Basics
- BasicsBeginner
What is a CFD? Explanation, worked example and risks
With a CFD you speculate on a price difference without owning the underlying asset. Here's how it works, what it costs and why most retail traders lose money with it.
7 min read
- BasicsBeginner
What is a pip and how do you calculate its value?
A pip is the smallest standard price step of a currency pair. Here's how to work out what one pip costs or earns you, with examples for EUR/USD and USD/JPY.
5 min read
- BasicsBeginner
What is forex? How the currency market works
Forex is the trading of currencies. Learn how currency pairs work, who trades them and why most retail traders use CFDs, with all the risks that come with it.
6 min read
Costs
- CostsBeginner
Spreads, commissions and swaps: the real cost of forex
Brokers earn from spreads, commissions and financing. Looking at the spread alone compares apples with oranges. Here's how to calculate total costs.
6 min read
Risk
- RiskBeginner
Leverage and margin: why the risk is bigger than you think
Leverage lets you trade with more money than you deposit. That sounds attractive, but it magnifies losses just as much. Here's how leverage, margin and the EU limits work.
7 min read
Platforms
- PlatformsIntermediate
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView or a proprietary platform?
Your trading platform determines how you analyse, place orders and manage risk. The differences between MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and proprietary platforms.
7 min read
Safety
- SafetyBeginner
How to check whether a broker is licensed
A licence is the most important requirement for a trustworthy broker. Check it yourself in five steps, and learn how to spot a clone firm.
6 min read