What are CFDs?

• What are CFD Trading and How Does it Work?
• How Does CFD Trading Work?
• Advantages of Trading CFDs
• Why Trade CFDs with Friedberg Direct

What are CFD Trading and How Does it Work?

Welcome to Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology's comprehensive guide on CFD trading—a dynamic and popular financial instrument. In this article, we will explore the world of Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and provide you with a clear understanding of what CFD trading is and how it works.

Whether you're a novice trader looking to expand your knowledge or an experienced investor seeking to diversify your portfolio, this guide will equip you with the necessary insights to navigate the exciting realm of CFDs.

What is CFD Trading?

A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a financial instrument that allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various assets without owning the underlying asset. When you trade CFDs, you enter into an agreement with Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology, the broker, to exchange the difference in the price of the underlying asset from the time you open the trade to the time you close it.

Monthly contract rollovers for commodity Contracts for Difference (CFDs) involve transitioning from trading an expiring futures contract to a new contract with a later expiration date, ensuring uninterrupted trading. This switch is typically prompted a few days before the contract expiration date and addresses the potential disruptions that would occur due to contract expirations.

Rollovers can involve a price difference between the expiring contract and the new contract. This price difference is often referred to as the "rollover adjustment." It accounts for factors like changes in market sentiment, supply and demand dynamics, interest rates, and more. The rollover adjustment can be positive or negative, depending on the market conditions. Another advantage of CFDs is the ability to go long or short on an asset. This means you can potentially profit from both upward and downward price movements, depending on your market expectations.

CFDs also provide access to a wide range of markets, including stocks, indices, commodities, and Forex, offering ample opportunities for diversification. As we progress in this guide, we will explore the intricacies of CFD trading, including leverage, advantages, risks, practical examples, and risk management strategies. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of CFD trading and the knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic market.

How Does CFD Trading Work?

What Instruments Can be Traded as CFDs?

CFDs offer a wide range of tradeable instruments, allowing you to access various financial markets. With Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology, you can trade CFDs on popular assets such as stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies (Forex). This diverse selection enables you to explore different markets and capitalise on various opportunities.

Going Long Versus Going Short

One of the key advantages of CFDs is the ability to go long or short on an asset. Going long means buying a CFD with the expectation that its price will rise, enabling you to profit from an upward price movement.

Conversely, going short involves selling a CFD with the anticipation that its price will decline, enabling you to profit from a downward price movement.

This flexibility allows you to profit in both rising and falling markets potentially.

CFD Margin and Leverage

CFD trading often involves the use of leverage & Margin.

• Leverage – allows you to control a larger position with a smaller initial capital outlay. With leverage of 10:1, traders can control a position worth CAD$10,000 using only CAD$1,000 of their own funds.
• Margin - Margin is basically the amount of money a trader uses to control a leveraged position. The deposit margin (initial margin) is the initial capital needed to open a position (CAD$1,000 in the previous example), while the maintenance margin is the minimum account balance to sustain the position. If the account balance falls below the maintenance margin, a margin call is issued, requiring the investor to add funds or face the sale of their securities.

Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology provides leverage options that amplify your exposure to the market. There is no ‘one’ level of leverage or margin for all instruments except single stock/equity CFDs where the margin requirement is 30% across the board. However, it's essential to manage leverage carefully, as it can magnify both potential profits and losses.

CFD Trading Costs

When trading CFDs, you should be aware of the fee structure associated with your trades. The three primary fees are the spread, overnight fees, and rollover adjustments.

• The spread refers to the difference between the buy and sell prices of a CFD and serves as compensation to the broker.
• Overnight fees, also known as swap fees or rollover fees, may apply when holding CFD positions overnight. These fees are associated with the cost of maintaining leveraged positions beyond the market's close and can be influenced by factors such as interest rates and market conditions.
• Rollovers are typically initiated a few days before contract expiration, accounting for price differences (rollover debit/credit adjustment) influenced by market dynamics. Traders' long or short positions can be affected accordingly.

Determining Profit and Loss in CFD Trading

Profits and losses in CFD trading are determined by the difference between the opening and closing prices of your positions. If the market moves in your favour, you can generate a profit. Conversely, if the market moves against your position, you may incur a loss. It's important to note that losses can exceed your initial investment, highlighting the significance of risk management strategies.

Hedging With CFDs

CFDs offer the opportunity for hedging strategies to manage risk or offset potential losses.

There are two aspects to consider:

• Hedging physical market exposure with CFDs: If you already have a physical position in an asset, you can use CFDs to hedge that position. By taking an opposing CFD position, you can potentially offset any adverse price movements in the physical market. For example, you have invested your savings in Dollarama shares. The upcoming company news is expected to have a negative impact on the share price. You could hedge the expected losses to your investment portfolio by opening a short CFD position on Dollarama stock. A short position generates profits if the underlying asset’s price is decreasing. This short CFD position would neutralize the losses in the physical portfolio. To learn more, check out our article on Short Selling.
• Hedging one CFD position with another: You can also hedge one CFD position with another related CFD. For example, if you have a long position on a particular stock CFD, you can hedge that position by taking a short position on another stock CFD within the same sector.

