Live Chat

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% 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.

Close

Trading Glossary

Take a look at our list of the financial terms associated with trading and the markets. From beginners starting their trading journey to experts with decades of experience, all traders need to clearly understand a huge number of terms.

Clear search results

All

Cryptocurrency

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency supported by decentralised cryptographic technology. It does not rely on any central authority such as a central bank or government like a traditional currency. Instead, transactions are verified by multiple independent computers along a network. This creates several benefits including speed and general transparency. 

Cryptocurrency ownership is recorded in a digital ledger. This ledger then uses strong cryptography to maintain the integrity of transaction records. This controls the creation of more digital currency within the network and to verifies the transfer of coin ownership. Cryptocurrencies are generally viewed as a distinct asset class, yet do not exist in physical form.  
 
What is an example of a cryptocurrency? 
Some examples of popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

What is cryptocurrency CFD trading?
Cryptocurrency CFD trading is using CFDs to trade crypto. This enables traders to take a position on whether a cryptocurrency rises or falls. Cryptocurrency CFD trading opens up more trading opportunities as it allows traders to buy or sell the asset without physically owning it.

Base Currency

What is base Currency?

For Forex trading, a “Base Currency” is the first currency in any currency pair, representing the traded currency. The second currency in the pair is the quote currency. Example: in EUR/USD, the Euro is the base currency, and you can buy 1 EUR by paying 1.1 USD. 

An exchange rate attached to a currency pair indicates how much of the quote currency is needed to buy a single unit of the mentioned base currency. For example, reading EUR/USD = 2.15 means that 1 Euro is equal to $2.15.

What is Base vs. Local currency?
When viewing or receiving a direct quote, the base currency = foreign currency. Likewise, the local currency in a pair is the quote currency.

Currency Pair

What is a Currency Pair?

A Currency Pair is a term used in the Foreign Exchange, or Forex, domain. Currency pairs compare the value of one currency to another — the base currency versus a second comparative or 'quote' currency. A currency pair shows how much of a currency is required to buy a single unit of the currency it is being compared to. It is also known as an exchange rate and is used for all currencies traded in FX markets

What is a foreign currency?
A foreign currency is, very simply, any currency used in a country that isn't your own.

What is the structure of a foreign exchange market?
The foreign exchange market is a decentralized market where global currencies are traded. In this market, participants buy, sell, exchange and speculate on currencies. It operates through a global network of banks, corporations, and individual traders, who buy and sell currencies for both hedging and speculative purposes. The market is open 24 hours a day and it is considered the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.

What are the most commonly traded currency pairs?
The most commonly traded currency pairs are USD/CAD, EUR/JPY, GBP/USD and AUD/CAD.

What is an ISO code?
Each currency is identified by an ISO code. An ISO code is a three-character abbreviated name that is standardized and internationally recognized. For example, the ISO code for the United States Dollar is USD. 

Currency Appreciation

What is Currency Appreciation?

Currency appreciation in relation to Forex trading is defined as when one currency in a forex pair increases in value relative to the other currency in that pair. As such, the now “stronger” currency will cost more of the “weaker” one to buy. The reverse is also true, as that same stronger currency can now buy more of the weaker one when sold.  
  
Is it good if a currency appreciates? 
As one of the currencies in a currency pair goes up (or down), as the demand for it drives it up (or lack of it) or demand for the other currency) drives it down, than the supply does also follows – either less (when in demand) or more of it (when not in demand).  
  
There are several reasons for Currency Appreciation, including the balance of trade, speculation on any of the currencies in that pair, or issues occurring within the international capital market. Traders may attempt to predict currency appreciation by utilizing the economic calendar. This calendar details economic issues which might determine the strengths and weaknesses of the global or local economies and currencies.

Currency Futures Contracts

What Are Currency Futures Contracts?

Currency futures are legally binding agreements that are traded on exchanges, where traders can buy or sell a specific currency at a fixed exchange rate on a future date. These contracts allow traders to hedge against foreign exchange risks by fixing the price at which a currency can be obtained (exchanged). On the expiration date of the contract, the "counterparties" to the agreement must deliver the specified currency amount at the agreed-upon price.

What is the benefit of buying a currency futures contract? 
The main benefit of buying a currency futures contract is that it allows traders to fix the price of a currency and thus hedge against foreign exchange risks.

What is a futures contract in simple terms?
A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a specific asset at a fixed price on a future date.

What happens when currency futures expire? 
At expiration, the counterparties to the contract must deliver the specified currency amount at the agreed-upon price. Traders are responsible for having enough capital in their account to cover margins and losses which result after taking the position. If they wish to exit their obligation prior to the contract's delivery date, they need to close out their positions.

High Frequency Trading

What is High frequency trading?

High frequency trading (HFT) is an automated form of algorithmic trading which uses computer programs to execute large numbers of orders at incredibly high speeds. This allows traders to capitalize on small price discrepancies in the market by exploiting arbitrage opportunities that exist due to different pricing among different exchanges. HFT is widely used today as a way for investors to make quick and efficient trades with a lower cost of entry.

How does high-frequency trading work?
High-frequency trading is an automated system of buying and selling stocks within fractions of a second. By using complex algorithms, traders can analyze and make decisions about the markets at a much faster rate than traditional methods. As a result, high-frequency trading enables firms to take advantage of short-term price fluctuations and generate significant profits.

