Markets.com Review

4.6

 4.6/5

Disclaimer: CFDs are leveraged products. Trading in CFDs related to foreign exchange, commodities, indices and other underlying variables, carries a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all of your investment. As such, CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. You should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose.

Markets.com

Highlights

Established History: Founded in 2008, Markets.com has over 17 years of experience delivering innovative trading solutions and services to a global audience, establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry.
Global Presence: Markets.com serves a diverse international client base, with operations spanning Europe, South Africa, and the St. Vincent & Grenadines, ensuring localized support for traders worldwide.
Regulatory Compliance: Operating under a strong regulatory framework, Markets.com is authorized and regulated by three globally recognized financial authorities, including the CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), and SVG FSA (St. Vincent & Grenadines). This ensures client fund security and operational integrity.
Trading Platform Variety: Traders can access the proprietary Web Trader platform or choose industry-standard options like MetaTrader 4 and 5, offering flexibility and functionality to suit all experience levels.
Advanced Features: The platform includes powerful trading tools such as insider trading alerts, and hedge fund confidence indicators. Combined with competitive spreads and a broad range of tradable assets, Markets.com empowers traders with the insights they need to succeed.
Comprehensive Educational Resources: Markets.com supports traders with extensive educational materials, including in-depth market analysis, engaging video tutorials, and actionable real-time insights, making it a valuable platform for continuous learning.

About

History: Established in 2008, Markets.com is a globally recognized trading platform. Over the years, Markets.com has continually evolved, offering cutting-edge technology, competitive trading conditions, and exceptional client services, earning its place as a trusted name in the trading world.
Domicile: Headquartered in Cyprus, Markets.com operates regionally in Europe, South Africa, and the St. Vincent & Grenadines, providing localized and tailored trading experiences for clients across the globe.
Ownership: Markets.com is owned and operated by Safecap Investments Limited, a licensed and regulated entity with a strong reputation for integrity and excellence in the financial services industry.

Rating

4.6

 4.6/5

Review By

Brendan Walsh

Seasoned macro trader, managed billions from the Credit Crunch to COVID-19 and everything in between. Traded most assets you’ve heard of and a few you haven’t, and still alive to tell the tale. A student of history, markets, and psychology and a lover of risk and weirdness.

Overview

Markets.com provides a comprehensive multi-asset trading environment, offering access to over 2,200 tradable instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Renowned for its innovative trading tools, user-friendly platforms, and competitive pricing, Markets.com caters to traders of all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. With a strong emphasis on transparency and reliability, the platform operates under a robust regulatory framework that ensures client fund security and operational integrity.

Category	Details
Tradeable Assets	Over 2,200 including Forex, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Shares, Bonds, ETFs
Min Deposit	$200
Forex Majors Spread	From 0.6 pips
Regulators	CySEC, FSCA, FSA
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Web Trader, TradingView
Funding Methods	Bank transfer, Credit/Debit Card, E-wallets
Currency Pairs	Over 60 pairs including majors, minors, and exotics
Available Leverage	Up to 1:500 (depending on account type and jurisdiction)
Broker Type	Market Maker
Founded	2008
Country	Headquartered in Cyprus with entities across the globe
Free Demo Account	Yes
Clients Accepted	Global, with restrictions for certain countries including USA, Canada, Japan, and Belgium
Pricing System	Variable spreads
Inactivity Fee	Yes

Introduction

Pros:

Broker regulated by five globally recognized authorities, including CySEC, and the FSCA.
Offers over 2,200 tradable assets spanning multiple categories
Competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips and commission-free trading on most accounts
Proprietary trading tools like stock alerts and hedge fund confidence indices
Comprehensive investor education materials and excellent customer service

Cons:

Proprietary Web Trader platform might lack advanced functionalities for some professional traders
Not available to clients in the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Belgium
Customer support is not available over the weekends

History of Markets.com

Founded in 2008, Markets.com has become a prominent name in online trading, consistently recognized for its innovative approach and reliable services. The company also leverages cutting-edge expertise and resources to deliver exceptional trading solutions. Over the years, the platform has earned multiple prestigious awards, including “Best Forex Trading Platform” and “Best Forex Provider” at the UK Forex Awards in 2017, and “Best Trading Platform” from FX Scouts in 2020, cementing its reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.

