Spread Betting - best provider?

ler01kjh

Hi,
I am thinking about starting spread betting. I currently hold a fair amount in shares with TD Waterhouse, and they offer a CD account, but I can't imagine its the best place to start. I have received in the past random emails offering 'free' initial incentives to open an account but I have ignored these at the time.
Not planning to spend my life savings on spread betting but I would like to have a go. Its really important for me to have access to live data, news and feeds as well as good rates on commissions.
Would be great if there are people out there who are already doing this who could point me in the right direction, recommend a supplier or would be happy to chat about ideas and results..

Many thanks.

Aegis

You might have better luck on this one in the Gambling Introductory Offer forum, as they talk about spreadbetting quite a lot.

Bazn

there a lots of sites, but i've always kept well clear of spread-betting, as it is little more than gambling and so the bookie is always the winner in the end!

GucciMane

IGmarkets

But i wouldnt suggest you try it unless you have background in charting, its a different kettle of fish.

srg751

Be V careful! I too fancied SB until I did my research and found out that only 20% of punters actually win, and there is a lot of concern from the regulators about just how much money people are loosing on this online form of gambling. Your choice and good luck.

cepheus

You would be better going to a specialist forum such as
http://www.trade2win.com/boards/spread-betting/

My advice is always paper trade to start with until you have hit upon a strategy you can live with and produces consistent profits. Start small and bet in proportion to your net balance so your losses are limited.

Betfair have some of the narrowest spreads and attractive financing rates, CMC are probably better on news though.

Bear in mind the main reason people lose on average is simply because trading has costs, and these exceed those of the theoretical profits, and the latter has only a 50% chance of a positive expectation without a strategy that beats the market, no easy feat!

The reason most people gain at longer term investing is because of dividend payments and the market going up on average, so if the number of transactions are few the trading costs are proportionately low in relation to the profits.

Spread betting (along with Futures and CFDs) allows one to gain from falling as well as rising markets and to minimise commission costs and avoid stamp duty. However spread betting companies increase the market spread (or in some cases skew the mid price or requote) to generate a profit for themselves which negates some of the benefit for the punter.

binay

I too have a small pot in Spread Betting ... I Use 2 main brokers -
Intelligent Investor - smallest bets available and 100/- bonus ( not sure if bonus still available - check online )
IG - Great charts & Iphone access

As mentioned above - Use money that you can afford to risk / lose .
Best Of Luck