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 spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets, CFDs, OTC options or any of our other products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Trading Glossary: A

These are common terms used in the financial services industry
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Account balance/account value

The net amount held at any given time in an account, after factoring in all debits and credits.

AIM (Alternative Investment Market)

A sub-market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), allowing smaller companies to raise capital with a more flexible regulatory system than is required for the main market of the LSE. CFDs in AIM-listed shares are not available.

Arbitrage

The process of buying an asset (such as shares) and then immediately selling it so as to profit from the difference. Arbitrageurs can exploit tiny differences in the quoted price of an identical instrument across different markets using very large-sized trades.

Ask

The lowest price at which a seller is willing to sell an investment or asset at a given moment. Also known as the offer price.