Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs VT 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, boasts a strong reputation in the trading community. It is publicly traded and holds seven Tier-1 licenses, which indicates a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com. With a near-perfect Trust Score of 99, City Index is considered highly secure for traders seeking confidence in their trading platform. Despite not being a bank, its extensive regulatory approvals underline a commitment to maintaining a safe financial environment.
In contrast, VT Markets, founded in 2016, is a privately held company with regulatory oversight that includes one Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license. This gives VT Markets a Trust Score of 70, categorized as an average risk by ForexBrokers.com but still offering a definitive level of regulatory coverage for its clients. Similar to City Index, VT Markets is not a bank but provides traders with a regulated framework, albeit with fewer top-tier licenses. This makes VT Markets a viable choice for those starting in trading while being mindful of its more recent establishment and tiered regulatory status.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
City Index and VT Markets both offer competitive pricing, yet they differ in how they structure their commissions and fees. City Index provides traders with average market pricing for CFDs, forex, and spread-betting products, with a typical spread of 0.74 pips on the EUR/USD pair. Traders have the opportunity to benefit from exclusive pricing, events, and more by qualifying for the Premium Trader account. Active traders can also take advantage of rebates in the U.K. starting at £4 per million and up to £7.5 per million for high trading volumes, while Australian traders enjoy similar rebate structures. City Index's pricing earns it a 4.5-star rating, ranking it 14th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
VT Markets offers two different account types that impact trading costs: the Raw ECN and Standard STP accounts. The Standard STP account is commission-free but is accompanied by higher spreads, while the Raw ECN account includes competitive spreads and a minimal round-turn commission, with an average spread of 1.2 pips on the EUR/USD for the Standard STP and 0.83 pips for the Raw ECN account. These fees are aligned with industry norms, though the Standard STP is less appealing due to its higher spreads. VT Markets also receives a 4.5-star rating from ForexBrokers.com but ranks 20th among 63 brokers for commissions and fees.
In summary, both City Index and VT Markets offer pricing options that cater to different trading needs. City Index appeals to high-volume traders with its rebate offerings and Premium Trader benefits, while VT Markets provides a clear choice between commission-free and more competitively priced account types. Both brokers achieve high ratings for their commissions and fees, but City Index edges out VT Markets with a slightly higher ranking in this category.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
City Index and VT Markets both provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, making them attractive options for forex enthusiasts. However, they diverge significantly when it comes to the number of tradeable symbols. City Index stands out with an impressive offering of 13,500 symbols, compared to VT Markets' 1,000. When focusing on forex pairs, City Index offers a more extensive selection with 66 pairs, while VT Markets provides 39. Neither broker offers clients the option to directly purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, but VT Markets allows users to buy international shares like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, unlike City Index.
Both brokers facilitate copy trading and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, yet neither enables the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. In terms of their range of investments, City Index receives a higher rating of 5 stars versus VT Markets’ 3.5 stars. Ranking impressively, City Index is placed at #8 among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its investment range, while VT Markets is ranked #39. This highlights City Index’s wider variety of investment options, appealing to those seeking a broader trading portfolio.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 39 |
| 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). | 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 City Index and VT Markets for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a comprehensive trading experience with certain unique features. City Index stands out with its proprietary platform, complementing popular options like MetaTrader 4, while VT Markets provides both MetaTrader 4 and the more advanced MetaTrader 5. Those looking for a seamless trading experience on a Windows-based desktop or through web browsers will find support from both brokers. Moreover, traders at City Index can enjoy the benefits of copy trading, just like VT Markets users, ensuring potential efficiency and strategy diversification for investors.
City Index impresses with an extensive array of drawing tools, offering 239 options, compared to VT Markets' 30. Furthermore, City Index provides a detailed watch list feature with 11 columns, while VT Markets offers seven. Both brokers allow direct stock trading from charts, making for a user-friendly interface. In terms of ratings, City Index earns 4.5 stars, while VT Markets follows closely with 4 stars. When ranked by ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds the #11 spot out of 63 brokers for trading platforms and tools, whereas VT Markets ranks at #47. This distinction highlights City Index's superior offerings in this category, providing a potentially advantageous platform choice for traders.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
City Index and VT Markets both provide convenient mobile trading solutions for iPhone and Android users. Both platforms support essential functions like stock and forex price alerts, multiple time frame viewing options, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. While City Index shines with its extensive charting tools by offering 88 technical studies, VT Markets offers a more limited selection with 30 studies. Additionally, City Index users benefit from watchlist symbol syncing, which aligns their mobile and online accounts seamlessly, a feature not available with VT Markets.
Additional user-friendly capabilities include City Index’s automatic saving of chart drawings, whereas VT Markets lacks this feature. Both brokers offer real-time quotes in watchlists, ensuring users stay updated on market changes. City Index’s mobile app is rated slightly higher at 4.5 stars compared to VT Markets’ 4-star rating. Reflecting broader recognition, City Index ranks #9 among 63 brokers for mobile trading apps, whereas VT Markets holds the #44 position. These distinguishing aspects might assist potential traders in choosing the most suitable mobile trading platform for their needs.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, both City Index and VT Markets offer daily market commentary and provide forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. Both platforms are equipped with technical analysis tools from Trading Central, giving users valuable insights into market trends. However, neither broker utilizes tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, nor do they offer market research from TipRanks. Sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long and short positions are available on both platforms, helping traders understand market sentiment.
City Index outshines VT Markets in some areas, notably with a higher research rating of 4.5 stars compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. In the global ranking of brokers for research by ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds the 10th place, reflecting its strong research offerings, while VT Markets is positioned at 36th. Both brokers provide an economic calendar displaying key global news events, keeping traders informed of developments across various economies. Overall, while both platforms have similar offerings, City Index's higher ranking and rating suggest a more comprehensive suite of research tools.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, City Index and VT Markets both provide a wide array of materials focusing on forex or CFDs, with each offering more than 10 educational pieces. However, City Index takes the lead by offering monthly online educational webinars and a searchable archive of previously recorded sessions. This makes it much easier for newcomers to revisit lessons as per their convenience. VT Markets, on the other hand, does not offer these webinar features, limiting access to such interactive learning opportunities. Both platforms equip beginners with more than 10 educational videos on trading topics specifically for novices, ensuring a comfortable learning curve for those just starting out. However, only City Index extends its video offerings into advanced trading topics for more seasoned traders.
Both brokers supply investors with a glossary covering over 50 investing terms, making it easier for beginners to grasp essential terminologies. In terms of ratings, City Index scores higher with 4.5 stars for its educational offerings, compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. Furthermore, City Index is ranked #9 in the education category by ForexBrokers.com, while VT Markets lands at #55 out of 63 brokers. Clearly, for beginners looking for a comprehensive and easily accessible range of educational materials, City Index holds a significant edge over VT Markets.
| Feature |
City Index
|
VT 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 | No |
| 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 VT Markets. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
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
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 |
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Both City Index and VT Markets do not offer the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both platforms provide the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
City Index and VT Markets differ in their deposit and withdrawal options: City Index supports ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while VT Markets offers Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks support for ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal.
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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | VT Markets Review |
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| Regulation | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | VT 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 39 | |
| 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). | 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | VT 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 | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | VT 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | City Index | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | VT Markets Review |
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