Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading 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.

Stop-loss in trading

A stop-loss order is a risk management tool that you should consider as part of your trading strategy. It is a market order that helps manage trading risk by specifying a price at which your position closes out, if an instrument’s price goes against you. Financial markets are renowned for periods of rapid fluctuation and volatility, so it can prove highly valuable to implement a stop-loss order on your trades. This article will explain the different types of stop-loss that we offer on our Next Generation trading platform​, along with how to place a stop-loss on your trading charts.

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What is a stop-loss?

A stop-loss order is a market order that helps manage risk by closing your position once the instrument​ ​/asset reaches a certain price. A stop-loss aims to cap an investor’s losses on a position. If you set a stop-loss order for 10% below the buy price, it will limit your losses to 10%.

A stop-loss aims to cap your losses by closing you out of the trade once your pre-determined figure has been reached. The stop-loss order you’ve set will stay in effect either until it’s triggered, cancelled or your position is liquidated. If the instrument’s price falls below your threshold, your stake in the instrument will be sold at the next available market price. By occurring automatically once your limit is reached, it provides an exit plan, preventing you from losing any further capital on that position.

The stop-loss order lasts until either a) the stop-loss level is reached, b) the stop-loss is removed without closing the trade, or c) the trade is closed.

Types of stop-loss orders

  • ​Buy and sell stop-losses
  • ​ Trailing stop-loss
  • ​ Guaranteed stop-loss
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What is a buy stop-loss order?

If you’re opening a short position, you would use a ‘buy’ stop-loss order, as the instrument is being sold with the expectation the price will go down.

What is a sell stop-loss order?

If you’re in a long position, meaning the instrument (such as a specific currency pair, share or commodity) is being bought with the expectation that it will increase in value, you would implement a sell stop-order. The trader, therefore, benefits when the market price rises. The stop-loss order would be set up below the current market price.