IG Markets is one of the world’s leading providers of contracts for difference (CFDs) and financial spread betting. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, IG Markets offers traders access to thousands of global markets including shares, indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies and more.
But how does IG Markets compare to other CFD providers? This comprehensive IG Markets review will provide an in-depth look at the platform’s fees, trading conditions, product offerings, tools and resources to help you determine if they are the right CFD broker for your needs.
An Overview of IG Markets
IG Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and provides services to over 239,000 active traders worldwide. The broker offers:
- Access to 17,000+ global markets across shares, indices, forex, commodities, bonds, options, and cryptocurrencies
- Competitive spreads from just 0.6 points on major forex pairs
- Leverage up to 1:30 on major forex pairs for retail clients
- Award-winning proprietary web and mobile trading platforms
- Advanced charting with over 90 technical indicators
- Sophisticated risk management and trading tools
With IG Markets you can trade CFDs on underlying assets without taking ownership of the asset itself. Instead, you speculate on price movements and profit based on the accuracy of your predictions.
Now let’s take a closer look at the key factors to consider when choosing a CFD broker.
Trading Conditions Offered by IG Markets
When reviewing a CFD broker, it’s important to understand the trading conditions they offer. This includes factors like available markets, account options, leverage and commissions.
Markets and Assets Available at IG
IG provides access to thousands of global markets across shares, indices, forex, commodities, bonds, options, and cryptocurrencies.
Some of the major markets offered include:
- Forex: 80+ currency pairs including majors, minors and exotics with competitive spreads from 0.6 pips
- Indices: FTSE 100, S&P 500,NASDAQ, DAX, CAC 40, Dow Jones and more
- Shares: Over 17,000 global stocks across 11 exchanges
- Commodities: Gold, silver, oil, natural gas, palladium, platinum
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple
- Options: UK 100, US 500, US Tech 100, Wall Street
- Bonds: UK 10yr, US 10yr, German 10yr
This extensive range provides ample trading opportunities across asset classes.
Account Options
IG offers several account types to suit traders with different experience levels and preferences:
- Demo account: Unlimited virtual funds to practice risk-free
- Standard account: Spread betting or CFD trading with min. deposit of £250
- Premium account: Spread betting or CFD trading with added benefits
- Professional account: For high net worth traders with min. deposit £500k
- VIP account: Custom pricing and dedicated account manager
Demo accounts allow new traders to develop skills and test strategies before risking real capital. Standard accounts offer access to IG’s full product range while premium accounts add market insights, alerts and more.
Spreads, Commissions and Financing at IG
IG offers competitive spreads starting from just 0.6 pips on major forex pairs. There are no commissions to trade forex, shares, indices, commodities or cryptos.
However, share CFDs are subject to a 0.1% financing charge long and short. Index, commodity and crypto CFDs also incur daily financing fees.
Leverage is capped at 1:30 for major forex pairs and varies from 1:2 to 1:20 across other assets based on regulation.
Overall, IG provides transparent, low-cost trading across its product range.
Trading Platforms Offered by IG
IG provides award-winning proprietary web and mobile apps tailored to market access on the go.
IG Web Trading Platform
IG’s web platform provides robust charting, custom indicators, risk management tools, quick account setup and more benefits:
- Streaming, executable pricing: Place instant trades directly from charts
- Advanced charting: 100+ indicators, studies and drawing tools
- Customization: Individual modular workspace, layouts and features
- Trade tickets: Intuitive dealing forms with order types, stops and limits
- Alerts and notifications: Price, technical and risk alerts across devices
- Account management: Deposits, withdrawals, reporting all in one place
The customizable web platform delivers an efficient trading experience with the tools needed to analyze markets and manage trades.
IG Mobile Trading App
IG’s mobile apps for iOS and Android allow you to trade on the go with full account functionality:
- Mobile charts: Real-time, fully interactive charts with drawing tools
- Price alerts: Monitor price movements and get notified
- Trade tickets: Open and modify positions and orders
- Account management: Deposit, withdraw, change personal details
- Watchlists and news: Track assets andstay informed
You can manage your account, analyze charts, place trades and act on opportunities whenever markets are open.
Additional Tools and Features
IG integrates additional tools to give traders an advantage:
- Chart forums: Discuss ideas and analysis with others
- Trading signals: Get notifications for potential trades
- Technical insights: Detailed analysis for major markets
- Economic calendar: Upcoming events and potential impacts
- Client sentiment: See % long/short positions on indices, forex
- Webinars and seminars: Ongoing educational resources
- Autochartist: Monitor chart patterns across assets
These resources provide actionable insights, education and community to aid your trading.
Research and Market Analysis at IG
Robust research and analysis is vital for informing trading decisions. Here are some of the resources IG provides:
Daily Market Updates and Commentary
IG publishes daily market updates, analyst commentary and macro insights across forex, indices, shares and commodities. Expert analysis helps traders spot opportunities.
IG Academy
IG Academy offers free trading courses for all experience levels. Learn with online courses, in-person seminars, webinars and more. Topics cover technical and fundamental analysis, trading psychology, IG platform features and developing strategies.
Economic Calendar
Stay up-to-date on upcoming events with potential market impact. Get reminders before key releases and filter by importance and currency.
AutoChartist
Find new trade ideas by having AutoChartist continuously scan markets to detect technical chart patterns. Get alerts on potential opportunities.
ProRealTime Charts
IG clients get free access to advanced ProRealTime charts with over 100 technical indicators. Perform comprehensive analysis directly in your platform.
The combination of daily insights, ongoing education, news and advanced charting provides traders with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Customer Service and Support
Reliable customer service is key when issues arise or assistance is needed navigating platforms and tools.
