The foreign exchange market (forex) is the world’s most comprehensive and accessible trading market. Forex trading involves the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another, predominantly for investment purposes. It is an area of finance that operates round the clock, five days a week to accommodate global time zones, making it an incredibly dynamic and exciting arena.

Forex currencies are grouped into three major categories: major currencies, minor currencies, and exotic currencies. Major currencies include the US Dollar (USD), the Euro (EUR), the Japanese Yen (JPY), the British Pound (GBP), the Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and the Swiss Franc (CHF). These are the most traded currencies and make up around 80% of global forex trading.

Minor or cross currencies do not include the US dollar. Common minor pairs include the Euro against the British Pound (EUR/GBP), and the Euro against the Swiss Franc (EUR/CHF). Exotic currencies refer to currencies that are not often traded on the forex market, usually because of economic instability or unpredictability in these regions. Examples of exotic currencies include the South African Rand (ZAR) and the Thai Baht (THB).

Learning how to work with forex currencies requires comprehension of fundamental and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis revolves around studying economic indicators such as inflation rates, unemployment rates, and GDP growth rates to gauge a country’s economic health. This, in turn, can give insight into the possible future value of a country’s currency.

On the other hand, technical analysis involves evaluating historical data and analysing charts to predict future price movements. It can include methods such as moving averages, resistance and support levels, and various indicators to help evaluate the market’s direction.

Share dealing is another popular form of investment, where investors buy shares of a company in anticipation of capital growth or to earn dividends. While similar to forex in terms of trading methodology, share dealing differs crucially in that it involves buying a stake in a particular company. In contrast, forex trading involves speculating on the price of a country’s currency. Both forms of trading require a solid understanding of financial markets and the factors that influence them.

The forex market is influenced by a host of factors. These include geopolitical events, economic indicators, interest rates, and even weather patterns. Traders must remain aware of these influences and incorporate them into their analysis and decision-making processes.

Forex trading can be an enriching and profitable endeavour, but it is not devoid of risk. Like all forms of investing, trading forex comes with the potential for financial loss, particularly for those who are new to the market or do not fully understand its nuances. It’s therefore advisable to start with a practice account or to trade small sums while still learning the ropes.

In conclusion, forex currencies trading presents an intriguing, accessible and potentially rewarding form of investment. As with any form of trading, understanding the market and continuous learning are key to success. Balancing risk with reward, keeping yourself informed and understanding the diverse influences which can affect market actions are all part of the journey in mastering the world of forex currencies.