Spreadbetting on Stocks and Shares: A Brief Overview

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Financial spread betting on stocks and shares provides many of the same benefits as purchasing actual shares, but without the stamp duty, commissions, and large sums of capital needed to realize a good return. By utilizing the services of spread betting companies, traders are able to speculate on the performance of individual stocks and shares, without ever taking ownership of the specific instruments involved. Rather, spreadbetting speculates on the rise or fall of stocks and shares over the course of a day, month or other period.

Spreadbetting on stocks and shares is a popular trading vehicle that permits traders the same exposure to a stock as a traditional investor, but at only a percentage of the capital. Add in the benefit of tax savings, since spreadbetting is not subject to capital gains or income tax in the UK, and traders have the opportunity to retain more of their returns (of course tax rules in any country are subject to change). The process is rather simple and the deposits required are minimal.

To illustrate how financial spread betting works in terms of stocks and shares, consider the following example. Company A is expected to announce quarterly income results in just a few days. According to news reports, the company is not realizing the level of profits it anticipated earlier in the year. Coupled with rising raw materials prices, a trader believes that stock prices for Company A will fall after the quarterly statements become public. As such, the trader decides to go short, or open a sell bet on Company A.

Spread betting companies list the spread price on Company A as 180p-183p. The trader places a bet at 10p per point at the sell price of 180p. He chooses a rolling daily bet, meaning the bet rolls over automatically to the next trading day, and each subsequent day, until he places a bet in the opposite direction. The first day of the announcement, stock prices fall to 175p, then fall again to 172p the following day. At this point in the process, the trader has realized a change of 8p at 10p per point. His total returns are 80 pounds.

The trader now believes the prices have dropped as much as they are going to, so he places an open buy bet according to the most recent spread price and waits for the stocks to begin climbing again. A new spread price of 172p-175p is issued, so he places an open buy bet, called going long, for 10p per point, starting at 175p. This time, however, the trader chooses to only bet on the current day's trading. At the close of the market, stocks in Company A have risen to 176p. He realizes a gain of only 1 point or 10p, for a total gain of 90 pounds tax-free over three days of trading.

Spreadbetting, like any other trading vehicles, presents a risk to traders. While spreadbetting offers traders the possibility of solid returns for little capital outlay, it also poses risks should the market move in the opposite direction of a trader's bet. It is possible for a trader to lose his entire deposit or considerably more, owing to the rate of exposure.

Michael Brooks is passionate about spread betting. Whether it is stocks, exchange traded funds, cfds or indices, Michael keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry.

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The Bearish Case For Gold

Image via WikipediaMany are seasoned to believe that now is the time to start piling all of their money into gold. The world hears the terrible financial news that seems to be coming out of Wall Street each and every day. It is not like things like this can be ignored forever. Individuals feel that they need to be making smart moves in order to preserve and make money in a market like this. One of the classical thoughts is to put money into gold.

Gold has always been thought of as a safe haven investment during turbulent times. It often trades paradoxically to the value of the dollar. The value of the dollar often falls during periods of economic turmoil. Therefore, one would assume that gold should be trading up during times like this. The fact of the matter is that it has. In fact, gold has increased in value during the last 10 years more than almost any time in history. This is the very reason why it is not a great investment now.

We all know that no investment can continue to rise in value forever. The ones that rise the fastest in a short amount of time are often the ones that fall the sharpest when the party is over. Therefore, it is probably not a great idea to put a lot of money to work in gold. However, there is more than just a rapid rise in price that should worry gold investors.

The gold markets are seemingly unstoppable at the moment. They are pricing in a worldwide recession the likes of which could be nearly impossible to climb out of. There are many things that indicate that the price of gold could climb even higher at some point in the future. However, the price right now is already somewhere that it shouldn't be at. It has become the popular trade on Wall Street, and that means that it has climbed even beyond the wildest dreams of those who think that the market is going to decline rapidly.

There has actually been some good economic indicators that have been coming out of Wall Street. These include signs that the employment market is starting to become a little stronger. It is also true that companies are beginning to report stronger revenue. These are just the early signs of a recovery of course, but they point to the idea that the economy may be starting to heal. It will likely be a long time before there is significant sustainable growth, but the early signs are there. With this, the price of gold may well decline as the market gets healthier and more investors decide to take on more risk. There is a significant likelihood that this could be the case in the next 3-5 years.

Gold is simply not the best play to make at a time like this. There are other options available to those who are serious about making a profit in this choppy market. Perhaps even purchasing stocks themselves would be a better move at the moment.

