Cryptocurrency trading

A cryptocurrency is a type of digital money created from code. They function autonomously, outside of traditional banking and government systems.

Cryptocurrency trading is the process of speculating on a digital currency's price movements. Exposure to cryptocurrencies' price movements can be achieved without owning the asset via a CFD trading account, or can be bought and sold on crypto exchanges.

There are a number of costs to consider when trading CFDs on cryptocurrencies, including spread costs, holding costs (for trades held overnight - this is essentially a fee for the funds we 'lend you' to cover the leveraged portion of the trade) and guaranteed stop-loss order charges (if you use this risk-management tool).

Learn more about our trading fees

We've aimed to provide a diverse, balanced view of the cryptocurrency market's performance. For the Major Crypto Index, we've established a cap so that no single cryptocurrency can constitute a weighting of greater than 40% of the index. While no individual constituent makes up more than 40% of the Emerging Crypto Index, we may establish a cap of 40% for this index should it become necessary at a future date. The All Crypto Index gives 60% of the total weighting to major cryptos and 40% to emerging coins. Each individual cryptocurrency is then weighted equally within that banding. The weightings of any uncapped component that then fall below a 5% floor will be increased to that value, taking proportional market capitalisation from any uncapped index component.

We monitor our crypto indices periodically to see whether any adjustments need to be made to constituent weightings. We will also monitor closely for any hard or soft forks which may mean adjustments to the constituent cryptocurrencies are necessary. In the event that such adjustments are made, we will also change the index divisor to ensure that there is no resulting impact on the index prices.

One of the advantages of trading CFDs is that you only need to deposit a percentage of the full value of your position to open a trade, known as trading on leverage. Remember, trading on leverage can also amplify losses, so it's important to manage your risk.

There's no cost when opening a live trading account with us. You can also view prices and use tools such as charts, Reuters news or Morningstar quantitative equity reports, free of charge. However, you'll need to deposit funds in your account to place a trade.

CMC Markets Germany GmbH is a company authorised and regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). CMC Markets complies with the requirements of §84 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) regarding client funds.

CMC Markets Germany GmbH is a broker regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). It holds funds of private clients separately from its own funds in separate bank accounts. In the unlikely event that CMC Markets Germany GmbH is unable to meet its financial obligations, the EdW would cover any claim for damages by claimants up to €20,000, provided that certain criteria are met.

Retail client money is kept in separate trust accounts. By keeping retail client money separate from CMC Markets' own funds, it ensures that retail money is not owned and cannot be used by CMC Markets, as it is held on trust for retail clients. Learn more about client money regulations.

Our income primarily comes from our spreads, while other fees, such as overnight holding costs, make a minor contribution to our overall revenue.