Some important criteria when choosing a financial service provider are: 1. costs: pay attention to what fees and commissions the financial service provider charges. Compare the costs with other providers on the market. 2) Offer: Check which financial products are offered and which investment strategies are available. 3. expertise: Make sure that the financial service provider has sufficient expertise and experience in the financial sector and can support you with questions and problems. 4. customer reviews: Read the reviews and experiences of other customers to get an idea of the quality of the financial service provider. 5. security: check how secure the platform and investment products are and whether the financial service provider offers deposit insurance.

There are several ways to hedge your equity portfolio. One simple method would be to place stop-loss orders to limit losses and minimise risks. Another option would be to buy put options to hedge against downward movements. Another approach would be to diversify the portfolio by buying different companies from different industries or regions to spread the risk. However, it is important to note that no method is 100% safe and that losses are always a part of trading. It is therefore advisable to thoroughly research the different hedging methods and carefully weigh up the possible risks and rewards before making a decision.

Contracts for Difference, also known as CFDs, are derivative financial instruments that allow an investor to speculate on price movements of assets such as shares, commodities and currencies without actually owning any assets. CFDs work by a buyer entering into a contract with a seller to trade the difference between the buying and selling price of an asset. If the price of the asset goes up, the seller pays the difference to the buyer. If the price of the asset falls, the buyer pays the difference to the seller. CFDs offer investors the opportunity to speculate on both rising and falling markets and allow them to control large positions with relatively little capital investment. However, they also offer a high degree of risk, as losses can be quick and substantial. Investors should therefore be aware of the risks before trading CFDs and seek professional advice if necessary.

Currency trading (also known as forex trading) is about exchanging one currency for another and speculating on the price changes. To do this, you first need to open a trading account with a forex broker and deposit capital. You can then buy or sell various currency pairs (e.g. EUR/USD or GBP/JPY) via a trading platform. Trading is usually done with leverage, i.e. you only use a fraction of the traded amount (e.g. 1,000 euros with a trading volume of 100,000 euros). This allows you to achieve high profits with comparatively low capital investment, but also to incur high losses. Trading takes place around the clock, as the Forex markets are active worldwide.

An Expert Advisor, also known as an EA, is an automated trading system that is installed on the MetaTrader trading platform. This programme uses algorithms and technical indicators to make trading decisions. It can implement various trading strategies and automatically execute orders based on predefined rules and conditions. Expert Advisors are particularly popular in Forex and CFD trading because they eliminate the trader's emotions and can enable trading around the clock.

Trading can be complex and risky, especially for beginners. Here are some important points to consider before you start trading:

1. Understand the Basics: Familiarize yourself with basic trading concepts, terminology, and market mechanisms. Consider taking a course or reading books related to trading.
2. Choose a Market: Decide which market you want to trade in, such as stocks, forex, commodities, or cryptocurrencies. Each market has its own unique characteristics and risks.
3. Develop a Trading Plan: Create a strategy that includes your financial goals, risk tolerance, and preferred trading style. A solid plan will help you remain disciplined and objective.
4. Risk Management: Learn how to manage risks by setting stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and understanding the maximum amount you are willing to lose.
5. Study Technical Analysis: Familiarize yourself with charts, indicators, and trends that can help you make informed trading decisions.
6. Use a Demo Account: Practice trading with virtual money in a demo account to gain experience and confidence without the risk of losing real money.
7. Stay Informed: Keep up with financial news and market trends. Staying informed will help you make better trading decisions.
8. Be Aware of Emotional Biases: Guard against making impulsive trades based on emotions such as fear or greed. Stick to your trading plan.
9. Learn from Your Mistakes: Analyze your trades to learn what works and what doesn't. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to successful trading.
10. Broker and Platform: Choose a reputable broker and a user-friendly trading platform. Research their fees, customer support, and resources available to traders.

Always remember, trading involves the risk of losing money, which is why it's critical to educate yourself and trade wisely. For more information, you may visit Investopedia's Trading Guide.

Starting with trading requires a diverse set of skills to navigate the complexities of financial markets successfully. Below is a list of essential skills necessary for aspiring traders:

1. Analytical Skills:
   • Ability to analyze financial statements and market trends.
   • Understanding of technical analysis and chart patterns.
2. Risk Management:
   • Developing strategies to manage and mitigate financial risks.
   • Knowledge of using tools like stop-loss orders and portfolio diversification.
3. Emotional Control:
   • Maintaining composure in volatile market conditions.
   • Avoiding impulsive decisions based on fear or greed.
4. Research Skills:
   • Conducting thorough research on companies, industries, and economic indicators.
   • Staying updated with financial news and global events.
5. Technical Skills:
   • Proficiency in using trading platforms and tools.
   • Understanding of algorithms and automated trading systems.
6. Financial Knowledge:
   • In-depth understanding of financial instruments and markets.
   • Familiarity with terms like derivatives, indices, and leverage.

For more resources on trading skills, consider visiting financial education websites such as Investopedia.

Investing with real money requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Understand Your Financial Goals
   • Define short-term and long-term goals.
   • Determine how much risk you are willing to take.
2. Evaluate Your Financial Situation
   • Assess your current income, expenses, and debt level.
   • Ensure you have an emergency fund in place.
3. Research Investment Options
   • Educate yourself on different types of investments like stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.
   • Stay updated on market trends and news.
4. Consider Diversification
   • Aim to diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.
   • Invest across different asset classes and industries.
5. Review Fees and Costs
   • Understand the fees involved with different investment products.
   • Consider cost-effective brokerage platforms or investment management services.
6. Consult with Financial Advisors
   • Seek professional advice if you're uncertain about your investment choices.
   • Consider both online platforms and face-to-face consultations.
7. Educate Yourself
   • Read books, attend seminars, and take courses on investing.
   • Explore online resources such as Investopedia and Money Under 30.

Trading currencies, also known as forex trading, involves a number of risks. It's important to understand these risks before engaging in currency trading activities. Here are some of the key risks:

1. Exchange Rate Risk:

   This risk arises due to the fluctuations in currency exchange rates. A change in the exchange rate can lead to losses if the movement is against your position.

2. Interest Rate Risk:

   The differential in interest rates between two countries can influence exchange rates, affecting the value of currency investments.

3. Leverage Risk:

   Forex trading often involves leveraged positions, meaning you can control large amounts of money with a small investment. While this increases potential profits, it also magnifies potential losses.

4. Liquidity Risk:

   In some market conditions, you may face difficulty in buying or selling currencies without causing significant price changes, thus affecting your ability to execute trades at desired prices.

5. Country Risk:

   This involves the risk that a country's political, economic, or social events could adversely impact the exchange rates of its currency.

6. Counterparty Risk:

   This is the risk that a counterparty in a financial transaction may default on its contractual obligation, impacting the investor's financial position.

For more information on forex trading and its associated risks, you might find the following resources helpful:

• Understanding Forex Trading Risks - Investopedia
• Forex Customer Protection - CFTC

Trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) can be potentially profitable but also comes with significant risks. Here are some of the key risks involved:

1. Leverage Risk:

   CFDs are typically traded on margin, meaning you can open larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital. While this can amplify profits, it can also magnify losses, potentially leading to losses greater than your initial investment.