CFD Trading Timeframes

Monthly contract rollovers for commodity Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are a critical yet often misunderstood aspect for traders. These rollovers ensure seamless trading continuity by transitioning positions from an expiring futures contract to a new one with a later maturity. This process is prompted days before the contract's expiration to avoid disruptions. However, the perceived loss during rollover adjustments can confuse traders. Rollover adjustments account for the price difference between contracts due to market factors, potentially impacting traders' profits or losses. It's important to note that if you hold CFD positions overnight, you may incur overnight fees. Different traders may prefer different contract durations based on their trading styles and objectives.

Advantages of Trading CFDs

Trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) offer several advantages that make them a popular choice among traders. Let's explore these advantages:

• Leverage: CFDs provide the opportunity to trade with leverage, allowing you to control a larger position with a smaller initial investment. This means that you can potentially amplify your profits if the market moves in your favour. However, it's important to note that leverage also increases the risk of losses, so proper risk management is crucial.
• Access to Various Markets: CFDs offer a wide range of tradeable instruments, including stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies. This allows you to diversify your trading portfolio and take advantage of opportunities in different markets.
• Long and Short Positions: With CFDs, you can profit from both rising and falling markets. Going long allows you to benefit from an upward price movement while going short enables you to profit from a downward price movement. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of different market conditions.
• No Ownership of the Underlying Asset: When trading CFDs, you do not own the underlying asset. This eliminates the need for physical ownership, such as storing or delivering the asset. It also simplifies the trading process, as you can enter and exit positions quickly without the logistical complexities associated with owning the actual asset.
• Cost-Efficient Trading: CFD trading generally involves lower transaction costs compared to traditional investment methods. This is because you do not incur expenses such as stamp duty or brokerage fees associated with owning the underlying asset. Additionally, CFDs often have tighter spreads compared to other financial instruments.
• Liquidity: CFDs are traded on liquid markets, which means that you can usually enter and exit positions easily. This ensures that you can take advantage of price movements and have more control over your trading activities.
• Hedging Opportunities: CFDs provide opportunities for hedging strategies. You can hedge your existing positions in the physical market or offset potential losses by taking opposing CFD positions. This allows you to manage risk effectively and protect your portfolio against adverse market conditions.
• Access to Advanced Trading Tools: Many CFD brokers offer advanced trading platforms equipped with various tools and features. These platforms provide real-time market data, technical analysis indicators, and risk management tools, allowing you to make informed trading decisions and implement your strategies.

It's important to remember that while CFDs offer several advantages, they also involve risks. Understanding these risks and implementing effective risk management strategies are essential for successful CFD trading.

Learn More with Us! You’ve started your journey in CFD trading. Now, let’s go deeper. Our How to Trade CFDs guide is packed with easy-to-follow strategies, CFD trade examples, tips, and step-by-step instructions to help you get ahead.

Why Trade CFDs with Friedberg Direct

• Security and Regulation: Our AvaTrade operations, licensed and regulated by multiple international authorities, embody our commitment to providing a secure, fair, and transparent trading environment. Choose Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology, where your security is our priority. AvaTrade offers its services in Canada through Friedberg Direct, a division of Friedberg Mercantile Group Ltd., a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Customer accounts opened and held in Canada by Friedberg Direct and are protected by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund within specified limits. Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology’s cutting-edge technology ensures that all your personal details are protected by SSL encryption and industry leading protocols.
• Comprehensive Financial Education and Insights: Gain access to a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, articles, video tutorials, and e-books, designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the financial markets successfully. Our in-depth articles and insights cover various aspects of CFD trading, helping you make informed decisions.
• Risk-Free Demo Account: Practice trading CFDs with our risk-free demo account, available to our clients free of charge. Experience real market conditions and test your trading strategies without risking your capital. It's the perfect opportunity to build confidence and refine your skills.
• Seamless Transition to Real-Money Trading: When you're ready to trade with real money, Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology offers robust trading platforms equipped with advanced tools and features. Trade a wide range of instruments with competitive spreads and reliable execution. Benefit from our unique trading resources, including access to Trading Central for comprehensive market analysis and AvaProtect for protecting your trades against potential losses.

Start Your CFD Trading Journey with Friedberg Direct

Take the first step in your CFD trading journey with Friedberg Direct powered by AvaTrade technology. With Friedberg Direct’s regulatory coverage across Canada, we endeavour to ensure a hassle-free trading experience. We provide the tools, resources, and support you need to succeed. Open a risk-free demo account today and practice your trading strategies.

When you're confident and ready, open a real-money trading account on our powerful platforms. Benefit from our comprehensive financial education, unique trading resources, and dedicated customer support.