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Trends & Analysis
News

Oil surges over 3% on elevated Middle East tensions

News

Broadcom stock tanks 13% despite record Q2

News

Gold prices rise on easing Middle East tensions

News

Japan’s Nikkei 225 hits record high

News

HPE stock jumps 28% on Q2 beat, boom in AI business

News

Oil spikes over 1% as Israel intensifies attacks

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Spread definition

Spread refers to the difference between the bid and ask quotes for a financial asset. This represents the difference between what a market maker is willing to pay and to accept to buy or sell a given asset. The wider the spread, the more profit the market maker expects to make per unit sold – a clear sign of lower liquidity. When liquidity is reduced, market makers expect to make more profit to cover the cost and risk of buying and selling the securities.

 

What spread indicates

Spread is important to traders for a number of reasons. Firstly, it shows how much it will cost to make a trade. You will need your profit to exceed the spread before any eventual sale of your securities can be profitable. Secondly, spread is a useful guide for overall liquidity. If spreads suddenly widen, then the market may be entering a period of increased volatility and reduced liquidity.

 

Additionally, arbitrage opportunities exist when two market makers offer different prices, with the bid price of one below the ask price of another. These opportunities are rare in major markets, but allow for a risk-free profit when they do occur.

 

Start trading with ADSS

ADSS offers a range of global markets for traders, with opportunities in indices, commodities, forex, equities and more. We also feature tutorials, how-to guides, and weekly webinars to help you navigate the financial markets and find better trading opportunities. You can start trading and investing online by opening a live trading or demo trading account.

 

See all glossary trading terms


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Investing in CFDs involves a high degree of risk that you will lose your money due to the use of leverage, particularly in fast moving markets, where a relatively small movement in the price can lead to a proportionately larger movement in the value of your investment. This can result in loses that exceed the funds in your account. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and you should seek independent advice if necessary.

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