CFD vs Futures

Leverage is the ability to control a large amount of assets with a small amount of capital, and it’s typically expressed as a ratio between the initial margin and trade value.

Traders look to take advantage of being able to access wholesale products with a smaller amount of capital available.

Leverage trading increases both the potential for a higher return, and increased losses. It’s important to employ strict risk management when trading leveraged products.

With that in mind, let’s compare CFD and Futures.

CFDs are known for their leveraged nature, allowing traders to take larger positions in the market with a smaller initial investment.

The leverage ratio varies depending on the asset and the broker, but it can significantly amplify potential profits or losses. Margin requirements are imposed by the broker to cover potential losses and typically range from 1% to 30% of the total position value as regulated by ASIC.

Futures contracts also offer leverage, although the leverage ratio varies depending on the specific contract and market conditions. Intraday margin requirements for futures trading can be as low as 0.2% of the total contract value.

Overnight margins typically range from 5% to 15% of the total contract value, again subject to variation. These margin requirements in futures trading are designed to manage and mitigate potential risks associated with leverage.

While Futures contracts have an expiration month (contract expiry), CFDs do not. With Futures, if a trader wants to keep open a position that he or she opened earlier in the month, then he or she must roll it over by entering into a new contract for the same underlying asset at the prevailing price.

Let’s now look at how expiry (or lack of) works with CFDs and Futures.

CFDs have no fixed expiry date. Traders can hold their positions as long as they want, closing them at their discretion. However, some brokers may charge overnight financing fees for positions held overnight.

Futures contracts have fixed expiry dates and need to be settled by the delivery of the underlying asset or cash settlement depending on the contract.

For traders who wish to continue their positions beyond the expiry, they must roll over their contracts to the next available expiry month.

Keep in mind that longer-term trading of Futures carries overnight risk which can include a large margin requirement. This is why we choose to day trade Futures rather than hold positions overnight.

CFDs are traded through a broker, rather than directly through an exchange. Because of this the broker plays a role in just how liquid an asset is.

Conversely, Futures are traded directly to an exchange. Because of this the major Futures products are some of the most liquid available.

CFDs allow traders to access a wide range of markets, including stocks, indices, commodities, and Forex.

The liquidity of CFDs depends on the underlying market and the broker. It is important to choose a reputable broker with strong liquidity and a wide asset offering.

Futures contracts are primarily traded on regulated exchanges, ensuring high liquidity. They provide access to various asset classes, including commodities, indices, currencies, and interest rates.

The standardized structure of futures contracts promotes liquidity and transparency in the market.

CFDs are priced based on a bid/ask price which is determined by supply and demand. This means that there is no consistency in the cost to trade CFDs.

The bid/ask is also controlled by the broker to help manage risk and drive profitability. Because of this you may not be getting the best price.

CFD brokers have the ability to take the other side of a trade, transition it to a wholesale pool, and earn profits as a spot FX trader. As such, many CFD traders often start with a negative P&L.

Futures contracts have a cost per contract commission which is known up front and generally unchanged. Futures therefore have a simpler and more consistent cost to trade.

The Futures markets are largely considered to be the most well-regulated markets available to traders.

The Futures markets are accessed directly to a centralised exchange. This means that matching orders is simpler and settlement is guaranteed. In addition, there is full transparency to contract pricing and volume, allowing traders large and small to compete on a level playing field.

There is no one centralised exchange for CFDs. CFDs are divided across various unrelated dealers often with little or no price and volume cross reporting.

CFDs neither offer transparency in pricing, nor a level playing field for traders. All of the data that a trader receives is up to the whim of their broker. Because of this, preferential treatment in order of execution and price are easy to manipulate against you.

Both CFD and futures trading offer unique advantages and cater to different trading styles and risk appetites.

CFDs provide flexibility, leverage, and a wider range of underlying assets, while futures trading offers transparency, standardized contracts, and regulated market access.

It is important to thoroughly assess your trading goals, risk tolerance, and familiarity with the underlying assets before choosing between CFDs and futures trading.

Remember, proper risk management and understanding the specific characteristics of each instrument are crucial for success in any trading endeavour.

Want to learn more about day trading? Check out our free day trading course