CFDs vs Futures: Differences, Advantages, and How to Choose

By definition, a CFD (Contract for Difference) is an agreement between two parties that exchange money based on the change in the value of an asset. In the relationship between an intermediary and the trader, there is an agreement where the former gains profit if the market moves in the direction forecast for the purchase of the CFD. For instance, with a "Buy" CFD, profits are made based on the increase in price, while with a "Sell" CFD, you will profit if the price decreases. CFDs, therefore, allow you to make profits from both the increase and decrease in the prices of underlying assets, offering a wide range of flexibility and the possibility of using leverage to increase potential profits.

CFDs offer several advantages, especially in terms of convenience, speed, and practicality, including:

• CFDs provide access to a broad range of markets and underlying assets, including stocks, commodities, currencies, and stock indices.
• With Contracts for Difference, you can make investments from your computer, smartphone, or tablet with a single click: open positions can also be closed immediately after. This allows you to take advantage of rises lasting just a few minutes, then close the position, and profit from it.
• CFDs eliminate bureaucracy, as there is no need to hold paper titles, which are deposited in a bank, and only tradable after specific investment advice and consultations.
• With CFD trading, you can make a profit even from declining prices.
• Contracts for Difference offer the possibility of using risk management tools, such as stop loss and limit orders, to protect your investments.

Futures are standardised agreements between two parties that have a fixed expiration date and price. It is an agreement to deliver a base product at an agreed time and price in the future, hence the name "Futures". Futures are derivative contracts as the underlying product is not owned. Its value, on the other hand, is related to the price movement of an asset. This latter can be an index, a financial instrument, or a commodity.

Futures allow traders to benefit from future movements in the price of an underlying asset, such as commodities, currencies, or stocks. Here are some of the benefits of trading futures:

• Traders can use margins to purchase several Future contracts, maximising potential profits.
• Futures markets are highly liquid with plenty of buyers and sellers available, and this allows traders to quickly enter and exit positions.
• Futures trading provides the opportunity to hedge against price movements, reducing the risk of losses.
• Traders can use Futures to build a diversified portfolio and minimise risks.
• Futures markets are extremely regulated and transparent, making prices easy to track.

Here are the differences between Contracts for Difference and Futures contracts:

• Expiration Date: Futures contracts come with a predetermined expiration date, while CFDs do not.
• Tradable Asset Classes: Futures contracts can be used to trade indices, currencies, commodities, and bonds. On the other hand, CFDs offer a broader range of tradable assets, including stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, and more.
• Asset Ownership: When it comes to Futures, you will own the assets in case of a physical settlement but not in cash, while with CFDs, you will never own the underlying assets.
• Trading Venue: Futures contracts are traded on the stock exchange, while CFDs require over-the-counter operations between brokers and traders.
• Flexibility of Operation Size: Futures are standardised in lots, while CFDs can be traded in reduced sizes.

Both Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Futures contracts offer opportunities for investors to profit from price fluctuations. So, how to make the right choice? CFDs may be more suitable for traders who seek short-term investments across a range of markets, while Futures contracts are a better option for medium/long-term trading in more specific markets, such as commodities. Regardless of the type of contract you choose, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the risks and opportunities associated with both types of contracts, so that you can make an informed decision that aligns with your investment needs.