CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% 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 all your money. Read full risk warning.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% 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.

What Is a CFD in Forex Trading?

Learn what a CFD is and how it works in forex trading. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of trading CFDs and whether it's the right choice for you.

Filip Dimkovski - Writer for Fortrade
By Filip Dimkovski
Joel Taylor - Editor for Fortrade
Edited by Joel Taylor

Published November 13, 2023.

A CFD, or Contract for Difference, is a derivative financial instrument that allows traders to speculate on the price movements of assets without having to own them.

In CFD forex trading, traders could potentially profit from rising and falling prices, as they can buy or sell currencies with leverage. Moreover, using leveraged trades, traders can potentially increase their returns if the market moves in their favor while limiting their losses should the market move in an unfavorable direction.



Advantages of Using CFDs in Forex Trading

Using CFDs in forex trading offers a variety of advantages traders can make use of. Let's go over the following:

  • Increased market accessibility: CFDs provide traders access to markets they couldn't trade otherwise. This includes products such as international currencies, commodities, and , in some cases, even cryptocurrencies.
  • Leverage: By using CFDs to trade currencies, traders can leverage their trades to increase potential returns or limit losses, depending on the current market conditions.
  • Flexibility in trading strategies and diverse currency pairs: With CFDs, traders can use various trading strategies and access different currency pairs since they provide excellent flexibility.
  • Low capital requirements: Unlike other types of trading and investing, CFDs don't require much capital to start, which makes them potentially good for traders with limited financial resources.

» Develop your trading skills: See our beginner trading courses and advanced trading courses

Risks of Using CFDs in Forex Trading

Despite their benefits, CFDs come with certain risks and drawbacks. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Potential for substantial losses: Since CFDs are leveraged instruments, traders may experience substantial losses if the market moves against them.
  • Market volatility: As an instrument class, CFDs are volatile, meaning prices can suddenly shift in either direction. This unpredictability is a potential risk when trading forex with CFDs.
  • Currency fluctuations: Since forex trading typically involves multiple currencies, exchange rate fluctuations can significantly affect a trader's profits.

» Find out how to open an account with Fortrade

CFDs as Optional Trading Tools

CFDs offer wider market access, leverage, and flexibility in trading plans. However, there are potential risks, such as losses and currency fluctuations. Experienced traders who understand these risks could potentially benefit from short-term price movements in forex markets without taking substantial risks.