Quote from Eric215:
Though some of your post has truth to it, this statement is not how most FX dealer spreads work. The dealer does not need another retail trader to offset for a profit. The dealer quotes a spread that is completely outside of, and surrounds, the inter bank wholesale rate. They make their spread profit no matter what. Here is an example: If the Usd/Cad has a bank quote of 921 X 923 the dealer will have a quote surrounding that, like 919 X 925. So when you sell to the dealer at 919, they immediately sell to the bank at 921 and pick up the 2 pip difference for a profit. It is obviously visa versa for buys. So again, they do not need another retail trader to offset your trade for a profit. If they do hold your position, and don't offset it, they are doing this as a strategy to make a larger profit because they know you (not you personally), and most retail traders, are not profitable. I hope this helps make the dealer profit model more clear. Good trading.