Alligator Spread

In trading, an “alligator spread” refers to a spread which includes brokerage and exchange fees and commissions are so high that a trade performed using that spread will not be profitable.

Example: An investor buys stocks for 10,000 Swiss francs and sells those same stocks for 11,000 francs. Because of the nature of the transaction, the brokerage and exchange fees and charges for the exchange come to 1000 francs, so the investor does not make a profit.

More on this topic:
Swiss online broker comparison
How to buy stocks: best trading tips
Stock trading: common pitfalls

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Special offers for Moneyland users

Moneyland Special Offers

Swiss Bank

Bank WIR Bankpaket Top

  • Free account & card

  • No exchange fees for foreign payments (interbank exchange rates)

  • 24 ATM withdrawals worldwide per year free of charge

Swiss Broker

Saxo Bank Special Offer

  • Special offer: Reimbursement of brokerage fees up to CHF 200 for 90 days

  • Licensed Swiss bank (FINMA)

  • Free expert research and trading signals

Swiss Trading Platform

Cornèrtrader Special Offer

  • Special offer: particularly favorable conditions for Moneyland users

  • No custody account fees for shares

  • Swiss online bank with FINMA license

Swiss digital bank

Alpian

  • CHF 100 welcome bonus

  • Favorable foreign exchange rates

  • Multi-currency account with Visa card (CHF, EUR, USD, GBP) 

Funds

Allianz Fund Investments

  • Special offer with CHF 200 welcome bonus

  • No prior knowledge necessary: Advice from experts

  • One of the 10 largest asset managers worldwide

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Editor Daniel Dreier
Daniel Dreier is editor and personal finance expert at moneyland.ch.