Petrusia Kowal is a commodities trader in Toronto, as well as a music teacher. People often pay attention to one end of the situation, and forget about the other. Be aware of the countless opportunities in a sluggish market. This is the likely the perfect time to refinance your auto insurance. Other financial products like credit cards and mortgage rates also often get quite competitive in such markets. Visit Kanetix to do some comparison shopping, and determine if you're getting the value that you deserve.

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Some Common Mistakes that are Made on Tax Returns

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Filing a tax return is something that many people have no problem but others find quite complicated and stressful. The process is actually quite simple but there are some common mistakes that people tend to make, which can make the processing of tax returns far slower, which can result in delays with any rebates that are due from the IRS.

Familiarizing yourself with the common mistakes that many people make on tax returns can help to make the process easier for you, as you will have a better idea of what you should and should not be doing when you complete your return. Whilst there are many common mistakes that can be made, five of the most common ones are listed below:

Problems with social security numbers: Many people make the very simple yet very common mistake of either missing social security numbers off the tax return or putting the incorrect numbers. Make sure that you check all social security numbers carefully and enter them exactly as they are shown on the social security card

Choosing the wrong filing status: Some people inadvertently choose the incorrect filing status on their tax return. If you are unsure as to which filing status you should use you can look at Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information for further information and guidance

Errors with calculations: Even those who are whizz kids with numbers can sometimes make a mathematical error on their tax return. It is important that you double check all of your figures to ensure that they are all accurate. You can make things easier by filing your return online as all of the calculations will be done for you, saving you a lot of time and hassle

Incorrect banking details: This is an easy mistake to make, particularly when you have been completing your form and are probably fed up of looking at numbers! However, if you put the wrong account details you will be the one to suffer, as it will delay your rebate. If you are looking to have your refund paid direct to your bank make sure that you double check the accuracy of your banking details so that processing can be done quickly and easily by the IRS

Failing to sign and date the return: A surprising number of people forget to do the very simple but absolutely necessary task of signing and dating their tax return. Always make sure that you have done this before you submit your tax return

Esther works for an Illinois malpractice law firm and in her spare time is a personal finance and consumer blogger. She writes regularly about small business issues and issues affecting consumers, covering mortgages, savings and taxes.

Stock Carnival Ecstasy - November 10, 2011

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeWelcome to the November 10, 2011 edition of stock carnival ecstasy. This edition begins with Nathan Richardson and an article on the Top 10 Rogue Traders. The Dividend Growth Investor takes a look at Why Sustainable Dividends Matter. We have an article on Why Trading Systems Are Not Profitable For Everyone from SteveR. And SteveR presents another article on How to Appeal Your Property Taxes. Hope you enjoy the posts, bookmark, share, tweet, like on Facebook and come back soon.

Kristine Ann presents roth ira taxes posted at Roth IRA Rules and Guidelines, saying, "You should diverisfy for taxes just like you would for investment risk. In addition to your company retirement plan, you should also consider investing in a Roth IRA. A great strategy is to invest just enough to get the company matching (if you are lucky enough to work for a company that still offers matching contributions), then invest the rest of your money into a Roth IRA."

other

Bruce Givner presents Blog l Estate And Tax Planning l Asset Protection posted at Law Offices of Givner & Kaye, saying, "Daily insights on estate planning, tax planning, asset protection planning and other matters regarding the representation of high net worth individuals and their closely held corporations."

J.R. Weber presents Chase Slate 0% APR No Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Offer posted at Smart Balance Transfers, saying, "Consumers seeking ways to reduce credit card expenses typically must pay a 3% transaction fee to obtain a 0% rate. The Chase Slate card removes this hurdle that prevents many from utilizing 0% balance transfers."

Someone presents Commodity ETF Futures Trading - Natural Gas, Oil, Gold and Silver - Contango, Backwardation posted at Metal Energy Blog, saying, "Metal Energy Blog is a reference document for new traders who are interested in leveraged Commodity ETF's"

Chelsea Prescotti presents How To improve Your Credit Score | CreditScore.net posted at CreditScore.net, saying, "Saying that your credit score plays a vital role in whether you can apply to acquire further credit, obtain reasonably priced car insurance, or take out a small business loan for example is a bit of an understatement. It plays an enormous role and it is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In short, a credit score helps lenders and credit card and insurance companies, for example, determine the risks involved in lending a borrower/applicant money, credit, or insurance respectively. It also helps lenders and other agencies determine the specific amounts, rates, and terms and conditions to offer a borrower/applicant."

