Important: Only use money you can afford to lose. If you do not understand a product, do not trade it.
Leverage and margin
Leverage magnifies gains and losses. A relatively small market move can consume margin, trigger forced closure or produce a loss that is large compared with the deposit. Protection differs by provider, entity and product.
Market and volatility risk
Prices can move sharply because of economic releases, policy decisions, company news, geopolitical events or changing sentiment. Stops may not execute at the requested price when markets gap or move quickly.
Liquidity and execution risk
A market may have fewer willing buyers or sellers than expected. Spreads can widen, orders can be rejected or filled in parts, and the executed price can differ from the displayed price.
Technology and operational risk
Internet failure, device problems, platform outages, delayed data, software errors or compromised credentials can prevent monitoring and execution. Automation can repeat an error quickly. Maintain account security and an emergency plan.
Provider and counterparty risk
Client outcomes also depend on the financial and operational condition of providers and counterparties. Regulation reduces some risks but does not eliminate loss, fraud, insolvency or disputes. Verify the exact legal entity and protections.
Cryptocurrency risk
Crypto assets may experience extreme volatility, fragmented liquidity, custody failures, irreversible transfers, scams and changing regulation. Losing private keys or sending assets to the wrong address can cause permanent loss.
Psychological and affordability risk
Stress, overconfidence, fear of missing out and attempts to recover losses can undermine a plan. Trading must not interfere with essential spending, debt obligations, emergency savings, health or relationships.
- Set a maximum risk per trade and per day
- Limit total exposure across correlated positions
- Avoid increasing size to recover a loss
- Pause after repeated rule breaches
- Review independent professional advice when appropriate
Useful resources
Continue your research with these relevant ForexTrading.org.za guides.
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