2. Market Risk:

   CFD trading is subject to market fluctuations. Prices can move against your position, and if the market moves unfavorably, it can result in significant losses.

3. Liquidity Risk:

   Some CFDs, particularly those in smaller markets, may have low liquidity, making it difficult to enter or exit a position at your desired price, or at all.

4. Counterparty Risk:

   When trading CFDs, you rely on the financial stability of your broker. If the broker fails, you may not be able to recover your funds.

5. Cost of Holding:

   CFDs may involve holding fees, such as overnight financing charges. These can add up over time and impact profitability, especially if positions are held for a long duration.

6. Regulatory Risk:

   The regulatory environment for CFDs can change. Depending on your region or regulatory changes, restrictions may be imposed that affect your ability to trade.

For more detailed information on CFDs and the associated risks, you may want to consult a financial advisor or further resources such as Investopedia's guide on CFDs.

Many traders lose money due to a combination of factors. Here are some common reasons:

1. Lack of Knowledge: Trading requires an understanding of market fundamentals, technical analysis, and trading strategies. Insufficient knowledge often leads to poor decision-making.
2. Emotional Trading: Emotions like fear and greed can lead traders to deviate from their trading plans. Emotional decisions often result in losses.
3. Poor Risk Management: Effective risk management is crucial. Traders who risk too much on a single trade or fail to set stop-loss orders can experience significant losses.
4. Over-Leveraging: Using too much leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and can quickly wipe out an account during unfavorable market movements.
5. Lack of a Trading Plan: Without a well-defined trading plan, traders often make impulsive decisions, leading to inconsistent results.
6. Ignoring Market Conditions: Traders who ignore market trends, economic news, or global events may find themselves on the wrong side of trades.
7. Overtrading: Taking on too many trades or trading too frequently can lead to burnout and increased transaction costs.
8. Failure to Adapt: Markets are dynamic, and traders who do not adapt their strategies to changing conditions often struggle to maintain profitability.

For more information on how to improve trading strategies, consider checking out Investopedia's Trading Strategies Guide.

Improving your trading skills involves a mix of education, practice, and analysis. Here are some steps to help enhance your trading abilities:

1. Educate Yourself:
   • Read books on trading and investment strategies.
   • Follow reputable blogs and websites that discuss market trends.
   • Take online courses or webinars to learn from experts.
2. Practice Trading:
   • Use a demo account to practice without risking real money.
   • Develop a trading plan that outlines your strategies and goals.
   • Test different trading strategies to find what works best for you.
3. Analyze Your Performance:
   • Keep a trading journal to record trades and the reasons behind them.
   • Regularly review your trades to identify strengths and weaknesses.
   • Learn from both winning and losing trades to improve your strategy.
4. Stay Updated:
   • Follow financial news to understand market movements.
   • Be aware of global events that can impact markets.
   • Continuously update your knowledge about new trading tools and technologies.
5. Network with Other Traders:
   • Join forums and online communities to share experiences.
   • Attend trading workshops or meetups.
   • Learn from the successes and failures of others.

For more resources, consider visiting Investopedia and BabyPips, which offer a wealth of information for traders of all levels.

Becoming more successful in trading involves a combination of knowledge, strategy, and discipline. Below are some steps that can help you enhance your trading skills:

1. Educate Yourself:
   • Read books and articles on trading strategies, market psychology, and technical analysis.
   • Follow reliable financial news sources and keep up to date with market trends.
   • Consider taking online courses or attending seminars on trading.
2. Develop a Trading Plan:
   • Set clear goals and define your risk tolerance.
   • Outline your entry and exit strategies for trades.
   • Stick to your plan, but be flexible enough to adjust it based on changing market conditions.
3. Practice Risk Management:
   • Use stop-loss orders and position sizing to protect your capital.
   • Avoid risking more than a small percentage of your trading account on a single trade.
4. Maintain Discipline:
   • Stay calm and composed, even when trades do not go as planned.
   • Avoid emotional trading; stick to your analysis and plan.
5. Analyze and Learn:
   • Keep a trading journal to track and review your trades.
   • Analyze both successful and unsuccessful trades to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
6. Network and Seek Mentorship:
   • Join trading communities where you can share ideas and learn from others.
   • Consider seeking advice and mentorship from more experienced traders.

For more insights on successful trading practices, you can visit the Investopedia Trading Psychology guide.

Trading can be complex, and even experienced traders can make mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Lack of a Trading Plan: Not having a clear plan with defined goals, risk management, and strategies can lead to impulsive decisions.
2. Overleveraging: Using excessive leverage can amplify losses, often leading to significant financial damage.
3. Ignoring Risk Management: Failing to set stop-loss orders and not managing risks effectively can result in substantial losses.
4. Emotional Trading: Allowing emotions like fear or greed to influence trading decisions can lead to irrational actions.
5. Lack of Research: Entering trades without adequate research and understanding of the assets or markets involved.
6. Overtrading: Trading too frequently can incur higher transaction costs and increase the risk of errors.
7. Chasing Losses: Trying to recover losses by taking on bigger and riskier trades can exacerbate the situation.
8. Ignoring Market Conditions: Not adapting strategies to changing market conditions and trends can lead to missed opportunities or losses.
9. Lack of Diversification: Investing in too few assets can increase risk exposure significantly.
10. Focusing on Short-term Gains: Prioritizing short-term profits over long-term strategy can lead to inconsistent results.

To learn more about smart trading practices, consider visiting Investopedia's Guide on Day Trading Strategies.

Before starting with trading, it's important to consider several best practices to ensure a more informed and prepared approach. Here are some key considerations:

1. Education: Educate yourself about the markets, trading principles, and different trading instruments. Useful resources include books, online courses, and financial news platforms such as Investopedia.
2. Risk Management: Develop a robust risk management strategy to protect your capital. Only invest money you can afford to lose and consider setting stop-loss orders to limit potential losses.
3. Trading Plan: Create a comprehensive trading plan that outlines your trading goals, risk tolerance, strategies, and evaluation criteria.
4. Start Small: Begin trading with a small amount of money to test your strategy and gain experience without risking significant capital.
5. Stay Disciplined: Stick to your trading plan and avoid making emotional decisions. Emotional trading can lead to impulsive actions and significant losses.
6. Keep Informed: Stay updated with financial news, market trends, and any economic events that could impact your trades.
7. Utilize Technology: Take advantage of trading platforms and tools that offer charts, signals, and automated trading options.
8. Continuous Learning: Regularly review and analyze your trades to identify areas for improvement and stay informed of new trading strategies and technologies.

Adhering to these best practices can help build a solid foundation for your trading journey.

MetaTrader is a popular trading platform used by traders to operate in various financial markets, including forex, commodities, and equities. It provides tools for price analysis, executing trades, and employing automated trading strategies through expert advisors (EAs).