Where does Markets.com Operate

Markets.com operates on a global scale, providing region-specific accounts tailored to traders in Europe, South Africa, Australia, and the St. Vincent & Grenadines. While its extensive reach makes it accessible to most international markets, the platform is unavailable in regions such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Belgium. This limitation is due to local regulatory restrictions, as these jurisdictions impose stringent requirements or restrictions on certain types of CFD and online trading services.

Investment Offering

Markets.com offers a comprehensive range of investment opportunities, boasting over 2,000 tradable instruments to suit diverse trading preferences:

Forex Trading: Access over 54 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics, with competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips.
Commodities: Trade 19 CFDs on commodities like gold, silver, oil, and natural gas, benefiting from tight spreads.
Indices: Gain exposure to leading global indices, including the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and DAX 30, for diversified trading.
Shares: Choose from over 300 stock CFDs listed on major global exchanges.
ETFs: Explore 68 ETFs, such as the ChinaCSI300, covering diverse market sectors, commodities, and indices.
Bonds: Diversify your portfolio with 4 bond CFDs, offering stable investment options.
Cryptocurrencies: Trade 30 cryptocurrency CFDs, including popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Blends: Invest in unique CFD blends like the Warren Buffett blend, Cannabis blend, and Trade War blend, tailored for innovative and thematic trading strategies.

Trading Platforms

Markets.com offers a versatile range of trading platforms designed to accommodate varying trader preferences and skill levels:

Proprietary Web Trader Platform:
Designed for simplicity and functionality, it features:
- Advanced trading tools like hedge fund confidence indices, insider trade alerts, stock alerts, and buy/sell signals
- Real-time market data with seamless order execution
- Extensive charting capabilities with multiple technical indicators
MetaTrader 4 and 5:
Popular among seasoned traders, these industry-standard platforms provide:
- Automated trading with Expert Advisors (EAs)
- Advanced charting and customizable technical indicators
- Flexibility for both novice and professional users
Mobile Trading App:
Available for iOS and Android, it delivers:
- Real-time market data and live charts with technical tools
- Quick and seamless order execution
- Full account management on the go
Additional Trading Tools:
Markets.com enhances the trading experience with:
- Comprehensive market analysis, including real-time news feeds, economic calendars, and daily insights
- Decision-making tools like advanced charting, and educational content
- Investor education resources such as video tutorials, trading guides, and skill-enhancing webinars

With robust platform options, Markets.com ensures traders at all levels have access to tools that support a seamless and informed trading experience, whether through web, desktop, or mobile solutions.

Markets.com Account Types

Markets.com offers two main account types tailored to diverse trading needs:

Feature	Retail Account	Professional Account
Minimum Deposit	$200	$200
Spreads	From 0.6 pips	From 0.6 pips
Leverage	Up to 1:30	Up to 1:500
Commission	No	No
Base Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, PLN, SEK, NOK, CZK, CHF, DKK	USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, PLN, SEK, NOK, CZK, CHF, DKK
Demo Account	Yes	Yes
Swap-Free	Yes	Yes

Accepted Countries

Markets.com operates globally, offering region-specific accounts tailored to traders in diverse regions. However, regulatory restrictions mean the platform is unavailable to residents in certain countries.

Accepted Regions:
- Europe
- South Africa
- Australia
Restricted Countries:
- United States (USA)
- Canada
- Japan
- Singapore
- Belgium

Region-Specific Regulations:
Traders benefit from regionally tailored oversight:

European clients are protected under CySEC regulations.
South African customers operate under the FSCA’s framework.

With its wide global reach, Markets.com provides a secure and localized trading experience. However, potential clients should confirm their country’s eligibility and review specific account features and leverage limits before opening an account.

Copy Trading Features

Markets.com enhances trading opportunities with its social and copy trading functionality, allowing traders to mirror the strategies of successful investors seamlessly.

Copy Trading Overview:
- Traders can automatically replicate the trades of top-performing strategy providers within their own accounts.
- A curated list of “signal providers” is available, complete with detailed performance metrics such as historical returns, risk levels, and average trade durations.
- This feature helps traders align with providers whose strategies match their trading goals and risk tolerance.
How It Works:
- Analyze detailed statistics to select a suitable signal provider.
- Start copying trades with a single click, enabling Markets.com’s technology to mirror the provider’s trades proportional to allocated funds.
- Benefit from real-time trading signals and diversify portfolios by following multiple strategies.
Become a Signal Provider:
- Traders can monetize their skills by sharing strategies with followers, earning up to 50% of the profits generated from copied trades.
- Monthly payments for profitable trades are automated, ensuring a seamless earnings process.
- No upfront costs are required to become a signal provider, making it accessible to skilled traders.

