Skip to content

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.

Crystallisation definition

What is crystallisation?

Crystallisation is the term used when a trader or business closes a position and then reopens an identical position immediately.

In doing so, they are able to balance out the net value of their assets by quickly realising a loss or profit, without losing the position that they believe can still bring more profit. Mostly this is done for tax purposes: allowing a trader to realise a capital loss and pay any charges on it immediately.

Most countries have tax regulations in place to prevent the practice of crystallisation.

Discover our online trading platform

Our best execution helps you to open, close and edit positions faster than ever before.

Pros and cons of crystallisation

Crystallisation of a position is useful when needing to realise a capital profit/loss for tax recording purposes, as required or advised by a tax accountant, but still wanting exposure to the market. The cost involved in employing this strategy is the second lot of commission or spread payable.

Build your trading knowledge

Discover how to trade with IG Academy, using our series of interactive courses, webinars and seminars.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - Y

See all glossary trading terms

Help and support

Get answers

Or ask about opening an account on 1800 601 799, or +61 3 9860 1799, or helpdesk.au@ig.com.

If you're calling from NZ, you can contact us on 0800 442 150

We're here 24 hours a day, except from 7am to 12pm Saturdays (AEDT).