair, it presents an opportunity to gain access to the relatively closed-off Chinese economy.
FAQ
What is the USD to HKD exchange rate history?
The pair has seen a tumultuous history which has led to fluctuations in the quoted price of both the US and Hong Kong dollar. The currency peg has stabilised much of this but with speculation over the adoption of a new peg, who knows what the future holds.
What is the USD to HKD dollar conversion?
The current exchange rate is displayed on a live price chart. This shows how many Hong Kong dollars are needed to buy 1 US dollar. This rate will fluctuate within the fixed limits established by the HKMA.
What influence does the BoC have over the USD/HKD?
The integration of Hong Kong’s economy with China means that the Bank of China exerts influence over the position of the HKD. Anticipating announcements from the BoC can help inform investment decisions.
What are the best HKD to USD forex converters?
There are many free, currency converters available online. For more information on USD/HKD rates, ETFs and futures, try Oanda.
What is the USD and HKD peg history?
In 1983, the Hong Kong dollar was pegged against the US dollar in an attempt to stabilise the currency. Today, it continues to operate between the established fixed limits. With that said, there is talk that the peg may be removed or amended in the future.