CFDs are leveraged. Most retail traders lose money, and you can lose more than you deposit.

Lesson 11 · 6 min

Stocks, crypto and futures

Different markets, different rules and protections.

Owning vs CFDs

Buying a share through an investment account means you own it. A share CFD only tracks its price, with leverage and overnight costs.

Crypto exchanges

Crypto exchanges are licensed differently from brokers, and in many countries investor protections are limited. Check the exchange's registration with your regulator.

Futures

Futures trade on regulated exchanges with set contract sizes and expiry dates. Margin is set by the exchange and broker.

Market hours

Stock and futures exchanges have set hours and holidays. See market hours.

Quick check

1. Buying a share CFD means… You own the share You hold a contract on its price You get voting rights

2. Where do futures trade? On regulated exchanges Only with your broker Peer to peer

3. Are crypto exchanges protected like brokers everywhere? Yes No, it varies a lot by country Only in Asia

Education only, not advice. CFDs are leveraged and most retail traders lose money.