Quick Facts
- CMC Markets vs XM Overview: CMC Markets was established in 1989 while XM was founded in 2009.
- Regulations: CMC Markets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, and IIROC, whereas XM is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and IFSC.
- Leverage: CMC Markets offers up to 1:500 leverage, while XM offers up to 1:1000 leverage.
- Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit for CMC Markets is $0, while XM requires a minimum deposit of $5.
- Trading Platforms: CMC Markets offers Next Generation and MT4, while XM offers MT4, MT5, and WebTrader.
- Asset Classes: Both brokers offer forex, commodities, indices, and shares, but CMC Markets offers more asset classes including cryptocurrencies and bonds.
- Spreads: CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while XM offers spreads starting from 0 pips.
- Customer Support: Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support, but CMC Markets also offers support on weekends.
- Education Resources: Both brokers offer education resources, but CMC Markets has a more comprehensive library of articles, webinars, and videos.
- Awards and Recognition: Both brokers have won numerous awards, but CMC Markets has been awarded ‘Best Forex Broker’ at the UK Forex Awards 2020.
CMC Markets vs XM: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Top Forex Brokers
When it comes to trading in the foreign exchange market (forex), choosing the right broker is crucial for achieving success. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for traders to make an informed decision. In this article, we will compare two top forex brokers, CMC Markets and XM, to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
About CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a well-established online trading provider that was founded in 1989. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). CMC Markets offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, and spread betting.
About XM
XM, formerly known as XEMarkets, is another prominent online trading platform that was established in 2009. The company is regulated by multiple financial authorities, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the ASIC. XM offers a diverse array of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, futures, and metals.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
Both CMC Markets and XM offer various account types to cater to different types of traders. Here is a brief overview of the account types and trading conditions offered by each broker:
CMC Markets Account Types
- Corporate Account: Designed for institutional clients, this account offers a range of benefits, including dedicated support and customized trading solutions.
- Individual Account: Suitable for retail traders, this account offers a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000 AUD and a minimum trade size of 1 unit.
- Joint Account: Ideal for traders who want to manage their accounts jointly with another person, this account offers a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000 AUD and a minimum trade size of 1 unit.
XM Account Types
- Micro Account: Designed for new traders, this account offers a minimum deposit requirement of $5 and a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots.
- Standard Account: Suitable for retail traders, this account offers a minimum deposit requirement of $100 and a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots.
- Zero Account: Ideal for traders who want to trade with zero commission, this account offers a minimum deposit requirement of $100 and a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots.
Trading Platforms
Both CMC Markets and XM offer a range of trading platforms to cater to different types of traders. Here is a brief overview of the trading platforms offered by each broker:
CMC Markets Trading Platforms
- Next Generation: A proprietary trading platform that offers advanced features, including technical analysis tools and customizable trading charts.
- MT4: A popular trading platform that offers automated trading capabilities and expert advisors.
- MT5: A multi-asset trading platform that offers advanced features, including technical analysis tools and customizable trading charts.
XM Trading Platforms
- XM WebTrader: A proprietary trading platform that offers advanced features, including technical analysis tools and customizable trading charts.
- MT4: A popular trading platform that offers automated trading capabilities and expert advisors.
- MT5: A multi-asset trading platform that offers advanced features, including technical analysis tools and customizable trading charts.
- XM iPhone Trader: A mobile trading platform that offers on-the-go trading capabilities.
Spreads and Commissions
Both CMC Markets and XM offer competitive spreads and commissions. Here is a brief overview of the spreads and commissions offered by each broker:
CMC Markets Spreads and Commissions
- Forex: Spreads start from 0.7 pips (EUR/USD).
- Indices: Spreads start from 0.5 points (DAX).
- Commodities: Spreads start from 1.2 pips (Gold).
- Commission: Starting from $0.25 per $100 traded.
XM Spreads and Commissions
- Forex: Spreads start from 0.1 pips (EUR/USD).