• Versions: There are two primary versions of MetaTrader:
  • MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Primarily used for forex trading and well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and robust charting capability.
  • MetaTrader 5 (MT5): A more advanced version that supports a wider range of asset classes and has enhanced processing capabilities.
• Features: Some key features of MetaTrader include:
  • Technical analysis tools
  • Customizable indicators and scripts
  • Automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs)
  • Real-time financial news and alerts
  • Mobile trading support
• MetaTrader Official Website

MetaTrader Brokers are financial service providers that offer traders access to trade various financial instruments using the MetaTrader trading platforms, namely MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). These brokers facilitate online trading in financial markets such as forex, commodities, indices, and more.

MetaTrader is a popular trading platform known for its robust features, user-friendly interface, and flexible trading options. Here are some key aspects of MetaTrader brokers:

1. Platform Access: MetaTrader brokers provide clients with access to the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, which can be used on desktops, web browsers, and mobile devices.
2. Trading Instruments: Brokers typically offer a range of trading instruments, including currency pairs, stocks, commodities, and indices. The exact range depends on the broker.
3. Execution Types: Brokers may offer various execution types, including market execution and instant execution, affecting how trades are processed.
4. Leverage: Many MetaTrader brokers provide leverage, enabling traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital.
5. Technical Analysis Tools: MetaTrader platforms come equipped with numerous technical analysis tools, charts, and indicators to help traders make informed decisions.
6. Automated Trading: The platforms support automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), allowing traders to run algorithms for trade execution.
7. Community and Support: A strong community of users exists around MetaTrader platforms, providing forums, tutorials, and support for traders.

For more information about MetaTrader brokers, you can visit the MetaQuotes website, the developer of the MetaTrader platforms.

When considering the best solution for trading currencies, several factors come into play such as reliability, fees, user interface, and available trading tools. Below is a list of suggested steps and considerations:

1. Choose a Reliable Forex Broker:
   • Forex.com - Known for its transparency and trading tools.
   • IG Group - Offers an extensive range of currencies and a robust platform.
   • OANDA - Provides competitive spreads and has a solid reputation.
2. Utilize Trading Platforms:
   • MetaTrader 4 (MT4) - Popular for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting tools.
   • MetaTrader 5 (MT5) - An upgraded version of MT4 with more features.
3. Implement a Solid Trading Strategy:
   • Support and Resistance Levels - Basic strategy identifying market trends.
   • Pip Management - Effective for risk management and profit optimization.
4. Stay Informed:
   • Bloomberg - Access to the latest financial news and reports.
   • FXStreet - Dedicated to forex news, analysis, and forecasts.
5. Practice Risk Management:
   • Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
   • Set stop-loss orders to minimize potential losses.

Finding the best solution for trading currencies requires vigilance and continued learning. Choose platforms and strategies that align with your objectives and risk tolerance.

The CFD General Regulation was published by the European financial regulator ESMA. The regulation includes various measures to regulate CFDs (Contracts for Difference), including leverage limits, margin close-out levels and negative balance protection. The aim of the regulation is to increase investor protection and reduce the risk of high losses. The CFD General Order has been in force since 1 August 2018.

A margin call is a request from a broker to the trader to deposit additional funds into their trading account to cover the margin call. This occurs when the trader's account balance falls below the minimum level required to maintain open positions. Without additional deposits, the broker may be forced to close the trader's position to limit losses. A margin call may also be triggered if the value of an asset falls quickly and significantly, resulting in a higher risk of loss. It is important to understand the broker's margin requirements and the risks of leveraged products to avoid a margin call.

In stock market trading, a gap is the difference between the closing price of the previous day and the opening price of the current trading day. If the opening price is above the closing price of the previous day, it is called an up-gap; if it is below, it is called a down-gap.

Gaps occur when there is relevant information between the end of trading on one day and the start of trading on the next day that affects the price. They can be important for traders as they can serve as an indication of a possible trend reversal or a continuation of the trend.

An equity curve simulator is a tool used to simulate the potential performance of a trading plan. It uses historical market data and data on specific trading strategies to calculate how the value of the trading account would increase or decrease over time. The Equity Curve Simulator allows traders to test their trading strategies for profitability and minimise their risks. The simulator is a useful tool for checking the performance of trading systems and for backtesting trading ideas.

The EURUSD peaked at 1.6038 on 14 July 2008.

Trading on margin refers to the buying or selling of assets where the trader only needs to deposit a fraction of the actual value of the asset as a deposit or margin. This allows the trader to take larger positions than he would be able to afford if he were to use the full amount of the asset. Margin is usually a percentage of the total value of the asset. If the trader's position is successful, he can make a higher profit, but there is also a greater risk of loss, as a small change in price can have a large impact on the actual value of the position. Therefore, it is important to apply strict risk management strategies and analyse carefully before trading on margin.

The Sharpe ratio is calculated by adjusting the return of an investment for the risk-free interest rate and dividing it by the volatility of the investment (measured by the standard deviation of returns). The formula is:

Sharpe Ratio = (return of the investment - risk-free interest rate) / volatility of the investment.

The Sharpe Ratio is a measure of the excess return achieved by an investment compared to a risk-free investment (e.g. a money market account) per unit of risk associated with that excess return. The higher the Sharpe ratio, the better an investment has performed relative to its risk.

The Calmar Ratio is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated by dividing the average annual return ratio of an asset by its maximum drawdown during the same time period. It is named after its creator, futures trader Jerry Calmar.

The result of the Calmar ratio indicates how many units of the asset's return one has experienced in downside risk compared to the disturbance margin of the market environment point. The higher the ratio, the better the investment product performed.

An exchange is a place where financial instruments such as shares, bonds, commodities and currencies are traded. There are different types of exchanges, e.g. securities exchanges, commodity exchanges and foreign exchange exchanges.

Trading on the stock exchange takes place via a central marketplace where buyers and sellers come together to conclude transactions. The stock exchange allows investors to buy and sell securities and other financial instruments by displaying the price in real time.

The exchange exists to make trading fair and transparent for all investors by establishing a set of rules and regulations governing trading and access to the market. It is an important source of capital for companies to raise funds by selling shares to the public.

Trading on the exchange is done through brokerage firms that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Brokers are responsible for executing trading orders and reporting trading activity on the exchange.

Stock market prices can be affected by many factors, including political stability, economic conditions, labour market data and changes in corporate business performance. Investors use the stock exchange to adjust their investment strategies to meet needs and objectives.

The technical analysis of charts is based on the evaluation of historical price data and is used to predict future price developments. Various tools and indicators, such as trend lines, moving averages or Bollinger bands, are used for this purpose. 

The aim is to identify patterns, trends and turning points in the chart and to derive forecasts from them. Technical analysis is particularly popular with traders who focus on short-term price movements, as it enables them to make quick decisions.

Capitalisation plays a crucial role in a trader's trading success. Sufficient capital enables the trader to open larger positions and thus potentially achieve higher profits. On the other hand, too little capital also carries a higher risk for the trader, as he may be forced to liquidate unfavourable positions or no longer implement risk management strategies.

