Educational Articles

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Reading time • 5 minute(s)

5 Stocks to Watch in September

It has been a volatile start to the month for stocks, with bonds and stocks declining, and the oil price rising, as the Middle East crisis heats up. There is a challenging backdrop for stock markets this month. The oil price is higher by 11%, there is a 66% chance of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve on 16th September, after Fed chair Kevin Warsh struck a hawkish stance at the Jackson Hole conference, the ECB and the BOJ are also expected to hike rates this month, and seasonality tends to see a weak performance for stock markets in September. On top of fears about lofty AI valuations, this is a more nervous backdrop for traders compared to the rest of 2026. However, there are 5 stocks that we think are worth watching closely. They all have a strong narrative that could boost their resilience in the coming weeks, regardless of the market backdrop.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Options vs Shares: Which Is Right for You?

What Is the Difference Between Options and Shares? Options and shares both give you exposure to the price movement of individual companies, but they work in fundamentally different ways. When you buy a share, you own a stake in that company and benefit directly from any rise in its value. When you buy an option, you purchase the right — but not the obligation — to buy or sell that share at a fixed price before a set expiry date. The key difference is that shares are a direct, open-ended investment, while options are time-limited contracts with more complex pricing and a defined expiry.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

Nebius Group: Why Nvidia Invested $2 Billion in AI Cloud Infrastructure

Quick Facts: $2 billion investment from Nvidia announced in March 2026 Nvidia owns 9.3% stake in Nebius Group (disclosed July 2026) Plans to deploy 5+ gigawatts of Nvidia-powered AI systems by 2030 Full-stack AI cloud partnership across hardware and software

Reading time • 8 minute(s)

How to Invest in Gold: 4 Methods Explained and Compared

Investors can choose from four primary methods to gain exposure to precious metals: physical gold, gold ETFs and ETCs, mining stocks, and CFDs on gold. Each option provides a distinct way to access the gold price, allowing you to align your strategy with your specific time horizon, risk appetite, and available capital. Gold typically plays a strategic role in diversified portfolios, with its primary function being to preserve purchasing power over time and provide long-term protection against inflation. Gold has surged past $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history, marking a remarkable 50% gain year-to-date, its strongest performance since 1979. The rally accelerated in August following the Federal Reserve’s dovish policy shift and new U.S. trade tariffs, with the ongoing government shutdown further intensifying market momentum.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

Build Your Own Investment Plan with Stocks and ETFs

Investment Plans now let you go beyond a ready-made mix and build your own, choosing individual stocks and ETFs and setting the exact percentage you want to hold in each. If you already invest in individual stocks or ETFs but want a clearer, more structured way to manage them, a self-build Investment Plan gives you that framework without giving up control.

Reading time • 7 minute(s)

UK Interest Rate Forecast 2026-2027: Where Could Rates Go Next?

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Interest rate forecasts are estimates based on available data and may change. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital at risk.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Forex Trading in the UK: What You Need to Know

Is Forex Trading Legal in the UK? Yes. Forex trading is legal in the UK and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) — one of the world's most respected financial regulators. UK traders can legally trade forex CFDs through any FCA-authorised broker, with strong consumer protections in place including negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and mandatory risk disclosures. The UK is one of the world's largest forex trading centres. London remains the global hub for foreign exchange activity, accounting for approximately 38% of global daily forex turnover — more than any other financial centre in the world.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

Options vs CFDs: What's the Difference?

What Is the Difference Between Options and CFDs? Options and CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are both leveraged financial derivatives that allow you to gain exposure to an underlying asset without owning it, but they work in fundamentally different ways. The key difference is that a CFD tracks the price of an asset directly and has no expiry, while an option gives you the right, but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a specific price before a set expiry date. This distinction has significant implications for cost, risk, and how each product is used.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

Jackson Hole 2026: Warsh's First Fed Speech & Market Impact Guide

Key Details at a Glance: Dates: August 27-29, 2026 (Thursday-Saturday) Location: Jackson Lake Lodge, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Main Event: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's keynote — Friday 8:00 AM ET Attendees: ~120 central bankers + policymakers from 70+ countries Theme: "Financial Innovation: Implications for Payments and Policy"

Reading time • 9 minute(s)

How to Trade CFDs in Volatile Markets: Advanced Strategies & Risk Management

Volatile markets present both significant opportunities and heightened risks for CFD traders. Whether you're dealing with sudden price swings, geopolitical events, or economic data releases, understanding how to navigate volatility is essential for protecting your capital while capitalizing on market movement. This comprehensive guide covers proven strategies, risk management techniques, and practical approaches to trading CFDs during periods of high market volatility.

