What does a forex trader contribute to society?

Hi All,

Since we are all here in this forum to learn to seriously and profitably trade forex, I think that it would be useful if we can understand the answer to the question -- What does a forex trader really contribute to society?

I suppose that the profits made by a forex trader are included in a country's GDP but I'm not referring to that. What I'm referring to is how does the activity of trading forex help people directly or even indirectly through helping stimulate the economy. I'm not an economist, so if trading forex helps stimulate the economy, then how does the mechanics of that work and how does that stimulation filter down to the common man in the street?

If you're profiting from a business wouldn't it be more satisfying to know that you're at the same time helping people in some way by that business activity. It's easy to understand how other businesses that produce or retail goods, or provide services are contributing to society, but what will we be contributing to society by trading forex?

Looking forward to your answers.

Forex traders help determine a fair exchange rate....thats if they are value traders(value traders help to make prices more informative). There are numerous ways that this is a good thing. The Liquidity we offer can be used for Multinational companies to pay workers in another currency.

To be honest, Ill look after myself though before I start worrying about society.

quite simply, we earn or hope to earn more money... more money = more tax, more tax = more welfare for bludgers and 'stimulus' packages

Tax will be paid regardless. The only question is what Government it will go to, depending on where the winning trader pays taxes.

Speculation provides liquidity and price stability. Other than that, very little. If you need to feel like you're contributing to society then you can either go become a doctor, or make money trading and donate it somewhere worthwhile.

Personally, I don't really care if I contribute to society. Society has done very little to contribute to me, I don't feel a need to return the favor.

You could be eating grass like in third world nations, rabid. Society (in the US, anyway) provides you with opportunities (such as public roads, transportation, internet access, libraries, etc) that would not be available otherwise. And if you can't pay your doctor bill, you get "free" treatment in the ER.

As everyone here has said, you are providing liquidity when you trade (assuming you are not in a bucket shop)

Sure, but I pay for them too. I pay taxes to keep the public roads in shape (even tho many aren't, pot-holes abound), I pay taxes and registration fees along with all the regular costs associated with transportation. I pay $100 a month for internet access and phone and cable service. And of course taxes for police, taxes for libraries, etc.

Now I agree that most of those are good things, perhaps even necessary things in a modern society, but I don't feel the need to contribute to society. Society and I have a business relationship, not a charitable one.

If you feel the need to be a good contributing member of society... well, all I can say is Good Luck. Perhaps pick a pet charity you can trust and work with it. Speaking from experience there's an awful lot of scams out there.

I contribute my good looks. I think most would agree that I'm the best looking one that is a member of FF. When I walk around town, my good looks spur others to look better themselves, in which they join gyms and buy better food. I also give people a good sense of what they could almost look like if they really tried, which brings a sense of hope.

So ya, if I didn't trade then, what the hell are we even doing here?