Therefore, it is important that traders use appropriate risk and money management and have sufficient capital to implement their trading strategies.

There are many reasons why traders can lose money. Here are some of the main reasons:

• Emotions: Traders who are driven by fear, greed or other emotions are more likely to make rash decisions that can lead to losses.
• Lack of knowledge: If traders do not have sufficient knowledge of trading strategies, market analysis and risk management, they may have difficulty entering profitable trades.
• Too much trading: A common mistake traders make is to take too many trades and focus on too many markets. This can cause them to lose track and quickly deplete their capital.
• Lack of discipline: Traders who are not disciplined enough to stick to their trading plans and limit losses may find it difficult to trade successfully in the long run.
• Limited capital: If traders do not have enough capital to absorb losses, they may be forced to make rash decisions to make money quickly or to offset losses.

To trade successfully, traders need to have a well-thought-out trading plan based on sufficient knowledge and strategies. They should be disciplined to stick to the plan and keep track of their trading activities. Traders should also be careful to manage their trading equipment appropriately and apply sound risk management techniques to limit their losses.

In options trading, an investor acquires the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a certain quantity of an underlying asset (e.g. shares, commodities, currencies) at a certain price at a certain time. 

There are two types of options: Call options (calls) and put options (puts). An investor who buys a call option speculates that the price of the underlying asset will rise, while an investor who buys a put option speculates that the price of the underlying asset will fall. 

In both cases, the investor has the right to buy or sell the security at a predetermined price (the strike price) during a specified period of time (the term). Options can be traded on different underlying assets and offer investors a way to diversify their portfolios and minimise their risk. 

However, options also have a higher risk potential than buying or selling securities directly, as they have a limited time window and the investor has to pay the strike price in advance. It is therefore important to be well informed and carry out a careful analysis before starting to trade options.

A forward contract (also called a futures contract) is a binding contract between two parties in which they agree to buy or sell a specific commodity or quantity at a set price in the future. This type of contract is often used by companies trading commodities or currencies to hedge against price fluctuations. The forward contract has an expiry date by which the trade must be completed.

The triple witches date is a colloquial term for the so-called big expiry day on the stock exchanges. On this day, options and futures on shares and indices expire. There can be increased volatility and unexpected price movements as traders close out positions and bet on new positions. The triple witches date usually occurs four times a year: in March, June, September and December.

The FDAX is a futures contract on the German stock index (DAX) traded on the Eurex exchange in Frankfurt. It enables investors to speculate on the price development of the DAX in the future. In contrast to the DAX index, which is formed from the prices of the 30 largest German shares, the FDAX is based on a futures contract that represents a certain quantity of DAX shares at a certain price at a future date. The contract has a term of three months and is revalued daily.

The VIX or "Fear Index" is a volatility index that measures the expected fluctuations of the S&P 500 stock index. It is also known as the "fear barometer" because it is considered an indicator of market uncertainty and nervousness among market participants.

A high VIX number means that large fluctuations in the S&P 500 are expected, which usually indicates increased volatility and uncertainty in the market. A low VIX number, on the other hand, means that relatively stable market conditions prevail.

The VIX can be an important tool for investors and traders to better assess market developments and evaluate possible opportunities and risks.

The MACD or Moving Average Convergence Divergence is an indicator used in technical analysis to identify possible trend reversals. The indicator compares two moving averages to determine the moment of trend reversals.

Correlated financial markets are markets whose price movements are related to each other. When two or more markets trend in line with each other, they are called positively correlated markets. When they trend in opposite directions, they are called negatively correlated markets.

For example, stocks and bonds usually have a negative correlation: When stock prices go up, bond yields usually go down. Conversely, bond yields often rise when stock prices fall.

By identifying correlated markets, investors can diversify their portfolios while reducing the risk that all their investments will fall at the same time.

Seasonal effects on stock markets refer to recurring patterns that occur in financial markets throughout the year. These patterns can be due to various factors, such as seasonal fluctuations in demand for certain products or services.

An example would be the so-called "January effect", where stock markets often outperform in January. Another seasonal effect is the "summer lull", where activity in financial markets usually decreases as many traders go on holiday.

Seasonal effects can be used by investors to make investment decisions by using historical trends to estimate future probabilities. However, it is important to note that seasonal effects are not a perfect indicator of a market's future performance and can be overshadowed by other factors.

Fundamental analysis and technical analysis are two basic methods used by investors to make trading decisions. Fundamental analysis refers to the evaluation of a company's economic and financial condition to determine whether it is favourably valued and could therefore be a suitable investment target. Here, for example, a company's financial strength is analysed, its management structure, its competitive advantages and its market position. Technical analysis, on the other hand, focuses on analysing price movements and trading volumes to identify trends and patterns and then using these to predict future price movements. Here, for example, the historical price development of an asset is examined to determine whether certain patterns or trends have formed or whether certain indicators point to a change in trend. Fundamental analysis and technical analysis are thus two very different methods of analysis, but both are used by experienced investors to develop strategies for trading assets. Which method is preferred often depends on individual preferences as well as the specific market situation.

The profit factor indicates how much profit was generated in relation to the loss and is calculated by dividing the total profit by the total loss. A value of 1.0 or higher indicates that the strategy was successful. Example: A forex trader has executed 10 trades in one month, generating a total profit of 500 EUR. He also has a total of 5 losing trades and thus a loss of 250 EUR. The profit factor is calculated as follows: Total profit = 500 EUR Total loss = 250 EUR Profit factor = Total profit / Total loss Profit factor = 500 EUR / 250 EUR Profit factor = 2 The profit factor in this example is 2, which means that on average the trader has earned twice his loss as profit.

The profit factor is an important indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of a trading strategy. It is calculated by computing the ratio of total profit to total loss. The calculation is done as follows: 

Profit Factor = Total Profit / Total Loss Size The total loss size is considered a negative value, so it is important to use a negative value in this calculation. A profitable trading system has a profit factor greater than 1. The higher the value, the better the effectiveness of the strategy.

A track record in finance refers to a record of the performance of a mutual fund, trader or stock exchange over a period of time. It shows how successful an investment strategy has been in the past and gives potential investors an idea of what to expect in the future. A good track record can help to gain investors' confidence and increase the likelihood that they will invest in a particular portfolio or fund.

A signaller in social trading is a person who supports other traders by sharing his trading strategies, market data and ideas, thus enabling them to profit from them. The role of a signaller is to establish their own trading style and demonstrate to other investors how successful they are. In this way, followers can use this signal to make their own trading decisions and invest. A successful signal provider can also generate additional income streams in this way by charging a fee for access to their signals.

A white label broker is a company that markets a trading platform from another broker or provider with its own branding (brand name). The white label broker can thus operate the trading platform under its own brand without having to develop or maintain it itself. This saves the white label broker time and resources as it can focus on marketing and customer support. The technical aspects are taken over by the company that provides the trading platform.

