Have you ever been attracted by some of the more exciting financial opportunities often written about in the media? Spread betting, for instance? Day trading? Futures? Those promoting these strategies speak of the potential for massive gain. It is possible, they claim, to double, treble, quadruple your cash – or more – in the shortest possible time. The idea of making a vast profit in a matter of weeks, days, even hours, is – of course – extremely tempting. So this week I thought I would explain how these much publicised financial instruments work.