Flux Markets | CFDs – Contracts for Difference Skip to main content
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

CFDs CONTACTS FOR DIFFERENCE

The benefits and risks of trading CFDs

What is a CFD?

CFD trading allows you to speculate on whether the price of a financial asset will go up or down. This allows you to potentially profit in both rising and falling markets, making a profit if you’re right or a loss if you’re wrong.

CFD trading is particularly attractive because it doesn’t require the same major financial outlay as actually buying the asset you’re speculating on. The price you pay depends on the margin, which is typically a fraction of the asset’s value.

Benefits of Trading CFDs

  • Leverage: CFDs allow you to control a large position with a smaller initial investment. This can amplify potential profits but also increase potential losses.
  • Access to diverse markets: With CFDs, you can trade a wide range of assets, including commodities, currencies and more all from a single platform.
  • No ownership of assets: You can speculate on price movements without needing to own the underlying asset. This simplifies the trading process and avoids issues like storage costs for commodities.
  • Profit from rising and falling markets: CFDs allow you to go long (buy) if you think prices will rise or go short (sell) if you think prices will fall, giving you opportunities to profit in both market directions.
  • Low costs: CFD trading often involves lower transaction costs compared to traditional trading, as many brokers offer competitive spreads and no commissions on trades.
  • Flexible trading hours: Markets such as FX are open 24/5, allowing you to trade outside regular market hours and take advantage of global market movements.
  • Hedging opportunities: CFDs can be used to hedge existing investment portfolios against potential losses by taking opposite positions in the CFD market.

Risks of Trading CFDs

  • Leverage entails some level of risk since it can magnify your gains while also making you lose more than you had initially deposited.
  • Market volatility could make prices change extremely fast, resulting in unexpected profits or losses
  • When trading using leverage you must ensure the equity value of the account is always sufficient to cover the margin requirement of your open positions.

The equity value is calculated as cash balance +/- PnL from open positions. If this dips below 100% of the margin requirement, an account will be on a ‘margin call’. Failure to meet a margin call by adding more funds onto the account may result in positions being liquidated, to reduce exposure and to bring the margin requirement back below the equity value of the account. In the event of an adverse movement in fast-moving markets there may not be time to top up the account in between it going below 100% and hitting the liquidation level.

Alternatively, the investment could be sold at a loss to settle the call. Rapid loss could occur in such a fast-moving environment; more so if your bet is on a losing percentage. The nature of these markets can lead to psychological stress and poor decision-making.

  • In most cases, trading costs will eat into your profits.
  • Changes to the law could alter the manner or possibility of trading altogether.

Therefore you should assess the risks and, if you trade, ensure that you only risk what you are willing to lose.

FAQs

What is the difference between spread betting and CFD trading?

Spread betting is exempt from Capital Gains Tax in the UK* while CFDs are taxed on capital gains. Spreadbetting has expiry dates on the position (well into the future) whereas you can theoretically have a CFD trade open for as long as you like. The way you set up the trade is different, for CFD’s you have lots for spread betting you have £ per point. *depending on your personal tax circumstances, and could be subject to chance. Always consult with a tax professional.

How does leverage work in CFD trading?

Leverage allows you to control a large position with a smaller deposit (margin). It amplifies both potential profits and losses based on the size of your exposure rather than your initial investment.

What are the risks associated with trading CFDs and spread bets?

Key risks include market volatility, the use of leverage amplifying losses, overnight fees, and potential currency conversion risks for non-GBP traders. You can lose more than your initial margin.

How do I manage risk when trading CFDs?

Use risk management tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders, manage position sizes, limit leverage, and stay informed about market conditions. Diversification can also mitigate risk.

How do I calculate my profit or loss in a CFD trade?

Profit or loss = (Closing price – Opening price) x Position size. If the asset moved in your favor, you profit; otherwise, you incur a loss.

What costs are associated with trading CFDs and spread betting?

Costs include the spread (difference between buy and sell price), overnight financing fees, and currency conversion fees (if applicable).

How are CFDs taxed?

In the UK, CFD profits are subject to Capital Gains Tax, unlike spread betting, which is exempt for retail traders where trading isn’t their full-time job. Tax treatment varies by country and individual, so consult with a tax professional.

What instruments can I trade with CFDs?

On Flux Markets you can trade outright oil products, bio fuel products, metals and 10 major FX pairs.

How do I place a CFD trade on the platform?

Select the asset you want to trade, decide the size of your position, set any stop-loss or take-profit levels, and choose whether to buy (go long) or sell (go short). This is true for FX pairs only, for trading our Oil products it is phone dealing only – this manner is apparent on the platform. Simply select the phone icon on any given product and deal through our brokerage.
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