Service updates

City Index Service Updates

Changes to our Oil markets

Updated on: 29th April 2020

Please note that we have made some changes to our US Crude Oil and UK Crude Oil markets.

These include:

• Changes affecting oil trades
• Changes to the way we price our spot oil contracts

Read the following important information

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.