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 you spread bet or trade CFDs on ETFs through our platform, you don’t buy or sell the underlying ETF. Instead, you’re taking a position on whether you think the ETF price will go up or down.

With spread betting, you buy or sell an amount per point movement for the instrument you’re trading, for example £5 per point. This is known as your stake. With CFD trading, you buy or sell a number of units for a particular instrument. You gain for every point or unit that the price moves in your favour, and vice versa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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