What is overexposure in trading?
Overexposure in trading is the term used to describe the mistake of taking on too much risk. Typically, it’s when a trader makes the technical blunder of investing too much capital in a single position or market.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Overexposure definition
Learn how to manage your risk
Take control of your risk with a range of tools and educational resources.
Overexposure explained
While the right amount of exposure offers the chance for greater profit from a position, overexposing your capital comes at a huge risk.
Overexposure can happen for multiple reasons.
Firstly, when a trader believes that a position offers high profit potential, they might subsequently put too much money into that opportunity.
And secondly, if a trader has too many positions open in the same market or industry, they can be considered overexposed. So, by balancing their portfolio across positions, markets and industries, traders can avoid this risk.
All trading involves risk but being overexposed can end up increasing the likelihood of taking on significant losses – even if you have risk management measures in place. To avoid overexposure, it is important to take the time to navigate your chosen market and don’t fall into the trap of putting all your eggs in one basket.
Example of overexposure
Let’s assume your trading portfolio is worth $100,000, and you decide to invest in commodities and forex – investing 25% in copper, 25% in gold and 50% in USD/GBP.
Despite the same amount of capital being invested in each asset class, you would be extremely overexposed in the forex market. This is because the extreme market volatility associated with forex trading creates a higher level of risk.
Build your trading knowledge
Discover how to trade with IG Academy, using our series of interactive courses, webinars and seminars.
Help and support
Get answers about your account or our services.
Interested in opening an account with us? Call 0800 195 3100 or send an email to newaccountenquiries.uk@ig.com.
We’re available from 8am to 6pm (UK time), Monday to Friday
Want to check on your application’s progress? Email us at newaccounts.uk@ig.com.
