Spot contract vs forward contract: which do you trade, and why?

A spot forex trade settles on the standard date for that pair, which for most major pairs is usually two business days after the trade. A forward contract fixes an exchange rate today for a payment on a later date, and businesses use forwards to hedge foreign payments. Most retail accounts do not take delivery of either. A CFD or margin position stands in for the spot market and rolls over each day, so the overnight swap on it usually matters more to a retail trader than the settlement date. The trading costs guide shows how the swap adds up over a holding period, and the carry trade guide explains how the interest-rate gap feeds into it.

Questions for members:

1. Do you hold positions overnight? If so, do you check the swap before you enter?
2. Have you ever looked at a forward price on a platform or in a bank quote? What did you use it for?
3. Would you rather hold a rolling position or a contract with a fixed date? What decides it for you?