Cross pairs: meaning in forex and gold trading
Cross pairs are currency pairs that do not include the US dollar, such as EUR/GBP or EUR/JPY.
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Cross pairs: Cross pairs are currency pairs that do not include the US dollar, such as EUR/GBP or EUR/JPY.
How crosses work
Crosses are priced from the two dollar pairs behind them. EUR/GBP is EUR/USD divided by GBP/USD. When both euro and pound move against the dollar by the same amount, EUR/GBP barely moves, which is why it often trades in tighter ranges than the majors.
Trading crosses
Crosses let you trade a view on two economies without a dollar bet. EUR/GBP, for example, reacts to ECB and Bank of England news. Spreads on crosses are usually a little wider than on the majors.
Worked example
EUR/USD 1.1221 ÷ GBP/USD 1.3403 = EUR/GBP 0.8372, which matches the cross rate quoted on 22 October 2026.
Common mistakes
- Using the same pip value as EUR/USD; EUR/GBP pips are in pounds.
- Assuming low ranges mean low risk.
If you follow trade signals, for example the gold signals or EUR/USD signals, understanding this term helps you size and manage each trade yourself. The free Forexuro Telegram channel shares daily market updates where these ideas are used in practice.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
Why is EUR/GBP less volatile?
Both currencies are tied to European economies, so many shocks hit both.
Are crosses more expensive to trade?
Spreads are usually a little wider than on majors.
Education only, not financial advice. Trading forex, gold and CFDs carries a high risk of losing money, and leverage magnifies both gains and losses. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future results. Read our risk disclosure.