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, stands as a highly trusted online broker with a near-perfect Trust Score rating of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. The company is publicly traded and holds an impressive five Tier-1 licenses, underscoring its strong regulatory standing. Despite not being a bank, CMC Markets' combination of a long history and significant licensure fosters confidence among traders seeking reliability and credibility in their financial dealings.
Founded in 2009, XM Group is a reputable broker on its own, reflected in a respectable Trust Score of 88, indicating a status of trust. Although XM Group is not publicly traded and holds one less Tier-1 license compared to CMC Markets, it still captures attention with its four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Like CMC Markets, XM Group is not a bank, yet it manages to maintain a trusted presence in the online trading sphere.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets stands out as a top choice for those seeking affordable trading with outstanding pricing structures, earning it the distinction of being ranked #1 by ForexBrokers.com for Commissions and Fees. Achieving a perfect 5-star rating, CMC Markets is recognized for its low spread offerings available to all client segments. For traders interested in the EUR/USD pair, CMC Markets offers competitive average spreads of 0.61 pips based on August 2023 data. The company's innovative Price Plus Scheme rewards active traders by providing discounts on trading costs, contingent on monthly trading volumes. Additionally, its FX Active pricing structure adds further value, with a commission of $2.50 per side and spreads as low as zero pips, resulting in cost-efficient trades.
In contrast, XM Group has garnered a 4-star rating and is ranked #33 out of 63 brokers in the same category by ForexBrokers.com. Despite offering a commission-based XM Zero account, XM Group does not publish its average spreads for this account type, making it challenging for traders to compare potential costs. Standard account holders may face higher expenses due to the relatively expensive spreads. While XM's options may appeal to certain traders, CMC Markets offers greater transparency and generally more competitive rates, which is reflected in its superior ranking and ratings.
Ultimately, CMC Markets provides a more cost-effective and transparent trading experience, particularly for those trading substantial volumes who can benefit from their active trader discounts and competitive pricing. XM Group, while a viable option, lags behind CMC Markets in terms of fees and commissions, as highlighted by their respective positions in industry rankings.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 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.
CMC Markets and XM Group both provide extensive investment options, including forex trading offered as CFDs or spot contracts. When it comes to the sheer number of tradeable symbols, CMC Markets shines by offering investors a whopping 11,925 symbols compared to XM Group's 1,394. This includes 156 tradeable forex pairs from CMC Markets, overshadowing the 55 pairs available through XM Group. Both brokers allow clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, letting investors buy popular shares like Apple and Vodafone. They also support copy trading features, enabling users to mimic successful trading strategies.
Both firms provide access to cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer direct buy options for actual cryptocurrencies. When evaluated by ForexBrokers.com for range of investments, CMC Markets stands out with a five-star rating and ranks 9th out of 63 brokers. While XM Group is highly competitive with a rating of 4.5 stars, it ranks 23rd. For investors keen on a wider range and variety of investments, CMC Markets presents a broader selection, potentially making it a preferred choice for those seeking diverse trading opportunities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 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.
When considering online trading platforms, both CMC Markets and XM Group provide a range of options to accommodate different trading preferences. Both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice with simulated environments before diving into live markets. CMC Markets boasts a proprietary platform developed in-house, while XM Group does not, potentially giving CMC an edge in offering unique features. However, both platforms support popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, ensuring a comprehensive trading experience. In terms of accessibility, both brokers offer Windows-based desktop applications and convenient web-based platforms, catering to varying trader needs. Additionally, both platforms enable copy trading, allowing users to emulate the strategies of seasoned traders with ease.
CMC Markets shines in the tools and features department, providing a vast array of charting tools, including 40 drawing tools compared to XM Group's 15. This enhanced capability is complemented by the option to trade directly from stock charts, a feature offered by both brokers. CMC Markets allows traders to customize watchlists with up to 11 columns, whereas XM Group offers 7. These standout features, coupled with its high ranking of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, contribute to CMC Markets' impressive fourth-place position in ForexBrokers.com's rankings. In comparison, XM Group holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 31st out of 63 brokers, indicating that while it provides solid trading options, it may not quite match up to the toolset offered by CMC Markets.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both CMC Markets and XM Group provide comprehensive mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring traders can stay connected on the go. Both apps feature stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, trendline drawing capabilities, and versatile chart timeframes, such as daily or weekly views. A key similarity is the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes, making it easy to monitor your preferred assets. However, a notable difference is that CMC Markets allows you to automatically save chart drawings, while XM Group does not, which could be a significant factor for traders who frequently annotate their charts.
When it comes to charting tools, XM Group offers a slight edge with 30 technical studies compared to CMC Markets' 29. Despite this, CMC Markets shines in user satisfaction, boasting a five-star rating for its mobile trading app, whereas XM Group holds four stars. This distinction is reflected in their ranks: CMC Markets ranks impressively at #5 in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category out of 63 brokers, while XM Group is positioned at #29. These rankings highlight the user-friendly and feature-rich experience provided by CMC Markets, which may appeal especially to those who prioritize quality in their trading applications.
| 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 |
| 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.
Both CMC Markets and XM Group provide comprehensive educational resources for beginners interested in forex and CFD trading. They offer over ten educational pieces, which include articles, videos, and archived webinars, specifically focused on these trading subjects. Beginners can access numerous educational videos from both brokers, designed to cover a variety of trading topics. While CMC Markets lacks regular monthly webinars, XM Group compensates with consistently scheduled webinars for ongoing trader development. Additionally, both brokers facilitate learning with searchable archives of recorded webinars.
For those requiring more advanced trading knowledge, both CMC Markets and XM Group deliver with specialized video content catering to experienced traders. CMC Markets takes a slight edge in supporting new traders with an in-depth investor dictionary featuring over 50 terms, which XM Group does not offer. In terms of educational ratings, both brokers earn a commendable 5-star score. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, XM Group holds a slightly higher rank of 7th compared to CMC Markets' 10th position among 63 brokers, partly due to their regular webinar offerings.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
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
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XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 |
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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 | 88 | |
| 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 | 88 | |
| 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 | 5 | 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) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 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 | 0.61 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| 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 | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| 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 | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| 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 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
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