If you're wanting a curated CFD trading platform to suit your style, FXCM is worth looking at. With 2 different accounts designed for active or casual traders and 11 platforms to choose from, FXCM users can buy and sell 39 currency pairs, with average spreads as low as 1.0 for AUD/USD transactions.
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FXCM review
General information only. All forms of investments (and in particular, trading CFDs, commodities and forex) carry significant risk, including the risk of losing more than the invested amounts, market volatility and liquidity risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Such activities are not suitable for most investors.
Our verdict
Trade 39 currency pairs with zero commissions and spreads from 1.0 pips.
Forex Capital Markets or FXCM is a self-proclaimed client-first broker.
With its key focus being on research and education, it would appeal to more casual retail CFD traders.
The broker also delivers a relatively easy-to-use trading platform and strong customer service. However, prior to the rebranding, FXCM has a less-than stellar past.
The company also has high bank withdrawal fees, limited ranges of products and isn't the cheapest on the market.
Pros
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Free trading tools and education. Besides access to trading platforms, FXCM also provides a number of free trading tools and educational videos and webinars.
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Practice account. If you're new to trading or would like to try one of the platforms, you can sign up for a practice account with $50,000. Once you're ready to start actually trading, you can sign up for a live account.
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MetaTrader 4 supported. You can use MetaTrader 4 in conjunction with FXCM's other programs and platforms.
Cons
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Risk. There is a great deal of risk involved in trading, especially if you're new to it and you're making trades with maximum leverage.
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Client support not 24 hours. If you have queries or you need help with trades, you have to wait until the customer support and trading desk lines are open.
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No stock purchases. All assets including stocks are traded via CFDs - you can't directly buy or sell the assets
Details
Product details
| Type of broker | Online |
| Available markets | 39 currency pairs, commodities, indices |
| Minimum Spreads for Major Currencies | 1 |
| Commission | AU$3.00 per 100k traded |
| Minimum opening balance | $50 for the Mini account |
| Minimum Trade Size | 1 lot |
| Leverage | 1:1 - 30:1 |
| Platforms | Trading Station MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader + more |
| Support | Phone, email |
| More Info |
FXCM background
FXCM launched in 1999 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. As part of the broader FXCM Group, it offers CFDs on forex, shares, cryptocurrencies and commodities trading to more than 220,000 clients around the world.
When you sign up, you can choose between 2 account types, depending on your trading experience, or a demo account for practice. The standard account has zero commissions and requires a low minimum of $50 to begin trading, but it has slightly higher spreads. Meanwhile, the Active account requires a $25,000 minimum deposit and $3 commission per lot, but has spreads as low as 0.2 pips. Here are the features of each account type:
| Standard | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum opening balance | $50 | $25,000 |
| Spreads | From 1.0 pips | From 0.2 pips |
| Commission per lot | $0 | $3 |
| Leverage | 1:1 - 30:1 | 1:1 - 30:1 |
| Minimum trade size | 0.01 | 0.01 |
How many currency pairs are available to trade?
You can trade CFDs on up to 39 currency pairs on either the standard or active accounts.
- Major currency pairs: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, CAD/JPY, CHF/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, EUR/CHF, EUR/GBP
If you're new to forex trading, you can sign up for a practice account with $50,000 virtual funds and a free forex trading guide. Click on "Practice Account" on the top of any page. You can access your account via the platforms or the mobile app to trade 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
What trading platforms are available?
You can test each platform with a free practice account.
- Trading Station. This is FXCM's proprietary platform allowing you to trade on your desktop, online and through a mobile application.
- MetaTrader 4. This is one of the most popular trading platforms in the world. Buy and sell foreign exchange and CFD with one-click trading. MT4 allows for smooth integration with No Desk Dealing execution.
- NinjaTrader. This platform is suited to active traders and offers advanced features for trading foreign exchange, commodities and stocks. This option is not available to Mini account holders.
- Specialty platforms. FXCM also offers a range of specialty platforms designed for specific trading needs.
Snapshot of FXCM platform
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Spread fee - AUD/USD | $0.03 per $1,000 |
| Education and resources | Yes |
| Does it offer fixed spreads? | No |
| Leverage | 1:1 - 30:1 on the standard account |
| Is it MetaTrader supported? | Yes |
| Minimum deposit required | $50 for the standard account |
| Compatible devices | Apple devices |
| Guaranteed stops | Yes |
| Payment methods | Credit card, debit card, BPay, wire transfers |
| Promotional bonus | Lower commission for active traders |
| 24-hour trading | Yes (5 days a week) |
| Demo account available? | Yes |
FXCM highlight features
- MetaTrader supported. FXCM provides access to global forex markets through 4 trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (the most popular trading platform in the world), MetaTrader 5, Trading Station and NinjaTrader. A mobile app is also available to allow you to trade on the go.
- Dealing Desk or No Dealing Desk. FXCM pioneered the No Dealing Desk forex execution model (available on Standard and Active Trader accounts), which provides anonymous execution and increased transparency. However, traditional Dealing Desk execution is also available on Mini accounts.
- Compatible devices. With apps available for download from Google Play and the Apple App Store, FXCM allows you to trade on Android and iOS devices.
- 3 accounts. FXCM offers 3 types of accounts: Mini, Standard and Active Trader accounts. These accounts have different minimum deposits, different spreads and access to different currency pairs. FXCM offers an online wizard to help you choose the account that meets your requirements.
- Spread fee. Spreads vary depending on whether you choose a Mini, Standard or Active Trader account. The minimum average AUD/USD spread with FXCM is 1.9 for a Mini account, 0.5 for a Standard account and 0.5 for an Active Trader account.
- Leverage. FXCM offers leverage of up to 1:1 - 30:1.
- Minimum deposit. You can open a Mini account with FXCM for just $50, and you can start trading right away.
- Regulated in Australia. FXCM Australia is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
- Payment methods available. FXCM accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards as well as BPAY, electronic funds transfer and bank wire deposits.
Is FXCM regulated?
FXCM operates out of various countries and, as such, it is regulated by different regulators.
As it currently stands, FXCM is under 3 x tier-1 jurisdictions, including Australia where it is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
This could make it a safer broker for consumers.
Education and research
This is where FXCM really shines. With a customer focus, it has gone above and beyond to help educate its members.
Some of the support members can expect when trading include:
- Free online live classrooms
- "Become a better trader" resources
- Market news and forex trading accounts
- Free SMS trade alerts
- Various trading tools
- Trading guides – Learn to trade, Successful traders, New to forex trading
What support is available with FXCM?
FXCM provides 24/7 customer service to its members.
It does this in 3 main ways:
- Phone
- Live chat
FXCM also operates an extensive online help section through its website where traders can find answers to their queries.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for a live account online and start trading within 1 or 2 business days.
They can do so in just a few easy steps:
- Select the country of residence
- Fill out a secure online application form
- After this, you will be provided a username and passwordr
- Log in and start trading
Frequently asked questions
This information is general in nature and is no substitute for professional advice. It does not take into account your personal situation. This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for most investors. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. Capital is at risk, including the risk of losing more than the amount originally put in, market volatility and liquidity risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Tax on profits may apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination for the product on the provider's website. Consider your own circumstances, including whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money and possess the relevant experience and knowledge. We recommend that you obtain independent advice from a suitably licensed financial advisor before making any trades.
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