Contract for difference (CFD) trading is confusing to those new to the markets. However, understanding what a CFD contract is and how to make the best of what is on offer is an important and potentially lucrative undertaking for both new and experienced traders. So, what exactly is a contract of difference contract and how do you find the best deals as a beginner?
What Is A CFD?
If you are familiar with derivatives, then you might have a head start in understanding what a CFD trade entails. A CFD trade refers to a type of short-term investment where you agree to either pay the difference between a certain asset price and an ending price. CFDs are created on underlying assets but buying a contract on a particular asset does not entitle you to the asset itself.
As an example, you could choose to buy a contract on an underlying stock “A” based on its current value. This CFD entitles you to a future amount based on the direction that particular stock moves in the market. The amount will be the difference between the ending price (when you sell the CFD) and what it was when you bought the contract. This also means that the amount can be in the negative if the underlying asset’s price (stock A in this case) falls below the starting price.
Who Sells CFDs In Australia?
CFDs are normally sold and managed through a broker or trading platform. A broker will avail a number of CFDs pegged on the prices as mirrored from the underlying assets’ price in the market. You can look at this site if you ware interested in the CFD market and what is on offer. CFD offers may vary from broker to broker so it’s advisable to be prudent about your choices.
At the same time, you must go through a broker’s terms and conditions and other reputational indicators before you start buying and selling CFDs on their platform. Since they are made between brokers and investors like you, CFDs may be subject to a broker’s interests. Also, go for a broker that as many underlying assets to speculate on as possible. This should include things like stocks, exchange-traded funds, forex, commodities and other assets.
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy CFDs?
Most beginners think CFDs are expensive because they tend to attract experienced traders. However, this has nothing to do with liquidity but has more to do with trading experience. You can start with as low as $SG 3 and buy positions that don’t put you at too much of a risk should you be wrong with your predictions.
Your success and failure in the CFD market depend on your understanding of the underlying asset you are betting on. For example, only buy CFDs on a stock or commodity that you have a good understanding of. If you are good in forex, betting on forex using CFDs is more logical and potentially profitable than any other asset.
Tips for Beginner CFD traders
CFDs can be lucrative and also risky for new traders. It is therefore important that you understand how they work and how to avoid making big losses. Here are some important things you need to know before you start trading CFDs with any broker:
Always start with a demo account– Just like forex trading, most brokers will have a demo account for beginners who want to understand the CFD market before they start trading with real money. Use the demo account to understand how to buy CFDs, how to create stop losses, understanding spreads etc.
Have a trading strategy– Use your time to devise a strategy that will help you trade CFDs. This means knowing how much to put on a contract and how to know when to sell or enter a different position to manage risk.
Finally, watch for volatility– CFD markets can be volatile especially if the underlying asset is volatile. Since CFDs don’t have specific periods, you should be careful when such volatility means you losing money from your trading account.