SteveR presents 9 Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Forex Broker posted at Forex Trading System Central, saying, "When you start trading Forex, you automatically become a part of this huge trillion-dollar trading environment."

stocks

Nathan Richardson presents Top 10 Rogue Traders posted at Complex Search, saying, "These traders can make a lot of money – but sometimes they go rogue as mistakes prompt them to hide losses and make big gambles in an attempt to turn the tide. Take a look at the 10 biggest rogue traders."

Carlos Sera presents A Preservation Tale posted at Financial Tales, saying, "http://financialtales.com/financial-tales/high-net-worth-tales/a-preservation-tale/"

Dividend Growth Investor presents Why Sustainable Dividends Matter posted at Dividend Growth Investor, saying, "In order to reduce the risk of dividend cuts, I analyze the sustainability of the dividend payments before I commit any capital to new or existing positions. For most stocks, this means evaluating whether the dividend payout ratio is less than 60%."

Super Saver presents How the Greeks Stole Christmas posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, "The EU debt crisis and the likely Greek default will continue to be damper on the stock market."

SteveR presents Why Trading Systems Are Not Profitable For Everyone posted at FastSwings, saying, "Probably, all the things in this world are based on a difference. Two exactly the same cars turn out to be different in further usage – one of them brakes down faster for some reasons."

tips

SteveR presents Tame the Taxman: How to Appeal Your Property Taxes | 2011 Taxes posted at 2011 Taxes, saying, "Doing your taxes correctly is difficult enough without falling prey to misinformation"

SteveR presents Mortgage and the Emotional Costs Associated With It posted at Debt Consolidation, saying, "Home ownership is a really big responsibility and many people still see owning their own place as a primary goal in life, which can be both a wonderful and a dangerous idea."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of stock carnival ecstasy using our carnival submission form.

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Consumers Guide to Commodity Trading

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Taking a practical approach to trading commodities can be really difficult for some who have preconceived notions that are inaccurate, or really make a negative impact on their morale.

Commodities are unique in that they are (almost always) tangible goods that are bought and sold, there can be price discrepancies on these goods that make them profitable to trade. Such a fact is not lost on the various commodities traders out there who make assumptions about futures and other financial instruments in an effort to bring about successful commodity trading. Unfortunately this can often result in losses if the trader is not experienced enough to make the right call, so it is important that one consider the chances of loss before moving forward with their trade.

Commodities trading often involve the use of equities (stocks) as a type of representation of what a rising or falling commodities price means to their particular profitability. A logging company for instance will greatly benefit from a rising cost in wood, while a company that specializes in electronics that feature precious metals will benefit in a drop of the cost of those metals.

It is these relationships that make commodities trading a natural pairing to occur with the equities market, and indeed it is this pairing that makes it possible for many traders to make a good deal of money. While it might seem like no big deal, this relationship is the beginning of how most private traders make their living from home involving commodities. In order to deal with commodities futures, derivatives, futures contracts, and other instruments you must either become a professional trader or pay someone else such as a CTA to act on your behalf.

If you are going to have another company act on commodity prices for you it is important that you trust this company or individual with your life, since they will be in charge of your money. One wrong move or misinterpreted order and you could find yourself losing a good deal of money, making the effort to avoid this sort of thing should be paramount on your to do list if you are going to employ the use of a third party.

If you want to take on the commodities market on your own it is important to realize that the single best way to do this is through the equities markets. Trading commodities futures online is another way to utilize commodities for trading, but it is a very complicated financial instrument that should never be used by anyone that does not understand what they are doing.

If you are interested in commodities futures you should take it upon yourself to understand this instrument inside and out, it is not nearly as simple as the spot market and if you do not make the right call you will quickly find yourself in some trouble. Taking the time to properly learn your craft before beginning is something that is extremely important, and you need to keep that in mind at all times.

Mark James is an intersted author in the world of commodity trading and investment in order to help investors make the most of their money.If you are interested in reading more about commodity trading and Gold investment, then please visit the following sites:QIA Commodities.com, Gold investment.com and Thisis money.com

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Occupy Wall Street: How Will The Public React?

The Occupy Wall Street movement began in earnest on September 17, 2011 as an anti-corporate, anti-banking demonstration. The ostensible purpose of the Occupy Wall Street movement is to redistribute wealth. Participants in the Occupy Wall Street movement come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are recent college graduates, others are unemployed individuals. Still more are anti-government and/or anti-capitalist activists.

