ASX CFDs

ASX contracts for difference (ASX CFDs) are a versatile and powerful investment tool for experienced investors. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) CFDs, which are contracts traded between you and a provider, ASX CFDs are traded on a regulated public exchange, the Sydney Futures Exchange Limited (SFE) which is a member of the ASX Group of companies known under the brand Australian Securities Exchange.

With CommSec ASX CFDs you can:

  • Potentially profit from either a rising or falling market, by taking long or short positions over selected Australian shares, indices, foreign currency pairs and commodities.
  • Take advantage of leverage, giving you the chance to reap profits with only a small initial margin.
  • Hedge your existing portfolio.

ASX CFDs are a competitive and liquid financial instrument. They don’t have an expiry date. What’s more, once registered, your trades are covered by the Sydney Futures Exchange Clearing Corporation (SFECC), guaranteeing you solid financial backing and the transparency of a regulated market.

But ASX CFDs don’t suit everyone. ASX CFDs are risky, as they are a highly leveraged class of financial product. Only experienced investors with a high tolerance for risk should use these products. You must read and fully consider the PDS.You will also need to complete a risk awareness and suitability test over the telephone before you can trade ASX CFDs.

ASX CFDs at a glance

   
I can do that   

The strategy: Tom formed the view that the US stock market was going to experience a correction. He decided to use an ASX CFD to take a short position against the NASDAQ and benefit from his view.

How he did it: Tom sold 100 NASDAQ CFDs at US$2,467 each*, holding this position for three days.

The result: Tom’s view proved to be right. After three days, he closed his short position by buying 100 NASDAQ CFDs at US$2,395 per contract. After taking interest, brokerage and GST into account, Tom realised a gain of US$7,007.58 — that’s a 265.89% profit on his initial investment.

Item Amount
Open Short Position
Sell Quantity 100
Price US$2,467
Contract Value US$246,700
Initial Margin1 (Outlay) (US$2,500)
Brokerage (including GST)2 (US$135.69)
Close Short Position
Buy Quantity 100
Price US$2,395
Contract Value US$239,500
Variation Margin/Profit (Loss) US$7,200
Brokerage (US$131.73)
Open Interest Charge3 (US$30.00)
Contract Interest4 US$105.00
Profit (Loss) US$7,007.58
Return on Outlay 265.89%
The information on this site has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information on this site, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to the individual’s objectives, financial situation and needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. The presence of a managed fund on this list should not be construed as a recommendation. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the appropriateness or performance of any of these funds.

   
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Find out more  
Download PDS
Client Agreement
How to Guide
Download Understanding ASX CFDs
Fees and costs
Why choose CommSec ASX CFDs?
1.Enjoy the transparency of trading on a regulated public market managed by the ASX.
2.Trade ASX CFDs (long or short) over shares, indices, currencies and commodities.
3.Enjoy potential income from interest, dividends and monetised franking credits.
4.Place trades online 24 hours a day or over the phone.
5.Manage your account online, including foreign exchange and funds transfers.
DIY Tip  
Use ASX CFDs to protect you against a fall in the share market. For example, you can hold ASX CFDs in a short position and shares in the same company. The movement of the ASX CFDs will offset the movement of your shares.