CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% 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. 72% 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 • 5 minute(s)
Top 5 stocks to watch right now
As we move deeper into 2025, a new set of market leaders is emerging, companies that are not just surviving but shaping the future of technology, defence, energy, and finance. In this article, we spotlight five standout stocks that are capturing investor attention for all the right reasons. From Palantir Technologies, the S&P 500’s top performer, to Tesla’s bold step into autonomous ride-hailing, and from Metals One’s strategic push into critical minerals to The Smarter Web Company’s Bitcoin-backed business model, and ASML’s foundational role in AI chipmaking, each of these names represents a key theme driving markets right now. Whether you're looking for innovation, momentum, or strategic positioning, these are the stocks worth watching closely.
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Reading time • 15 minute(s)
The Israel-Iran conflict explained and its effect on the global markets
In the early hours of June 13 the long-simmering tension between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically, triggering not only a military standoff but also a wave of volatility across global financial markets.
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Reading time • 3 minute(s)
How to Choose the Best Stock Broker in the UK
Selecting the right stock broker in the UK is an important decision that can significantly impact your investment outcomes. With a wide range of options available from established financial institutions to modern digital platforms it’s essential to choose a broker that aligns with your investment goals, offers competitive fees, and provides reliable service. This guide will outline the key factors to consider when choosing a UK stock broker in 2025, helping you make an informed and confident choice.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
How to Look for the Best CFD Broker
Choosing the right CFD broker is a critical first step for any trader looking to access the global financial markets. With hundreds of brokers offering similar services, it can be challenging to identify which one truly aligns with your trading goals, experience level, and risk tolerance. Whether you're a beginner seeking user-friendly tools or an experienced trader demanding tight spreads and advanced platforms, knowing what to look for is essential.
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Reading time • 4 minute(s)
5 Top Stocks to Watch out for Right Now
The stock market has been riding a wave of uncertainty lately, with new tariffs and trade tensions shaking investor confidence. Volatility has become the new normal, leaving many wondering where to put their money to work. In times like these, it's important to focus on companies that can weather the storm and offer long-term potential. With that in mind, here are five stocks to keep an eye on right now each offering a unique opportunity amid the market turbulence.
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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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