Copy, mirror and social trading all have the goal that traders can follow each other and benefit from the experiences and decisions of other traders. Nevertheless, there are some differences between the three concepts:

Copy Trading: With copy trading, investors automatically copy the trades of other traders on their own account. The traders who are copied receive a commission for this. This means that the copied trades are directly imitated and the investor's own performance takes place in real time depending on the performance of the copy model.
Mirror Trading: Mirror trading is similar to copy trading. Here, investors also copy the trades of other traders, but these are automated trading programmes. It is therefore a combination of automated trading and social trading.
Social trading: With social trading, investors do not make any direct commitments. Instead, there is a platform where different traders disclose their trades and other investors can view and analyse these trades. Afterwards, everyone can decide for themselves whether and which trades should be copied manually. Here, too, one is charged for the transparency of the trades and for participation in the community.

These concepts can make it easier for beginners to start trading and for experienced traders to share their strategies and earn additional income.

The most liquid trading hours in currency trading are during the overlap of the trading hours of the world's major financial centres. These are usually the trading hours of London, New York and Tokyo. The sheer size and frequency of transactions during these times results in higher liquidity and more trading opportunities. As a rule, trading hours during the London trading day (between 08:00 and 17:00 CET) are best for trading European currencies such as the euro (EUR) and the British pound (GBP), while trading hours during the US trading day (between 14:30 and 22:30 CET) are best for trading the US dollar (USD).

The investment guidelines play an important role in the suitability test as they provide the legal framework for the selection and management of investments. As part of the suitability test, financial service providers must ensure that investment decisions are in line with the client's investment guidelines. These investment guidelines may, for example, specify the maximum permissible risk tolerance, sectors or asset classes. Especially when managing clients' assets, it is important that these investment guidelines are adhered to in order to avoid possible legal consequences.

A suitability assessment is a review of the suitability of a particular financial product for a client. Before recommending a financial product, the financial advisor must ensure that the product meets the client's needs, objectives and experience. The suitability test has been mandatory in the EU since the introduction of MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) in 2018 and is intended to ensure that clients receive appropriate advice and that financial products are not unsuitable or risky.

The high watermark is a concept used in the investment field to ensure that a manager only receives a performance fee if it increases the investor's capital above the previous high. The high watermark is usually calculated on the basis of a net asset value (NAV) or equivalent. To calculate the high watermark, two steps need to be carried out. First, the highest NAV that the investor's investment account has reached in the past is determined. This highest value becomes the new reference point for calculating the performance fee. If the manager then achieves a higher NAV, a performance fee is only charged on the amount above this maximum. Example: Assume that the highest NAV ever achieved by the investment account was €100,000 and the manager charges a performance fee of 20%. If the investment account now rises to €120,000, the performance fee will only be charged on the amount of the rise above €100,000, which equates to €4,000 (20% of €20,000).

The concept of a trailing stop is a trading strategy used to limit the potential losses on a trade. A trailing stop is a type of stop-loss order where the stop price is automatically adjusted if the price moves in the desired direction. In a long trade (buy), the stop price is set below the current market price, while in a short trade (sell), the stop price is set above the current market price. As soon as the trade moves in the desired direction, the stop price is automatically adjusted so that it is always a certain percentage or fixed amount below or above the current market price. This ensures that the trade is closed with a profit if the market moves in the right direction. If the price moves in the opposite direction, the stop price remains unchanged and once the price reaches the stop price, the position is automatically closed to limit potential losses. A trailing stop is a popular trading strategy used by many experienced traders to get the maximum profit from their trades while minimising their risk.

A stop loss is an order that automatically closes the position at a certain price movement in order to limit losses. For example, if a trader opens a long position in a share and at the same time sets a stop loss at a certain price level, the position is automatically closed as soon as the price reaches or exceeds this mark. This prevents the trader from suffering even greater losses in the event of a further price decline. However, a stop loss can also be triggered too early if the price briefly falls below the target level and then rises again.

DMA CFDs (Direct Market Access Contracts for Difference) are a special type of CFD that allow direct trading in the underlying asset. Unlike traditional market maker CFDs, which are executed by the broker, DMA CFDs are routed directly to the exchange. This gives the investor greater transparency and control over the trade. The way DMA CFDs work is as follows: The investor selects the desired underlying (e.g. shares, indices, commodities) and places a buy or sell order. This order is then forwarded directly to the exchange, where it is either executed or not. In contrast, Market Maker CFDs can be executed by the broker, regardless of whether a counterparty has been found or not. The advantages of DMA CFDs are the transparency and control given to the investor, potentially better execution prices and potentially lower trading costs. However, DMA CFDs often come with higher minimum trade sizes and commissions, which may be unattractive to some investors.

The concept of last look refers to a practice used by online forex trading platforms to determine the final price of a currency transaction. This involves a broker or market maker giving the trader a short delay before confirming or rejecting the transaction to determine the current market price. Some of the features of last look are:

• The practice allows the broker to minimise risks associated with unpredictable market movements.
• The delay allows the market maker or broker to determine the current market price before confirming or rejecting the trade.
• The practice can cause delays in quick transactions on online forex trading platforms, which can affect the trader.
• Some traders criticise Last Look as an opaque practice, believing that it allows the market maker or broker to influence the final price in their favour.

Price formation in stock exchange trading takes place through the interplay of supply and demand. If many buyers are active on the stock exchange and there are only a few sellers, the price of the security in question rises as buyers offer higher prices to acquire the limited offers of sellers. Conversely, a high willingness to sell leads to a fall in price. Supply and demand thus influence the price of a security. Price formation is usually carried out through the auction process on the stock exchanges or through trading electronically.

Margin and leverage are closely related and influence each other.

Margin refers to the percentage of the total value of a trade that a trader must deposit as collateral to open a position. The higher the margin rate, the more equity is needed to open a position.

Leverage refers to the ability to control large positions with a small amount of equity. The higher the leverage, the larger the position a trader can open with a given amount of equity.

Higher leverage can allow a trader to open larger positions, which can lead to higher potential profits. At the same time, however, higher leverage can also lead to greater losses if the market moves against the trader.

It is therefore important that traders understand the relationship between margin and leverage and implement appropriate risk management strategies to protect their capital.

Conflicts of interest can occur in financial service providers when the company or employee obtains financial benefits through an action or recommendation that is contrary to the interests of the client. Typical characteristics of conflicts of interest at financial service providers may include:

• Sales pressure: Financial service providers may be pressured to sell certain products to meet sales targets or earn commissions that do not necessarily meet the client's needs.
• Commission-based compensation: When financial service providers are paid based on commissions, they may tend to recommend products that offer higher commissions but are not necessarily the best for the client.
• Internal incentives: There may be internal incentives, such as bonuses or promotions, based on how much business an employee generates. As a result, they may tend to favour certain products that help them achieve these goals.
• Private interests: Financial services professionals may have personal interests that underlie their recommendations, such as ownership of certain companies or an association with a particular fund manager or provider.
• Management of client information: Financial service providers often have access to confidential information about clients that they could misuse for their own benefit, e.g. to engage in insider trading.

Financial service providers have a duty to act in the best interests of their clients and to disclose and avoid conflicts of interest.

