_________ deal in currencies to benefit from movements in currency exchange markets.

Speculators is indeed the correct answer for individuals or entities that deal in currencies to benefit from movements in currency exchange markets. They participate in the Forex (foreign exchange) market primarily for the purpose of making profits based on their predictions of currency price movements.

Here is a detailed explanation of why speculators are the correct answer and why the other options (Arbitrageurs, Hedgers, and Spread) are not correct.

Why Speculators are the Correct Answer:

1. Profit Motive:

Speculators in the currency exchange markets are driven by the desire to make a profit. They actively buy and sell currencies with the expectation that they can accurately predict and capitalize on price movements. Speculators take calculated risks and aim to profit from the price differentials between various currency pairs.

2. Market Timing:

Speculators often engage in short-term trading strategies, capitalizing on short-lived fluctuations in exchange rates. They analyze market conditions, economic indicators, and other factors to make informed decisions on when to enter or exit the market. Timing is crucial for speculators, as they seek to profit from currency price movements over relatively short time frames.

3. High Risk Tolerance:

Speculators typically have a higher risk tolerance compared to other market participants. They are willing to accept the potential for significant gains but also understand the risk of losses associated with currency trading. This willingness to take on risk is a defining characteristic of speculators.

4. Lack of Commercial Interest:

Unlike hedgers and arbitrageurs, speculators do not have a commercial interest in the underlying assets or commodities linked to the currency market. Their primary focus is on profiting from currency price fluctuations themselves, rather than using currency as a tool to hedge against risks or exploit price differentials in other markets.

Why the Other Options are Not Correct:

A. Arbitrageurs:

Arbitrageurs seek to profit from price differences in the same or related assets across different markets. While arbitrage opportunities can exist in the currency market, they primarily involve exploiting price disparities between different currency pairs or across different Forex markets.

Arbitrageurs are not typically motivated by predicting and profiting from currency price movements; instead, they seek to profit from pricing inefficiencies or disparities.

B. Hedgers:

Hedgers participate in currency markets to protect themselves from adverse currency price movements. They use currency derivatives, such as forwards or options, to hedge against potential losses associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Hedgers’ primary goal is risk management rather than speculative profit-making.

D. Spread:

The term “spread” in the context of currency trading refers to the difference between the buying (bid) and selling (ask) prices of a currency pair. It represents the transaction costs incurred when trading currencies. It is not a participant in the currency market but rather a concept related to the pricing mechanism and transaction costs involved in trading currencies.

In summary, speculators are the correct answer because they engage in currency trading with the primary goal of making profits based on their forecasts of currency price movements. They are motivated by profit, have a high risk tolerance, and are focused on market timing.

In contrast, arbitrageurs seek to profit from pricing disparities across markets, hedgers use the currency market for risk management, and the term “spread” relates to transaction costs and pricing mechanics, not a market participant. Understanding the distinct roles and motivations of these participants is essential in comprehending the dynamics of the currency exchange markets.