Averaging down definition

When a trader purchases an asset, the asset’s price drops, and if the trader purchases more, it is referred to as averaging down.

It is called averaging down because the average cost of the asset or financial instrument has been lowered. Because of this, the point at which a trade can become profitable has also been lowered.

Whether it is a good idea to average down depends on the situation. If the particular asset’s price improves, then the original trade has been increased in profitability and your average entry price has decreased.

If the asset’s price then drops, however, the original trade’s loss has been increased further. For this reason, the subject of whether averaging down is a viable strategy is divisive among traders.

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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Professional clients can lose more than they deposit. All trading involves risk.

The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through a share dealing account, a stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Averaging down definition

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