- Indices: Spreads start from 0.5 points (DAX).
- Commodities: Spreads start from 1.2 pips (Gold).
- Commission: Starting from $3 per $100 traded.
Customer Support
Both CMC Markets and XM offer excellent customer support. Here is a brief overview of the support options offered by each broker:
CMC Markets Customer Support
- Phone Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- Email Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- Live Chat Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- FAQ Section: Comprehensive FAQ section available in multiple languages.
XM Customer Support
- Phone Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- Email Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- Live Chat Support: 24/5 support available in multiple languages.
- FAQ Section: Comprehensive FAQ section available in multiple languages.
Regulation and Security
Both CMC Markets and XM are regulated by top-tier financial authorities, ensuring the safety and security of traders’ funds. Here is a brief overview of the regulation and security offered by each broker:
CMC Markets Regulation and Security
- FCA Regulation: CMC Markets is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- ASIC Regulation: CMC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- Segregation of Funds: Traders’ funds are held in separate accounts to ensure safety and security.
XM Regulation and Security
- CySEC Regulation: XM is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
- ASIC Regulation: XM is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- Segregation of Funds: Traders’ funds are held in separate accounts to ensure safety and security.
Compare CMC Markets and XM Now
| Features | CMC Markets | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS | IFSC, CySEC |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $5 |
| Leverage | 200:1 | 1000:1 |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | MT4, MT5, WebTrader |
| Payment Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal | Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller |
| Customer Support | Phone, Email, Live Chat | Phone, Email, Live Chat |
| Education Resources | Video Tutorials, Webinars, Trading Academy | Video Tutorials, Webinars, Forex Education Center |
| Fees and Commissions | Spreads from 0.7 pips | Spreads from 0 pips |
| Suitable for Beginners | No | Yes |
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5 (CMC Markets)
Rating: 4.5/5 (XM)
While both brokers offer competitive services, CMC Markets edges out XM in terms of its advanced trading platform and regulatory environment. However, XM offers a zero-commission trading account, which is a significant advantage for traders who want to minimize their costs.
Ultimately, the choice between CMC Markets and XM will depend on your individual trading needs and preferences. We recommend trying out both brokers’ demo accounts to get a feel for their trading platforms and customer support before making a final decision.
FAQs
Q1: What is the regulation status of CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). XM, on the other hand, is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Cyprus.
Q2: What types of accounts do CMC Markets and XM offer?
CMC Markets offers a range of account types, including a spread betting account, a CFD trading account, and a professional trading account. XM also offers multiple account types, including a Micro account, a Standard account, and an XM Ultra Low account.
Q3: What are the minimum deposit requirements for CMC Markets and XM?
The minimum deposit requirement for CMC Markets is $200, while XM has a lower minimum deposit requirement of $5.
Q4: What are the leverage options available with CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets offers leverage options of up to 200:1, while XM offers leverage options of up to 1000:1.
Q5: What are the available payment methods for CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets accepts payment methods such as bank transfer, credit card, and digital wallet services like PayPal. XM also accepts a range of payment methods, including credit card, bank transfer, and digital wallet services like Skrill and Neteller.
Q6: What are the available trading platforms for CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets offers its own proprietary trading platform, Next Generation, as well as the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. XM offers the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
Q7: What is the customer support like for CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat. XM also offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat, and is available 24/5.
Q8: What are the available education resources for CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets offers a range of educational resources, including video tutorials, webinars, and a trading academy. XM also offers a range of educational resources, including video tutorials, webinars, and a forex education center.
Q9: What are the fees and commissions for CMC Markets and XM?
CMC Markets charges spreads from 0.7 pips on Forex pairs, with no hidden fees or commissions. XM also charges spreads from 0 pips on Forex pairs, with no hidden fees or commissions.
Q10: Is CMC Markets or XM better for beginners?
Both CMC Markets and XM are suitable for beginners, but XM offers a more comprehensive range of educational resources and more flexible account types, making it a better choice for those new to Forex trading.

