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

Special offers for Moneyland users

Moneyland Special Offers

Swiss private banking expertise

Personal wealth management

  • Up to CHF 100 welcome bonus

  • Free and convenient video call

  • An investment strategy tailored to your goals

Online private account

UBS Banking for adults

  • Open and manage your account, savings account, and cards easily in the UBS Mobile Banking App

  • Plus KeyClub rewards program

  • 50 CHF welcome gift

Swiss Trading Platform

Swissquote

  • Leading Swiss online bank with FINMA license

  • Free multicurrency account & low commissions

  • Access to more than 3 million products (shares, ETFs, crypto and more)

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

Special offers for Moneyland users

Moneyland Special Offers

Swiss private banking expertise

Personal wealth management

  • Up to CHF 100 welcome bonus

  • Free and convenient video call

  • An investment strategy tailored to your goals

Online private account

UBS Banking for adults

  • Open and manage your account, savings account, and cards easily in the UBS Mobile Banking App

  • Plus KeyClub rewards program

  • 50 CHF welcome gift

Swiss Trading Platform

Swissquote

  • Leading Swiss online bank with FINMA license

  • Free multicurrency account & low commissions

  • Access to more than 3 million products (shares, ETFs, crypto and more)

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

Deal of the Day
×
Swiss private banking expertise

Personal wealth management

Up to CHF 100 welcome bonus

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