What is a position?

A position is the expression of a market commitment, or exposure, held by a trader. It is the financial term for a trade that is either currently able to incur a profit or a loss – known as an open position – or a trade that has recently been cancelled, known as a closed position. Profit or loss on a position can only be realised once it has been closed.

A position is defined by size and direction. This means that your position can vary depending on the quantity of the asset, and whether you are buying or selling the asset. There are two main types of position: long positions and short positions. A long position means that you are buying an asset or speculating that the asset will increase in value, whereas a short position aims to make a profit when an asset’s price decreases.

Positions are the way in which a trader will hope to make a profit – a position is profitable or unprofitable depending on whether the market price moves in favour of, or against, the trade.

What is an open position?

An open position is a trade which is still able to generate a profit or incur a loss. When a position is closed, all profits and losses are realised, and the trade is no longer active. Open positions can be either long or short – enabling you to profit from markets rising as well as falling.