Spread Betting: Risk Management

Controlled Risk

You can choose to open your position as a Controlled Risk bet. This means that you specify a level at which you want your bet to be closed, should the market move against you. The spread better should then guarantee your position will be closed at this level, even if the price gaps suddenly.

Other ways to limit your risk

Most spread betters offer a full range of non-guaranteed Stop and Limit Orders to open and close betting positions. These are available both by phone and online, giving you the freedom to control your betting portfolio even while you are away from your desk.

Trailing Stops are also now more common, and can help you lock in your profits in volatile markets. These innovative Stops mean you no longer need to watch the market and adjust your Stops constantly: your Stop is moved automatically should the market shift in your favour.  

Hedging Limits Your Exposure

May people limit their risk by hedging, for example going long on on bank and short on another protects against the risk of sector sentiment changing and you being caught the wrong way. Some people use two spread betting accounts to hedge positions on the same instrument. A guaranteed stop loss is a good idea for your hedging account, this ensures your risk is limited.