There are many different chart patterns observed by traders in the financial markets. Some of the most common chart patterns are: 1. head and shoulders - A pattern that consists of one top (the head) and two lower tops (the shoulders). It can be a reversal signal for a previous uptrend. 2. triangle - A pattern that occurs as either an ascending, descending or symmetrical triangle. It occurs when the price movement enters a narrowing price range and it can often be seen as a continuation pattern. 3. channel - A pattern that occurs when price moves within a specific price range. It can be interpreted as bullish or bearish depending on whether the channel is ascending or descending. 4. flag - A pattern consisting of a short-term price movement that in some cases follows a parallel channel. It can also be seen as a continuation pattern. There are many more chart patterns, but these should give you a good overview.

A black swan is an event that occurs completely unexpectedly in the financial world and has a major impact on the markets. The term comes from Nassim Nicholas Taleb and refers to the unexpected discovery of a black swan in Australia, from which it was lowered that all swans were white. The idea is that these events are so rare and unpredictable that it is difficult or impossible to prepare for or protect against them. Such events can be, for example, wars, natural disasters, financial crises or political upheavals.

There are several reasons why many CFD brokers have established themselves in Cyprus:

• Regulation: Cyprus is a member of the European Union and thus falls under the regulation of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The Cypriot regulator Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is considered reliable and specialises in the regulation of financial services companies. Many CFD brokers see this as an advantage.
• Tax advantages: Cyprus offers tax advantages for companies. For example, the corporate tax rate is only 12.5 percent. In addition, there is no withholding tax law for dividend distributions, which enables tax optimisation.
• Geographical location: Cyprus is geographically conveniently located between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This allows brokers to establish relationships with different markets.
• Costs: The costs of operating a business in Cyprus are comparatively low compared to other countries in Europe.

So overall, Cyprus offers a favourable environment for CFD brokers targeting European clients.

The ascending triangle pattern is a technical chart pattern frequently used by traders to identify potential trading opportunities. It is formed by a horizontal resistance level and a rising trend line, creating a triangle-like pattern. This pattern is typically considered bullish, as it suggests that buyers are becoming more aggressive and are willing to buy at higher prices.

To trade this pattern, traders typically look for a breakout to the upside at the point where the resistance level and the rising trend line meet. This would indicate that buyers have overwhelmed sellers and have taken control of the market. Traders may enter a long position at this point and place a stop loss below the trend line to limit potential losses.

It is important to note that this pattern can be invalidated if the price breaks below the rising trend line, which would suggest that sellers have taken control of the market and the pattern is no longer valid.

As with any trading strategy, it is important to conduct thorough research and risk analysis before making any trades. Traders should also consider using other technical indicators and tools to confirm their analysis and reduce the risk of false signals or unexpected price movements.

There are several hidden risks in trading that both novice and experienced traders may not be immediately aware of. Some of these risks include:

• Leverage: Using leverage can lead to higher profits, but it can also increase risk as losses are also potentiated.
• Slippage: Price changes between the time an order is placed and the time it is executed can lead to unexpected losses.
• Gapping: Rapid price movements without trading activity can result in stop-loss orders not being executed at the desired price, resulting in larger losses.
• Liquidity: When liquidity is low, it can be difficult to open or close a position without significantly affecting the price.
• Fees and Costs: Trading costs such as spread, commissions and financing fees can have a significant impact on profitability over time.
• Psychological factors: Emotions such as greed, fear, and overconfidence can lead to poor decisions and affect trading results.
• Failure to diversify: Concentrating investments in a few assets or markets increases the risk of losses from market fluctuations.
• Counterparty risk: The risk that a counterparty will default on its obligations under a trade can lead to losses.
• System risk: Technical problems, system failures or connection problems can lead to unexpected losses.
• Political and economic events: Unexpected political and economic developments can have a significant impact on the markets and lead to losses.

To minimize these risks, it is important to develop a well-thought-out trading strategy based on sound analysis, as well as effective risk management. This includes staying up to date on market conditions and potential risk factors.

Currency trading, also known as foreign exchange trading or forex trading, is the exchange of one currency for another currency.

The basis for currency trading is exchange rates. An exchange rate is the value of one currency compared to another currency. Exchange rates are constantly changing and are influenced by factors such as political events, economic stability, and interest rates.

To invest in currency trading, you need a trading account with a forex broker. This gives you access to a trading platform that allows you to buy and sell currencies.

An important term in currency trading is the "lot." A lot refers to the size of your trading position. Standard lots are usually 100,000 units of a currency. There are also mini-lots, which is 10,000 units of a currency, and micro-lots, which is 1,000 units of a currency.

There are many different trading strategies in currency trading, all of which aim to make profits by predicting exchange rate movements. Some strategies are based on fundamentals, while others are based on technical indicators.

It is important to note that currency trading involves a high level of risk. One wrong decision can lead to big losses. It is advisable to practice with a demo account before trading with real money.

Difference contracts (CFDs) are popular financial instruments that allow investors to bet on the price movements of various underlying assets without actually owning them. Here is a brief breakdown of how CFDs work:

How do CFDs work?

A CFD is a contract between an investor and a broker that allows the investor to bet on the price movements of a specific underlying asset. Most CFDs reflect the underlying stock price, index, or commodity prices.

If the investor takes a long (buy) position, he will profit if the price of the underlying asset rises. If the investor takes a short position (sell), he will profit if the price of the underlying asset falls.

This means that the investor can make profits without actually having to own the asset. At the same time, however, this also carries risks, especially if a high degree of leverage is used. It is therefore very important to research thoroughly and develop a strategy before trading CFDs.

What are the advantages of CFDs?

• CDFs allow investors to bet on the price movements of various assets without actually having to own them.
• CFDs are very flexible and can be applied to a wide range of underlying assets.
• Investors can take both long and short positions, allowing them to make profits regardless of market direction.
• CFDs often offer high leverage, allowing investors to open large positions with a small deposit.

What are the risks of CFDs?

• CFDs are a high-risk financial instrument that allows the use of leverage, which can lead to large profit or large loss.
• Investors can quickly lose their invested capital if they do not act cautiously and well informed.
• CFDs can also be particularly risky due to trading outside regulated exchanges and a market that is open around the clock.

How to choose a CFD broker?

• Choose a broker whose business practices are regulated and has proper oversight.
• Recommendations from other investors and research can play an important role in helping you choose the right broker.
• Make sure that the broker offers a user-friendly trading platform and a wide range of underlying assets.
• Compare the fee structures and stop loss rules of different brokers.

CFDs can be a lucrative investment strategy for the experienced investor, but also carry a high risk. It is therefore advisable to research carefully and develop a strategy before deciding to trade CFDs.

