How to spread bet on the FTSE 100
FTSE 100 spread betting lets you go long or short on the UK's flagship index with a small initial deposit. You do not own the underlying shares, and profits are free from capital gains tax. This guide covers everything you need to know to spread bet on the FTSE 100 with us.
What is FTSE 100 spread betting?
FTSE 100 spread betting means using a financial derivative to speculate on whether the FTSE 100 will rise or fall. You stake a fixed amount per point of movement: if you bet £5 per point and the index moves 20 points in your favour, you profit £100. If it moves 20 points against you, you lose £100. Unlike buying shares, no stamp duty or capital gains tax applies to spread bet profits for most UK residents (tax treatment will vary by jurisdiction).
The FTSE 100 is the index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange by market capitalisation. As of 31 July 2026, it trades near 10,879, close to its all-time intraday high of 10,990.8 set that same day. Its composition is heavily weighted toward energy, financials and consumer staples, giving it different characteristics from technology-heavy indices like the Nasdaq 100.
FTSE 100 spread betting: key facts
4 pts
Minimum FTSE 100 spread with us
5%
Minimum margin requirement for retail clients on the FTSE 100 (FCA requirement)
10,990
FTSE 100 all-time intraday high, set 31 July 2026.(TradingView)
How to spread bet on the FTSE 100
There are seven key steps to placing a FTSE 100 spread bet with us.
1. Choose your timeframe
Your timeframe determines whether you trade the FTSE 100 'cash' market or the 'futures' market. The cash market reflects the current index price and is suited to shorter-term traders who open and close positions within a day or a few days. Overnight funding is charged on cash positions held past the daily close, making them increasingly costly over longer periods.
The futures market prices in expected overnight funding over a set period, typically quarterly, meaning there is no daily funding charge. Futures carry a wider spread than cash, making them less cost-efficient for very short-term trades but more economical for positions held for weeks. Swing traders looking at broader FTSE trends tend to prefer the futures product.
2. Analyse the FTSE 100
Carrying out analysis before you trade is essential. Technical analysis uses price charts, indicators and historical patterns to identify potential entry and exit points. The FTSE 100's chart currently shows the index trading near its all-time high, with short-term momentum supportive but with potential for profit-taking given the extended rally from below 10,000 earlier in 2026.
Fundamental analysis focuses on macroeconomic drivers including the Bank of England Bank Rate (currently 3.75%), UK inflation, corporate earnings from major FTSE constituents and global commodity prices. Given the FTSE 100's significant energy weighting, Brent crude prices and oil sector news are particularly relevant inputs.
3. Choose long or short
If you expect the FTSE 100 to rise, you go long (buy). If you expect it to fall, you go short (sell). Spread betting gives you full flexibility in both directions, which is one of its key advantages over simply holding index ETFs through a share dealing account. The ability to profit from a falling index is particularly relevant around events like Bank of England decisions, major earnings disappointments or global risk-off episodes.
4. Set your stake
Your stake is the amount you win or lose per point of FTSE 100 movement. A £10 per point stake on the FTSE 100 at 10,879 requires a margin deposit of £5,439.50 (£10 x 10,879 x 5%). Your profit or loss is calculated from the opening price to the closing price multiplied by your stake. The minimum bet size on the FTSE 100 with us is 50p per point.
5. Set stops and limits
A stop-loss closes your position automatically if the market moves against you by a specified amount. A limit order locks in your profit target. Both should be set before you open the trade, not afterwards. Standard stop-losses can suffer slippage in fast-moving markets; a guaranteed stop always executes at your specified level but carries a small premium. Spread bets 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 us, making proper risk management strategies an essential part of FTSE 100 spread betting.
6. Place the trade
Search for 'FTSE 100' or 'UK 100' on our platform, select cash or futures, enter your stake, set your stops and limits, and click 'place deal'. You will see the deal confirmation notification when your position is open.
7. Monitor and close
Monitor your open position through the platform's 'positions' screen. When you are ready to close, click 'close' on the position. Your profit or loss is calculated in real time based on the movement from your opening price to the closing price, multiplied by your stake.
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FTSE 100 spread betting vs other approaches
Spread betting on the FTSE 100 is one of several ways to access the index. The comparison below shows how it differs from spread betting on individual shares and other approaches:
| Approach | Leverage | Tax | Best suited to |
| FTSE 100 spread bet (cash) | Yes (5% margin) | No CGT or stamp duty | Short-term traders; intraday positions |
| FTSE 100 spread bet (futures) | Yes (5% margin) | No CGT or stamp duty | Swing traders; multi-week positions |
| FTSE 100 ETF (share dealing) | No | CGT and income tax apply | Long-term investors; ISA-eligible |
| FTSE 100 CFD | Yes | CGT may apply | Short-term traders; international clients |
The key distinction between spread betting and share dealing on the FTSE 100 is leverage and tax. Spread betting uses your capital more efficiently through margin and is free from CGT for most UK residents. Share dealing through an ISA is the most appropriate structure for long-term, non-leveraged index exposure.
Key takeaway
The cash market suits short-term traders; futures are more cost-efficient for longer-term positions due to the absence of overnight funding charges
FTSE 100 spread betting: costs
The main costs of FTSE 100 spread betting are the spread, overnight funding and any guaranteed stop premium:
| Cost | Description | FTSE 100 (IG) |
| Spread | Difference between buy and sell price | From 4 points on the cash market |
| Overnight funding | Daily charge on cash positions held past close | Based on SONIA + 2.5% admin fee |
| Guaranteed stop premium | Only if a guaranteed stop is attached | Small additional spread charge |
| Commission | Flat fee per trade | None on spread bets |
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FTSE 100 spread betting FAQs
What is FTSE 100 spread betting?
FTSE 100 spread betting means speculating on the price of the FTSE 100 index using a leveraged derivative. You stake an amount per point of index movement and go long if you expect a rise or short if you expect a fall. Profits are typically free from CGT and stamp duty for UK residents. The FTSE 100 is the index of the 100 largest LSE-listed companies by market cap.
What is the spread on the FTSE 100 with IG?
The minimum FTSE 100 spread with us is 4 points on the cash market, as displayed on our FTSE 100 market page. Spreads can widen during periods of low liquidity or high volatility.
What is the margin requirement for FTSE 100 spread betting?
The FCA minimum margin rate for retail clients on a major index like the FTSE 100 is 5%. A £10 per point stake at 10,879 requires a margin deposit of £5,439.50. Margin requirements are reviewed periodically and can be higher during volatile market conditions.
When can I trade the FTSE 100 with spread bets?
You can trade the FTSE 100 cash or futures market almost continuously from 11.02pm Sunday to 10pm Friday. We also offer a separate weekend FTSE 100 market from 8am Saturday to 10.40pm Sunday. Weekend positions roll into the main weekday market at 10.40pm Sunday if left open.
Is FTSE 100 spread betting tax free?
Spread bet profits are typically free from capital gains tax and stamp duty for UK retail clients. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Consult a tax adviser if you are unsure of your position.
Important to know
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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 trading spread bets and CFDs can lose more than they deposit.
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