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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Educational Articles

Knowledge Base

Reading time • 4 minute(s)
Best CFD Brokers in the UK 2026
Traders in the UK are presented with a wide range of brokerage options, each offering unique features and tools to suit different trading styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the stock market, or an experienced investor seeking advanced features, choosing the right broker is extremely important. Let’s take a closer look at the factors you should consider when choosing a broker for 2026 and why XTB is one of the best CFD brokers in the UK.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
Volatility vs. Risk: Why They're Not the Same And Why That Matters
In the fast-moving world of finance, two words often get thrown around interchangeably: volatility and risk. To many investors and even some professionals they seem like two sides of the same coin. But they are not the same. And confusing them can lead to costly mistakes. Understanding the difference isn't just academic, it's critical for smarter investment decisions, better portfolio management, and clearer thinking in times of market stress. "Volatility is not synonymous with risk. Confusing the two is like mistaking weather for climate." – Howard Marks, Oaktree Capital Management.
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Reading time • 12 minute(s)
How to use trading signals effectively? Practical guide
Trading signals are powerful tools that help traders make informed decisions on financial markets, by providing actionable insights based on technical indicators, market trends, and economic events. Whether you're a novice trader or a seasoned professional, understanding how to use trading signals effectively can significantly enhance your trading strategies and improve profitability. In this practical guide, we’ll explore how to interpret different types of trading signals, integrate them into your trading routine, and leverage them to make timely decisions that align with your risk tolerance and goals. By mastering these techniques, you can take your trading to the next level. It’s a good place to start your financial markets journey.
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Reading time • 3 minute(s)
5 Top Dividend Stocks for 2025 - Strong Picks Amid Market Volatility
With markets under pressure from steep sell-offs, trade war fears, and renewed tariff threats under Trump's latest policies, investors are scrambling for safer ways to protect their wealth. Stocks are volatile, bond yields are falling, and economic uncertainty is rising. In times like these, dividend stocks are more valuable than ever. They not only provide steady passive income but also help cushion portfolios during market downturns. If you're looking for stability while still growing your money, here are the top dividend stocks to watch in 2025. These companies offer strong payouts, reliable cash flows, and a proven track record of riding out market storms making them smart picks for investors who want peace of mind in a turbulent year.
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Reading time • 3 minute(s)
Why You Should Maximise Your ISA Allowance Before April 5th with XTB
As the end of the tax year approaches on April 5th, it’s essential to ensure you’ve maximised your Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance. Failing to do so means losing out on valuable tax benefits that can help grow your investments more efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore why you should take full advantage of your ISA allowance and how XTB can fit into your broader investment strategy.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
The New Normal: How Volatility Became a Permanent Feature of Global Markets
There was a time when markets moved slowly, predictably. Economists even coined a term for it: the "Great Moderation" - a period from the mid-1980s to 2007 characterised by low inflation, steady growth, and relative calm in financial markets. Fast forward to today, and that world feels almost mythical. Volatility is sharp, sudden, and sometimes inexplicable and is no longer an outlier. It's a built-in feature of the global financial system. From pandemic shocks to meme-stock frenzies to geopolitical escalations, the modern market seems to lurch from one upheaval to the next. How did we get here? And what does this "new normal" mean for investors, businesses, and policymakers?
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
Refer a Friend FAQs
Referring friends to XTB is a simple and rewarding way to share the benefits of trading with a trusted global broker. Whether you’re an experienced trader or just getting started, XTB’s Refer a Friend program lets you and your friends enjoy exclusive perks. In this article, we’ll walk you through how the program works, the benefits you can unlock, and tips to maximise your rewards. If you're looking for an easy way to boost your trading experience, keep reading to learn how you can start referring today!
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Reading time • 9 minute(s)
What is liquidity in the financial markets & business?
Discover the critical role of liquidity in financial markets and business operations. Learn how the ease of converting assets into cash can drive investment strategies and ensure business stability. This article breaks down the benefits, risks, and essential insights about liquidity role in global business and financial operations.
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Reading time • 9 minute(s)
Market swings: The role of volatility and uncertainty
Risk and volatility may discourage lots of people from investing. But history tells, that the financial market may be a huge vehicle of long term wealth. So the question is how to deal with market risk and uncertainty, which are always actual in both investing and business. A deep understanding of the market's nature isn’t just helpful. It's essential. Let’s dive in.
