— Why Spread Matters More Than You Think —
When you trade, you’re not just competing with the market — you’re also paying a spread every time you open and close a position.
The spread is the difference between the bid (sell) price and the ask (buy) price. The bigger it is, the more it quietly eats into your profits (or adds to your losses).
And the worst part? Many traders don’t even realize how much this costs them.
At Spec FX, we believe trading should be transparent, fair, and enjoyable.
That’s why our real-time spreads are displayed on our homepage, with no hidden markups — ever.
How to Check Your Broker’s Spread in MT5
Checking your spread is easier than you think.
You don’t need to be a financial expert — just follow these simple steps:
- Open your MT5 platform.
- Right-click anywhere in the “Market Watch” window.
- Select “Spread” from the menu.
→ This adds a new column showing the spread for each instrument. - Check the number.
It’s usually displayed in points.
For example, if EURUSD shows “1,” it means the spread is 0.1 pips.
Turning Spread into Trading Cost
The spread is like your entry fee to the market.
Here’s how to translate it into real money:
1️⃣ Find your spread in pips.
2️⃣ Multiply it by the pip value for your trade size.
Example: EURUSD
- RAW Spread: 0.1 pips
- Lot size: 1 standard lot (100,000 units)
- Pip value (EURUSD): USD 10
- Cost = 0.1 × 10 = USD 1 per lot
That’s USD 1 every time you open and close a position.
If you trade 10 times a day, that’s USD 10 in cost — just from the spread.
Why It Matters to Your Bottom Line
Every dollar spent on the spread is one less in your trading account.
A high spread means:
- You start every trade in the red.
- Profitable trades take longer to reach break-even.
- Small market moves might not even cover your cost.
That’s why choosing a broker with tight, transparent spreads is absolutely critical.
The Spec FX Difference
While many brokers hide extra markups inside their spreads, Spec FX keeps it simple:
- Real-time spreads shown on our website and in MT5.
- No hidden markups.
- Competitive pricing that helps you keep more of your profits.
Because trading should be about strategy and skill — not hidden costs.
✅ Pro Tip:
Before you place your next trade, take 10 seconds to check your spread.
If it’s high, ask yourself — why am I paying this much?