FAQ

Please read these FAQs (and the rest of our site) before asking questions. You may get your answer much quicker!

What is Spread Betting?

To give a simple answer is quite difficult but, in essence, it’s a way of trading various instruments like Shares, Indices, Currencies, Futures, Commodities, etc. in which profits can be taken without paying tax! Spread Betting is also available on Sports and other markets as well as financial ones.

What’s a CFD?

A CFD is a ‘Contract For Differences’. In law a Spread bet is defined as a contract for differences but it is usually understood that a CFD is used by corporate and high value investors. Unlike a spread bet a CFD will attract tax on the profits but the losses can be set off against tax.

Why should I pay you for a course when many Spread Betting companies have free courses?

Most company courses require you to attend their premises. Ours is delivered to you at home for you to undertake at your own pace. Also, ours is designed to give you the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable you to trade with any company - not just the one giving the course. One company told me that 70% of its clients made a loss. I don’t think that’s much of an endorsement of their courses!

What is MIFID and how does it affect me?

MIFID is the acronym for the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, a piece of European law that comes into force in 2007. It governs, amongst other things, Spread Betting and puts requirements onto the companies that operate in that field. For more information, download our Free Report.

Do you personally Spread Bet?

I used to bet on financial markets but I no longer do so. The reason is simple – a number of the Spread Betting companies use my services as a consultant from time to time. It would be completely unethical for me to bet with them when I could be in a privileged position. I have taken the view that it’s better that I just don’t bet with any of them.

How long does it take to become a proficient spread better?

It varies from person to person. But, on average, we’d suggest a period of about 3-4 months is spent ‘learning the ropes’, e.g. placing small bets only, before you should bet with larger sums.

Which spread betting firms do you recommend?

It’s not really my place to recommend companies. From time-to-time we make arrangements with one or other to offer some special facilities to our students on completion of a course, such as a free bet or a period in which only very low value bets are accepted in order to help the learning process.