The trading world offers endless financial benefits for those deciding to explore it. One of the fundamental pillars of trading is the trading of indices. Stock indices are a group of stocks that depict the market performance of a specific economic sliver. To trade indices can be rewarding but simultaneously daunting. Worry not because this guide explains the benefits index trading has in store and tips for how you can make the most with your investment.
Less Stock Risk
Many are quick to decide upon the industry for investments. However, choosing which stocks to invest in specifically is a difficult task. With private banks, there are issues regarding valuation fronts. While trading indices, one looks at an entire sector rather than a specific stock. This natural diversification promotes a sector up-movement. Additionally, they come with the advantage of position rolling, giving an investor more flexibility.
Two-Way Investing
Trading with indices is a two-way street. Traders benefit from value falls and rises. By index trading both long-side and short-side, one makes the most out of investing with minimal risk.
To trade indices, one uses CFDs (Contracts for Difference), through which traders benefit from both rising and falling prices. A short position or sale is for indices that may decrease, and a long or purchase is advisable for indices that you believe will rise.
Lower Margins
Index futures involve trading with margins. The margins on indices are relatively lower than those on individual stocks. Indices are a combination or a group of stocks offering natural diversification. This diversification lowers the risk involved in investing, resulting in lower margins required for securing a position on an index future.
Limited Liquidity Risk
Index futures are one of the safest options while considering liquidity risk. Since index futures are the preferred investment option for institutional investors, they rarely face liquidity risk. The bid ask-spreads are relatively narrow, making index futures extremely safe. While trading in index futures, one never has to worry about being stuck for the lack of liquidity.
Portfolio Diversification
Relatively index futures are exponentially safer. Many investors prioritise that their portfolio predominantly tilts in favour of financials. Buying individual stocks involves investment overlays and may lock up funds for the short term. One can easily avoid these inconveniences.
Adding safe indices like FMCG or IT-related indices diversifies your portfolio with minimal risk.
Affordability
The commission rates on index futures are relatively lower, making trading less expensive (vs stock futures and equities). Most brokers even offer fixed brokerage packages, making index trading more economical than stock futures. This aspect makes index trading low risk with high returns.
Performance
Extensive research proves that index funds often outperform active management funds over time. As they track stock indexes, they fall under passive management. The fees are lower because of the lack of Active Managing, making investing a lower input and high reward activity.
Investment Tips
Many begin with basic investment strategies before understanding their investment style and edge.
Position Trading
This strategy is perhaps one of the most popular strategies. Through this, a trader ignores small market movements and holds onto a position securely for an extended period. The focus remains on pinpointing and long-term profits.
Breakout Strategy
In this strategy, the trader identifies areas and limits for market performance. The trader reviews position only once the index crosses either of these boundaries. Doing so discourages complacency while making sure one isn’t too impatient.
Most traders find a way to merge these two strategies with others to find their preferred style.
