Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs XM Group, 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.
CMC Markets, established in 1989, is a well-regarded online broker known for its transparency and regulatory adherence. It holds a Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, positioning it in the highly trusted category. CMC Markets operates under six Tier-1 licenses, reinforcing its credibility in the financial world. Despite not being a bank, its public listing on a stock exchange adds an extra layer of accountability and reliability, ensuring clients can trade with confidence.
In comparison, XM Group, founded in 2009, also commands a respectable reputation, backed by a Trust Score of 93. While not publicly listed, XM Group's commitment to security is evident through its possession of four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, classifying it as a trusted broker. Though the firm isn't a bank, its regulatory framework supports safe and reliable trading for its users.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets vs. XM Group on commissions and fees: CMC Markets earns 5 out of 5 stars and ranks #1 of 63 brokers for this category, while XM Group is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #34 of 63. The difference largely comes down to pricing consistency, transparency, and access to low spreads across account types.
CMC Markets delivers low, predictable costs for most traders. Typical EUR/USD spreads were 0.61 pips in August 2023, and its FX Active plan adds a $2.50-per-side commission to zero-minimum spreads for an all-in cost of about 0.5 pip on EUR/USD and several other pairs. The NZD/USD, for example, can drop from about 1.5 pips on a standard account to around 0.5 pip all-in with FX Active. CMC’s Price Plus Scheme rewards higher monthly volumes with spread discounts (you earn 2 Trading Points per standard lot; 1,250 lots in a month reaches Tier 4 for a 20% spread discount). Importantly, CMC’s average spreads have tended to sit close to its advertised minimums—something to look for when comparing true trading costs.
XM Group’s Standard account spreads are on the higher side, and it does not publish average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account, which makes apples-to-apples cost comparisons tougher. Put simply, CMC Markets offers wider access to low spreads and clearer pricing information, contributing to its #1 ranking for commissions and fees versus XM Group’s #34.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts [DELETED] | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | 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.
CMC Markets and XM Group both let you trade forex as CFDs or spot and support copy trading. Each also offers real shares on U.S. and international exchanges (not just CFDs), and while neither broker sells actual crypto, both provide cryptocurrency derivatives. The biggest difference is breadth: CMC Markets lists 12,029 tradeable symbols and 141 forex pairs, while XM Group offers 1,394 symbols and 55 forex pairs.
For investors prioritizing the widest market selection, CMC Markets takes the lead, earning 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranking 9th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. XM Group delivers a sizable lineup with 4.5 stars, ranking 25th. If you want more instruments and currency pairs under one roof, CMC Markets is the stronger pick; if you need a leaner list that still covers essentials like stocks, forex, crypto derivatives, and copy trading, XM Group fits the bill.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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.
Comparing CMC Markets vs. XM Group for trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, Windows desktop and web-based platforms, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) support, copy trading, and the ability to place trades directly from charts. The key difference is that CMC Markets also provides its own in-house platform, while XM Group focuses on MetaTrader and its web tools.
According to ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets scores higher for Trading Platforms and Tools with a 5-star rating and a #4 ranking out of 63 brokers. XM Group earns 4 stars and ranks #33. If you want greater platform variety and in-house features, CMC Markets may be the better fit. If you prefer a MetaTrader-centered setup with familiar tools, XM Group is a straightforward choice.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading 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) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade [DELETED] | ||
| ZuluTrade [DELETED] | ||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) [DELETED] | ||
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields [DELETED] |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
CMC Markets and XM Group both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app supports price alerts for stocks and forex, synced watchlists that mirror your online account, and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. If you’re moving between devices, your symbols stay in sync on both apps, which makes monitoring markets on the go straightforward.
For charting, both the CMC Markets app and the XM Group app let you draw trendlines and switch among multiple time frames. XM Group includes 30 technical studies versus 29 with CMC Markets, but only CMC Markets auto-saves your chart drawings. Independent ratings from ForexBrokers.com give CMC Markets 5 stars and a #5 ranking out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps, while XM Group earns 4 stars and ranks #31—making CMC Markets the stronger pick overall, unless you value XM’s slightly larger indicator list.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 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 CMC Markets and XM Group deliver a wealth of resources like daily market commentary and forex news from leading sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. CMC Markets stands out with additional offerings like tools from Autochartist, providing advanced technical and fundamental analysis that XM Group doesn't offer. Conversely, XM Group compensates with tools from Trading Central, catering to those seeking technical analytics expertise. Sentiment-based trading tools, showing the ratio of long or short positions across currency pairs, are available with both brokers, enhancing trader insights into market trends.
Economic calendars showcasing global events are standard with both CMC Markets and XM Group, helping traders anticipate potential market impacts. Despite their varied toolkits, both brokers earn top marks for research, each garnering a 5-star rating. Ranked by ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets slightly edges out XM Group, holding the sixth spot in research out of 63 brokers, while XM Group is close behind, ranked eighth. Whether your focus is on comprehensive news or specialized analysis tools, both brokers provide a solid foundation for making informed trading decisions.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Comparing CMC Markets vs XM Group for beginner education: both brokers earn 5 stars for Education from ForexBrokers.com. XM Group ranks #7 out of 63 brokers, while CMC Markets ranks #10. New traders get plenty of on‑demand learning at either broker—each provides at least 10 beginner videos—and both also include 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to go deeper.
The big difference is live learning. XM Group hosts client webinars at least once a month, so beginners can ask questions in real time, while CMC Markets does not run monthly client webinars. Details about a searchable webinar archive or an investor dictionary weren’t specified. If you want frequent live sessions, XM Group has the edge; if you prefer self‑paced video lessons, both brokers are solid picks for getting started.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | ||
| Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) [DELETED] | ||
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) [DELETED] |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than XM Group. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
| Range of Investments |
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Both CMC Markets and XM Group do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets and XM Group differ in their payment options, with CMC Markets supporting ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, while XM Group offers Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA, or 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 | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts [DELETED] | |||
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade [DELETED] | |||
| ZuluTrade [DELETED] |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields [DELETED] | |||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) [DELETED] | |||
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 29 | 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 | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | |||
| Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) [DELETED] | |||
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) [DELETED] |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
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