Quote Currency The second currency quoted in a currency pair in forex. In a direct quote, the quote currency is the foreign currency. In an indirect quote, the quote currency is the domestic currency. Also known as the "secondary currency" or "counter currency". Understanding the quotation and pricing structure of currencies is essential for anyone wanting to trade currencies in the forex market. If you were looking at the CAD/USD currency pair, the U.S. dollar would be the quote currency, and the Canadian dollar would be the base currency. Major currencies that are usually shown as the quote currency include the U.S. dollar, the British pound, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc and the Canadian dollar.