Access global index markets
Follow Broader Market Performance
Indices provide a way to follow the overall performance of selected groups of publicly listed companies.
Rather than focusing on one company, an index reflects the combined performance of multiple companies according to its calculation methodology.
CFD First provides access to available global indices across major economies and financial regions.
What is indices trading?
Understanding Stock Market Indices
Indices trading involves participating in price movements of indices that track selected groups of companies. An index can represent a market, economy, industry or company group. Its value rises or falls as the combined value of represented companies changes.
Market Index
Measures the performance of a selected group of securities according to a defined methodology.
Index Constituents
The individual companies included within an index.
Index Value
Reflects the combined performance of constituents according to the index methodology.
Index Weighting
Determines how much influence each constituent has on the overall index.
Explore global indices
Regions and Popular Markets
US Indices
Track selected groups listed across major American markets.
European Indices
Represent selected companies across major European markets and economies.
Asian Indices
Track selected companies across major Asia-Pacific markets.
Other Global Indices
Provide exposure to market movements across countries, regions and economies.
Popular Global Indices
- S&P 500: 500 leading US-listed companies
- Nasdaq 100: 100 large non-financial Nasdaq companies
- Dow Jones: 30 large publicly listed US companies
- FTSE 100: 100 large London Stock Exchange companies
- DAX: major Frankfurt-listed German companies
- Nikkei 225: 225 major companies listed in Japan
Stocks
A stock represents one company and can be influenced significantly by company-specific developments.
Indices
An index represents a group of companies, offering a broader view of a market or segment.
Why trade indices with CFD First?
Broader Market Exposure
Global Index Access
Explore available indices representing major markets.
Broader Exposure
Follow groups of companies rather than one stock.
Multiple Markets
Access indices representing different economies and regions.
Market Diversification
Explore different company groups, industries and geographies.
Web & Mobile
Stay connected through supported trading environments.
Market Knowledge
Follow economic, financial and global developments.
What moves global indices?
Six Key Market Drivers
Company Performance
Constituent share prices influence the index; higher-weighted companies can have a larger effect.
Economic Data
GDP, employment, inflation and consumer activity influence expectations.
Interest Rates
Rates affect borrowing costs, valuations, economic activity and expectations.
Central Bank Policy
Rate decisions and monetary-policy guidance can move global indices.
Market Sentiment
Confidence and attitudes toward risk influence broader stock markets.
Global Events
Geopolitics, trade and political events can affect different regions.
Understanding index weighting
How Constituents Shape an Index
Market-Capitalisation Weighted
Companies with larger market values have greater influence.
Price Weighted
Companies with higher share prices have greater influence.
Equal Weighted
Every included company receives an equal weighting.
Understanding how an index is weighted can help explain why movements in certain companies have a greater impact on its overall value.
Market Volatility
Indices can experience increased volatility when economic expectations or financial conditions change. Rates, inflation, employment, earnings, geopolitics and unexpected events can contribute to significant movements.
Key Indices Market Terms
Index
A measure tracking the performance of a selected securities group.
Constituent
An individual company or security included within an index.
Market Capitalisation
The total market value of a company's outstanding shares.
Market Performance
The overall direction and movement of a market or index.
Market Volatility
The degree and speed at which an index value changes.
Before you trade
Important Risk Information
Indices markets involve risk, and index values can change in response to company performance, economic data, interest-rate decisions, monetary policy, geopolitical developments and changing market sentiment.
Different indices can have different levels of volatility and may respond differently to global market developments. Clients should understand the characteristics, applicable conditions and risks associated with the products they trade.
Market information and educational content are provided for general informational purposes and do not guarantee future market performance.