If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether IG Markets or FXCM is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.
In this IG Markets vs FXCM review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- IG Markets vs FXCM - Verdict
United Kingdom United Kingdom FCA ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA 1974 1999 Market Maker Market Maker, No Dealing Desk 300€ $50 N/A MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform Other, MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform, Web-based+ 0.9 pips 0.6 pips 1.4 pip 1.0 pips $0.03 0.034 pips $0.30 0.30 pips Undisclosed 70.0% Not applicable 0.2 pips 0.8 pips 0.7 pips Commission-free $5.00/round lot Visit Website Visit Website
Features and Platforms
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FXCM offers its proprietary Trading Station, MT4 and ZuluTrade. It recently introduced Capitalise AI, offering advanced algorithmic support, and fully supports API trading. FXCM Plus provides clients with quality research, while beginner traders receive valuable educational content. IG Markets counters with its proprietary web-based browser, MT4, ProReal Time, and L2 Dealer, plus excellent trading tools consisting of 18 MT4 plugins and Autochartist. IG Markets is the biggest CFD broker globally and writes CFDs for clients based on demand. IG Academy remains a superior educational portal, and traders get superb research.
Available Markets
N/A N/A N/A N/A Visit Website Visit Website
FXCM maintains a below-average choice of 40 currency pairs and seven cryptocurrency pairs. Other assets consist of eleven commodities and fifteen index CFDs, also a sub-standard selection. It also presents an unspecified number of equities for international traders from its Bermuda subsidiary, which remains its best offer of available markets. FXCM also has Forex and Stock Baskets, theme-based portfolios that are highly popular with many millennial traders. IG Markets presents 102 currency pairs, three of which belong to a new class of weekend pairs. IG Markets is also the largest CFD broker, with 17,000+ assets and a superior offering.
Typical Spreads and Fees
0.9 pips 0.6 pips 1.4 pip 1.0 pips $0.03 0.034 pips $0.30 0.30 pips $90 $40 Not applicable 0.2 pips 0.8 pips 0.7 pips Commission-free $5.00/round lot $12 per month after 24 months N/A Visit Website Visit Website
The commission-free pricing environment at FXCM starts from 1.3 pips or $13.00 per standard lot versus 0.6 pips or $6.00 at IG Markets. The FXCM Bermuda unit lists raw spreads of 0.0 pips without noting commissions. Equity trading remains commission-free while IG Markets levies a minimum commission of 0.10% on CFDs. FXCM and IG Markets maintain volume-based cash rebate programs. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions apply at both brokers together with third-party payment processor charges. The inactivity fee at FXCM is $50 annually after twelve months versus $12 monthly after 24 months at IG Markets.
Security and Trust
Australia, Bermuda, Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, United States New Zealand, Seychelles FCA ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA 195355, 378/19, 10148759, confirmed, but no regulaary license number, F001780, 41393, 1489, unconfirmed, 220440, 18923, 0509630, 54814 403326, SD045 Visit Website Visit Website
While the primary regulator of FXCM is the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), most international traders will deal with the Bermuda subsidiary. It continues to recover from the misconduct and fraud of its previous management team. The US publicly-listed Jefferies Financial Group took ownership in 2017, and in 2018, FXCM began rebranding as a Leucadia company. Since then, FXCM has had a clean regulatory record and improved its transparency and honesty. The FCA is also the primary regulator of IG Markets, a UK publicly listed company and FTSE250 constituent. Today, both brokers remain secure and trustworthy.
IG Markets vs FXCM – Verdict
FXCM has come a long way from its fraudulent past and matured into one of the best overall brokers, especially for international traders dealing with the Bermuda subsidiary. The choice of trading platforms and extensive support for algorithmic and API trading make it an excellent destination for demanding traders. Adding to its appeal is a trader-friendly cost structure, as FXCM remains one of the best commission-free brokers globally. The five-tier volume-based cash rebate program, FXCM Plus, and Capitalise AI complement the core trading environment at FXCM. IG Market is the largest CFD broker and presents clients with a broad range of trading platforms and competitive trading tools. The deep liquidity, excellent research, and low-cost pricing environment ensure IG Markets offers a notable edge. Beginner traders will benefit from the IG Academy, one of the best educational resources. Both brokers remain excellent, with individual preferences dictating the superior choice.
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