Why You Should (And Should Not Do) CFD Trading

CFD, an acronym of contract for difference, is a contract between a buyer and a seller that demands the buyer to compensate the seller for the difference between the current value of an asset and its value at the time of the contract. CFDs enable traders and investors the opportunity to profit from price movement without possessing the underlying assets. The cost of a CFD contract does not consider the asset’s underlying value: only the price change between the trade opening and closing.

The CFD trade is executed through a contract between a client and a broker. It does not make use of any stock, forex, commodity or exchange. Trading CFDs does offer several advantages that have increased the instruments’ enormous popularity in the past decade, however there are also a few disadvantages that may result in a downfall.

If you are considering taking the route of contract for difference trading, here are the pros and cons of working in CFD trading that can benefit or cause your drawback:

Pros: Provides Higher Leverage

Compared to the traditional trading, the contract for difference has a loftier leverage and is subject to regulation. There are cases where the leverage with 1:500 ration reached enables the investor to receive more potential profit with less capital. However, it is worth mentioning that the goodness of this comes with a possibility of increasing the loss. Hence, CFDs are a better option for a small investor.

Cons: It Is Very Risky

Much like forex trading, CFD trading is volatile and requires precise attention and monitoring when it comes to maintaining the liquidity and margin risks. Failing to provide trading forex malaysia will result in your provider closing your position and you will have to cover the loss.

Pros: It Does Not Require Daily Trading Requirement

Compared to the markets which require a certain minimum amount of capital for daily trading or limiting daily transactions, the CFD market is different – it is not ordained and flexible where the account holders can conduct the trading at any time as they wish.

Cons: Possible Reduction Of Values Through Spreads And Commissions

The opening and closing of the spreads tapers the possibility of gaining profit from small transactions, as well as lowers the winning trades in relation to the base price. Some brokers even grant hidden fees.

Pros: The Industry Has A Wide Range Of Trading Opportunities

CFDs on stocks, indices, currencies and commodity contracts are what the brokers have to offer as a decent alternative to exchange in the trade.

Cons: Weak And Undersupervised


The CFD industry does not have strict regulations. To appoint a broker via their reputation and proficiency are 100% eye-balling, meaning it is based on trust rather than government supervision.

If you decided to go for it, here are the honorable mentions of the best CFD trading platforms to start off your trading skills:

Plus500
eToro
Capital.com
IG
Interactive Brokers
XTB
Oanda
Dukascopy