Skip to content

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 CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. 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 CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Averaging down definition

When a trader purchases an asset, the asset’s price drops, and if the trader purchases more, it is referred to as averaging down.

It is called averaging down because the average cost of the asset or financial instrument has been lowered. Because of this, the point at which a trade can become profitable has also been lowered.

Whether it is a good idea to average down depends on the situation. If the particular asset’s price improves, then the original trade has been increased in profitability and your average entry price has decreased.

If the asset’s price then drops, however, the original trade’s loss has been increased further. For this reason, the subject of whether averaging down is a viable strategy is divisive among traders.

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 about your account or our services.

Get answers

Call 010 500 8626

Or ask about opening an account on 010 500 8624 or newaccounts.za@ig.com.

We're here 24hrs a day from 9am Saturday to 11pm Friday.