Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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What is spread betting ?
Spread betting allows you to trade rising or falling prices across global financial markets without owning the underlying asset.
You can go long if you expect a market to rise, or go short if you expect it to fall. Your position is measured in pounds per point (£/point), with profits and losses determined by the size of the market movement and your stake.
Spread betting uses leverage, meaning you only need to deposit a percentage of the position's full value to open a trade. This gives you greater market exposure with a smaller initial deposit, but also magnifies potential losses.
How does spread betting work ?
Spread betting involves three decisions: choosing a market, deciding whether you expect its price to rise or fall, and selecting how much to stake per point of movement.
1
Choose your market
Select from global indices, shares, forex and commodities.
2
Go long or short
Buy if you expect the price to rise, or sell if you expect it to fall.
3
Set your stake
Choose how much to stake for each point the market moves (£/point).
Spread Betting Example
You open a long (buy) position on the FTSE 100 at £5 per point.
Market rises 20 points
£100 profit
20 points × £5 per point
Market falls 20 points
£100 loss
20 points × £5 per point
Illustrative gross profit or loss, based on a 20-point movement from the opening dealing price. Figures exclude dealing spreads, overnight funding and other applicable charges. Leverage magnifies both potential profits and losses.
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Why Choose Spread Betting?
Spread betting offers UK traders a flexible way to access financial markets, with several features that distinguish it from traditional share dealing.
Tax-Free Profits*
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No Capital Gains Tax. No Stamp Duty.
Keep more of your trading profits with the UK tax advantages of spread betting.
Trade Rising or Falling Markets
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Go Long. Go Short.
Take positions when you expect prices to rise or fall. Spread betting gives you the flexibility to trade in either market direction.
Trade Global Markets
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One Account. Worldwide Access.
Trade UK and international shares, indices, forex and commodities through the IG trading platform.
Flexible Position Sizing
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Choose Your Stake Per Point.
Set your trade size in pounds per point to suit your trading requirements. Leverage magnifies both potential profits and losses.
Best CFD Broker 2026
Guardian Stockbrokers was named Best CFD Broker 2026 at the ADVFN International Financial Awards.
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Spread Betting FAQs
* Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Tax laws may differ outside the UK.