FxBrokerReviews.org – Spread betting is a type of financial derivative that enables traders to speculate without actually purchasing the underlying assets, such as shares, indexes, or foreign exchange. Instead, they are placing bets on price direction (up or down).
Spread betting, as opposed to stock trading or forex trading, enables traders to profit even when the price of asset declines. For instance, if a trader believes that the price of a certain item will decline, he will sell that asset, which is equivalent to betting on the asset’s decline in value.
Similar to selling, purchasing entails betting on the asset’s appreciation. And you succeed in that transaction if the asset’s performance matches your prediction. But if it doesn’t, the deal is lost.
Also read: All That You Need To Know About The Best Way To Gain Profit And How To Avoid Spread In Forex
By dividing the bet size by the asset’s unit of movement, you may determine your gains or losses. The amount of money you wager for each unit of movement is known as the bet size. The movement is expressed in points or pip units.
All spread bets have a time frame of between a day and a few months, but you have the option of closing them sooner or later.
Spread betting v/s Forex Trading
Spread betting and Forex trading are two distinct investment strategies, notwithstanding the misconceptions of some. One of the most significant distinctions between them is that traders who place spread bets do not purchase the assets they are betting on and can still earn if the asset’s value decreases. Contrarily, in forex trading, traders must sell one currency to acquire another, and they can only profit if the currency they bought appreciates relative to the one they sold.
Forex spread betting is a method of trading that enables investors to wager on changes in the exchange rates of different currency pairings.
One of the biggest benefits of forex trading is that it is much less risky than spread betting and allows traders to execute trades with small initial investments. On the other hand, spread betting has much higher potential profits than forex trading.
Also read: Why Is Forex Spread Important And What Are The Best Forex Spread Trading Strategies?
Spread betting and CFDs are more comparable than spread betting and forex trading. Using CFDs (Contracts for Difference), traders may also speculatively bet on changes in an asset’s price. However, they are only wagering on whether the price will grow or fall; they are not wagering on the unit of movement. The profits are determined by dividing the price variation by the quantity that was purchased by the trader.
Wondering whether spread betting is regulated?
Spread betting is permitted in the UK. However, only brokers that are subject to FCA regulation are permitted to provide such services to UK residents.
Spread Betting and Taxation
Spread betting has a few benefits over other forms of investment, one of which is that it is tax-free. Spread betting is regarded as betting in the UK and is exempt from Stamp Duty and CGT. However, if gambling is someone’s only source of income, they could have to pay taxes on their winnings.
Worried about whether spread betting is risky?
Yes. Spread trading is one of the riskiest investment strategies since there is a significant chance that you might lose a lot more money than you first invested. Despite the seeming high potential for gains, the majority of people—especially newcomers—lose money rather than gain it. Every online broker who offers spread betting cautions customers to exercise the utmost caution while trading them.
Also read: The Lowest Fixed Spread Brokers And Fixed Spread ECN Forex Brokers In 2022
How do you spread the bet?
Here are a few easy steps to placing a spread bet:
Select a strength.
You must first decide which item to wager on.
You may either purchase or sell.
You must select “purchase” if you believe the price will increase. However, select “sell” if you believe the price will decrease.
Decide on the stake.
Decide how much you’re willing to sacrifice for each unit of mobility.
Add a take profit or stop loss.
If the spread bet drops below a given price, a stop-loss will automatically close it, and if it makes a certain profit, a take profit will do the same.
Follow the market.
Each spread bet may be terminated whenever you are satisfied with the winnings it produces.
Wondering how to choose the Best Spread Betting Broker in the UK?
Make sure to select the top spread betting broker if you want to have a wonderful trading experience while using spread betting. The Traders Union specialists have compiled a concise list of characteristics of a top spread betting broker to assist you in learning how to pick one. These are them:
FCA Regulation
Your money will be secure if you trade with an FCA-regulated broker. Although being governed by foreign financial authorities is advantageous, FCA regulation is necessary for UK dealers.
Low spreads and commissions
Since most brokers make money from the spread they have for the assets you select, they often do not charge additional charges for spread betting. Therefore, you ought to pick a broker with minimal spreads.
Big choice of assets
You have more opportunity to profit from price swings in various marketplaces when you trade with a broker who provides a wide selection of trading assets.