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Sure, I can provide you with some mental models or analogies to help you better understand and remember key concepts when trading on margin. 1. Leveraging up is like using a magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays. When you trade on margin, you're leveraging up your investment by using borrowed capital to increase your buying power. Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses the sun’s rays to create intense heat, you're using borrowed money to magnify your potential returns but you're also magnifying your potential losses. 2. Margin trading is like playing with fire. Trading on margin can be a high-risk activity that can quickly burn your account balance if you're not careful. Just as playing with fire carries the risk of getting burned, trading on margin requires a solid understanding of the risks and rewards of leverage. 3. Trading on margin is like driving with a powerful engine. When trading on margin, you have access to higher capital, just like a car with a powerful engine that can speed up quickly. But just like you need good driving skills to navigate a powerful car, you need to be experienced and knowledgeable to handle the risks associated with margin trading. 4. Margin trading is like a game of chess. Margin trading shares similarities with chess, where you need to plan your moves ahead of time and anticipate your opponent's reactions. Similarly, in margin trading, you must be able to think strategically, predict market movements and make calculated moves to maximize your profits and minimize your losses. 5. Trading on margin is like hiking uphill with a backpack. Just as hiking uphill with a backpack can be exhausting if you're not careful or prepared, trading on margin can be energy-consuming if you don't exercise proper risk management. You need to be disciplined, have a clear plan, and be willing to adjust your position, just like you may need to stop or lighten your backpack to get over tough terrain on a hike.

Sure thing! Here's a study plan that integrates different skills and topics relevant to real money trading:

Week 1: Foundations of Finance

1. Read up on basic financial terminology and concepts. Investopedia provides a comprehensive guide on this topic. Complete a quiz to test your knowledge.
2. Dive into bond and stock markets. Learn about the differences between them, how they work, and their types. Read articles about economic indicators that will impact the markets.
3. Take a course on financial statements. Familiarize yourself with common financial statement ratios, how to interpret them, and what insights they provide on the company's financial health.

Week 2: Technical Analysis

1. Learn about chart patterns. Explore common patterns such as double/triple tops/bottoms, head and shoulders, and flags.
2. Study indicators. Bolinger Bands, Moving Averages, and Relative Strength Index are commonly used technical indicators. Learn what they measure and how they’re used in trading strategies.
3. Practice price action analysis. Use technical analysis to examine historical price action data and interpret trends, price levels, and support and resistance levels.

Week 3: Fundamental Analysis

1. Discover what events impact the markets. Study global economic events, financial statements, earnings reports, and new product releases to determine their impact on the company's stock prices.
2. Look into valuation methods. Learn how analysts assess companies by using multiples such as price-to-earnings, price-to-book, and price-to-sales.
3. Explore macroeconomic factors. Study inflation, interest rates, fiscal policies, and other macro-level influences to form an overall view of the financial markets.

Week 4: Risk Management and Trading Psychology

1. Understand Risk Management. Learn the different types of risk and ways to minimize it, such as position sizing and stop loss orders.
2. Explore trading psychology. Learn how emotions affect trading decisions and strategies, identify bias, and develop the ability to manage trading-related stressors.
3. Put everything into practice. Consider using a virtual account with a trading simulator to experiment with the knowledge you have learned, to fine-tune your trade strategies, and to consider the best approach to developing your personal trading plan.

By combining various skills and topics in finance, you can develop a broader understanding of real money trading and identify the connections between them. Keep up-to-date with industry news and trends, participate in inter-trading forums, and continually enhance your knowledge to succeed in real-money trading.

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are financial derivatives that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of underlying assets without owning the assets themselves. The underlying assets can be financial instruments such as stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies. When trading CFDs, traders can go long or short on the underlying asset, meaning they can bet on the price going up or down. If the trader's prediction is correct, they will make a profit. However, if the price moves against them, they will make a loss. One advantage of CFD trading is leverage, which allows traders to open larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. However, this also means that losses can be magnified, and traders need to use risk management strategies to control their exposures. To get started with CFD trading, traders need to choose a reputable broker, open a trading account, and fund it with some capital. They can then access the broker's trading platform and start trading CFDs on different assets. There are a few gaps in understanding that beginners may have, such as understanding the concept of leverage and margin, managing risk, and reading charts and technical analysis. There are many resources available to fill in these gaps, such as online courses, tutorials, and eBooks offered by brokers, financial news sites, and trading forums. It's important for beginners to do their research and practice on a demo trading account before risking real money.

The DAX (German Stock Index) and the DAX Future are two different financial instruments, but they are closely related. The main difference is that the DAX is a stock index, while the DAX Future is a futures contract on this index.

DAX:

1. The DAX is a stock index that represents the 30 largest and most liquid companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It is an important benchmark for the German economy and is referred to as the leading index.
2. The DAX is calculated on the basis of the market capitalization and free float of the companies included in the index.
3. The DAX is a performance index, which means that it takes into account and reinvests dividends and other distributions of the companies included in the index.
4. The DAX is continuously calculated and updated during trading hours.

DAX Future:

1. The DAX Future is a forward contract (futures contract) on the DAX index. With a DAX Future, investors can speculate on the future performance of the DAX index or hedge against possible losses in value.
2. The DAX Future has a fixed expiration date (usually quarterly) and is traded on Eurex, a European derivatives exchange.
3. When trading DAX Futures, investors only have to deposit a fraction of the contract value (margin) to invest in the contract. This allows a leverage effect, which can lead to both higher profits and higher losses.
4. The DAX Future is quoted in points and has a fixed value per point (eg 25 euros per point). The contract value is calculated from the DAX index level multiplied by the value per point.

In summary, the DAX is a stock index that reflects the performance of the 30 largest German companies, while the DAX Future is a financial instrument that allows investors to bet on or hedge against the future performance of the DAX index.

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Currency trading (or foreign exchange trading) refers to buying and selling currencies with the aim of making profits. Here are some important concepts and terms that can help you be more successful in currency trading:

