Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
City Index, established in 1983, stands as a highly trusted online broker, boasting a perfect Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded entity, City Index holds an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, reinforcing its commitment to stringent regulatory standards and client protection. Additionally, it possesses one Tier-2 license, marking it as a strong contender in the trading world, offering a secure and reliable platform for its users.
In contrast, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, operates with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 73, placing it in the average risk category. Unlike City Index, IFC Markets is not publicly traded and holds no Tier-1 licenses, which are critical for establishing high trust. While IFC Markets does possess one Tier-2 license, it stands on different footing compared to City Index when it comes to regulatory assurance and trustworthiness in the online trading arena.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
City Index offers pricing that aligns with the industry average for trading CFDs, forex, and spread-betting, particularly on its proprietary platforms and MetaTrader. For active traders, the Premium Trader account, requiring a deposit of more than £10,000, provides exclusive pricing, events, and dedicated customer service. The average spread for the CFD account on EUR/USD is 0.74 pips as of July 2023, which is competitive, though a bit behind top contenders in the field. Additionally, City Index offers appealing rebates for active traders, with UK-based rebates starting at £4 per million for trading volumes over £25 million monthly, and Australian rebates ranging from AUD $4.5 to AUD $14.5 per million. City Index has earned a 4.5-star rating and is ranked #14 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its commissions and fees.
IFC Markets presents an average EUR/USD spread of 1.44, higher than the industry average of 1.08, making it less competitive at first glance. However, the introduction of the new ECN account provides more attractive effective spreads for active traders at 1.1 pips, particularly when considering the 0.005% commission applied to both trade sides. IFC Markets also does not charge inactivity fees and offers active trader discounts, adding value for cost-conscious investors. IFC Markets earned a 4-star rating and is ranked #39 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category.
In summary, City Index appears well-suited for those seeking competitive spreads and robust support for active trading through different promotions and rebates. Meanwhile, IFC Markets offers value in the form of favorable ECN spreads and a no-inactivity-fee policy, benefiting those trading frequently. Both brokers provide efficient solutions depending on individual trading strategies and volume, with City Index slightly ahead in ranking and overall offering.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing City Index and IFC Markets, there are several distinctions regarding the range of investments available. City Index impresses with a significant number of tradeable symbols, offering 13,500 compared to IFC Markets' 630, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a wide variety of investment options. Both platforms provide access to forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts. However, City Index offers a slightly wider selection of forex pairs, with 66 compared to IFC Markets' 49. Notably, neither broker allows clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, but IFC Markets does enable buying securities on international exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange, while City Index does not.
Both City Index and IFC Markets offer opportunities for copy trading and provide cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies. In terms of expert ratings, City Index stands out with a 5-star rating for its range of investments, outranking IFC Markets, which received 3.5 stars. Within the 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds a commendable 8th place for investment range, whereas IFC Markets ranks 43rd. This ranking reflects City Index's broader array of investment choices, appealing to traders looking for a comprehensive trading experience.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of City Index and IFC Markets, both brokers offer strong options for traders. Each provides a free virtual demo account and proprietary platforms developed in-house, with support for the popular MetaTrader 4. They also feature Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based trading options for flexible access. Additionally, both brokers include copy trading services, allowing traders to mimic the strategies of others seamlessly. A notable difference, however, is that IFC Markets supports MetaTrader 5, providing an edge for those interested in the latest version of this platform, while City Index does not.
In terms of charting tools, City Index significantly outpaces IFC Markets with 239 drawing tools available compared to IFC Markets' 15. Both platforms enable trading directly from stock charts, but City Index offers more customization with 11 columns for watch lists, as opposed to IFC Markets' 7. According to ForexBrokers.com, City Index has a higher user rating of 4.5 stars and is ranked 11th out of 63 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools, whereas IFC Markets garners a rating of 4 stars and is ranked 36th. These distinctions may make City Index more appealing to traders looking for a comprehensive trading environment with greater customization and a higher industry standing.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
City Index and IFC Markets both offer mobile trading apps that are available on iPhone and Android devices, catering to traders on the go. Both apps provide essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Traders can also view multiple time frames and create watchlists with real-time quotes on both platforms, ensuring that they are equipped to make informed trading decisions anytime, anywhere.
While both apps offer comprehensive trading functionalities, City Index stands out with a more diverse charting arsenal, featuring 88 technical studies compared to IFC Markets' 30. This added depth may appeal to technical traders seeking detailed analysis tools. In terms of overall user experience, City Index has a higher rating of 4.5 stars, compared to IFC Markets' 4 stars. Further highlighting its superior mobile offering, City Index ranks #9 in the Mobile Trading Apps category, significantly ahead of IFC Markets, which is ranked at #52, out of 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
City Index and IFC Markets both provide significant market research tools, making them valuable for traders seeking insights into daily market movements. Both brokers offer daily market commentary and a helpful economic calendar that covers essential global news events. However, City Index stands out by offering forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. In contrast, IFC Markets does not provide this feature. Furthermore, while both brokers lack tools from Autochartist, City Index offers technical analysis tools from Trading Central, which are not available with IFC Markets. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, highlighting the ratio of long or short positions across different currency pairs, an essential feature for strategic trading decisions.
When considering research ratings, City Index earns a commendable 4.5 stars, placing it 10th in the Research category out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, IFC Markets holds a 3.5-star rating, ranking 40th. These distinctions highlight City Index's superior offerings in market research tools compared to IFC Markets, providing a more comprehensive resource for traders aiming for informed decision-making. As such, City Index's advanced resources and higher ranking underscore its stronger appeal for those prioritizing detailed market analysis.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
City Index and IFC Markets both provide a wealth of educational resources perfect for beginners keen on diving into forex and CFDs trading. With more than 10 educational materials such as articles, videos, and webinars dedicated to these subjects, both platforms cater to those seeking foundational knowledge. However, when it comes to online webinars, City Index stands out by offering live sessions at least once a month and providing a searchable archive of past webinars—features not available with IFC Markets. For beginners eager to learn through visual content, both brokers deliver at least 10 beginner-focused videos, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
City Index goes a step further with advanced videos suitable for experienced traders, matching IFC Markets in offering over 10 such tutorials. Both platforms also feature a dictionary with over 50 investing terms, crucial for anyone new to trading. Yet, in terms of overall educational quality, City Index is highly rated with 4.5 stars and ranks #9 among 63 brokers in the Education category on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets, while still commendable, garners a 3.5-star rating and ranks #30. These rankings reflect City Index's superior dedication to educational resources for beginners.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than IFC Markets. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
Backed by StoneX Group, City Index is a trusted brand known for its versatile trading platforms, excellent mobile app, diverse market research, and extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
City Index
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Both City Index and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, City Index offers greater flexibility in payment options with support for ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets provides options for Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal support, with neither broker offering Skrill.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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| Regulation | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | City Index Review |
| Overall | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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