CFDs vs. Spread Betting

CFDs are often the best instrument for active traders, but UK and Irish traders may have a more tax-efficient method: what is known as ‘spread betting’. I will explain key differences between CFDs and spread betting, allowing you to decide which derivative is the best fit for your trading requirements.

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What are CFDs? 

A CFD (contract for difference) is a leveraged derivative product allowing the client to trade the price movements of the underlying asset with their broker without owning the physical asset. Traders still get exposure to corporate actions on shares, including dividend payments and stock splits, but do not pay shares stamp duty tax, as they never take possession/ownership of assets. This has made CFDs the primary derivative of choice for non-US traders (CFDs are not available in the US) where futures and options brokers are the primary way for traders to be short an instrument.

What is Spread Betting? 

Many traders compare spread betting to gambling on a binary outcome, and because of this most professionals disregard it, as it does not involve trading in the traditional sense. Spread betting is only available to residents of the UK and Ireland. It is a leveraged derivative contract allowing traders to place a bet with a monetary value per point on the directional movement of the share price. The primary benefit of spread betting is that it is free of capital gains tax in the UK (unless you are classified as a full-time trading business), making it an excellent product for day traders.

CFDs vs Spread Betting Comparison 

Before deciding on CFDs or spread betting, traders in the UK and Ireland who have access to both should review the below table to understand the differences and how then can benefit most from either method.

Features 
CFD Trading
Spread Betting
Availability 
International, non-US
UK, Ireland
Derivative instrument 
Yes
Yes
Leveraged 
Yes
Yes
Long positions 
Yes
Yes
Short positions 
Yes
Yes
hour dealing 
Yes
Yes
Stamp duty 
No
No
Corporate actions 
Yes
Yes
Capital gains tax. 
Yes
No
Direct market access (DMA)
Yes
No
Corporate account 
Yes
No
Currency conversions 
Yes
No
Expiry 
No (except futures CFDs)
Yes (but distant expiry times)
Commission 
Yes, percentage-based with minimums
No, spread only
Hedging
Yes, traders can offset losses against taxable profits
Yes, but losses are not tax deductible
Trade size
Number of CFDs 
Account base currency per point
Currency 
The underlying currency of the CFD
The account base currency, usually £ (UK) or € (Ireland)
Profit / Loss
Price difference multiplied by the number of CFDs
Price difference multiplied by the stake

Pros and Cons of CFD Trading and Spread Betting 

CFD trading and spread betting may appear similar in core aspects, but each has pros and cons. Traders should evaluate before deciding which leveraged derivative contract suits their trading style.

The pros of CFD trading and spread betting:

CFD Trading
Spread Betting
Identical to trading physical shares
No stamp duty
Leverage
No capital gains tax
24/7 trading
No currency conversion fees
Ideal for hedging
No commissions
No stamp duty
Leverage
Losses are tax-deductible
24/7 trading is possible
DMA access on shares
 
Tight spreads
 

 

The cons of CFD trading and spread betting:

CFD Trading
Spread Betting
Commissions
No tax deductions on losses
Currency conversions
Only available in the UK and Ireland
 
Wider spreads, financing costs can be expensive

 

Who Should Trade CFDs? 

CFD trading is ideal for traders seeking an identical approach to physical share dealing but without taking ownership of the underlying asset, whilst still enjoying the benefits of ownership such as corporate actions like dividend payments.

Traders who wish to hedge their physical shares, trade with leverage, get DMA access, require a corporate account, or reap the benefits of tax-deductible losses will also benefit from CFD trading versus spread betting.

Who Should Use Spread Betting Instead of CFD Trading? 

Traders who want to trade international assets from their local currency, usually the British Pound for UK based traders and the Euro for Irish traders, will typically find spread betting a better choice. Spread betting is tax-free, giving it a significant advantage over CFD trading, and it is commission-free but often features wider spreads. Spread betting also affords greater transparency over price action moves, as a spread better can bet a certain amount, known as the stake, per point.

CFDs vs Spread Betting Example 

Here is an example of how CFD trading and spread betting work from a trader’s perspective.

CFD trading example:

  • Assume a trader bought 100 CFDs in Company XYZ at 50 and sold it at 52, the same as buying 100 physical shares.
  • The profit equals 100 x 2 (the difference between the entry and exit point of the trade) or 200.
  • A move from 50 to 48 would result in a 200 loss.

Spread betting example:

  • Assume a spread better placed a spread bet on Company XYZ with a 100 stake per point, and the price moves from 50 to 52.
  • The profit equals 200, the same as the CFD trade, but it is commission-free and a tax-free profit.
  • A move from 50 to 48 would result in a 200 loss, the same as the CFD.

Conclusion:

The mechanics of a CFD trading and a spread bet are almost identical from the trader’s viewpoint, but spread betting remains tax-free and commission-free, therefore resulting in higher potential net income.

Bottom Line 

CFD trading and spread betting may appear nearly identical on the surface but have legal and technical differences that traders should understand. The most notable advantages of spread betting are the lack of capital gains tax and the ability to trade international markets in local currency (GBP). For example, speculating on the price action of a Japanese company quoted in Japanese Yen with British Pounds.

CFDs are an excellent derivative contract for traders who seek exposure to price action without taking ownership of the underlying asset while functioning identically to physical share dealing.

FAQs 

Is Forex classed as CFD trading or spread betting?

It can be classified as either. Forex is an asset class available as both a CFD contract and as spread betting derivatives.

Is CFD trading the same as spread betting?

No. While both share many similarities, notable legal and technical differences exist.

Does leverage work the same on CFD trading and spread betting?

Leverage works the same on both, and swap rates/financing on leveraged overnight positions apply, making both ideal for trading but not necessarily investments due to the increased cost of carry.

Adam Lemon

Adam Lemon began his role at DailyForex in 2013 when he was brought in as an in-house Chief Analyst. Adam trades Forex, stocks and other instruments in his own account. Adam believes that it is very possible for retail traders/investors to secure a positive return over time provided they limit their risks, follow trends, and persevere through short-term losing streaks – provided only reputable brokerages are used. He has previously worked within financial markets over a 12-year period, including 6 years with Merrill Lynch.