Differences between UK and non UK shares

The big difference between spread betting on UK and non-UK shares is the way that the price is quoted. What happens is that every penny a UK share price moves, you win or lose your selected bet size, presented in Pounds Sterling (£), or Euros (€) if you reside in Ireland.

However, the price on US and some European shares are quoted in US dollars (US $) or Euros (€) but, and here’s the difference, for each cent movement you make or lose the £ amount you chose to bet.

European countries that do not use the Euro will have stocks quoted in their applicable currency, for instance, Swiss shares are on the board shown as Swiss francs (CHF).

There is no difference in betting on individual shares as betting the indices - the gearing is the same. There’s another advantage on spread betting on equities instead of index sectors, indices or commodities because there is more information to hand on shares.

When spread betting on shares you can investigate the company’s profit & loss accounts. You might even want to try the product or service and give feedback to the directors. Some people think that betting on shares is easier than index futures which are heavily traded.