Cryptocurrency index trading

Each crypto index is made up of a selection of cryptocurrencies, grouped together and weighted by market capitalisation (market cap). The market cap of a cryptocurrency is calculated by multiplying the number of units of a specific coin by its current market value against the US dollar. When a cryptocurrency goes up in value, its market cap will increase and therefore the value of the crypto index will rise, and conversely when cryptocurrency prices fall against the US dollar, the value of the crypto index will fall.

There are several benefits to crypto basket trading, rather than multiple individual cryptocurrencies. Firstly, it can be a more cost-effective way of trading on the cryptocurrencies, as it allows you to take a view on the sector as a whole without having to open a position on each individual coin. Trading on a crypto index can also help to spread some of your risk, as you aren't being exposed to a single coin.

However, it's important to be aware that CFDs are high-risk, speculative products. High volatility combined with leverage could lead to significant losses. As with any leveraged product, both profits and losses are magnified as they are based on the full value of your position, not just your initial deposit on a particular trade. While you could make a profit if the market moves in your favour, you could also make a loss if the trade moves against you, particularly if you don't have adequate risk-management cover in place.