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IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

What is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

What Type of Broker is IC Markets？

IC Markets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IC Markets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that IC Markets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients.

Is IC Market Legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market Instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

Account Type

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips.

A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Leverage

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Spreads & Commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded.

Trading Platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies.

The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms.

Deposit & Withdrawal

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational Resources

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. You can also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer Service

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

What is Spreadex？

Spreadex is a UK-based brokerage firm, established back in 1999 and focused on a financial trading service providing, as well spread betting and sports betting, through its maintained office in London. Spreadex first moved into the online market in 2006 when it launched its website. Spreadex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, registration number 190941) in relation to the spread betting services it offers.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Spreadex Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Spreadex depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• FP Markets - for traders seeking access to a wide range of trading platforms, advanced charting tools, and competitive pricing across various financial markets.

• LiteForex - for traders looking for user-friendly MetaTrader platforms, a variety of analysis tools, and a range of trading instruments to choose from.

• Global Prime - for traders who prioritize institutional-grade execution, access to multiple trading platforms, and a focus on transparent and reliable trading conditions.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Spreadex legit ？

Spreadex appears to be a legitimate broker for individuals interested in trading. The company is regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, No. 190941), which adds a layer of safety and transparency for investors. Additionally, the fact that Spreadex offers clients segregated bank accounts can further enhance safety and security for their funds.Having many years of experience in the industry can also be seen as a positive sign, as it suggests that the company has a solid track record and established reputation.

However, it is always recommended for traders to do their own due diligence and research any potential broker before investing funds. Reviews and feedback from other traders can be helpful in determining the safety and legitimacy of a broker, as well as checking for any past incidents of fraud or other issues. Additionally, testing out the available trading platforms and customer support options can help to determine if a broker is a good fit for your individual trading needs and preferences.

Market Instruments

Spreadex offers access to over 15,000 tradable assets, covering a wide variety of markets and instruments. This includes popular markets such as indices, shares, forex, commodities, and bonds, as well as interest rates, exchange traded funds, options, cryptocurrencies and IPOs .

• Indices - Trade futures or daily contracts on a global selection of indices with tight spreads from 0.6 points. Access major markets worldwide.

• Equities - Buy or sell shares of thousands of companies across the globe. Specialized capabilities in trading small-cap stocks.

• Forex - Spot and futures forex pairs spanning hundreds of currencies. 24/5 trading from Sunday open to Friday close.

• Commodities - Speculative opportunities across metals (gold, copper), energy (Brent crude, natural gas), and soft commodities (cotton, corn).

• Fixed Income - Treasury products including UK Gilts, US T-Bonds, and interest rates like Short Sterling, Eurodollar.

• ETFs - Gain index exposure efficiently by trading bundled equity ETFs without buying all constituent stocks.

• Options - Limited online options suite complemented by broader phone trading capabilities.

• Cryptocurrencies - Speculate on major crypto prices like Bitcoin and Ether through spread bets.

• IPOs - Stay informed on upcoming and past initial public offerings for new trading prospects.

Accounts

There seems only one single account available for all traders, which is the Standard account. To open a real account just with the minimum deposit of $1, which sounds a good opportunity for most traders to get started.

Leverage

As a UK brokerage firm, Spreadex operates within regulatory restrictions for leverage levels. The maximum leverage offered to retail traders is 1:30 for major currency pairs and lower for other instruments. This limitation is in place to protect investors from significant losses and ensure responsible trading practices.

Professional traders, however, may have access to higher leverage ratios once their status is confirmed and specified conditions towards spread betting and trading services are met. This can provide experienced traders with the opportunity to increase their potential profits, but it should be noted that higher leverage also carries higher risk.

Overall, Spreadex's leverage offering is in line with regulatory restrictions and aims to promote responsible trading practices. Traders can still access a range of markets and instruments, but should be aware of the potential risks involved with higher leverages.

Spreads & Commissions

Spreadex offers variable spreads that can fluctuate throughout the day depending on market volatility. Major currency pairs such as EURUSD and GBPUSD have very low spreads of 0.6 and 0.9 pips respectively, which is competitive with other brokers in the industry. Spreads for minor and exotic currency pairs are comparable to most other brokers as well.

For all markets apart from shares, the fee is simply the spread between the buy and sell price. However, for shares, there is an interest rate charge applied to the total value of the stock. This fee typically amounts to 1.25%, but it can increase to 1.5% for smaller stocks and those with less liquidity.

