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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.

CFD trading

Trade CFDs with Australia's No.1 CFD provider¹. Access over 17,000 markets with competitive spreads, award-winning platforms², and 24/7 support. Start CFD trading today.

Start trading today. For account opening enquiries call 1800 601 799 between 9am and 6pm (AEST) weekdays, or email newaccounts.au@ig.com.

Important CFD trading information 

With CFDs, you can lose more than you deposit, you do not have ownership in the underlying asset and you may be subject to margin close-outs if you do not maintain sufficient margin.

Why trade CFDs with IG?

AU's No.1 CFD provider¹

We're Australia's most trusted CFD broker. Part of IG Group, established in 1974, with 300,000+ clients worldwide.

Competitive spreads

From 0.6 points on key forex CFD pairs like AUD/USD, 1 point on major indices like the Australia 200 and FTSE 100, and 0.3 points on gold CFDs.

Manage risk effectively

Manage your CFD trading risk with our comprehensive range of stop and limit orders, including guaranteed stop-loss orders.

Trade from anywhere

Access CFD markets on our award-winning² app and web platform with 24/7 trading on major markets.

Access global markets

Trade CFDs on shares, indices, forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies - over 17,000 markets from one account.

Leverage and flexibility

Use leverage to control larger positions with smaller deposits, plus go long or short to profit from rising and falling markets. Remember: leverage amplifies both profits and losses.

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What is CFD trading?

Speculate on price movements in Australian and global markets without owning assets.

Discover how CFDs work
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Why trade CFDs?

Access global markets with leverage and trade on both rising and falling prices.

Explore CFD benefits
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How to trade CFDs

Open a CFD trading account, choose your market, set your position and start trading.

Get started with CFD trading

Important CFD trading information 

With CFDs, you can lose more than you deposit, you do not have ownership in the underlying asset and you may be subject to margin close-outs if you do not maintain sufficient margin.

Most popular CFD markets

Index CFDs

Take your position and trade CFDs on 36 popular indices markets including the Australia 200, S&P 500, FTSE 100, and Germany 40.

Forex CFDs

Trade CFDs on over 80 currency pairs in the world's most-traded financial market, including major pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, and GBP/USD.

Shares CFDs

Go long or short on 11,000+ Australian and international share CFDs and stocks, including ASX-listed companies like Commonwealth Bank, BHP, and global giants like Apple and Tesla.

CFD trading in Australia

Australian market access

Trade CFDs on popular Australian markets including the ASX 200, individual ASX-listed shares, and Australian dollar currency pairs.

ASIC regulation

All CFD trading in Australia is regulated by ASIC, with specific margin requirements and investor protections for your security.

Extended trading hours

Trade Australian markets during standard hours, plus access international markets for 24/7 trading opportunities on selected instruments.

CFD trading hours

Trade over 140+ key US stocks in the pre- and post-market.

See out-of-hours trading

Trade 24/7 on our unrivalled weekend markets.

See weekend trading

Take a position on over 140+ US shares, pre- and post-market hours.

See extended hours trading

Master your CFD trading mindset

Boost your CFD trading mindset with expert insights on discipline, psychology and resilience. Stay sharp, avoid emotional pitfalls and trade with confidence.

Costs and fees for trading CFDs with IG

Your main payment for CFD trading is the spread – the difference between the buy and the sell price. This is our charge for executing your trade. CFDs are leveraged, meaning you can make or lose a significant amount more than you deposit initially. The deposit required for your trade is called margin.

Spread
costs

  •  A spread is the difference between the buy price and the sell price of a CFD.
  • It's the main CFD trading cost for most markets and our charge for executing your trade.

Commission
costs

  • For share CFDs, IG charges a commission instead of a spread.
  • This is calculated per trade as a fixed fee or percentage of the trade value.
     

Overnight
funding

  • A daily fee for holding CFD positions past the market cut-off time.
  • This CFD trading cost reflects the cost of funding your leveraged position overnight.

Understanding CFD trading risks

CFDs carry risk like all financial products - losses occur when markets move against you. However, CFDs pose heightened risk due to leverage, which can magnify both profits and losses.

Key CFD risks

  • Leverage risk - Your profits and losses are amplified beyond your initial deposit
  • Market risk - Prices can move against your position rapidly
  • Margin risk - You may face margin calls if positions move against you

Managing CFD trading risks

  • Use stop-loss orders - Automatically close positions to limit losses when trading CFDs
  • Start with smaller positions - Build experience before increasing trade sizes
  • Develop a trading plan - Set clear goals and risk limits before you trade

Download our trading app today

Download the IG Australia app to trade global CFD markets, access advanced tools and manage risk all from your phone or tablet.

FAQs about CFD trading in Australia

What is the minimum deposit for CFD trading?

No minimum deposit required to open a CFD trading account with IG Australia.

Are CFDs regulated in Australia?

Yes, CFDs are regulated by ASIC with specific margin requirements and investor protections for retail clients.

What leverage can I use for CFD trading?

ASIC-regulated leverage limits apply: up to 30:1 for major forex pairs, 20:1 for major indices, and 2:1 for cryptocurrencies.

Can I trade Australian shares as CFDs?

Yes, you can trade CFDs on major Australian shares listed on the ASX, including companies like Commonwealth Bank, BHP, and Telstra.

What happens if I can't meet a margin call?

If you can't meet a margin call, your CFD positions may be automatically closed to limit further losses.

Do I own the underlying asset when trading CFDs?

No, CFDs are derivative instruments. You don't own the underlying asset, you're trading on price movements only.

Can I trade CFDs on weekends?

Yes, IG offers weekend trading on selected global indices, cryptocurrencies, and some forex pairs.

What is the difference between CFDs and shares?

CFDs are derivatives that track share prices without ownership, while shares give you actual ownership in companies.

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1 Number 1 in Australia by primary relationships, CFDs & FX, Investment Trends November 2024 Leveraged Trading Report.
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