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 Speculative Trading and What Are the Risks?

Speculative trading is incredibly risky with only a small potential for profit

Filip Dimkovski - Writer for Fortrade
By Filip Dimkovski
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Edited by Petar Milenkovic

Published February 22, 2024.

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Speculative trading is a strategy where individuals and investors aim to potentially profit from short-term price fluctuations in markets, often trading on high-risk instruments.

Note: Fortrade offers the ability to trade the price changes of instruments with CFDs and NOT to buy/sell ownership of the instrument itself



3 Potential Risks of Speculative Trading

Speculative trading is incredibly risky, primarily due to the speculative nature in itself, underpinned by market volatility. In simple terms, speculators are heavily reliant on the market's ups and downs, which can be unpredictable and influenced by a myriad of factors that are out of the trader's control.

» Find out how to trade in a volatile market

1. No Guarantees

Speculative trading does not offer any assurance of profitability whatsoever, as the name suggests.

» Trade using the best platforms—see how to open a Fortrade account

2. Possibility of Rapid Market Changes

Rapid market changes pose a significant risk to these types of traders. A sudden regulatory shift, unexpected major news, or drastic shifts in market sentiment can trigger quick and severe price movements. These sudden changes can often lead to significant losses, especially for those who lack the experience or strategies to manage such situations.

» Learn how geopolitical events influence markets and how to use an economic calendar

3. Increased Likelihood of Emotional Trading

As you can probably already guess, speculative trading often consists of high-intensity and high-stress situations. Thus, the prospect of quick gains can lead traders to make decisions based on emotions rather than rational analysis. Traders may succumb to fear or greed, leading to impulsive behavior and poor decision-making, such as chasing losses or taking on excessive risk.

» Learn more: Understanding trading psychology




Speculative Trading: Navigating the Risky Waters

Speculative trading is a high-risk strategy with a small potential for profit, which emphasizes the importance of cautious and informed trading.

In this regard, having a fundamental understanding of the market is paramount, and seeking professional advice can provide a helpful safety net. Always remember that when navigating the unpredictable waters of speculative trading, knowledge, patience, and emotion-free strategies are your best protective gear.