Quick Facts
- Founding Year: IG Group (1974) vs CMC Markets (1989)
- Regulation: IG Group (FCA, ASIC, JSC) vs CMC Markets (FCA, ASIC, DFSA)
- Platforms: IG Group (IG Trading, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer) vs CMC Markets (CMC Markets, MetaTrader 4, Pro)
- Assets Traded: IG Group (17,000+) vs CMC Markets (11,000+)
- Spreads: IG Group (0.6 pips EUR/USD) vs CMC Markets (0.7 pips EUR/USD)
- Minimum Deposit: IG Group ($0) vs CMC Markets ($200)
- Leverage: IG Group (1:30) vs CMC Markets (1:30)
- Execution Speed: IG Group (millisecond level) vs CMC Markets (millisecond level)
- Awards: IG Group (Best CFD Provider, Excellence in Trading Platform) vs CMC Markets (Best Forex Broker, Best Spread Betting Firm)
- Global Reach: IG Group (16 countries) vs CMC Markets (13 countries)
IG Group vs CMC Markets: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Forex Brokerage Giants
When it comes to choosing a reputable online forex broker, there are numerous options available in the market. Two of the most prominent names in the industry are IG Group and CMC Markets. Both brokers have been in the business for decades and have earned a reputation for providing excellent trading services. In this article, we will compare and contrast the features, benefits, and differences between IG Group and CMC Markets to help you make an informed decision about which broker is best suited for your trading needs.
Overview of IG Group and CMC Markets
IG Group is a UK-based online trading company that was founded in 1974. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). IG Group offers a wide range of trading products, including forex, CFDs, spread betting, and binary options.
CMC Markets, on the other hand, is also a UK-based online trading company that was founded in 1989. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CMC Markets offers a wide range of trading products, including forex, CFDs, spread betting, and binary options.
Trading Platforms
Both IG Group and CMC Markets offer user-friendly and feature-rich trading platforms that cater to the needs of novice and experienced traders alike.
IG Group’s trading platform is available in multiple formats, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, advanced charting tools, and real-time market news and analysis. IG Group’s platform also allows traders to set price alerts, create watchlists, and view detailed account information.
CMC Markets’ trading platform, known as Next Generation, is also available in multiple formats, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. The platform features advanced charting tools, real-time market news and analysis, and a comprehensive client area where traders can view account information and manage their trades.
While both platforms offer similar features, IG Group’s platform is slightly more user-friendly and easier to navigate, making it a better option for novice traders. However, CMC Markets’ platform offers more advanced charting tools and technical analysis features, making it a better option for experienced traders.
Trading Instruments and Markets
Both IG Group and CMC Markets offer a wide range of trading instruments and markets, including forex, CFDs, spread betting, and binary options.
IG Group offers over 10,000 trading instruments, including 80 forex pairs, 12,000 CFDs, and thousands of other markets. The company also offers trading in binary options, indices, shares, and commodities.
CMC Markets offers over 9,000 trading instruments, including 340 forex pairs, 4,200 CFDs, and thousands of other markets. The company also offers trading in binary options, indices, shares, and commodities.
Both brokers also offer a range of trading markets, including major and minor forex pairs, indices, shares, commodities, and treasuries. However, IG Group’s offerings are slightly more extensive, making it a better option for traders who want to diversify their portfolio.
Currency Pairs and Leverage
Both IG Group and CMC Markets offer a wide range of currency pairs, including major and minor pairs.
IG Group offers leverage of up to 1:300 for forex trading, which is slightly higher than CMC Markets’ maximum leverage of 1:200. However, it’s worth noting that high leverage can increase trading risks, and traders should use it wisely.
IG Group also offers tight spreads for major currency pairs, starting from as low as 0.1 pips for EUR/USD. CMC Markets’ spreads are slightly wider, starting from 0.2 pips for EUR/USD.