1. Currency pair: A currency is always traded in relation to another currency. The relationship between the two currencies is called a currency pair. For example, EUR/USD is a currency pair where euro is traded against US dollar.
2. Base currency and quote currency: for each currency pair, there is a base currency and a quote currency. The base currency is the currency that is mentioned first in the pair, while the quote currency is the second currency. For example, in EUR/USD, the base currency is the Euro and the quote currency is the US dollar.
3. Bid and Ask Price: The bid price is the price at which the market is willing to sell a currency. The Ask price is the price at which the market is willing to buy a currency. The Bid price is always lower than the Ask price. The difference between the bid and ask price is called the spread.
4. Pips: A pip is the smallest unit by which the exchange rate can move. Most currency pairs are traded to four decimal places, so one pip is equal to 0.0001.
5. Leverage: Leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with a smaller capital investment. For example, a leverage of 1:100 can mean that you can open a position worth 10,000 euros with a stake of 100 euros. However, leverage also increases risk.
6. Stop Loss and Take Profit: Stop Loss and Take Profit are orders that you can use to automatically close your positions when a certain level is reached. A stop-loss order is used to limit losses, while a take-profit order is used to lock in profits.
7. Margin: Margin is the money you must deposit as collateral to open a position. Margin requirements vary by broker and currency pair.
8. Fundamental Analysis and Technical Analysis: Fundamental analysis refers to the study of economic and political factors that can affect the exchange rate, while technical analysis focuses on the study of charts and indicators to predict future price movements.
9. Spread: The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price. It is the fee charged by the broker for executing your trades.
10. Lot: A lot is the unit in which currencies are traded. A standard lot is equal to 100,000 units of the base currency, while a mini lot is equal to 10,000 units and a micro lot is equal to 1,000 units.
11. Volatility: Volatility refers to the fluctuations in the exchange rate. A higher level of volatility means larger price movements and potentially higher profits or losses.
12. Liquidity: liquidity refers to how easy it is to buy or sell a currency without affecting the price. Currency pairs with higher liquidity tend to have tighter spreads and faster execution speeds.
13. Spread Costs: spread costs are the fees incurred to trade a currency pair. It is important to consider these costs when evaluating your trades as they can affect your profits or losses.
14. Overnight Financing Costs: overnight financing costs are interest charged on open positions overnight. It is important to consider these costs when holding positions overnight.
15. Trading Platform: A trading platform is the software you use to place and manage your trades. It is important to choose a reliable and user-friendly trading platform that suits your needs.
16. Trading Strategies: There are many different trading strategies that can be used in currency trading, such as swing trading, day trading, scalping and position trading. It is important to choose a trading strategy that suits your goals and personality.
17. Market Analysis: A market analysis refers to the evaluation of the current market situation in order to predict future price movements. Market analysis can be based on fundamental analysis, technical analysis, or a combination of both.
18. Risk Management: Risk management refers to how you control your risk when trading currencies. Risk management techniques include stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, position size management, and diversification.
19. Broker: A broker is a company that gives you access to the currency market. It is important to choose a reputable and reliable broker that will meet your trading needs.
20. Regulation: regulation refers to whether a broker is supervised by a regulatory body. It is important to choose a regulated broker because it ensures the protection of your deposits and fair dealings with clients.
21. Trading Psychology: Trading psychology refers to how your emotions can affect your trading decisions. It is important to control your emotions and follow a disciplined trading strategy to be successful in currency trading.
22. Backtesting: Backtesting refers to reviewing a trading strategy on historical data to evaluate its past performance. Backtesting can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your trading strategy before investing real money.
23. Demo Account: A demo account is an account that allows you to access currency trading with virtual money. It is a good way to test your trading strategy and improve your skills without risking real money.
24. Economic Calendar: an economic calendar is a compilation of important economic events that can affect the exchange rate. It is important to check the economic calendar regularly to be prepared for important events.
25. Trade Journal: a trade journal is a tool that allows you to document your trades and trading decisions. It is important to keep a trading journal to evaluate your trading performance and improve your trading strategy.
26. Spread Betting: Spread betting is a form of currency trading where you bet on the price movements of a currency pair. The profit or loss is calculated based on the difference between the entry price and the exit price.
27. CFDs: CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are derivatives that allow you to speculate on the price movements of a currency pair. Unlike the spot market, CFDs allow you to trade with leverage and offer the ability to speculate on both rising and falling prices.
28. Automated Trading: Automated trading refers to the use of computer programs to execute trades automatically. Automated trading can help you automate your trading strategy and remove your emotions from trading.
29. Social Trading: Social trading refers to how you can copy trades and trading strategies from other traders. Social trading can help you learn from experienced traders and improve your trading performance.
30. Trading Fees: Trading fees refer to the fees you have to pay for placing trades. Trading fees can vary by broker and currency pair and can affect the profit or loss of your trades.
31. Slippage: Slippage refers to when your order is executed at a different price than the one you specified. Slippage can occur when there is high volatility or low liquidity.
32. Re-Quotes: Re-quotes occur when your broker cannot execute the price you specified and you are asked to provide a new price. Re-quotes can cause delays and affect your trading strategy.
33. Hedging: Hedging is a strategy where you protect your positions against possible losses by opening an opposite position. Hedging can reduce risk, but it can also reduce profits.
34. Correlation: correlation refers to the relationship between different currency pairs. Some currency pairs have a positive correlation while others have a negative correlation. Knowing the correlations between different currency pairs can help you improve your trading strategy.
35. Trading Signals: Trading signals are clues that help you identify potential trading opportunities. Trading signals can be generated based on fundamental analysis, technical analysis, or a combination of both.
36. Loss Hedging: Loss hedging refers to the use of tools such as stop-loss orders to limit losses. Using loss-hedging techniques can help reduce your risk.
37. Profit Taking: Profit taking refers to closing a position to lock in profits. It is important to use profit-taking orders to ensure that you do not lose your profits if the market goes against you.
38. Margin Call: A margin call occurs when your account balance falls below the required margin level. When this happens, your broker may require you to deposit additional money or close your positions to balance your account.
39. Spread trading: spread trading refers to trading two currency pairs to profit from the difference between the two spreads. Spread trading can help reduce risk and increase the potential for profits.
40. Carry trade: Carry trade is a strategy where you borrow a currency with a low interest rate and sell it for a currency with a higher interest rate. The carry trade strategy can help generate a positive return, but it also carries a higher risk.

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The subject matter of a contract for difference (CFD) is the difference between the buying and selling price of an underlying asset such as stocks, indices, commodities, currencies or bonds. Essentially, a CFD is an agreement between the trader and the broker in which the trader speculates on the future price of the asset.

A CFD allows the trader to open a position in the underlying asset without actually having to own the asset. Instead, the trader receives the difference between the buying and selling price of the asset.

Compared to trading the actual asset, trading CFDs allows traders to trade with leverage, which means they can open larger trading positions than they could afford if they actually owned the asset. However, leverage also increases the risk of losses.

It is important to note that CFDs do not confer ownership rights in the underlying asset. Instead, traders speculate on the price movements of the asset and profit from the difference between the buying and selling price.

The Levermann Score is a method for assessing shares developed by the German fund manager Susan Levermann. Levermann recommends evaluating a total of 13 criteria from three different categories for each share: fundamental analysis, technical analysis and market sentiment. The idea behind her method is to objectively identify stocks that could be overvalued or undervalued. The following criteria are taken into account in the Levermann strategy: 1) Earnings revision 2) Reaction to quarterly figures 3) Earnings growth 4) P/E ratio 5-year average 5) P/E ratio current 6) Analyst opinions 7) Share price change 6 months 8) Share price change 12 months 9) Earnings per share 10) Return on equity 11) EBIT margin 12) Equity ratio 13) Price/earnings ratio Each criterion has a score of -1 or +1. The final Levermann score is the sum of these scores. A high score would therefore be an indicator of an undervaluation of the share and thus a buy signal, while a low score would be a sell signal.

Equity drawdown refers to the decline from the high of an investment to its low. This process measures the maximum loss that a portfolio can experience without reaching a new high. For example, if a share value falls from 100 euros to 50 euros, the drawdown is 50%. If the value then rises to 75 euros, the drawdown is still measured as 50%, as the share has not reached a new high. A high drawdown can be seen as an indicator of the risk or volatility of an investment. Traders and investors use this information to optimize the risk and money management of their investments. It is important to note that the drawdown is calculated as a percentage and not in absolute figures. A drawdown is therefore to be understood relative to the performance of the investment and not in absolute terms.