Demo account
Beginners may test out new techniques in live market conditions with a demo account without having to risk any of their own money. However, some brokers give up demo accounts for a little period of time without charge. Therefore, you want to pick a broker who offers a free sample account.
Low bet sizes
When placing a spread bet, traders decide how much they are willing to risk for each unit of price fluctuation. For certain assets, brokers typically have minimum wager requirements. Since you should not put large bet sizes as a novice, pick a spread betting broker that allows small bet sizes.
Reliability
The trustworthiness of a broker is measured by the speed of its trade execution and other trading parameters that affect the trading environment it provides to its clients. Reading testimonials from the broker’s former clients is one of the finest techniques to determine their dependability.
Low leverage
High leverage trading is not advised for new traders since, while it might boost their earnings, it can also raise their losses. Beginners should select a broker with minimal leverage since they are more likely to lose money while spread betting.
Best Spread Company in 2022
1. FXPRO
In 2006, the FxPro broker was founded in Cyprus. Financial watchdogs including CySEC in Cyprus, the SCB in the Bahamas, the FCA in the UK, and the FSCA in South Africa oversee FxPro. Currently, FxPro provides services to institutional and retail clients in more than 170 nations. The FxPro broker offers trading in more than 70 currency pairings, futures, and equities. The business has access to metals, energy sources, and stock indexes. By keeping customer cash in major international institutions, FxPro upholds rigorous security requirements. In contrast to being a portion of the broker’s equity, they are secured.
To provide its consumers with a fantastic trading experience, FxPro makes use of the widely-known MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, as well as a customised trading platform for spread betting called FxPro Edge. This broker provides its clients with negative balance protection.
Additionally, FxPro has EURUSD spreads that start at only 0.1 pip on average.
2. IG
A broker with UK registration, IG Markets was established in 1974. The FCA in the UK is in charge of overseeing this broker. Spread betting and CFD trading are two of the financial derivatives that the IG broker specialises in offering services for. Additionally, it enables users to trade cryptocurrencies, equities, and commodities.
The average EURUSD spread is one pip, and its spreads begin at 0.6 pips. Other than the spread, the broker does not charge commissions for spread betting; however, if you want to make a spread bet last longer, you will need to pay additional expenses. Additionally, it has minimum bet sizes for each type of asset, which typically range from £1 to £5.
IG Markets uses a proprietary trading platform for spread betting and CFDs. It also offers a demo account for its beginner users to test strategies and gain more trading experience.
3. FXCM
FXCM Markets provides traders from practically every nation in the globe with access to a broad variety of financial services. The business was founded in 1999 and is officially registered in the UK. In the UK, ASIC in Australia, and CySEC in the EU, it is governed by the FCA.
A wide variety of trading products, including forex trading, equities, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, are offered by FXCM. A variety of trading platforms are also available, such as Trading Station Web, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. Beginner traders may test their tactics in actual market circumstances by using a demo trading account.
With a beginning spread of 1.3 pip and an average EURUSD spread of 1.3 pip, this broker’s spreads are a little higher than those of other brokers. Spread betting is not subject to any extra charges at FXCM.
4. Pepperstone
ASIC in Australia and the FCA in the UK are two of the respected regulators that have issued licences to Pepperstone, an online broker that was established in 2010 in Australia. Client assets are kept in combined accounts with big banks. These specifics demonstrate the business’ dependability and guarantee the security of the client’s finances.
Fast order execution, minimal fees, and extremely low spreads starting at 0.0 pips are some of this broker’s other benefits. The EURUSD spread is typically 0.09 pips.
To enable its customers to trade CFDs on Forex, index, stocks, currency indices, commodities, and spread bets, Pepperstone makes use of the well-known MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader platforms.
Spread betting does not incur any additional commissions at Pepperstone. For newbies, there is also a sample account, although it is free for only one month.
5. CMC Markets
CMC Markets, which was established in 1989, has been in operation for more than 30 years and has gained the trust of its customers by adopting a confident stance in both the exchange and over-the-counter markets. Among the trading assets accessible are CFDs for equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and conventional currency pairings.
