ETF trading

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investment funds that hold a collection of underlying assets such as shares, commodities and bonds. ETFs are quoted on exchanges and can be bought and sold like shares.

ETFs can track a broad index, industry sector or specific market.

When investing in ETFs, you buy and own units in the fund, and deposit the full value of your position upfront.

When spread betting or trading CFDs, you speculate on the price movements of an ETF without owning the underlying asset. This means you can take both long and short positions.

Spread bets and CFDs are leveraged products, meaning you only need to deposit a percentage of the full trade value to open a position.

ETFs can provide exposure to a wide range of markets and asset classes, including stock indices, commodities, bonds and industry sectors such as financials and energy.

ETFs are commonly used by traders and investors seeking diversified market exposure through a single product.

We offer extended trading hours on selected products, including US ETFs. Please check our trading platform for the latest products and trading hours available. To view the ETFs that you can trade around-the-clock from Monday to Friday, log in and select Products > Library > Extended Hours.

Although ETFs can provide diversified exposure to a basket of assets, their value can still rise and fall depending on the performance of the underlying assets and broader market conditions. As a result, you could lose money if the market moves against your position.

When trading leveraged products such as spread bets and CFDs, profits and losses are based on the full value of the position, not just the initial deposit (margin). This means leverage can amplify both gains and losses, and you may lose more quickly than when investing without leverage.

It's important to understand the risks involved and consider using risk-management tools, such as stop-loss orders, to help manage your exposure.

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

Yes, CMC Markets UK plc (registration number 173730) is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Retail client money is held in segregated client bank accounts and money held on behalf of clients is distributed across a range of major banks, which are regularly assessed against our risk criteria.

Under the FCA's Client Money rules, we're required to segregate client money (unless you agree with us otherwise) from CMC's own funds. The funds held in segregated bank accounts do not belong to CMC, and will be held in a way that enables it to be identified as client money. Learn more about client money regulations

CMC Markets earns revenue through spreads and other applicable fees and charges. The fees and charges that apply may vary depending on the product and account type.