There is no information available on any commissions charged by Spreadex. However, the competitive spreads and lack of hidden fees make Spreadex a potentially attractive option for traders looking to minimize their costs.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Please note that this information may have changed since my last knowledge update, and it's always recommended to verify the latest details with the respective brokers directly.

Trading Platforms

Spreadex offers a range of trading platforms to cater to traders' different preferences and needs. The online platform is Spreadex's flagship trading platform, featuring a user-friendly interface and a range of tools and features. The platform allows traders to access all of Spreadex's tradable assets and markets, as well as providing access to a range of analysis tools and educational resources.

Mobile trading is available through Spreadex's mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides traders with a convenient and flexible way to access their accounts and trade on-the-go, with many of the same features and tools as the online platform.

Finally, Spreadex also offers integration with TradingView, a popular third-party charting software. This can allow traders to access advanced charting features and tools, as well as collaborate with other traders in the TradingView community.

Overall, Spreadex's range of trading platforms provides traders with a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences, whether they prefer a desktop platform, mobile app, or third-party software integration.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Spreadex accepts deposits and withdrawals via Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Cheque, and Direct Debit. However, it does not currently accept deposits from E-Wallets such as Moneybookers, Paypal, Neteller, Ukash, etc. Deposits made by debit card under £50 are subject to a £1 fee. Spreadex does not accept any third-party payments.

Spreadex minimum deposit vs other brokers

International bank transfers and bank transfers in currencies other than sterling will be subject to additional charges. The minimum withdrawal amount is £50 cleared funds on your trading ledger that is not being used to support the margin/NTR on any open positions. If the available amount is less than £50, you will only be able to withdraw the full amount.

Spreadex offers card withdrawals which you'll receive within 2 hours of your withdrawal being approved. However, some card issuers may be unable to accept funds through this method, and in such circumstances, payments back to these cards will take 2-5 days to be received. Bank transfers should be in your account within 2 working days.

Overall, Spreadex's deposit and withdrawal options are limited compared to some other brokers, but the available options are low-fee and relatively quick processing times. It is recommended for traders to carefully review the available deposit and withdrawal options to ensure they meet their individual needs and preferences before investing funds.

Customer Service

Spreadex customer support channels available includes live chat, phone support, and email support. The financial desk can be reached at +44 (0)1727 895 151 while general inquiries can be directed to +44 (0)1727 895 000. The email address for customer service is info@spreadex.com.

Traders can also follow Spreadex on various social networks, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. This can provide a convenient way to stay up-to-date on news and updates from the broker, as well as connecting with other traders and the Spreadex community.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Spreadex's customer service.

Education

Spreadex offers a range of educational resources to support traders, including a video training center, account FAQs, charting FAQs, trading FAQs, and a financial spread betting glossary. These resources can provide traders with a solid foundation of knowledge and help them develop their skills and understanding of the trading markets and instruments.

The video training center offers a library of educational videos covering topics such as market analysis, technical analysis, and risk management. Traders can watch these videos at their own pace and access them at any time.

The account FAQs, charting FAQs, and trading FAQs provide answers to common questions and concerns that traders may have about using Spreadex's platform and services. These resources can provide guidance and clarity for traders who are new to the platform or may be experiencing technical issues.

Finally, the financial spread betting glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts related to spread betting and trading. This can be a valuable resource for traders who are new to the industry or may be unfamiliar with some of the terminology and jargon used in trading.

Overall, Spreadex's educational resources can provide traders with a solid foundation of knowledge and help them develop their skills and understanding of the trading markets and instruments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spreadex is a regulated financial spread betting and CFD provider offering various trading instruments. With competitive spreads, a user-friendly online platform, and mobile trading capabilities, Spreadex aims to cater to traders' needs. As with any trading platform, it's essential to review the latest information, terms, and conditions to make an informed decision that suits your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Spreadex legit？

Yes. It is regulated by United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, No. 190941).

At Spreadex, are there any regional restrictions for traders？

Yes. The information on their website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any law or regulatory requirement.

Does Spreadex offer industry leading MT4 & MT5？

No. Instead, it offers Online platform, Mobile trading, and TradingView.

What is the minimum deposit for Spreadex？

The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $1.

Is Spreadex a good broker for beginners？

Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and has many years experience in the industry, as well as offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on multiple trading platforms.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.