TIC Trading Hub
At The Investors Centre, our trading pillar provides clear strategies, platform reviews, and expert insights to help you trade smarter — whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor. From stock and forex trading to CFDs and technical analysis, we cover the tools and tactics you need to navigate fast-moving markets.
Explore our step-by-step trading guides, platform comparisons, and risk management tips designed to build your confidence and sharpen your edge. Whether you’re trading full-time or just testing the waters, we’re here to help you trade with discipline, data, and direction.
What is Trading?
Trading is the act of buying and selling financial instruments — such as stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies — with the goal of profiting from price movements. Unlike long-term investing, trading typically focuses on shorter timeframes, leveraging market fluctuations to generate returns.
Trading Awards
Trading Guides
![Cover image for blog post titled 'How to Short the Pound (GBP) – Beginner’s Guide [2025]', featuring a downward red arrow, British Pound symbol (£), UK flag, and candlestick chart background – ideal for forex trading and currency shorting content.](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTQwMzo5OTc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDIwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+ "Trading 51")
![Conceptual graphic showing a white Tesla Model 3 with a red downward stock arrow and candlestick chart, illustrating 'How to Short Tesla – Beginners Guide [2025]' by The Investors Centre.](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTQ2OTo5MzQ=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDIwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+ "Trading 57")
5 Eye-Opening Trading Q&As
Can I really make a living from day trading?
It’s possible, but extremely rare. Studies show that over 80% of day traders lose money, and only a tiny fraction make consistent profits. Profitable trading requires advanced strategy, discipline, capital, and emotional control — not just watching charts. For most, it’s more like gambling than a reliable income stream.
Is trading different from investing?
Yes — trading is short-term, focused on price moves and quick profits. Investing is long-term, aimed at compounding wealth over years. Traders rely on timing the market; investors rely on time in the market. Trading often has higher costs, higher risk, and higher emotional stress.
Are trading profits tax-free in the UK?
Not usually. If you trade stocks, forex, or crypto as an individual, your profits are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) above your annual allowance (£3,000 in 2024/25). Frequent traders may even be taxed as if it’s income. Only spread betting is tax-free — but it’s very high risk.
Is leverage a good way to boost profits?
It can boost profits — but also amplifies losses. Platforms often offer 2x, 5x, or even 30x leverage, which means a small market move can wipe out your entire position. Many beginners get wiped out fast. It’s like driving 120mph on a wet road — exciting, but dangerous.
Do trading apps make it too easy to lose money?
Often, yes. Many apps use game-like features — confetti, streaks, instant gratification — that encourage overtrading. This leads to emotional decisions and frequent losses. Just because it’s easy to trade doesn’t mean it’s wise to do so often. Ease of access doesn’t equal success.
