Education Center
Comprehensive educational resources to help you understand complex speculative financial products, their risks, and how they work. Knowledge is your best protection.
Basics
- What are CFDs?
- Understanding Spread Betting
- Foreign Exchange Basics
- Market Terminology
Risk Education
- Understanding Leverage
- Margin Requirements
- Risk Management Strategies
- Common Pitfalls
Advanced Topics
- Market Analysis Basics
- Economic Indicators
- Correlation & Hedging
- Portfolio Management
Understanding CFDs (Contracts for Difference)
What is a CFD?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a financial derivative that allows you to speculate on the price movements of an underlying asset without actually owning it. You enter into a contract to exchange the difference in the asset's price from when you open the position to when you close it.
Key Characteristics:
- No ownership of underlying asset
- Can profit from both rising and falling markets
- Leveraged product (higher risk and reward potential)
- Margin-based trading
Example Scenario
• Asset: Company ABC stock
• Price: £100 per share
• Position: 100 shares CFD (£10,000 exposure)
• Margin Required: £1,000 (10:1 leverage)
• Closing Price: £110 per share
• Profit: 100 × (£110 - £100) = £1,000
• Return: 100% on £1,000 margin
• Closing Price: £90 per share
• Loss: 100 × (£90 - £100) = -£1,000
• Loss: 100% of £1,000 margin
Spread Betting Explained
Spread betting is a form of speculation that allows you to bet on the price movement of financial instruments without owning the underlying asset. Your profit or loss is determined by how much the price moves in points multiplied by your stake per point.
Key Features:
- Tax advantages in some jurisdictions*
- Flexible position sizing
- Wide range of markets available
- Can go long or short
*Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change
Spread Betting Example
Spread: 7500 - 7502
Stake: £10 per point
Position: Buy at 7502
Movement: 7520 - 7502 = 18 points
Profit: 18 × £10 = £180
Movement: 7480 - 7502 = -22 points
Loss: 22 × £10 = £220
Rolling Spot Foreign Exchange
Foreign exchange (Forex or FX) trading involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. Rolling spot FX contracts allow you to hold positions indefinitely, with daily rollover adjustments for interest rate differentials.
Market Characteristics:
- 24/5 market (Sunday 5pm - Friday 5pm EST)
- High liquidity in major pairs
- Leverage typically available
- Tight spreads on major currencies
Major Currency Pairs
Risk Factors
Educational Purpose Only
All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Trading complex speculative financial products carries a high risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors.
Examples shown are for illustration purposes and do not account for spreads, commissions, overnight charges, or other costs that may apply. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Before considering any financial products, ensure you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent professional advice if necessary. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
Want to Learn More?
Contact our team for additional educational materials and to discuss whether complex speculative financial products might be suitable for your circumstances.