Spread, Commission, and Swap: The Real Cost of a Trade
How each fee type shows up on your statement and how to bake them into risk and targets.
12 min read
Introduction
Every trade pays friction: spread crosses your entry, per-lot commission may apply, and overnight swap can accrue on positions held past rollover. Profitable systems account for all three.
Spread and break-even
You start slightly underwater at market entry because of bid/ask. Scalps need enough structural edge to clear spread plus average slippage.
Swap and holding
Carry can help or hurt depending on direction and rate differentials. For swing holds, note swap direction in your platform spec before sizing.
CostsExecutionForex
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