Contact Options
IG offers customer support through:
- 24/5 multi-lingual phone support
- 24/5 live chat
- Email support
- Social media accounts
- Regional office locations
Getting quick assistance is possible through multiple contact methods.
Educational Resources
For self-help support, IG provides:
- FAQs and IG Community forums – Common questions and discussions
- IG Academy site – Trading courses and video tutorials
- Webinars and seminars – Regular educational events
- Knowledge base – Articles and platform guides
- Glossary – Trading terms clearly defined
These resources allow traders to find answers to many questions independently.
Additional Services
IG also offers value-added services like:
- Dedicated account managers – For certain account types
- Daily market update calls – Discuss trends with analysts
- Trading strategy support – Get help developing effective strategies
Personalized services are available for traders wanting more individualized attention.
Overall, IG provides multiple access points for assistance along with extensive educational materials.
Security and Regulation
As a global CFD provider, it’s essential that IG upholds top standards for security and regulation.
Regulation
IG Markets meets strict requirements in all jurisdictions where they operate:
- UK: Authorized and regulated by the FCA
- EU: Licensed by BaFin in Germany and other tier-1 EU regulators
- Australia: Licensed by ASIC
- Singapore: Licensed by MAS
- South Africa: Licensed by FSCA
- UAE: Licensed by ADGM FSRA
- Other jurisdictions: Meets local regulatory requirements
This ensures IG adheres to strict conduct and capital requirements.
Safety of Funds
IG takes measures to keep client funds safe:
- Segregated accounts – Client funds kept separately from company funds
- Tier-1 bank relationships – Use well-capitalized banking partners
- Negative balance protection – Losses cannot exceed deposits
- Guaranteed stop orders – Manage downside risk on trades
These safeguards help protect client capital and assets.
Security
IG utilizes security best practices across its platforms and systems:
- SSL encryption – Secure data transmission
- 2-factor authentication – Extra login protection
- Data encryption – Information secured at rest
- Cybersecurity – Defenses against attacks and threats
- Regular audits – Ensure controls meet standards
Staying up-to-date with the latest technology helps keep client data secure.
IG’s regulatory status and security measures provide assurance when trading with them.
IG Markets Strengths and Considerations
Strengths
Some of the key benefits of using IG Markets include:
- Established reputation and long track record
- Multiple global regulatory licenses
- Competitive trading costs
- Advanced web and mobile platforms
- Extensive educational resources
- Wide range of tradable markets
- Security measures to protect funds
Considerations
Factors to keep in mind when weighing IG include:
- High minimum spreads on exotic forex pairs
- Limited USA market access
- Potential platform lag during volatile markets
- Phone support not 24/7
- Large institutional clients may get better pricing
Overall, IG provides traders access to thousands of markets with low-cost pricing, platforms with robust tools, and research resources to support decision making. Just be aware spreads widen on exotic currencies, USA residents have limited access, and institutional clients get VIP treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG Markets regulated and safe?
Yes, IG Markets meets regulation in all jurisdictions where it operates including tier-1 licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, and BaFin. Client funds are segregated, and IG utilizes security measures like SSL encryption and 2-factor authentication.
What trading platforms does IG Markets offer?
IG provides award-winning web and mobile trading platforms tailored for market analysis and fast trade execution. Both platforms provide advanced charting, technical indicators, price alerts, customizable workspaces and more.
What account options are available at IG?
IG offers demo, standard, premium, professional and VIP accounts. Minimum deposits range from zero for demo accounts to £500k for pro accounts. VIP accounts have custom pricing and dedicated managers.
Does IG Markets offer research and education?
Yes. IG provides daily market commentary, live webinars, video tutorials, trading courses, AutoChartist pattern recognition, ProRealTime advanced charting, trader forums and more. These resources help traders make informed decisions.
How do I contact IG Markets customer support?
IG Markets provides customer support 24/5 via phone, email, live chat, social media, and local offices. Phones lines stay open for 24 hours on weekdays. Knowledge base articles and community forums offer self-help as well.
What fees and commissions does IG charge?
IG offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on forex and does not charge commissions on forex, share, index or crypto trading. However, share CFDs incur financing fees long and short, and index, commodity and crypto CFDs have daily financing rates.
Final Thoughts
With extensive market access, advanced trading platforms, and ample educational resources, IG Markets provides traders the tools and services needed to speculate on global markets. Just keep in mind wider spreads on exotic pairs, the lack of 24/7 phone support, and focus on major institutional clients.
Overall, IG remains a top choice among experienced traders wanting to trade CFDs across thousands of international markets. Open a risk-free demo account today and see how IG’s award-winning platforms and analysis tools can support your trading.
Best and Most Trusted Forex Brokers
Based on regulation, award recognition, mainstream credibility, and overwhelmingly positive client feedback, these six brokers stand out for their sterling reputations:
| No | Broker | Regulation | Min. Deposit | Platforms | Account Types | Offer | Open New Account |
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| 7. | Vantage | ASIC, CySEC, FCA | $50 | MT4, MT5 | Standard, Cent, Zero Spread | 20% Deposit Bonus | Open Vantage Account |
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| 9. | FBS | ASIC, CySEC, FCA | $5 | MT4, MT5 | Standard, Cent, Zero Spread | 100% Deposit Bonus | Open FBS Account |
| 10. | Binance | DASP | $10 | Binance Platforms | N/A | Best Crypto Broker | Open Binance Account |
| 11. | TradingView | Unregulated | Free | TradingView | N/A | Best Trading Platform | Open TradingView Account |
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