Derivatives like options are particularly suitable to protect yourself against a market downturn. Spread betting can also be used in this respect and the fact that there is no minimum dealing size means that you can hedge...

Examples: Trading Shares via Options Share Example: Let us use an example such as BP. Assume it is November, and you are interested in betting on the March option. The current mid-cash-price of the share on the stock market is...

You can spread bet on options as well, but it must be emphasized that the risk factor in this instrument for betting is very great. The ‘gearing’ attached to options is considerable, and this is increased...

Some spread betting firms like City Index and IG Index will allow you to spread bet in equity and index options – although these are only appropriate for the more experienced as this is probably the most complex form of...

Traders who wish to speculate on market volatility may want to consider opening a spread betting position in CBOE volatility index (VIX) futures. How can you do this? For the last few years the financial markets have measured...

As I’m typing this article Gold has been plummeting…Are we in for a Gold Bubble? I think not. Of all your family members, what percentage have told you they own gold in any form? Of all your friends, how many have...

Before looking into seasonality cycles and their effects on commodities trading it is important to note that seasonality by itself does not make up a trading system (don’t go and buy oil futures just because colder weather...

Spread betting providers offer spread bets on a wide range of metals, oils and other commodities (oil and gold being the most popular). You can even spreadbet on the future price of soft commodites like coffee and soybeans in a...

Making commodity prices accessible At one time the commodity markets were only open to professional futures traders but now these fast-moving prices are readily accessible to anyone with a spread betting account. This makes it...