Summary: Glencore is the world’s leader in trading commodities and a prominent mining company. It is a crucial component in many global supply chains and one of the deciding factors in general commodity prices. This guide will explain how to trade Glencore shares in the UK using the online CFD trading platform Plus500.
Recommended Multi-asset Broker for Online CFD Trading
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Reliable & Regulated by CySEC (#250/14) - Plus500 Ltd is a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange
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Wide range of instruments - CFDs on stocks, crypto, forex, commodities, ETFs, and more
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Low cost investing - No commissions and tight spreads.
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Transparent pricing on overnight funding, currency conversion fees, guaranteed stop orders, and inactivity fees.
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Advanced platform - Top notch analytical tools, real-time quotes, fast order execution, secure withdrawals
About Glencore
About
Founded in 1974 and based in Baar, Glencore is by far the world’s most valuable mining company by revenue and the largest Swiss company. The company’s range of operations spans more than 50 countries, and its diverse portfolio of commodities includes various goods with sizeable market shares in zinc, copper, grain, and oil. Besides trading, the company mines, processes, refines, and markets different natural resources.
As of December 2023, Glencore is ranked 21st on the Fortune’s Global 500 and 59th on the Forbes Global 2000 lists. The company used to be an FTSE 100 component and remains an integral supplier of industries like automotive, power generation, steel production, and food processing worldwide.
How to buy/sell or trade Glencore stock CFDs: Step-by-step
Glencore is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, so all UK-based traders are free to invest in it. You can trade its shares in the following steps:
Step 1: Create a trading account
The initial step in trading Glencore shares is to open an account with a regulated trading platform. Our recommended candidate for buying/selling or trading Glencore stock is Plus500, a renowned and reputable service with which you can trade Contracts for Differences (CFDs). These derivative instruments enable you to speculate on the price movements of underlying assets without the hassles of owning the assets yourself.
Notable features of Plus500 include:
- Free demo accounts;
- Fast and reliable order execution;
- No commissions and tight spreads;
- Multi-asset CFDs on more than 2,000 financial instruments, including stocks, Forex, crypto, ETFs, commodities, and more;
- Mobile trading;
- Convenient deposit options via PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, etc.;
- Fast and secure withdrawals;
- Leverage of up to 1:30;
- Real-time quotes.
Recommended Multi-asset Broker for Online CFD Trading
-
Reliable & Regulated by CySEC (#250/14) - Plus500 Ltd is a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange
-
Wide range of instruments - CFDs on stocks, crypto, forex, commodities, ETFs, and more
-
Low cost investing - No commissions and tight spreads.
-
Transparent pricing on overnight funding, currency conversion fees, guaranteed stop orders, and inactivity fees.
-
Advanced platform - Top notch analytical tools, real-time quotes, fast order execution, secure withdrawals
How to set up an account to start trading Glencore shares:
- Choose a platform: You need a trusted trading platform to gain access to the stock market. Check the various factors such as fees, trading tools, customer support, and the platform’s user-friendliness. Ensure that the chosen brokerage adheres to regulations issued by financial authorities;
- Sign-up: Go to the platform’s website and register an account using your name, contact details, and sometimes your financial background;
- Identity verification: Most rep utable platforms incorporate Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. As part of verification, you may need to present some ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and sometimes proof of address, like a utility bill;
- Account security: Improve your trading account’s security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and any additional safety features provided by the platform;
- Deposit funds: Once your account is verified, you need to transfer some funds to trade for the shares. Payment methods often include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and online transaction services like PayPal. The choice depends on your preferences only.
Note
Step 2: Trade Glencore shares
Once you are ready to trade Glencore stock, perform the following steps:
- Step 1: Search for Glencore on the trading platform by its stock symbol, GLEN. Locate the CFD option among the available choices for trading;
- Step 2: Depending on your market analysis and trading goals, decide whether you want to go long (buy) or short (sell);
- Step 3: Determine the number of Glencore shares you want to trade. Never trade what you cannot afford;
- (Optional step 1): Set your desired leverage, multiplying your exposure to Glencore stock. Leverage increases both the potential gains and losses, so use it carefully;
- (Optional step 2): Set risk management parameters, such as setting stop-loss and take-profit orders. These orders automatically close your position when the stock price reaches a certain threshold, cutting your losses or securing the profits;
- Step 4: Execute your trade order.
Step 3: Monitor your position
When your Glencore CFD position is open, keep track of the stock market’s price movements and your investment’s performance. Here’s what to do:
- Monitor Glencore’s stock price and market trends;
- Adjust your trading strategy if the market environment sufficiently changes;
- Once you reach your trading goals or otherwise decide to exit the trade, close your Glencore stock CFD position.
Additional fees
When engaging in CFD trading, you must be aware of certain fees that may apply to your trades, such as:
- Overnight funding: Applied when you hold a position beyond a specific time;
- Currency conversion fee: For transactions in a currency that differs from your account’s preferences;
- Guaranteed stop order: A unique risk management tool that closes your position at a specific rate but can result in a wider spread;
- Inactivity fee: Some platforms impose an inactivity fee for prolonged idle account periods.
Glencore shares price today
Pros and cons of trading Glencore shares
Pros
- Global presence: As the world’s largest commodity trading company, Glencore has access to various international markets, reducing risks that target a single area of operations;
- Diverse portfolio: Glencore operates in various sectors of the commodity market, such as metals, minerals, energy products, and agricultural goods. Downturns in one sector will have less of an effect on the overall performance of Glencore’s stock;
- Operational efficiency: The company has a tradition of operational efficiency and cost management, which leads to higher profitability, especially in periods of high commodity prices;
- Commodity price upside: Glencore can benefit from rising prices as a commodities trading force. When commodities experience a surge in price, the company’s revenue and profits increase accordingly.
Cons
- Commodity price risk: Glencore’s financial performance hinges on sometimes highly volatile commodity prices. A dip in commodity prices will impact the company’s profitability;
- High debt: The company has accrued significant debt, which is a potential financial risk;
- Environmental and social controversies: As a mining and commodities company, Glencore has a history of environmental and social issues. Environmental impact, sketchy labor practices, and substandard sustainability can affect its reputation and business operations.
Common mistakes to avoid when trading Glencore shares
Make sure to avoid these common investing mistakes:
- Lack of research: Research the company and stock in detail, along with the market state of the related industries, before investing;
- Lack of strategy: Set your goals before you spend any money;
- Staking everything on one asset: Always diversify your portfolio;
- Falling prey to scams: Avoid illegal platforms and suspicious deals.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQ about how to trade Glencore shares
Can I trade Glencore shares?
You can trade Glencore shares through a regulated CFD trading platform.
Can I trade Glencore shares in the UK?
Yes, you can, and the best way to speculate on the price movement of Glencore stock is via a regulated trading platform like Plus500.
Do I need to own physical Glencore shares to trade them?
No, you do not need to own Glencore shares to trade them. CFDs enable you to speculate on Glencore’s stock price movements without requiring ownership of its shares.
Does Glencore pay dividends?
Yes, GLEN is a dividend stock with a dividend yield of 9.38% as of Q3 2023.
Recommended Multi-asset Broker for Online CFD Trading
-
Reliable & Regulated by CySEC (#250/14) - Plus500 Ltd is a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange
-
Wide range of instruments - CFDs on stocks, crypto, forex, commodities, ETFs, and more
-
Low cost investing - No commissions and tight spreads.
-
Transparent pricing on overnight funding, currency conversion fees, guaranteed stop orders, and inactivity fees.
-
Advanced platform - Top notch analytical tools, real-time quotes, fast order execution, secure withdrawals