CFD Forex Trading

CFD forex trading is an increasingly popular method of investing in currencies. Many traders have added forex CFDs to their portfolios. This article will explain what CFD forex trading is, how it works and how to get started. There will also be guidance on forex CFD trading strategies and how to choose the right broker and trading platform.

Best CFD Forex Trading Brokers

  1. Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
  2. DNA Markets - DNA Markets offers a small suite of 250 CFDs covering stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos, providing opportunities to speculate on rising and falling prices. There are no restrictions on strategies with leverage up to 1:30 (Australia) or 1:500 (rest of world).
  3. LQDFX - LQDFX offers a modest collection of CFDs covering currencies, metals, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos. The 50+ technical indicators and drawing tools pre-included in MT4 will facilitate both short-term and long-term strategies.
  4. IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
  5. IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.

CFD Forex Trading Comparison

CFD Forex Trading Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators Visit
Interactive Brokers logo
1:50 $0 $100 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB Visit
DNA Markets logo
1:500 $100 0.01 Lots ASIC Visit
LQDFX logo
1:1000 $20 0.01 Lots - Visit
IG logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA Visit
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC Visit
Videforex logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 - Visit
ForexChief logo
1:1000 $10 0.01 Lots VFSC Visit
Axofa logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA Visit
Sage FX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots Pending Visit
Coinexx logo
1:500 0.001 BTC 0.01 Lots - Visit
RaceOption logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 - Visit
BinaryCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 VFSC Visit
World Forex logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA Visit

#1 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 0.005% (£1 Min)
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
  • Stocks Spread: 0.003
  • Leverage: 1:50
  • Regulator: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral

About Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

Pros

  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.

#2 - DNA Markets

Why We Chose DNA Markets

DNA Markets offers a small suite of 250 CFDs covering stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptos, providing opportunities to speculate on rising and falling prices. There are no restrictions on strategies with leverage up to 1:30 (Australia) or 1:500 (rest of world).

"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.7
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.0
  • Stocks Spread: 1.0 cent + $0.02 per share, per side (Apple)
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Regulator: ASIC
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5

About DNA Markets

DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 250+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.

Pros

  • Short-term trading strategies are permitted including scalping and automated trading using Expert Advisors (EAs)
  • Low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees
  • Convenient account funding with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods

Cons

  • Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
  • Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app
  • There are limited educational and research tools, reducing its appeal to beginners

#3 - LQDFX

Why We Chose LQDFX

LQDFX offers a modest collection of CFDs covering currencies, metals, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos. The 50+ technical indicators and drawing tools pre-included in MT4 will facilitate both short-term and long-term strategies.

"LQDFX is best for active day traders looking for ultra-tight spreads, low fees and high leverage up to 1:1000. Forex traders will particularly appreciate the strong range of 70+ currency pairs with minimum deposits starting from $20."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 0.90
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.1
  • Stocks Spread: 0.05 (Apple Inc)
  • Leverage: 1:1000
  • Platforms: MT4

About LQDFX

LQDFX is a straight-through processing (STP) broker based in the Marshall Islands. The offshore trading firm offers competitive spreads from 0.0 pips, free deposits, 24/5 support and access to the hugely popular MetaTrader 4 platform. LQDFX also runs a competitive bonus program for short-term traders.

Pros

  • Leverage is available up to 1:1000 for experienced day traders
  • There are multiple STP account types with fast execution speeds, plus an Islamic swap-free option and PAMM accounts
  • The broker offers the industry favorite MT4 platform and mobile app, with 30 technical indicators for chart analysis

Cons

  • The lack of regulatory oversight is a concern, although the broker does claim to use segregated accounts and balance protection
  • It's a shame that there's no copy trading platform for beginners or experienced strategy providers
  • There are no additional charting platforms available, such as MT5 or a proprietary solution

#4 - IG

Why We Chose IG

IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.0
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.9
  • Stocks Spread: 0.02
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA
  • Platforms: Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

About IG

Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.

Pros

  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges

#5 - IQCent

Why We Chose IQCent

CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

- DayTrading Review Team
  • FTSE Spread: 1.4
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.8
  • Stocks Spread: N/A
  • Leverage: 1:500
  • Regulator: IFMRRC
  • Platforms: Online Platform, TradingView

About IQCent

IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.

Pros

  • The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes

Cons

  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders

What Is CFD Forex Trading?

A contract for difference (CFD) is a contract between a buyer (trader) and a seller (broker) that stipulates that the difference between the current value of an asset and its value at the end of the contract will be paid to one of the parties at the expiry. CFDs allow investors to profit, or lose, from price movements without having to own the underlying asset.

How CFD Forex Trading Works

Essentially, CFD forex trading entails opening trades based on whether the value of one currency will rise or fall against another.

The investor can speculate on either upward or downward movement in the value of the currency. If they think the value of the base currency will rise, they will open a long position. If the value does increase, the net difference between the purchase and sale prices will be the net result of the trade (either profit or loss).

Similarly, the trader could believe the value will drop and open a short position. In this case, the profit or loss is the net result of the value between the initial price and the final value.

CFD forex trading strategies

A good way to understand CFD forex trading is to look at an example, such as the GBP/USD forex pair. Consider that the ask price is 1.20720 and an investor believes the value of the pound (GBP) will rise against the US dollar. That investor purchases 1,000 pips of GBP.

Two weeks pass and the value of the GBP has risen as the investor predicted, the bid price is now 1.22220.

