Spread Betting Platforms are a popular and cost-effective way of speculating on thousands of global financial markets without actually owning the underlying asset. It is promoted as a tax-efficient* alternative to traditional share dealing and offers traders the ability to profit from both rising and falling prices. The key to successful trading is to understand the risks and implement a sound risk management strategy.

In the market there are many spread betting brokers and each brings something different to the table; this may be their offering of markets, their trading platform or extra features. It is therefore important that you compare them to find the best deal.

Spread Betting Platforms: Tools, Features, and User Reviews

The most common mistake is to focus solely on spreads and the range of markets, forgetting that your chosen broker must also offer a reliable and robust trading platform and a solid back office. The top companies will not only offer competitive prices but will also execute your trades quickly and accurately.

Traders should always choose a spread betting provider that is regulated by the UK’s financial watchdog, the FCA. They should also be honest about the services they provide and should offer a good range of free tools for new traders. Lastly, traders should look for a firm that offers a free spread betting demo account and does not expire after just a few days.

The best financial spread betting providers will offer a wide range of markets on global events, such as company results and economic reports. They will also have a wide range of sports markets, including the classics like Corners in football and Batsman Runs in cricket alongside more esoteric options, such as how many aces or points a tennis player will score.