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Reading time • 11 minute(s)
What is the dollar index, and how does it work?
Dollar index investing means profiting from changes in the USD’s strength relative to foreign currencies. This article explains the basics, strategies, and factors any investor and trader needs to know about the US dollar index. Key Takeaways The U.S. Dollar Index measures the strength of the USD against a basket of six major currencies, with the euro having the most significant influence. Reading above 100 levels signals, that US dollar strengthened vs the currencies in the basket, while below 100 signals that US dollar is weaker than currencies cumulative power Key factors affecting the Dollar Index include Federal Reserve policies, economic indicators, and global events, which can lead to substantial fluctuations - weakening (recessions, large US - Europe bond yield spreads, financial crises or even higher risk appetite) or strengthening US dollar (high oil prices, strong macro data, higher inflation, lower risk appetite) Investors can utilise dollar index futures and various trading strategies, such as fundamental and technical analysis, to enhance their investment decisions and manage risks. US Dollar index  (so-called DXY) derivatives (such as USDIDX) are objects of global market trades and speculators.
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Reading time • 4 minute(s)
Where Her Money Works
For too long, women have been underrepresented in financial conversations despite their incredible ability to manage, save, and invest wisely. At XTB, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to take control of their financial future. This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the incredible women driving change in finance. Women like Charlotte Jessop, Kia Commodore, and Abigail Foster are on a mission to make money talk more accessible and help women feel confident about managing and investing their money. Historically, financial spaces have been male-dominated, leaving women with fewer opportunities to engage in conversations about wealth-building. Despite women owning 43% of Stocks and Shares ISAs in the UK, this drops to just 38% for young professionals aged 25-34. Research by XTB and HMRC shows that women, particularly in southwest England, are strong savers holding 57% of all Cash ISAs — but remain cautious investors. However, with growing representation and access to financial education, more women are now taking control of their financial futures. In this conversation, Charlotte, Kia, and Abigail share their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and tips on how women can take charge of their finances. At XTB, we believe that financial empowerment should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we provide over 160 hours of educational content, including eBooks, comprehensive educational articles, YouTube videos, and expert market analysis, to help individuals make informed investment decisions. Our goal is to break down the complexities of finance and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the knowledge and tools to invest confidently.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
Vanguard is the new king of ETFs
ETFs have been gaining more and more popularity in recent years. It is no wonder, this passive investment tool is known for its very low fees, flexibility and simplicity, and compared to regular actively managed funds, ETFs are much cheaper and generally achieve much higher performance, with people being able to make their purchases or sales in real time, for example via mobile applications. For many years, the world leader in ETFs for the most famous American stock index S&P 500 was the fund with the abbreviation SPY from State Street. However, a few days ago, the fund with the abbreviation VOO from the rival company Vanguard surpassed it in the volume of managed assets. There is currently 632 billion USD in the Vanguard fund and 23 billion USD has flowed into it since the beginning of this year. There is currently 630 billion USD in the SPY fund, see. picture.
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Reading time • 12 minute(s)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC): A Global Semiconductor Powerhouse
In a world where technology drives nearly every aspect of life, one company stands as the invisible engine powering the devices we rely on every day — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Behind the screens of our phones, the intelligence of artificial intelligence, and the speed of cutting-edge electronics lies TSMC’s ground-breaking chips. TSMC has not only shaped the semiconductor industry but also transformed the global tech landscape. From its modest beginnings to its status as an indispensable part of the global technology supply chain, TSMC’s journey reflects both Taiwan’s rise as a tech powerhouse and the rapid advancements in the semiconductor industry.
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Reading time • 5 minute(s)
When is the Best Time to Buy and Sell Stocks?
You know that feeling when you're rushing to catch a bus, and you just miss it? It’s frustrating. Now, imagine that bus is a stock, and it’s speeding by in front of you. Buy it too early, and you might find yourself stuck in traffic; wait too long, and you’ll see your investment zoom past. Whether you're looking to buy into a company that's about to surge or sell just before it crashes, finding that sweet spot is the key to making the most of your investments. But here’s the catch — nailing the perfect moment to jump in or out is more of an art than a science. So, how do you time the stock market without feeling like you’re gambling with your future?
