When investing in shares a trader has two options. One option is to purchase actual shares in companies on different exchanges where they are listed; this is known as share trading. For example, you can purchase Apple shares on the NASDAQ stock exchange, where you have a stake in the company. This is known as a more long-term approach to investing, where the trader is usually expecting the price to rise over a the time frame of months to years. Share trading is popular but lacks the flexibility, in the form of leverage, that CFDs offer.
The alternative to buying shares is CFD trading on shares. A trader can purchase a contract for difference (CFD) on a particular equity, speculating of the price difference of an underlying asset (in this case a share) without having to own it. A CFD is a derivative product where a broker typically agrees to pay an investor the difference in the value of a security between an opening and closing price. Traders can open long positions (speculating that the price will rise) or short positions (speculating that the price will fall). CFD trading tends to be considered a short-term investment, where trades are opened and closed within day to week timeframes.
The vital difference between taking a long position with a CFD and purchasing a security is the ability to make leveraged trades. CFDs are traded on margin, which means that a trader can open larger positions relative to the amount of initial capital they have.
| Contracts for difference (CFDs) | Traditional shares |
|---|---|
| Trade CFDs using leverage to gain greater exposure with your initial capital | Pay the full value of your trade up front |
| CFDs are exempt from stamp duty | When you buy shares, you pay stamp duty of 0.5% on the transaction |
| With CFDs, you can open a long or short position, so you can profit from rising and falling markets | When purchasing shares, you can only profit from rising prices |
| Trade a variety of financial instruments across shares, indices, commodities, currencies and cryptocurrencies | Trade equities only |
| Trade at all hours on numerous markets | Trade only during stock exchange opening hours |
| No shareholder privileges | Receive shareholder privileges |
Comparing CFD trading and shares trading
| CFD trading | Share trading | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Trading a contract, on margin, where the value is derived from an underlying asset, which you do not own | The buying and selling of deliverable shares in a company on an exchange |
| What kind of trading is it suitable for? | Suitable for intra-day, day, and medium-term trading | More suitable for long-term trading |
| Do I pay to keep positions open? | There is a charge levied for keeping CFD positions open overnight | No |
| Range of markets | You can trade CFDs across shares, indices, currencies, commodities and cryptocurrencies, with 2,000 to choose from on Capital.com’s platform | Capital.com offers 1,700 equities to trade with CFDs |
Example of CFDs vs share trading
Buying Tesla
| CFD trade | Share trade | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 302.42 / 302.64 | 302.42 / 302.64 |
| Deal | Buy at 302.64 | Buy at 302.64 |
| Deal size | 10 shares | 10 shares |
| Initial outlay | $605.28 (Margin 5:1) | $3026.40 |
| Close price | Sell at 323.8 | Sell at 323.8 |
| Profit | $211.6 (21.16pt increase x 10 shares = 211.6) | $211.6 (3238 - 3026.40 = 211.6) |
Is CFD trading cheaper than share trading?
With CFD trading, you are only required to pay a fraction of the upfront value of your trade, known as the margin, which means you can access a position of equivalent size in the stock market for less money. When you buy a physical share you are paying for the full cost of the asset upfront. This, however, does not mean your total exposure is any different with either method. While leverage can amplify profits, it can also amplify losses.
The costs associated with CFDs and share trading also differ. When trading CFDs with Capital.com, you do not get charged any commission; you simply pay the spread and any associated overnight fees. However, with shares, depending on your broker, you will probably be charged commission, and you have to pay the stamp duty exercised on the security.
Can I use CFDs to hedge my existing share portfolio?
CFDs provide an excellent insurance opportunity to hedge your existing portfolio due to the fact that you can sell short, speculating on a price downtrend. Say, for example, that you have an existing portfolio of blue chip shares. You want to them hold for the long term, but you feel as if the market is about to witness a short dip, and you are concerned about how this will affect the value of your portfolio. With leveraged trading, you can short-sell this market in order to hedge against this possibility. If the market slides, what you lose on your portfolio can be offset by the gain from your short hedge using CFDs. If the market rises, you will lose on your hedge but gain on your portfolio.
Why CFDs?
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