Reading time • 14 minute(s)

What Is CFD Trading? CFDs Explained

CFD trading is the method of speculating on the underlying price of an asset such as shares, indices, commodities, forex and more without actually owning it. A CFD, short for "contract for difference," is a type of financial derivative that enables you to trade the price movements of these financial markets. With this form of trading, you don't own the underlying asset — you're only getting exposure to its price movements. This means you can potentially profit from both rising and falling markets.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

How Much Do I Need to Retire - and How to Get There

Most investors need an annual retirement income of around £40,000 to £100,000 to maintain their current standard of living. A common target is accumulating 25 times your annual expenses, which aligns with the classic 4% withdrawal rule. However, your personalized number depends heavily on your lifestyle, health factors, and the exact age you choose to stop working. Use the principles below and our retirement calculator to find your target and build your strategy.

Reading time • 7 minute(s)

What Is an Investment Plan? A Beginner's Guide

Most people know they should be investing, but fewer know where to actually start. What do you buy? How much? How often? And what do you do once you've bought something? An investment plan is the answer to those questions. Not a product, not a platform, not a specific fund, but a framework that ties together your goals, your timeline, and your approach to risk, so that your money is working in a direction that makes sense for you. This guide explains what an investment plan is, what it should include, and how to start building one even if you're new to investing entirely.

Reading time • 7 minute(s)

Deep Dive into SK Hynix: Understanding the Global Semiconductor Leader

SK Hynix is one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, specializing in memory chips and semiconductor technology. As a South Korean multinational corporation, SK Hynix plays a crucial role in the global technology supply chain, producing memory solutions essential for modern computing, smartphones, data centers, and emerging technologies. Whether you're a trader interested in semiconductor stocks, an investor researching the tech sector, or simply curious about the companies shaping our digital future, understanding SK Hynix provides valuable insights into the semiconductor industry landscape. This comprehensive guide will explore the company's operations, financial metrics, competitive position, and investment considerations.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

The WTI and Brent Divide: How Two Oils Shape Global Energy Markets

Brent and WTI are the two main crude oil benchmarks, and the divide between them helps explain how global and North American oil prices are formed, why they sometimes differ, and why both matter for energy markets. While both represent light crude oil, Brent reflects globally traded seaborne supply, whereas WTI is tied more closely to North American production and infrastructure. This distinction explains why their prices do not always move in the same way, even when broader oil market conditions are similar. Understanding how they function provides a foundation for interpreting energy markets and the instruments linked to them.

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

CFD Trading Taxes UK: What You Need to Know

How Are CFDs Taxed in the UK? In the UK, profits from CFD trading are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). CFDs are classified as financial derivatives by HMRC, not gambling, which means any gains above your annual CGT allowance must be declared and taxed. The same classification also means losses from CFD trading can be offset against other capital gains, which is a meaningful tax advantage not available with spread betting. This article provides general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Always consult a qualified tax adviser for guidance specific to your situation.

Reading time • 4 minute(s)

5 Stocks to Watch in August

August is shaping up to be another volatile month for investors. The biggest driver remains the Federal Reserve after July's decision to leave rates unchanged, with markets now pricing in around a 55-60% chance of a rate hike in September, meaning every major inflation and jobs report could move markets.

Reading time • 9 minute(s)

Gold as an Investment: Is It Still Worth It in 2026?

Gold has long been considered one of the most reliable stores of value - a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and economic uncertainty. For many investors, it is not about getting rich quickly, but about protecting what they have already built. But the full picture is more complicated than that. Gold can be highly volatile in the short term, generates no income, and has historically underperformed equities over long bull markets. Whether it belongs in your portfolio depends on factors that no single headline can address. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer framework for making that decision yourself. The key information to consider when answering the question "is gold a good investment in 2026" includes:

Reading time • 5 minute(s)

AMD vs Broadcom: Which AI Chip is Better to Buy After the Selloff?

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital at risk.

Reading time • 6 minute(s)

Stock CFDs vs Buying Shares: Which Is Right for You?

Stock CFDs vs Buying Shares: What's the Difference? Stock CFDs and buying shares both give you exposure to the price movement of individual company stocks, but they work in fundamentally different ways. When you buy shares, you become a part-owner of that company entitled to dividends, voting rights, and long-term capital growth. When you trade a stock CFD, you speculate on the price movement of that stock without owning it, using leverage to control a larger position than your deposited capital would otherwise allow. The right choice depends on your investment timeframe, goals, and risk appetite.

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