This trading FAQ for beginners collects short answers in one place. Each answer is deliberately brief; follow the links in the guides for the full explanation, worked examples and sources. For definitions of individual terms, use the glossary.
Can't find your question? Send it through our contact page and we may answer it in a future update. We cannot give personal advice about your own money.
Reader questions
Is GlixoTrade an exchange or a broker?
No. GlixoTrade publishes articles and calculators and nothing else. Nobody can open an account, place a trade, make a deposit or receive signals here, and we never look after money or crypto on anyone's behalf.
What is the difference between forex, stocks and crypto?
Forex is the trading of currencies through a global dealer network; stocks are shares in companies traded on regulated exchanges; crypto-assets are tokens recorded on blockchains and traded on many separate platforms. Our markets overview compares them in detail.
How do I choose a crypto platform or broker?
Check it on your regulator's register, confirm which legal entity would hold your money, compare the full round-trip cost including withdrawals, and test a small withdrawal before depositing more. Our ten-point checklist covers each step.
What is USDT?
USDT is Tether's dollar-pegged stablecoin, meant to trade at $1. It runs on several blockchains, and you must send and receive it on the same network, for example TRC20 on Tron or ERC20 on Ethereum.
Can I start with a small amount of Bitcoin?
No. Bitcoin is divisible into 100 million satoshis, so you can buy a small amount. The more important question is how much you could afford to lose, because the price is very volatile.
What does leverage of 30:1 mean?
It means a deposit of $1 controls $30 of exposure. Gains and losses are calculated on the full position, so a 1% move against a 30:1 position costs about 30% of the margin.
Why did my trade cost more than the advertised fee?
The spread, currency conversion, card fees, overnight financing and withdrawal fees are often charged separately from the headline commission. Our trading fees guide explains each one.
Is my crypto safe on an exchange?
It depends on the exchange's security, solvency and regulation. On a custodial platform you hold a claim on the company. Coins in a wallet where only you hold the keys cannot be lost through a platform failure, but you must protect the recovery phrase yourself.
How can I tell if an investment offer is a scam?
Warning signs include unsolicited contact, guaranteed returns, pressure to act fast, payment in crypto or gift cards, and fees demanded before a withdrawal. Check any firm on your regulator's register and never share a recovery phrase.
Are profits from trading taxed?
In many countries gains from selling shares, currencies or crypto can be taxable, and dividends may be taxed too. Rules vary widely, so keep records of every trade and check your local tax authority's guidance.