You are not doing your research.
When you first start trading CFDs, you must do your research and understand the market before putting any money down. Many new traders make the mistake of diving in without fully understanding how CFDs work, which can often lead to considerable losses. Make sure you know what you’re doing before you get started. Find more info here.
Not having a plan
Another common mistake amongst new CFD traders is not having a solid plan before starting trading. Many new traders will go into trades without really knowing what their goals are or how they plan on achieving them, which often leads to disaster. Before entering any trade, make sure you have a clear plan to know what you’re trying to achieve.
You are not managing your risk.
When trading CFDs, you must manage your risk carefully. Many new traders make the mistake of not considering risk when entering trades, which often leads to significant losses.
You are not using a demo account.
If you’re new to CFD trading, you must use a demo account before putting any real money down. They allow you to trade with virtual money to feel how the market works without risking any of your capital. Make sure you take advantage of demo accounts to learn the ropes before putting any real money at risk.
Letting emotions get in the way
One of the biggest mistakes new CFD traders make is letting their emotions get in their trading. It’s important to remember that CFD trading is a business, and you need to approach it professionally. Do not let your emotions influence your decisions – if you do, you’ll likely make some big mistakes that could cost you dearly.
Over-leveraging
Many new CFD traders mistake over-leveraging, which means they’re using too much-borrowed money to trade. It can often lead to considerable losses if the trade goes against them, as they’ll be liable for any losses that exceed the amount of money they have in their account. Make sure you use leverage carefully so you don’t put yourself at risk of losing more than you can afford to.
Not diversifying
Another mistake that new CFD traders make is not diversifying their portfolios. When you’re first starting, it’s tempting to put all your eggs in one basket and trade one type of CFD, but this is a risky strategy. Make sure you diversify your portfolio, not putting all your eggs in one basket.
Not using stop-losses
Stop-losses are essential when trading CFDs, as they help you limit your losses if the trade goes against you. Make sure you understand how stop-losses work and use them correctly to limit your risk.
Holding on to losing positions
Many new CFD traders mistake holding on to losing positions for too long in the hope that the market will turn around. It is often a costly mistake, as the longer you hold on to a losing position, the more money you stand to lose.
Not taking profit
Another mistake that new CFD traders make is not making a profit when they have the chance. Many new traders are so focused on making money that they forget to make a profit when their trade is in a winning position. It often leads to them giving back all their profits and sometimes even ending up in a losing position. Make sure you profit when your trade is in a winning position, so you don’t give back all your gains.
Over-trading
Many new CFD traders mistake over-trading, which means they’re entering too many trades without considering their risk/reward ratio. It often leads to significant losses, as the more trades you enter, the greater the chance that one of them will go against you.
You don’t have a trading plan.
One of the biggest mistakes new CFD traders make is not having a trading plan. A plan is essential if you want to be successful, as it outlines your goals, risk management strategy, and entry/exit points for trades. Without a trading plan, it’s straightforward to make big mistakes that could cost you dearly.