This broker is regarded as being highly secure because it is governed by the MAS in Singapore, the FMA in New Zealand, the ASIC in Australia, and the FCA in the UK. Low spreads, swift trading order execution, and a reliable platform draw traders.
Great spreads are available from this broker starting at 0.7 pips, which is the same as the typical EURUSD spread. There are costs associated with keeping a spread betting position open overnight at CMC Markets, but there are no commissions for spread betting.
6. City Index
In 1983, the London-based broker The City Index was established. Customers of this broker can also place spread bets. City Index is authorised and governed by the MAS in Singapore, the ASIC in Australia, and the FCA in the UK. It is safe since it is overseen by trustworthy financial authorities.
Customers of City Index may trade Forex, CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, metals, cryptocurrencies, and spread bets using MetaTrader 4, Web Trader, and a mobile app.
The average EURUSD spread for this broker is 0.69 pips, and low spreads are available beginning at 0.5 pips. In addition, there are no commissions on spread betting other than the spread.
Additionally, City Index offers a sample account that allows newbies to test out methods with $10,000 in bonus money, however the demo account is only free for 12 weeks.
7. NAGA
Innovative broker NAGA places a strong focus on social networking. NAGA gives users access to MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5, as well as a comprehensive copy trading function called AutoCopy.
Depending on the item traded, spreads will change, however prominent currency pairings like EUR/USD will often have an average spread of roughly 2.8 pips. Given that many other brokers provide spreads as low as 0.5 pip, they are in no way competitive.
On select currency pairings, commissions are also levied at a rate of 3.33%; a complete list of these currency pairs may be seen on the Naga website.
When compared to many other brokers in the business, Naga’s price offer isn’t very aggressive overall.
Also read: How secure is the NAGA trading platform?
8. Markets.com
Because it is governed by the FSCA in South Africa, the CySEC in Cyprus, and the FCA in the UK, Markets.com is another excellent spread betting broker. The broker has been offering consumers from all around the world services for easy trading and investing since 2008. Over 2,200 assets, including forex, cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, bonds, commodities, and precious metals, are available on Markets.com. This broker utilises a customised trading platform in addition to the well-known MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms.
This broker offers leverage of up to 1:300 with an average EURUSD spread of 0.7 pips. Additionally, it offers free instructional resources and a sample account for users to practise trading.
9. ETX Capital
A London-based brokerage company named ETX Capital was established in 2002. The corporation is governed by the FCA. ETX Capital provides a range of trading instruments, including Forex, indices, equities, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies, using the MetaTrader 4 and its own Trader Pro platform. Additionally, this broker offers narrow spreads and excellent educational resources. The exclusive TraderPro platform from ETX Capital was crowned the top trading platform in 2018 by the UK Forex Awards and Online Personal Wealth Awards.
The spreads offered by this broker begin at 0.6 pips, which is the same as the typical EURUSD spread. Users of ETX Capital are permitted to trade with leverage of up to 1:400. Additionally, it offers a free sample account and beginner-friendly teaching resources.
10. Capital.com
Three renowned financial regulators—the CySEC in Cyprus, the FCA in the United Kingdom, and the ASIC in Australia—regulate Capital.com, a reliable broker. The money of Capital.com’s clients is kept in separate accounts with European banks.
This broker provides access to a wide range of assets, including equities, cryptocurrencies, foreign exchange, indices, commodities, and futures, using the MetaTrader 4 platform. This broker offers a sample account and helpful learning resources for newcomers. Additionally, Capital.com offers tight spreads and doesn’t charge any fees for placing spread bets.
Bottom Line
Spread betting is a very hazardous game, and many individuals lose money instead of making it, but it may be rewarding for seasoned traders who are adept at correctly predicting price variations of various assets.
With the introduction of electronic marketplaces, spread betting has effectively cut entry barriers and produced a huge and diverse alternative economy. Spread betting is continually becoming more sophisticated.Particularly when two businesses provide different spreads on similar assets, arbitrage enables investors to profit from pricing differences between two marketplaces.Spread betting continues to be plagued by the temptation and dangers of overleverage. Spread betting is an appealing prospect for speculators due to the minimal capital need, available risk control techniques, and tax advantages.
If you are doubtful about choosing a spread company you may choose one among the above mentioned companies like IG,NAGA etc.
