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.

Indices trading definition

Indices trading has a particular significance in relation to IG's platform. Here, we define indices trading in general investing and explain what it means to you when trading with IG.

Indices trading is the means by which traders attempt to make a profit from the price movements of indices.

There are many indices available for trading, measuring the performance of the stock market of various different markets: including countries or sectors, or types of commodity. Indices traders can either focus on a single index, or trade various indices as part of a wider strategy.

It is not actually possible to buy or sell an index like you would a stock or commodity, as they are indicators of the price movements of several assets and have no actual physical basis to trade. Instead, indices traders use derivatives like index futures, CFDs, binary bets and ETFs to speculate on the movements of various indices.

With IG

Our indices products enable you to speculate on the movements of over 30 major stock indices using CFDs or digital 100s. 

Visit our indices trading section

Find out more about indices trading with IG.

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.