Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. You could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

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Short selling definition

What is short selling?

Short selling is the act of selling an asset that you do not currently own, in the hope that it will decrease in value and you can close the trade for profit. It is also known as shorting. Short-sellers tend to use this strategy as a method of speculation or as a way of hedging downside risk.

Short selling strategies can be carried out via a broker, but it is a complicated method, which means that it can be difficult to find a broker willing to lend you the shares to sell.

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Example of short selling

Let's say that the shares of company ABC are currently trading at $75, but you believe that they are going to decline in value and decide to short sell the stock. You borrow 100 shares of ABC from your broker and sell them on the open market.

Over the next week the market drops significantly down to $40, so you close your short position and buy back 100 shares of ABC at $40 each.

You calculate the difference between the price of the shares when you borrowed them (75 x 100 = $7500) and the price that you re-bought the shares for (40 x 100 = 4000), which gives you a profit of $3500 - excluding any costs your broker may charge.

However, if you had been incorrect and the market had continued to rise, your potential risk is infinite. Because you have borrowed the stock, your broker may ask for them back at any time and you would have to close out your position at a loss.

Pros and cons of short selling

Pros of short selling

Short selling means that you have the opportunity to profit from markets that are declining in value, not just ones that are increasing.

Short selling can be carried out in a variety of ways. The example above demonstrates the traditional method of short selling via a broker, but traders will define short selling slightly different to investors.

Cons of short selling

Short selling can be a risky strategy, as assets can theoretically increase in value indefinitely. Leveraged products can increase risk further, amplifying losses when a market is heading upwards in price.

Learn more

Read our 'Short Selling Explained: What is Shorting?' article from IG Analysts.

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Leveraged trading in foreign currency or off-exchange products on margin carries significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. We advise you to carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for you based on your personal circumstances. You may lose more than you invest. We recommend that you seek independent advice and ensure you fully understand the risks involved before trading. The information on this website is not directed at residents of countries where its distribution, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

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