Note: While copy trading offers valuable insights and diversification, it’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and maintain proper risk management, as copied trades may not always align with individual risk tolerance or objectives.

Deposit & Withdrawals

Markets.com offers a variety of convenient options for funding and withdrawing from your trading account, ensuring a seamless experience for traders worldwide.

Funding Methods:
- Bank Transfers: Supported for most major currencies.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Accepts Visa and Mastercard.
- E-Wallets: Includes Skrill
- Cryptocurrencies: Available in select jurisdictions; specific options may vary.

The minimum deposit amount is $200 (or equivalent in accepted currencies). Markets.com does not charge deposit fees, but third-party charges may apply depending on the payment provider.

Withdrawal Methods:
Withdrawal options mirror deposit methods, with processing times varying by method:
- Credit/Debit Cards: 2-7 business days.
- Bank Transfers: 2-5 business days.
- E-Wallets: Typically processed within 24 hours.

Markets.com does not charge fees for standard withdrawals, but third-party fees may apply.

Important Considerations:
- Refunds are prioritized to the original deposit method, starting with credit card deposits up to the deposited amount.
- Withdrawals are only processed to accounts in the name of the account holder.
- Minimum withdrawal amounts:
  - Credit/Debit Cards: $10 (or equivalent).
  - Bank Transfers: $100 USD/GBP or €20.
  - E-Wallets: $5 USD/GBP/EUR.
Base Currencies:
Markets.com supports multiple base currencies, including PLN, EUR, DKK, USD, AUD, CHF, GBP, NOK, SEK, CZK, and ZAR. To avoid conversion fees, fund your account using the same currency as your payment method or bank account.

Markets.com Spread and Commissions

Markets.com maintains a transparent fee structure designed to accommodate traders of all levels, with costs centered on competitive spreads and a commission-free model:

Spreads:
- Starting from 0.6 pips for major forex pairs like EUR/USD, making it cost-effective for active traders.
- Variable spreads may widen during periods of low liquidity or high market volatility.
- The average spread for EUR/USD is approximately 0.7 pips, while spreads for other instruments, such as stock CFDs, are generally wider due to market factors.
Commissions:
- No commissions are charged on standard CFD and forex trades, making it easier for traders to calculate costs.
- Costs are embedded in the spread, simplifying the fee structure and ensuring greater transparency.

Markets.com Fee’s and Costs

Markets.com includes several additional fees and costs beyond spreads and commissions. Understanding these charges is essential for managing trading expenses effectively:

Inactivity Fees:
- A $10 monthly fee is charged after 3 months of account inactivity.
- Accounts are deemed inactive if no trades are placed or no login occurs within the 3-month period.
- The fee is deducted monthly from the account balance once inactivity criteria are met.
Currency Conversion Fees:
- A 0.6% fee applies to deposits or withdrawals in currencies that differ from the account’s base currency.
Overnight Financing:
- Overnight charges apply for positions held overnight, with rates varying by instrument.
- These fees are also known as swap fees and depend on the specific trade and market conditions.
Other Considerations:
- No deposit or withdrawal fees are charged by Markets.com, but third-party charges may apply depending on the payment method.
- Swap fees for overnight positions can impact profitability for long-term trades.

Traders should factor in these additional costs, particularly if they plan to hold positions overnight or maintain inactive accounts. Reviewing Markets.com’s full fee schedule and terms of service is recommended to ensure a clear understanding of all potential charges.

Unique Features

Markets.com stands out in the trading industry with a suite of unique features designed to enhance the trading experience:

Proprietary Trading Tools:
- Hedge Fund Confidence Indices: Leverages SEC data to reveal where major hedge funds are investing, providing insights into institutional trends.
- Insider Trade Alerts: Tracks legal insider trading activity across 36,000+ companies, offering valuable information on how company insiders perceive their stock.
- Stock Alerts: Customizable alerts notify traders of specific price movements or technical conditions for selected assets.
Extensive Asset Selection:
- Access to over 2,000 tradable assets across markets like forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and bonds.
- Unique “Blends”: Curated baskets of assets themed around specific strategies or industries, such as:
  - Warren Buffett Blend: Mimicking the investment strategies of the legendary investor.
  - Cannabis Blend: Focusing on companies in the cannabis sector.
  - Meme Stocks Blend: Featuring stocks popularized on social media.
  - ESG Leaders Blend: Highlighting companies excelling in environmental, social, and governance practices.
Advanced Trading Platforms:
- Proprietary Web Trader: A user-friendly platform with advanced charting and integrated tools.
- Mobile Trading App: Enables traders to access markets and tools on the go.
- MetaTrader 4 and 5: Industry-standard platforms for traders seeking familiarity and advanced functionalities.
Award-Winning Customer Service:
- 24/5 Availability: Support is accessible during the entire trading week.
- Multiple Channels: Get help via live chat, phone, or email.
- Multilingual Support: Assistance is available in multiple languages to cater to global users.
- Fast Response Times: Dedicated to resolving queries promptly and efficiently.