While both brokers offer competitive spreads and leverage, IG Group’s offerings are slightly more attractive for traders who want to make the most of their trading capital.
Regulation and Safety
Both IG Group and CMC Markets are regulated by reputable financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
IG Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is subject to regular audits and financial reporting requirements. The company also has a strong track record of compliance with regulatory requirements.
CMC Markets is also listed on the London Stock Exchange and is subject to regular audits and financial reporting requirements. The company has a strong reputation for regulatory compliance and has won numerous awards for its trading services.
Both brokers also offer a range of safety features, including two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and segregation of client funds. This means that traders can rest assured that their trading capital is safe and secure.
Customer Support
Both IG Group and CMC Markets offer excellent customer support services, including phone, email, and live chat support.
IG Group’s customer support team is available 24/5, from Monday to Friday. The company also offers a comprehensive FAQ section and a range of educational resources, including video tutorials and trading guides.
CMC Markets’ customer support team is also available 24/5, from Monday to Friday. The company offers a comprehensive FAQ section and a range of educational resources, including video tutorials and trading guides.
While both brokers offer excellent customer support, IG Group’s services are slightly more comprehensive and user-friendly, making it a better option for traders who need help with their trading.
Key Features Comparison Table
| Broker | IG Group | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platform | User-friendly and feature-rich platform with advanced charting tools and real-time market news | Next Generation platform with advanced charting tools and real-time market news |
| Trading Instruments | Over 10,000 trading instruments, including 80 forex pairs and 12,000 CFDs | Over 9,000 trading instruments, including 340 forex pairs and 4,200 CFDs |
| Currency Pairs | Over 80 forex pairs, including major and minor pairs | Over 340 forex pairs, including major and minor pairs |
| Leverage | Up to 1:300 for forex trading | Up to 1:200 for forex trading |
| Spreads | Tight spreads for major currency pairs, starting from 0.1 pips for EUR/USD | Competitive spreads for major currency pairs, starting from 0.2 pips for EUR/USD |
| Regulation | Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 customer support team, comprehensive FAQ section, and range of educational resources | 24/5 customer support team, comprehensive FAQ section, and range of educational resources |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Forex Broker Comparison: IG Group vs CMC Markets
Overview
When it comes to trading in the Forex market, choosing the right broker can be a daunting task. Two popular options are IG Group and CMC Markets. In this FAQ section, we will compare these two brokers to help you make an informed decision.
Q: What are the account types offered by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Offers various account types, including spread betting, CFD trading, forex trading, and professional trading.
- CMC Markets: Offers the Next Generation account, spread betting account, and professional trading account.
Q: What are the spreads and fees charged by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Spreads start from 0.9 pips for EUR/USD, commission-based accounts with fees starting from $3.00 per 100k traded.
- CMC Markets: Spreads start from 0.7 pips for EUR/USD, commission-based accounts with fees starting from $3.00 per 100k traded.
Q: What are the leverage options offered by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Leverage up to 222:1 for major Forex pairs, up to 100:1 for minor Forex pairs.
- CMC Markets: Leverage up to 222:1 for major Forex pairs, up to 100:1 for minor Forex pairs.
Q: What are the trading platforms offered by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Proprietary web-based platform, mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, no MetaTrader support.
- CMC Markets: Proprietary Next Generation web-based platform, mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, no MetaTrader support.
Q: What are the educational resources offered by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Webinars, video tutorials, blogs, and articles covering various aspects of trading and platform usage.
- CMC Markets: Webinars, video tutorials, blogs, and articles covering various aspects of trading and platform usage.
Q: What are the customer support options offered by IG Group and CMC Markets?
A:
- IG Group: Phone support 24/5, email support, live chat support, support languages: multiple languages supported.
- CMC Markets: Phone support 24/5, email support, live chat support, support languages: multiple languages supported.
Q: Are IG Group and CMC Markets regulated?
A:
- IG Group: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- CMC Markets: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

