FX trading is one of the oldest forms of global trade, dating back hundreds of years. With a daily amount of $6.6 trillion, the forex market is now the world’s most traded financial market.
The CFD market is younger than the forex market, with a shorter history dating to the early 1990s. On the other hand, CFDs have emerged as an innovative trading instrument and are becoming increasingly popular among traders.
Similarities
- Trade Execution: The trade execution process is similar, and the product is traded over-the-counter (OTC). This means that transactions are decentralized and occur across a network of financial institutions.
- Going long or short: Positions can be taken long or short in both markets. This is one of the primary benefits of trading forex and CFDs. Traders can bet on the price moving in any direction. These markets are highly volatile, with prices fluctuating. If you believe the financial asset will perform well, you can go long, i.e., buy. If not, you believe the asset will lose value, allowing you to go short, i.e., sell.
- Cost: The spread is the only cost for trading both. Traders pay commissions and other fees for other types of investments. Review trade245.
- Possessing assets: You do not own the underlying assets when trading forex or CFD. When traders purchase EURGBP, they are not purchasing the actual currency. The traders are making a bet on the exchange rate. CFD is comparable. When you buy an Apple stock CFD, for example, you speculate on the price movement rather than owning the stock. Forex can be thought of as a subset of CFDs.
Differences of CFDs and Forex
The primary difference between CFD trading and forex trading is that CFD trading involves various types of contracts covering a diverse pair of markets such as indices, energy, and metals. In contrast, forex trading only offers pure currency trading.
When you trade CFDs, you can choose from various contracts that differ in increment value and currency type depending on the county from which the underlying asset originates. Forex trading is the exchange of one currency for another, and it is always done in unified lot sizes.
The general factors that tend to influence the different markets are a final difference between CFD trading and forex trading. CFD trading is primarily influenced by specific factors such as supply and demand for a given commodity or trend changes in business sectors. On the other hand, Forex trading is primarily influenced by global events such as large shifts in employment or international political modifications.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to trade CFDs or forex, consider your preferences, risk profile, and ultimate trading goals. Both trading opportunities have advantages and disadvantages, and each market can provide you with a trading advantage. When traders have enough knowledge and practice in both the CFD and forex markets, they may choose to trade both.
You can make an informed agreement if you understand what makes CFDs similar to and different from forex. This will result in a more effective trading strategy and, in the long run, will increase your chances of establishing a successful and rewarding trading career in either or both global markets.