I'm pretty familiar with share trading and limits, stop losses etc so I think CFDs are not much different from that point of view.
My attraction to CFDs was that it seemed like the most straight-forward way to short a variety of stocks, indices etc. Theoretically put options could be used but there not available for as many stocks, indices etc.
If it isn't possible to choose the leverage level then that really reinforces my view that CFD providers are just trying to sap cash from inexperienced people.
It also explains the video-game platform style which would appear to encourage over-trading.