A-D

Cryptocurrency

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency supported by decentralised cryptographic technology. It does not rely on any central authority such as a central bank or government like a traditional currency. Instead, transactions are verified by multiple independent computers along a network. This creates several benefits including speed and general transparency. 

Cryptocurrency ownership is recorded in a digital ledger. This ledger then uses strong cryptography to maintain the integrity of transaction records. This controls the creation of more digital currency within the network and to verifies the transfer of coin ownership. Cryptocurrencies are generally viewed as a distinct asset class, yet do not exist in physical form.  
 
What is an example of a cryptocurrency? 
Some examples of popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

What is cryptocurrency CFD trading?
Cryptocurrency CFD trading is using CFDs to trade crypto. This enables traders to take a position on whether a cryptocurrency rises or falls. Cryptocurrency CFD trading opens up more trading opportunities as it allows traders to buy or sell the asset without physically owning it.

Base Currency

What is base Currency?

For Forex trading, a “Base Currency” is the first currency in any currency pair, representing the traded currency. The second currency in the pair is the quote currency. Example: in EUR/USD, the Euro is the base currency, and you can buy 1 EUR by paying 1.1 USD. 

An exchange rate attached to a currency pair indicates how much of the quote currency is needed to buy a single unit of the mentioned base currency. For example, reading EUR/USD = 2.15 means that 1 Euro is equal to $2.15.

What is Base vs. Local currency?
When viewing or receiving a direct quote, the base currency = foreign currency. Likewise, the local currency in a pair is the quote currency.

Currency Pair

What is a Currency Pair?

A Currency Pair is a term used in the Foreign Exchange, or Forex, domain. Currency pairs compare the value of one currency to another — the base currency versus a second comparative or 'quote' currency. A currency pair shows how much of a currency is required to buy a single unit of the currency it is being compared to. It is also known as an exchange rate and is used for all currencies traded in FX markets

What is a foreign currency?
A foreign currency is, very simply, any currency used in a country that isn't your own.

What is the structure of a foreign exchange market?
The foreign exchange market is a decentralized market where global currencies are traded. In this market, participants buy, sell, exchange and speculate on currencies. It operates through a global network of banks, corporations, and individual traders, who buy and sell currencies for both hedging and speculative purposes. The market is open 24 hours a day and it is considered the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.

What are the most commonly traded currency pairs?
The most commonly traded currency pairs are USD/CAD, EUR/JPY, GBP/USD and AUD/CAD.

What is an ISO code?
Each currency is identified by an ISO code. An ISO code is a three-character abbreviated name that is standardized and internationally recognized. For example, the ISO code for the United States Dollar is USD. 

Currency Appreciation

What is Currency Appreciation?

Currency appreciation in relation to Forex trading is defined as when one currency in a forex pair increases in value relative to the other currency in that pair. As such, the now “stronger” currency will cost more of the “weaker” one to buy. The reverse is also true, as that same stronger currency can now buy more of the weaker one when sold.  
  
Is it good if a currency appreciates? 
As one of the currencies in a currency pair goes up (or down), as the demand for it drives it up (or lack of it) or demand for the other currency) drives it down, than the supply does also follows – either less (when in demand) or more of it (when not in demand).  
  
There are several reasons for Currency Appreciation, including the balance of trade, speculation on any of the currencies in that pair, or issues occurring within the international capital market. Traders may attempt to predict currency appreciation by utilizing the economic calendar. This calendar details economic issues which might determine the strengths and weaknesses of the global or local economies and currencies.

Currency Futures Contracts

What Are Currency Futures Contracts?

Currency futures are legally binding agreements that are traded on exchanges, where traders can buy or sell a specific currency at a fixed exchange rate on a future date. These contracts allow traders to hedge against foreign exchange risks by fixing the price at which a currency can be obtained (exchanged). On the expiration date of the contract, the "counterparties" to the agreement must deliver the specified currency amount at the agreed-upon price.

What is the benefit of buying a currency futures contract? 
The main benefit of buying a currency futures contract is that it allows traders to fix the price of a currency and thus hedge against foreign exchange risks.

What is a futures contract in simple terms?
A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a specific asset at a fixed price on a future date.

What happens when currency futures expire? 
At expiration, the counterparties to the contract must deliver the specified currency amount at the agreed-upon price. Traders are responsible for having enough capital in their account to cover margins and losses which result after taking the position. If they wish to exit their obligation prior to the contract's delivery date, they need to close out their positions.

E-H

High Frequency Trading

What is High frequency trading?

High frequency trading (HFT) is an automated form of algorithmic trading which uses computer programs to execute large numbers of orders at incredibly high speeds. This allows traders to capitalize on small price discrepancies in the market by exploiting arbitrage opportunities that exist due to different pricing among different exchanges. HFT is widely used today as a way for investors to make quick and efficient trades with a lower cost of entry.

How does high-frequency trading work?
High-frequency trading is an automated system of buying and selling stocks within fractions of a second. By using complex algorithms, traders can analyze and make decisions about the markets at a much faster rate than traditional methods. As a result, high-frequency trading enables firms to take advantage of short-term price fluctuations and generate significant profits.

I-L

M-P

Q-T

U-W

X-Z

Live Chat