What are the nicknames for Currency Trading Pairs: Ninja, Cable, Loonie and more? 

Representative and memorable nicknames have been a part of trading culture for years. Nowadays, it’s common to hear slang names such as the ‘Cable,’ ‘Chunnel,’ or ‘Swissy’ being used as part of trading terminology. Drawing meaning from historical events or specific economic features, currency pair nicknames may seem confusing when first encountered in a financial publication or news.

However, they are useful for traders looking to reference currency pairs in a quick and relatable way or give an engaging feel to the roster of currency pairs. And since it’s always good to stay updated with trading terms and their significance, let’s dive deeper into the most used currency pair nicknames and how each got its slang label.

The ‘Cable’ nickname, representative of the GBP/USD pair, has its roots in the laying of the first transatlantic cable in 1866. Connecting London and New York, this telegraph cable allowed for instant communications between the two financial hubs. A technological advancement of great significance at the time, it enabled quick transactions of the British Pound against the US Dollar.

Transcending history and technological improvements, the nickname stuck, becoming synonymous with GBP/USD. Even though telegraphic means of communication have long been replaced by more modern methods, ‘Cable’ remains a shorthand that traders and financial analysts use, reflecting a long-standing presence in the trading community.

Similar to GBP/USD, the EUR/USD currency pair was named the ‘Fiber’ after the laying of the first fiber optic cable in late 1999s between Europe and the United States. The nickname underscores that the EUR/USD pair is supported by reliable and cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring seamless financial transactions. This high level of reliability and speed supports the large volume of trading between the Euro and the US Dollar, making ‘Fiber’ a fitting and illustrative nickname.

‘Chunnel’ is the nickname given by traders to the EUR/GBP currency pair and is related to the Channel Tunnel that connects United Kingdom and France. This tunnel, an engineering marvel, facilitates the transportation of goods and people between the Kingdom and mainland Europe. Thus, ‘Chunnel’ is representative of the close ties between the two economic powers. Their relationship involves substantial trade, and the currency pair’s nickname highlights its role in supporting efficient currency exchanges.

Known for its rapid and sometimes unpredictable price movements, the USD/JPY pair got nicknamed the ‘Ninja’. This slang term highlights the Japanese cultural heritage and reflects the strategic approach traders must have when trading the USD/JPY.

As the United States and Japan have a significant impact on the global financial landscape, the ‘Ninja’ also reflects their economic importance. The USD and JPY have long been safe havens for currency traders worldwide and are both known for their quick reaction to financial news and economic report releases.

Furthermore, the often-divergent monetary policies of the US’s Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan add to the Ninja’s swift market reactions. Traders closely watch for changes in policies related to the two currencies, aiming to take advantage of the pair’s rapid adjustments.

The USD/CAD currency pair’s slang name ‘Loonie’ stems from the Canadian one-dollar coin which features a common loon on its reverse side, a bird native to Canadian territory. Introduced in 1987 as a replacement for the paper version of the Canadian dollar, the ‘Loonie’ quickly gained traction as a representative nickname for the USD/CAD currency pair.

In terms of market dynamics, the ‘Loonie’s’ price often sways around commodities, especially oil, as Canada is a major exporter of it. In addition, GDP growth, employment figures, and rate decisions from the Bank of Canada also play a crucial role in determining the pair’s exchange rate, further supporting its slang name – the ‘Loonie.’

‘Swissy’ is another currency pair slang name holding a high spot in trading terminology. Representative of the USD/CHF currency pair, the nickname originates from shortening Switzerland’s name to ‘Swissy.’ Known for political stability, strong economy, and a powerful financial system, the country’s attributes are mirrored by its currency, highlighting the pair’s appeal during times of market uncertainty.

Furthermore, the ‘Swissy’ stuck with traders due to its simplicity and ease of remembrance. Its enduring use highlights an established place in trading culture, reflecting the currency pair’s practicality and historical significance.

The ‘Aussie’ (AUD/USD) and ‘Kiwi’ (NZD/USD) currency pairs slang names are deeply rooted in their countries’ cultural identities. The former refers to anything Australian, in this case a national currency, while the latter honor’s a flightless bird called kiwi, pictured on one side of New Zealand’s one-dollar coin.

The ‘Aussie’ is backed-up by Australia’s economy and key commodities like iron ore and gold. The currency pair’s value accounts for employment rates, GDP growth, and decisions made by the Reserve Bank of Australia; its price also reflects global investor sentiment due to Australia’s strong economic ties with China.

Similarly, the ‘Kiwi’ is shaped by New Zealand’s agricultural sector, especially dairy exports. The Kiwi is also influenced by commodity prices and responds to investors’ appetite for riskier assets. Consequently, the ‘Aussie’ and ‘Kiwi’ are popular for their high yields and interest rate divergences, offering opportunities and risks alike due to their volatility.

While we’ve covered some of the most popular currency pair nicknames, there’re a few more, worth mentioning today. So, let’s have a brief look at other currency pairs slang names with unique background and significance.

For example, ‘Greenback’ is a well-known nickname for the US Dollar (USD). Originating in the 19th century with the green ink used on Civil War-era paper money, ‘Greenback’ is now synonymous with the USD, underscoring the dollar’s global dominance.

The ‘Looner’ refers to the CAD/JPY currency pair, combining Canada’s ‘Loonie’ coin with the Japanese Yen. Like the ‘Loonie,’ this pair is sensitive to commodity prices, especially oil. Its price is closely monitored by traders due to its response to economic indicators from both Canada and Japan.

Finally, the ‘Guppy’ is indicative of the GBP/JPY currency pair and of its volatile nature. The ‘Guppy’ often experiences price swings due to economic developments in the United Kingdom and Japan; trading the pair requires careful risk management due to its tendency for rapid shifts in value.

Colorful nicknames for currency pairs serve as practical shorthand while adding cultural depth and character to the trading experience. They lend personality to the markets, enhancing understanding of global economic relationships. Terms like the historical ‘Cable’ and ‘Fiber’ to the culturally significant ‘Ninja’ and ‘Loonie’ enrich market insight and help traders quickly identify and relate to different currency pairs.

Furthermore, these nicknames capture the essence of economic interactions, showing how historical events, economic ties, and cultural identities shape the financial landscape. Thus, Forex trading becomes more than just a technical task; it transforms into a narrative that reflects the interconnectedness of global economies.