The US dollar is by far the most traded currency in the world, on one side of about 89% of all foreign-exchange trades. The euro, Japanese yen and British pound follow. Global currency trading now tops $9.6 trillion a day.
The most traded currencies in the world (2026)
Every three years the Bank for International Settlements measures which currencies dominate the foreign-exchange market. In its latest survey (April 2025), the US dollar towers over all rivals. Because every trade involves two currencies, the shares below add up to 200%, not 100%.
| Rank | Currency | Share of FX turnover |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | US dollar (USD) | 89.2% |
| 2 | Euro (EUR) | 28.9% |
| 3 | Japanese yen (JPY) | 16.8% |
| 4 | Pound sterling (GBP) | 10.2% |
| 5 | Chinese renminbi (CNY) | 8.5% |
| 6 | Swiss franc (CHF) | 6.4% |
| 7 | Australian dollar (AUD) | ~6% |
| 8 | Canadian dollar (CAD) | ~6% |
| 9 | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) | 3.8% |
| 10 | Singapore dollar (SGD) | ~2% |
Source: BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey, April 2025. Shares total 200% because two currencies are involved in every trade.
Why the dollar rules — and the yuan’s slow rise
The US dollar’s dominance comes from its role as the world’s main currency for trade, commodities and safe-haven savings. Global foreign-exchange trading hit a record $9.6 trillion a day in 2025, up 28% in three years (BIS). The Chinese renminbi is climbing — now the fifth most-traded currency — yet it still makes up under 2% of global reserves, compared with about 57% for the dollar (IMF). Trading clout and reserve status are not the same thing.
Key takeaways
- The US dollar is on one side of about 89% of all foreign-exchange trades.
- The euro, yen and pound are the next most traded currencies.
- Global FX trading reached a record $9.6 trillion a day in 2025 (BIS).
- The Chinese yuan is the 5th most-traded currency but under 2% of reserves.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the currency shares add up to 200%?
Because every foreign-exchange trade swaps one currency for another, so each trade counts once for each of the two currencies involved. Adding all the shares together therefore comes to 200%, not 100%.
Why is the US dollar the most traded currency?
The dollar is the main currency used to price global trade, oil and other commodities, and it is the world’s leading safe-haven and reserve currency. That makes it the most convenient currency to trade through, even between two other countries.
Is the Chinese yuan overtaking the dollar?
Not yet. The yuan is rising — now the fifth most-traded currency — but it remains far behind the dollar in both trading and reserves, making up under 2% of global reserves versus about 57% for the dollar (IMF).
Sources
- BIS, Triennial Central Bank Survey (FX turnover, April 2025) — retrieved 2026-07-05 — bis.org
- BIS, Global FX turnover press release, 2025 — retrieved 2026-07-05 — bis.org
- IMF, COFER reserve currency composition — retrieved 2026-07-05 — data.imf.org
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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