How do Spot, Margin, and Futures trading differ in risk levels
## Risk Levels: Spot vs. Margin vs. Futures Trading
**Spot Trading**
- Lowest risk among the three.
- No leverage is used, so losses are limited to the amount invested.
- Suitable for conservative investors and beginners.
**Margin Trading**
- Higher risk than spot trading.
- Involves borrowing funds to trade larger positions (leverage), which amplifies both gains and losses.
- Losses can exceed your initial investment if the market moves against you.
**Futures Trading**
- Highest risk.
- Uses leverage like margin trading, but also involves contract expiration and potential for rapid liquidation.
- Even small price movements can lead to significant gains or losses, making it suitable only for experienced, risk-tolerant traders.
In summary:
**Spot trading = lowest risk; Margin trading = higher risk; Futures trading = highest risk** due to leverage and contract complexities.