Markets.com combines innovative tools, diverse trading options, and exceptional support to deliver a standout trading experience tailored to both new and seasoned traders.

Markets.com Regulation and Security

Markets.com prioritizes strict regulatory compliance to ensure client fund security and operational transparency, being overseen by five globally recognized financial authorities:

Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC, Cyprus):
- Covers European clients under investor compensation schemes with protection up to €20,000.
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA, South Africa):
- Regulates services tailored to African traders, ensuring compliance with local financial standards.

With regulation across multiple jurisdictions, Markets.com offers traders confidence and protection, making it a secure and reliable platform for global markets.

Research and Education

Markets.com provides a robust suite of educational resources and market research tools designed to support traders at all levels:

Research and Education:
- Video Tutorials: Comprehensive videos covering topics from basic trading concepts to advanced strategies.
- Webinars: Live and recorded sessions on market trends, trading techniques, and platform navigation.
- XRay: A personalized financial live-stream service offering real-time market insights and expert analysis.
- Insights Trading Blog: Daily articles covering diverse financial topics in an easy-to-digest format.
- Expert Opinions: Regular market commentary and analytics from Markets.com’s trading specialists.
Trading Tools:
- Fundamental Analysis: Tools for evaluating macroeconomic and company-specific data.
- Technical Analysis: Features for in-depth charting and trend analysis.
- Sentiment Analysis: Mechanisms to gauge market mood and trends.
- Knowledge Base: An extensive FAQ section for self-paced learning on trading concepts and platform features.
- CFD Trading Calculator: Helps traders calculate hypothetical Profit & Loss scenarios for better risk management.

Key Points:

The XRay live-stream service offers real-time, actionable insights.
Daily written content provides traders with up-to-date financial analysis.
Trading tools combine educational value with practical application.

Customer Support

Markets.com offers reliable and comprehensive customer support through various channels, ensuring traders receive prompt assistance when needed:

Live Chat:
- Available during business hours for instant, real-time support.
- Easily accessible from the website and trading platforms.
- Ideal for addressing urgent queries quickly.
Phone Support:
- Dedicated regional lines provide personalized service.
- Support is available in multiple languages to cater to a global client base.
- Best suited for resolving complex issues requiring direct communication.
Email Support:
- Response times are typically within 48 hours.
- Suitable for detailed inquiries or non-urgent matters.
- Offers a documented record of communications for future reference.
Additional Support Features:
- Multilingual Support: Assistance is provided in several languages, ensuring accessibility for international clients.
- FAQ Section: A comprehensive knowledge base offers self-help resources for common issues.
- Trading Hours Support: Customer service is available throughout market trading hours.

Note: While Markets.com provides robust support during operational hours, customer service is unavailable on weekends, which may be a drawback for some traders. However, the broker’s focus on prompt, helpful responses ensures a high standard of service during the week.

The Bottom Line

Pros:

Regulated by Five Top-Tier Authorities: Ensures client fund security and operational transparency under globally recognized regulators like FSCA and CySEC.
Extensive Asset Selection: Offers over 2,000 tradable assets, including innovative blends such as the Warren Buffett Blend and Cannabis Blend.
Competitive Costs: Features spreads starting from 0.6 pips and a commission-free trading model for most accounts.
Advanced Tools and Platforms: Provides proprietary tools like hedge fund confidence indices and insider trade alerts, alongside support for Web Trader, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and mobile platforms.

Cons:

Limited Availability: Restricted in regions like the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Belgium due to regulatory constraints.
Weekend Support Unavailable: Customer service is accessible only during trading hours on weekdays.
Inactivity Fee: A $10 monthly fee applies after three months of account inactivity.

Markets.com offers a secure and feature-rich trading environment, with extensive asset options, competitive pricing, and innovative tools. However, traders should consider the platform’s geographical restrictions, inactivity fees, and lack of weekend support when evaluating its suitability for their needs.