The Spread Betting Comparison Chart gives insight into the various providers according to the value added services they bring their clients.
Be it market updates, iPhone App's, customers support, technical tools - they judge the providers according to the effort they have put into their offerings.
The following spread betting provider comparison table has been compiled according to our personal experience in spread betting, research, feedback from players and correspondence with the companies themselves.
To compare spread betting providers >> Just click on the logo to go through to the provider. If logo does not appear please refresh page.
Capital Spreads
Prime
3%- 15%
Good. Daily reports are relatively thin on the ground when compared to the likes of IG Index and GFT. Reports dominated by the invaluable insight of Simon Denham - head of Capital Spreads. Offer trading seminars with Malcolm Pryor - an independent spread trader. Independence is crucial at such events.
London Capital Group's claim to fame is their offer of the tightest spreads in the market. Add to this an upgraded and more intuitive trading platform that is now able to compete with IG Index and GFT. The London Capital platform is extremely popular amongst white label partners and you are likely to encounter it regularly while choosing your spread betting provider. Capital Spreads also have a wealth of learning tools - educational videos, interactive tutorial, user manual and Capital Training.
IG Index
Prime
10- 75%
Great. A range of market commentary and trading courses. Customer support is also superb - they really helped me out in my early days.
The largest provider in the UK with a vast offering of products to trade - it is no coincidence that more people choose this slick and well supported offering than any other platform. Automated technical analysis function has just been launched that will allow novices to get up to speed quickly with technical fundamentals. A good call if you intend to branch out of spread betting into other products.
SpreadCo
Prime
1- 100%
If you are a beginner worth looking in. I follow Spread Co insights on twitter which prove to be useful and timely. Have not yet developed any daily market reports or technical insight worth mentioning. Customer support good, reflects the small company attitude to service, often we find the big companies offer substandard service and attention to detail that those new to spread betting require. On request Spread Co do offer one-on-one assistance over the phone, via a webinar or even in our offices in Northwood Hills.
A brand that entered the UK market in 2006, not as well known as other major players like IG, Capital Spreads and CMC markets, which of course works against them when trying to entice those new to the game. Operate the Saturn platform which appears to be on par with industry standards. Spread Co do not charge to roll a short position overnight, something their competitors have quietly introduced in the recent past.
City Index
Prime
1- 100%
Organising a training course is easy, market updates and insight not a priority offering. iPhone app is a big bonus.
City Index are amongst the leaders in the market in terms of innovation - their iPhone app is testament to this. A trusted provider that lists Barclays and TD Waterhouse as White label customers. New City Index have just unveiled a new and improved spread betting site.
FinSpreads
Prime
1- 100%
A City Index brand - the impression is this clean and uncomplicated provider is targeting those new to spread betting. Great tutorials and articles on the site to help those new to spread betting get their psychological approach right. iPhone app now available.
This brand falls under City Index who have over the course of Spring 2010 started to push a brand which appears to cater for those new to spread betting. Worth taking advantage of their £100 offer for new account joiners.
GFT
Prime
0.5- 25%
Best for customer support. Great introductory courses and trading material is readily available. £100 opening bonus currently being offered.
A US based provider with a growing presence on the UK and global markets. A clean trading platform with superb customer support for beginners and old hands alike. I started out with GFT and their support and one-on-one advice provided me with the confidence to really get stuck into spread betting.
PaddyPowerTrader
White Label
3%- 15%
Top value added: Analysis, trading tutorials and data provision that is not available elsewhere.
Is a London Capital white label partner - therefore London Capital is the prime provider. However, this is a fantastic choice if you are after value added features, including market reports, advice, broker upgrades and demonstrations etc. These value added features are not provided by the primary provider, and hence the benefit of going with White Label providers such as PaddyPowerTrader.
TradeFair
White Label
3%- 15%
Offer good literature and opening deals if you are starting out. Analysis is however provided by their platform provider and the FT.
Another London Capital Group White Label Partner. They often have good opening incentives for new traders, but when it comes to getting value added you would do well going with PaddyPowerTrader.
FinancialSpreads
White Label
3%- 15%
Need to get a lot done in order to catch up with PaddyPowerTrader and Tradefair.
I have not traded with Financial Spreads to any extent as I have never had reason to. This says something about their customer support services, incentives and value added.
Remember that financial spread betting is a leveraged product and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit. Spread betting may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 September 2010 11:25
Spread Betting Lessons - Cut out the emotion!
Oh, and also a lesson why the Stop Loss is your Friend !
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Spread betting at a glance
Spread betting is a financial product that allows retail and professional investors access to the widest possible number and types of exchange traded instruments.
The spread betting company that you trade through is the market maker, the trader does not actually take ownership of any underlying product. Hence, most jurisdictions do not charge stamp duty on any gains.
The notion that you don't actually own the product ensures spread betting platforms are able to almost instantaneously execute orders on behalf of their client.
Spread betting is a leverage product, your money is able to realise you impressive gains as your earnings come in multiples of the actual change in the underlying product that you are trading.
This is of course where spread betting can also go spectacularly wrong. Losses can be huge, therefore we advise those that are spread betting, or are looking to go into spread betting, to enter each trade with a well thought out strategy. This also means setting a pre-determined stop loss so that losses are cut at a manageable level.
This website is here to offer more insight into this fascinating trading instrument.
