By Roland
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are a tool that allows traders to buy and sell contracts based on the price of an underlying asset. Traders can hold CFDs, but it’s essential to be aware of their risks. We’ll provide an explanation of how long you can hold a CFD in Sydney before closing out the position.
What is a CFD, and what are the benefits of holding one for an extended period?
A CFD is a commitment between two parties that specifies an agreement to exchange the difference in the security value between the time the contract is opened and when it is closed. In essence, CFD trading allows investors to speculate on the future direction of an asset without actually owning the underlying security. This type of trading has become favoured due to its flexibility and accessibility. Traders can trade CFDs online with no need for a broker. In addition, CFDs offer investors the ability to go long or short on an asset, providing opportunities to profit in both rising and falling markets.
One of the critical benefits of CFD trading is leverage. When you trade a CFD, you only need to put down a small deposit, known as a margin, to access the total value of the asset. It means that you can control a prominent position with relatively small capital. Leverage can magnify profits and losses, so it is essential to use it carefully. Another benefit of CFDs is that traders can trade them on various assets, including indices, shares, commodities, currencies, and even cryptocurrencies. It provides traders with flexibility when choosing what to trade.
Holding a CFD and the tax implications
Australian traders can hold a contract for difference (CFD) for as long as they like; there is no time limit. However, there may be tax implications depending on how long the CFD is held. If a CFD is held for more than 12 months, it is considered a capital gains asset subject to capital gains tax (CGT). If the CFD is held for less than 12 months, it is considered a revenue asset subject to income tax. Traders should consider tax implications before entering into a CFD transaction.
Selling a CFD before the expiration date
If you’re an Australian trader, there are a few things you need to know about what happens if you sell a CFD before the expiration date. If you hold a CFD until it expires, you will automatically be exercised at the settlement price and be required to deliver the underlying asset. However, if you sell your CFD before expiration, you will not be obligated to take delivery of the underlying asset; instead, your trade will be closed out at the current market price.
Additionally, suppose the underlying asset’s market price is below the strike price at expiration. In that case, you will be liable for any difference between the strike price and the market price (known as a ‘negative’). Finally, some brokers may charge an early close-out fee if you sell your CFD before expiration. Be sure to check with your broker beforehand to see if this fee applies.
Advantages of holding a CFD for an extended period
Australian traders who want to take advantage of the extended Australian CFD trading hours can do so by holding a CFD for an extended period. Doing so will allow them to take advantage of the Australian market conditions and the Australian dollar. The Australian CFD market is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday to Friday, different from the US markets.
This difference in time zones means that Australian traders can hold a CFD for an extended period and still have the ability to trade during the US market hours. The US markets are open from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am on Sunday to Thursday and from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Australian traders who want to take advantage of this extended trading period can do so by holding a CFD for an extended period in Sydney.
