Incisive market analysis into the year ahead - Your Outlook 2021 is now online. Get started by reading: End of the Brexit transition period and Market implications of C19 vaccines.

Service updates

Please refer to this page for all platform and service updates from City Index.

City Index Service Updates

Markets and Trading

Due to United States Executive Order 13959 trading restrictions have been placed on a number of stocks, and they are now placed on "close only" trading for clients. The current list of restricted markets are below, and will be updated if further markets are added.

China Telecom Corp (HKD) CFD
China Communications Construct CFD
China Railway Construction CFD
China Mobile (HKD) CFD
CRRC Corp Ltd CFD
SMIC (Semiconductor Mfg Intl) CFD
China Unicom (HKD) CFD
China Mobile (USD) CFD

Market Volatility

Due to recent market volatility, there remains a risk of gapping at market open. Ensure your account is adequately funded to maintain your open positions.

Additionally, during this time some markets may become either ‘limit down’ or ‘limit up’, restricting your ability to trade them. For further information on the impacts of this see below.

Limit down

A limit down price is the maximum sell-off permitted in a market on a single day of trading. Once this level has been reached, trading on the market may then be restricted to prevent significant volatility and potential panic selling. A limit down price is typically determined as a percentage decline in a given market, rather than a nominal decline in price.

A limit down period is imposed by an exchange (such as the NYSE) and not by brokers. It usually lasts 15 minutes but may be extended depending on the percentage decline before market open. Limit down does not impact FX trading.

Please note that a limit down only restricts selling on the affected market(s).

Limit Up

A limit up price is reached when a market reaches the maximum bought level permitted in a single day of trading. Once this level has been reached, trading on the market may then be restricted to prevent significant volatility and further buying. A limit up price is typically determined as a percentage increase in a given market, rather than a nominal increase in price.

A limit up period is imposed by an exchange (such as the NYSE) and not by brokers. It usually lasts 15 minutes but may be extended depending on the percentage increase before market open. Limit up does not impact FX trading.

Margins and spreads

In response to the high volatility, please note that spreads and margin levels may be reviewed and adjusted. Check the Market Information Sheets on our platform for the latest information.