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Reading time • 26 minute(s)
Gold Trading: A Beginner's Guide
Cultural backgrounds recognise gold as a safe investment by many people around the world – even those who do not deal with the financial markets in terms of supply and demand for gold or price movements. Gold historically is seen as an asset that maintains its value despite economic uncertainty or price fluctuations due to its unique properties. Investing in gold has always been an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, or simply enjoy the beauty, value of gold and prestige of owning gold as a physical commodity. Today, technological advances have created various ways and gold options to invest in the precious metal - even from the palm of your hand. In this article you will learn how to buy and trade gold, how to trade gold CFDs and what is the best time to choose to start trading gold.
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Reading time • 5 minute(s)
Best Stocks to Buy Ahead of Valentine’s Day 2025
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while love is in the air, so is the sweet scent of consumer spending! Whether it's diamonds, chocolates, or that perfect weekend getaway, Cupid's arrow strikes the stock market too. For many investors, it’s not just about buying flowers for your partner, it's about buying stocks that are set to bloom with the season. So, if you’re ready to make your portfolio a little more lovable, here are the best stocks to look out for ahead of February 14th. Let’s dive into the romantic world of retail, gifts, and sweet returns!
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Reading time • 9 minute(s)
Super Micro Computer Inc: Building the Servers of Tomorrow, Today
A trend that is playing a key role in the stock rally that is happening at the moment is the continued optimism for artificial intelligence technologies driving up technology stocks. AI infrastructure is currently booming, fueled by surging demand from data centres and enterprises.Polaris Market Research predicts the market will reach $197.39 billion by 2030, up from $23.54 billion in 2021 poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 27.6%. Nvidia (-2.5%, $905), a prominent semiconductor designer, along with well-known technology giants such as Microsoft (+0.11, $415) and Amazon (+0.92%, $177), has greatly profited from this technological revolution. Nevertheless, the recent quarterly earnings reports have shed light on winners within the AI server sector as well. One particular stock, which has surged over 1,100% in the past year, has sparked concerns regarding its current valuation.
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Reading time • 8 minute(s)
5 common mistakes to avoid when investing
Investing can be one of the most effective ways to build wealth and achieve financial independence, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Even the most seasoned investors make mistakes that can cost them time, money, and opportunities. Whether you’re new to the market or a seasoned trader, recognising common investment mistakes can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly errors. From chasing hot stocks to neglecting proper research, these missteps can undermine your investment strategy and long-term goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the five most common mistakes investors make and how you can avoid them, empowering you to approach the market with confidence and a clear plan. Avoiding these errors can make all the difference between financial success and missed opportunities.
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Reading time • 12 minute(s)
Investing amid geopolitical tensions
Key Takeaways  Geopolitical risks refer to political and economic uncertainties arising from global tensions, wars, and policy changes that can significantly impact asset prices. Investing amid geopolitical tensions requires understanding how these risks affect different asset classes. Some assets can significantly gain during those events, and some may face crashes The globalisation trend supported global economies and markets during the last decades. If this trend is changing, investors should analyse how it can impact their portfolio Some assets, such as commodities, precious metals and defence stocks, can gain during periods of geopolitical instability. However, this reaction is never guaranteed and easy to predict Diversification by focusing on less vulnerable stocks, hedging and collecting uncorrelated assets to portfolios can help to mitigate risks. Analysing aerospace & defence, consumer staples and utilities stocks, precious metals and soft commodities, as well as VIX may give investors an edge during geopolitical tensions  Geopolitical tensions, ranging from international conflicts to trade wars and political instability, can create significant uncertainties in the financial markets. Every uncertainty may be an opportunity, but some of the unexpected events may lead to significant market corrections and crises. Global trade tensions can lead to volatile asset prices and disrupt global economic activities. Answering the question of how to navigate these challenges may be crucial for maintaining a resilient investment portfolio. This article will explore how to invest amid geopolitical tensions, highlighting which assets are less vulnerable and which can benefit from such periods of instability.
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Reading time • 10 minute(s)
Nvidia investing: AI Innovation and Digital Transformation
Nvidia is one of the technology leaders fundamentally changing the future of digital innovation. Starting as a graphics card manufacturer for gaming and research centres, it has risen to the forefront of high-performance computing, with almost 90% market share across global GPU markets driving global artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Nvidia graphic cards are no longer dedicated to gamers. The largest companies in the world in 2023 and 2024 were in a rush to buy Nvidia GPUs. But will it last forever?
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