Index trading allows you to take a position on the performance of a group of shares rather than an individual company.For example, the FTSE 100 tracks 100 of the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, while markets such as Wall Street, US 500 and Germany 40 represent major US and European equity markets.With Guardian Stockbrokers, indices can be traded using spread betting or CFDs through the IG platform. These are leveraged products, so both profits and losses can be magnified.

Guardian Stockbrokers clients can access a wide range of global index markets through IG.Major markets include the FTSE 100, Wall Street, US 500, US Tech 100, Germany 40, France 40, Japan 225 and Hong Kong HS50, alongside other international indices.Availability, trading hours, spreads and margin requirements vary by market and product.

Spread betting and CFD trading both allow you to take a position on whether an index will rise or fall without owning the underlying shares.With spread betting, you trade in pounds per point and, under current UK tax rules, profits are generally free from Capital Gains Tax and stamp duty. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.With CFD trading, you trade a number of contracts. Capital Gains Tax may apply to profits, while losses may be offset against taxable gains, subject to your individual circumstances. No stamp duty applies to index CFDs.Both are leveraged products, so losses as well as profits can be magnified. We have highlighted them here Spread betting vs CFD trading

To open an indices trading account with Guardian Stockbrokers, complete our online application form.We will then guide you through the account-opening process with IG, including the required identity checks and an assessment of whether leveraged trading is appropriate for you.Once your account is approved and funded, you can access index markets through the IG platform with the support of your Guardian relationship manager.If you are new to index trading, you can also use an IG demo account to explore the platform and practise with virtual funds before trading with real money.Open CFD account now

Yes. Index spread bets and CFDs are leveraged products. This means you only need to put up a percentage of the full position value, known as margin, to open a trade.Leverage gives you exposure to a larger market position than the amount of margin you deposit. However, profits and losses are calculated on the full position size, so leverage can magnify both gains and losses.For many major indices, IG’s current retail margin requirement is 5%, equivalent to leverage of 1:20.

Guardian Stockbrokers clients access index markets through IG’s established trading technology.You can trade through the IG web platform and mobile app, with access to live prices, charts, technical indicators, trading alerts and risk-management tools. Additional platforms, including ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4, are also available for eligible products and accounts.Guardian provides the personal stockbroking relationship and support, while the underlying trading technology and execution are provided through IG.

Yes. Guardian Stockbrokers clients can trade indices through the IG mobile trading app.The app provides access to live prices, charts, technical indicators, trading alerts, position management and risk-management tools, allowing you to monitor and manage index trades while away from the desktop platform.