Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs FP 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.
When comparing online brokers XM Group and FP Markets, both companies have established themselves as trustworthy options for traders, although they have some distinct differences. XM Group, founded in 2009, possesses four Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a high level of trust as per ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, FP Markets, established earlier in 2005, holds two Tier-1 licenses. Both XM Group and FP Markets are privately held and are not banks, emphasizing their focus on providing brokerage services without bank-related operations.
In terms of additional regulatory standing, each broker carries one Tier-2 license, signaling a solid trust factor. According to ForexBrokers.com, XM Group scores an 88 out of 99, which classifies it as a trusted broker. FP Markets slightly edges out with a score of 89, also slotting it within the trusted category. These ratings underscore their commitment to maintaining reliable and secure environments for trading.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2005 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
XM Group's commission and fee structure offers a standard account with costly spreads, whereas the average spreads for its XM Zero account are not publicly disclosed. Out of 63 brokers, XM Group ranks #33 in the Commissions and Fees category with a rating of 4 stars. This broker might not be the best choice for those seeking transparency and lower trading costs, as its offerings can be less appealing compared to other brokers in the industry.
On the other hand, FP Markets emerges as a top contender with a 5-star rating, ranking #6 among 63 brokers for Commissions and Fees. Known for its competitive pricing, FP Markets offers appealing options through its MetaTrader and cTrader platforms, especially for its commission-based ECN account. Recognized as Best in Class for Commissions and Fees in the 2024 Annual Awards, FP Markets ensures that traders enjoy low-cost trades primarily through its Raw ECN account, which provides an average spread of 0.1 pips, or 0.8 pips when commission is factored in.
For those looking into FP Markets, it's essential to consider the various account types. The standard account has higher spreads, averaging 1.1 pips for the EUR/USD pair as of October 2023. Meanwhile, their Iress platform suite caters to active traders with different minimum deposit requirements, offering a range of features from basic to more advanced options. Despite higher costs associated with the Iress ViewPoint account, the broker’s overall offerings make it a solid choice for traders who prioritize both competitive fees and access to a diverse range of trading tools.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 AUD |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to forex trading, both XM Group and FP Markets provide comprehensive options. Both brokers support forex trading as contracts for difference (CFDs) or spot contracts. XM Group offers 55 tradeable forex pairs, while FP Markets provides 71. In terms of tradeable symbols, FP Markets boasts a staggering 10,000 compared to XM Group's 1,394. Both platforms also offer copy trading, and facilitate trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither allows for the purchase of physical cryptocurrencies.
XM Group stands out by offering exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to purchase company shares like Apple and Vodafone directly. FP Markets, on the other hand, does not provide access to exchange-traded securities outside the realm of CFDs. Despite these differences, each broker holds a 4.5-star rating for their range of investments. Additionally, in the ranking by ForexBrokers.com, FP Markets holds the 18th position, slightly ahead of XM Group, which is ranked 23rd out of 63 brokers.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
Both XM Group and FP Markets offer traders access to robust and versatile trading platforms, complete with virtual demo accounts that allow beginners to practice without financial risk. While both brokers provide web-based platforms and Windows desktop options, a key difference is that FP Markets offers its own proprietary platform, complementing the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms available at both brokers. Additionally, both brokers enable the ease of copy trading, facilitating strategies from seasoned traders. Notably, neither supports platforms like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade for those seeking specialized social or copy trading networks.
When it comes to charting tools, XM Group and FP Markets compete closely, though FP Markets edges out slightly with 17 drawing tools compared to XM’s 15. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts and offer identical customization with seven columns for watch lists. Despite these similarities, it's worth noting that according to ForexBrokers.com, FP Markets ranks slightly higher at #23 for its trading platforms and tools, compared to XM Group’s #31 ranking, although both receive a solid 4-star rating. This reflects a similarly satisfying experience for users looking for extensive trading capabilities.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| 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) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 17 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both XM Group and FP Markets offer convenient mobile trading solutions, available for iPhone and Android users, making trading accessible for all. Each broker provides traders with the option to set stock or forex price alerts directly from their phone. However, XM Group stands out with its ability to sync watchlist symbols across mobile and online accounts, allowing seamless updates between devices, a feature FP Markets does not offer. When it comes to charting tools, XM Group offers 30 technical studies compared to FP Markets' default MetaTrader options. Both brokers allow trendline drawing and viewing of multiple time frames on charts, but only FP Markets will auto-save these drawings for future reference.
Both mobile apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, enhancing trading efficiency. Nonetheless, there are nuances in their ratings; both apps are rated 4 stars for mobile trading. Despite this equal rating, FP Markets ranks higher in the Mobile Trading Apps category, securing the 18th spot against XM Group's 29th, according to ForexBrokers.com. For traders who value watchlist syncing and a broader range of technical studies, XM Group might be preferable. Conversely, traders prioritizing auto-save functionality for their chart drawings may favor FP Markets.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | MetaTrader (Default) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of XM Group and FP Markets, both brokers provide daily market commentary and keep traders updated with forex news from prestigious sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, each broker offers tools from Trading Central, including Technical Analytics, and both offer sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments. XM Group and FP Markets also provide an economic calendar that highlights important global news and events affecting the markets. However, neither broker includes research tools from Acuity Trading or resources from TipRanks in their market research arsenal.
Despite many similarities, XM Group stands out with its higher research rating of five stars compared to FP Markets, which has a four-star rating. XM Group is also ranked significantly higher at number 8 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while FP Markets is positioned at number 25. The availability of Autochartist tools at FP Markets may appeal to some traders, but XM Group's superior ranking and comprehensive offerings make it a strong choice for those seeking in-depth market insights and research resources.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| 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, XM Group and FP Markets both provide a solid foundation for those starting in forex or CFDs trading. Each broker offers a wide selection of educational content, including articles, videos, and webinars, all designed to help newcomers learn about trading. These brokers each host at least one webinar per month and maintain a searchable archive of recorded sessions, allowing users to learn at their own pace. Both XM Group and FP Markets offer at least 10 beginner videos, as well as educational material for advanced traders, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. However, XM Group edges ahead by focusing heavily on education, earning it a 5-star rating and a rank of #7 in education, compared to FP Markets' 4-star rating and #23 rank.
A notable difference lies in the availability of an investor dictionary. FP Markets offers a dictionary that explains over 50 investing terms, helping beginners expand their vocabulary and understanding of trading language. Meanwhile, XM Group does not provide this resource, which could impact those who prioritize learning new terms. Despite this, XM Group remains highly rated in education, making it a standout choice for those seeking rich educational content, while FP Markets, despite offering slightly fewer resources, still provides valuable learning opportunities for novice traders.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XM Group is better than FP Markets. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while FP Markets finished with an overall rank of #19.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 89 |
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When comparing XM Group and FP Markets, both online brokers do not offer the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the capability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both XM Group and FP Markets provide Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, but only FP Markets supports PayPal, while neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | XM Group | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 89 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | FP Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | FP Markets | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 89 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2005 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | XM Group | FP 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 | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 AUD | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 17 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | FP 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 | 30 | MetaTrader (Default) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | FP 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 | XM Group Review | FP Markets Review |
| Overall | XM Group | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 89 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | FP Markets Review |
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