The trader is paid the difference between the initial ask price and the final bid price, multiplied by the size of the trade. That is 0.015 multiplied by 1000, which equals a £15 profit.

CFD Forex Trading Vs Spot Forex Trading

Forex trading can be conducted with or without CFDs, but what difference does it make?

In non-CFD (spot) forex trading, traders still speculate on the value of a currency rising or falling against its pair.

However, they then directly buy or sell the currency, depending on their position. This means the investor owns the currency itself and more money is required to buy the currency. Profit or loss is then finalised by directly selling the currency when the price has risen or fallen.

In CFD forex trading, you are only speculating on the value rising, without buying and owning the currency. CFD brokers usually require a much smaller margin (around 5%) and any profit or loss comes from the spread between the initial currency value and the final value of the currency.

Where You Can Trade Forex CFDs

CFD regulations vary in different countries. CFD trading, forex or not, is banned in the US and Brazil. However, many other major trading countries allow these instruments. Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Hong Kong all allow forex and CFD forex trading in over-the-counter (OTC) markets.

Strategies

There are a few different trading strategies you can adopt when trading forex CFDs. We will run through four of the most popular below.

Day Trading

This is the practice of making short-term trades on the same day. Typically, the CFD forex trading position is held for anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours before being sold, though it is not generally held overnight. The premise involves taking advantage of volatile forex pairs and requires high levels of concentration, you need to constantly monitor the market and be ready to make quick decisions.

Scalping

This is similar to day trading, except that positions are held open for minutes at a time and closed as soon as it becomes profitable. Again, this involves constant monitoring of the market.

The strategy hopes to minimise risk by reducing the opportunity for a reversal and profits are made by the aggregation of many low-profit, high volume trades. Margin trading is often used to facilitate scalping, though you should be careful as one large loss can erode a significant portion of your progress.

Position Trading

Position traders don’t take short-term approaches like day traders and scalpers. Instead, a position trader will buy CFD contracts and hold them for a few days or weeks. This is a strategy that doesn’t require such constant monitoring of the market but it can need perseverance if there are market dips.

Swing Trading

Swing trading is suitable in more volatile markets than position trading. The emphasis is on looking for strong price swings over one or several days. The strategy entails identifying short-term trends and waiting for signs of a reversal, trading against the trend once there are some. Swing trading may require that CFD forex positions be held overnight, incurring additional interest fees.

Pros Of CFD Forex Trading

Cons Of CFD Forex Trading

How To Start CFD Forex Trading

This step-by-step guide will help you get started trading forex CFDs:

Choose A Broker

The first thing to do is select the best CFD forex trading brokerage for you. Low spreads and financing fees are two basic things to look out for, along with trading platforms, asset ranges and customer service.

There are many brokers, both regulated and unregulated. Forex and CFD trading with Videforex, IG Group, Oanda or XTB are popular choices. Additionally, more options, like CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, oil and gold are available with XM.

Those investors looking for mobile trading may want to consider Trade Interceptor and xStation, both of which offer APK and iOS trading apps.

Select An Asset

Each forex pair comes with a different level of risk. Major pairs like USD/GBP are relatively stable and demonstrate strong liquidity. Exotic pairs such as GBP/HKD are more volatile and have more dramatic price movements, giving more potential for those that know what they are doing.

Open A Position

Once you have selected an asset, you can open a CFD forex trading position by taking out a contract. Be sure to check the leverage ratio and ensure you have the funds to cover any potential losses. Also, look at implementing stop loss and take profit orders to limit risk.

Monitor & Close Position

Keep an eye on the price and trends for the currency pair you have a position open on. Many platforms will have a mobile app for you to use on the go. Consider any fees when looking to leave the position open overnight. As soon as the price is right, close your position and finalise the trade.

CFD forex trading definition and tips

Trading Tips

This list of tips will boost your CFD forex trading skills:

Final Word On CFD Forex Trading

CFD forex trading is a way to speculate on the foreign exchange markets without physically converting currencies. Investors can make use of high leverage rates and simpler fee structures than their spot forex counterparts. However, it is important to implement robust risk management systems and carry out detailed research to guide your strategy. See our list of recommended CFD forex brokers and follow the guide above to get started.

FAQs

Why Is CFD Forex Trading Illegal In The US?

Part of the reason is that they are an over-the-counter (OTC) product. This means they don’t pass through regulated exchanges and hence the US have banned them.

CFD forex trading is legal in the UK, whether you use a regulated broker or not. However, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated brokers have several restrictions and rules they must abide by to protect their clients, including segregating bank accounts.

Is CFD Forex Trading Taxable In The UK?

Yes, CFD forex trading is taxable in the UK. While you won’t pay stamp duty, profits are eligible for capital gains tax (CGT), unlike spread betting.

What Is The Difference Between CFD Forex Trading And Spread Betting?

Spread betting is very similar to CFD forex trading in that they are both forms of financial speculation using derivatives products.

However, where CFDs can be closed whenever the investor wishes, spread bets have a fixed expiration date (though they can be exited before this). Moreover, CFDs are charged commissions and fees, with taxable profits, where spread betting brokers make money from spread markups and profits are tax-free.

What Is The Difference Between CFD And Forex Trading Vs Share Trading?

CFD forex trading is very different from share trading, be it a spot or CFD itself. The main difference is the underlying assets, with forex CFDs based upon the performance of a pair of currencies, where shares are based on company stock prices.