Spreadbetting does not offer the same advantages as outright stock trading, or index futures at that, for several reasons which become apparent once both have been used. Of course you can make money trading a SB account, but you have limitations that you can do without - horses for courses. I would imagine, if one seen the books for SB companies, that they make most of their profits by using the money that people lodge into their accounts, be they segregated or not! J_S
Had no issues as yet with FXCM, quick fills, 1pt spread no comms on the DAX and 2 no comms and US30, I can trade with less money and smaller lot sizes, which works for me. I had a Futures account to rich for me and real stock and traded stock options, really not seeing a difference.
Never said you can't make, or lose, money using SB - just stated a fact that is well known - I have seen quotes pulled and system freezing during highly volatile times with SB firms - which you will never get with the likes of IB, and many other reputable online brokers. J_S
Have you ever seen the ES and NQ with no bids or offers on the ladder - pulled completely! I did a few times - once I was sitting there with about $9k loss, waiting to get out before I lost a load of money - I should have been sitting there ready to go long after a 50 pt dip in ES - which is the right way to do it! J_S
Finding that course brought back memories - some not that good Look at Yahoo back in 99, with the "sonic boom" lol. J_S
o+-==== You realise, no bids or offers near the price you want isn't the brokers fault. Never an issue, even if I had 100K in my account I don't think I'd switch, like my setup.
Of course, why should you, but the facts are the facts - never used fxcm, so maybe they are the only SB company that don't pull quotes and freeze their systems when it suits them? J_S