CFDs versus futures for a beginner: which is simpler?

CFDs let you choose position size freely and never expire; futures have fixed contract sizes, expiries and exchange rules. Both exist because they serve different needs, and neither is universally better.

What do you trade?

• the product and why you chose it
• what confused you about the alternative
• whether you've switched between them

The spot, forwards, swaps and futures guide compares the structures side by side.