If you decide to trade CFDs online, there is some basic knowledge that you must have in order to be a successful trader. The most important thing that a trader needs to know about CFD trading is that in this type of trading, what is being traded is what is called a derivative and not the actual underlying asset. This presents both opportunities for making huge investment returns as well as magnifies the possibility of making losses.

There are several CFD trading strategies to choose from. The most popular trading strategies fall within 2 broad categories – fundamental strategies and technical strategies. A fundamental strategy focuses on the fundamental aspects of the underlying assets such as the profitability of the company issuing a stock, the health of the underlying economy in a forex market, and so on.

On the other hand, a technical strategy focuses on what is actually happening with a particular underlying asset. Technical strategies are based on analysis of patterns in trading that have developed over a period of time. For example, it may be found that whenever a stock or currency trades at a certain price, it may be difficult for that stock or currency pair to trade above or below certain levels based on resistance or support in the market. At those specific points, traders tend to make their trading decisions based on how they think the general market will respond.

Some of the more popular CFD trading strategies include trading breakouts, contrarian investing, trend following, rebate trading, scalping or spread trading, swing trading and trading the news. A trader may utilize all types of strategies or may choose to instead focus on only 1 or 2 strategies. If you are new to CFD trade, it may be a good idea to start off with a demo account.