Origins:

The Occupy Wall Street movement was initiated when a Canadian anti-consumerist publiction, AdBusters, registered the domain "occupywallstreet.org" on June 9, 2011. Four days later on June 13, AdBusters began to promote an assembly of peaceful protesters on Wall Street in Manhattan.

The movement began getting Internet traction and by August 23, 2011, the hacktivist group "Anonymous" endorsed the movement.
Since that time, labor unions, leftist activists and the reinvented organization ACORN clandestinely started funneling money into the movement. Some protesters actually are paid a stipend to attend.

Objectives:

The Occupy Wall Street movement spread to other cities as the Manhattan protesters began to gather. To date, the various Occupy Wall Street only has one clear, common thread: the reorganization of the American system. However, there is no one "voice". This makes the movement's goals disparate and anecdotal.

Although there is no one resounding message, there are elements of anti-semitism, some of which have appeared in both Internet and television videos. Other messages are that of anti-corporatism, anti-capitalism, anti-war and anti-establishment. Signs and placards displayed by demonstrators taut tax reform, wealth redistribution, displeasure with corporations and government.

The lone thread that is repeated throughout each occupied cities is the "99%". This is supposed to represent the "99%" of citizens set apart for the "1%". Or those who are the majority. However, the message behind the percentage often changes from individual to individual and city to city.

Public Relations:

As a matter of public relations, Occupy Wall Street has had a net-negative affect on the movement itself, rather than its targets. According to recent polling Americans are split on the movement. A CBS News/New York Times poll found that 43% of the public agreed with the sentiment of Occupy Wall Street. In the same poll, 27% of respondents did not agree with Occupy Wall Street. And a full 30% replied they "don't know" if Occupy Wall Street reflected their views. Although the poll's sample included 1,650 respondents, it was a measure of "all adults" and not "likely voters". To spite the movement's call for government intervention, the same CBS News/New York Times poll found 60% of Americans do not trust the government.

Banks and other financial institutions have recently come under fire for not only lending practices but fee increases. Banks claim as a result of the Dodd-Frank bill limiting so-called "swipe fees", revenues had to be made up elsewhere. Although the largest banks in the nation have been the subject of media scrutiny, their customer base remains high. The whole situation has put the banks under "the microscope". Employing a PR Consultancy is essential now more than ever. Though the Occupy Wall Street movement has not adversely affected the business of the corporations it has affected the trust the public places in these old and established institutions.

Photo: Thanks to j-No on Flickr.

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Is Equity Release Still Worth It in the Current Economic Climate?

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Seniors are often hopeful of attaining a financially secured life with a wonderful house and tons of quality bonding time with their relatives. However, as the years go by, the life they aspire tends to become more difficult to achieve with the constantly increasing gap between the inflation and salary, not to mention the continuous rise in the cost of living. With the current economic climate going to a direction unfavorable to the majority of retirees, equity release may just be the most reasonable option.

Equity release is a system that allows you to get the value of your property albeit having to still live there. This is open for individuals whose age range from 55 to 70. Ultimately, it is a means of increasing pension income for most retirees.

The two main kinds of schemes are the lifetime mortgage and home reversion scheme. The former is where a homeowner is charged an interest that will be rolled up to a lump to be paid when you move out or become deceased. In the home reversion scheme, a company will purchase the entire or part of the property at around 20 to 60 percent of the market value of the estate, and in return, a steady income or cash lump sum would be granted. The company would then sell the property after you are deceased.

Property prices have barely increased in the previous months, and it has been forecasted that real estate prices may roll back by about 20 percent after a couple of years. The 2.8 percent reduction in prices in the past year only emphasizes the distress of a possible downturn.

With the current economic climate, going for equity release is a hard decision to make. However, many experts are hopeful of this year being better than the last, with many lenders coming back in the market. Consumers and the market alike would be more self-assured, though it won’t be affecting the slowdown of property prices.

Change is inevitable in the economic climate, which is why homeowners should consider downsizing in the later years after any equity release scheme, or sell the property entirely and move to a sheltered house or care home. Also, be sure to check if the scheme allows transfer to another estate and if penalties are settled upon closing an equity release plan prior to death. Family members are most affected in the inheritance homeowners are to give to them, so it’s best to consult with them to prevent any possible misunderstandings in the future.

Andrew is a real estate blogger and journalist. He writes on all things to do with property and personal finance as well as small business finance, from managing your taxes through to investing in solar panels.

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