Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Markets4you, 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.
Founded in 1999, FXCM is a well-established online broker known for its strong regulatory standing. The company holds four Tier-1 licenses, highlighting its status as a highly trusted broker, and also possesses two Tier-2 licenses, further emphasizing its reliability. FXCM is publicly traded, offering transparency and accountability to its clients. With a Trust Score rating of 95 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, FXCM is regarded as a highly trusted platform, positioning itself as a dependable choice for traders.
In contrast, Markets4you, which entered the scene in 2007, does not hold any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses, indicating a potential area for improvement in safety and trust perceptions. Unlike FXCM, Markets4you is not publicly traded, which could imply less transparency. Its Trust Score rating from ForexBrokers.com stands at 61 out of 99, categorizing it as a high-risk option. Traders may want to weigh these factors critically when choosing an online broker.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing FXCM and Markets4you, FXCM offers more competitive pricing, though not without some caveats. FXCM's standard account spreads for EUR/USD, based on the time-weighted average tradeable prices for May 2024, show averages of 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia, and 1.38 pips for its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. While FXCM's commission-based accounts boast a commendable average spread of 0.28 pips (excluding commissions), the effective spread is approximately 0.74 pips when factoring in commissions. FXCM also provides its Active Trader Rebate Program—outside the U.K. and EU—with spread discounts based on trading volume, potentially reducing costs for high-volume traders. FXCM earns a 4-star rating and ranks #25 out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com.
Markets4you, on the other hand, lacks detailed average spread data, which makes a straightforward comparison challenging. While this broker does not offer extensive data on its spreads, it has secured a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars in commissions and fees. In the same category, Markets4you is ranked #54 out of 63 brokers, indicating it might not be the top choice for cost-conscious traders when compared to FXCM.
Overall, FXCM's transparent pricing structure and tiered discount program provide competitive advantages, particularly for traders executing significant volumes. In contrast, Markets4you falls short in delivering detailed cost information, which could be a vital consideration for traders seeking clarity and cost-effectiveness in trading. FXCM emerges as the more appealing choice for those who prioritize cost efficiency and transparent pricing models.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Markets4you both offer opportunities for forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, allowing traders access to the exciting world of currency exchange. FXCM excels with an impressive catalog of 440 tradable symbols, whereas Markets4you presents a moderate selection of 150. When it comes to forex pairs, FXCM offers 46 options, just slightly ahead of Markets4you's 43. Neither platform provides direct access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, so if you're looking to invest in companies like Apple or Vodafone directly, you might need to consider other brokers. However, both brokers support copy trading, letting you mirror the strategies of successful traders for potentially better results.
For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, both FXCM and Markets4you allow access to cryptocurrency derivatives, but not the actual cryptocurrencies themselves. This setup suits those looking to speculate on crypto price movements rather than holding the physical asset. Each broker receives a 3.5-star rating for its range of investments, yet FXCM holds a slight edge in the ForexBrokers.com rankings at 47th place, compared to Markets4you's 58th position among 63 brokers. This suggests that while both brokers offer competitive options, FXCM may provide slightly better opportunities for diverse investments.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 43 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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.
FXCM and Markets4you both offer a range of trading platforms and tools catering to different user needs. Both providers include simulated trading with a free demo account, allowing users to practice before committing real funds. FXCM and Markets4you each provide proprietary trading platforms and support MetaTrader 4. While FXCM does not support MetaTrader 5, Markets4you does, offering more options for those who prefer the newer version. Moreover, FXCM offers additional support for ZuluTrade, a popular social trading platform, which is not available with Markets4you.
For those interested in desktop and web trading, both FXCM and Markets4you have you covered with Windows-compatible desktop platforms and web-based options. FXCM might stand out for users who prefer detailed analysis on watch lists, offering 13 fields compared to 7 from Markets4you. However, Markets4you provides more drawing tools, with 15 compared to FXCM’s 10. FXCM’s trading platforms and tools are highly rated at 5 stars and ranked 6th among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Markets4you received a 4-star rating and ranks 52nd, suggesting that FXCM may offer a more comprehensive suite of tools for traders.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading features of FXCM and Markets4you, both platforms provide iPhone and Android apps, along with stock or forex price alerts. One notable advantage of FXCM is its watchlist syncing feature, allowing users to seamlessly update and access their watchlists across the app and web platform. Markets4you, however, does not support this sync feature. FXCM also surpasses Markets4you in technical analysis tools, offering 59 technical studies compared to Markets4you's 30. Both apps enable users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on trading charts, with an auto-save function for chart drawings.
For traders who value up-to-date information, both FXCM and Markets4you offer real-time quotes in their watchlist feature. User reviews rate FXCM's app notably higher at 4.5 out of 5 stars, while Markets4you holds a 4-star rating. Additionally, FXCM is positioned as the 16th best broker for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas Markets4you ranks at 50th. These factors highlight FXCM's stronger offering in the mobile trading landscape, making it a more attractive option for traders seeking advanced features and a highly rated user experience.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 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.
When comparing the market research offerings of FXCM and Markets4you, both brokers provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from high-ranking sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also include top-notch analysis tools from Trading Central. A key distinction lies in the additional tools they offer; FXCM excels with a sentiment-based trading tool that shows trader positions across currency pairs, as well as market research from TipRanks. Markets4you, on the other hand, compensates with technical analysis tools from Autochartist, a feature FXCM lacks.
In terms of research resources like economic calendars, both platforms keep traders informed with updates on global news events. However, FXCM takes the lead with a higher research rating of 4.5 stars, compared to Markets4you's 3.5 stars. This quality difference is further highlighted in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com, where FXCM secures the 11th spot out of 63 brokers for research, while Markets4you comes in at 47th. Such rankings indicate that traders placing a high priority on comprehensive research tools might find FXCM to be the better choice.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | 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 beginner traders, FXCM sets itself apart from Markets4you through a diverse and comprehensive range of offerings. FXCM provides a wealth of educational materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars specifically focused on forex and CFDs. Additionally, FXCM hosts monthly online educational webinars, allowing clients to learn in a live setting. In terms of online educational support, FXCM also boasts a searchable archive of recorded webinars. Meanwhile, Markets4you provides access to similar basic educational pieces but falls short by not offering monthly webinars. Both platforms maintain archives of past webinars, but the overall accessibility to regular live educational content gives FXCM an edge.
For beginners focusing on video resources, FXCM excels with a dedicated collection of over 10 beginner and advanced trading videos, specifically crafted for both novice and seasoned traders. Conversely, Markets4you lacks in providing this structured video content for beginners and advanced learners. FXCM further enriches the learning experience with an investor dictionary encompassing over 50 investing terms, a feature not available on Markets4you. This discrepancy in educational resources is reflected in their ratings: FXCM receives a commendable 4.5 stars for education, ranking 14th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Markets4you scores 3.5 stars, positioned at 26th. Overall, FXCM stands out as a more beginner-friendly platform, offering a more structured and comprehensive educational framework.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 FXCM is better than Markets4you. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Markets4you finished with an overall rank of #56.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
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Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 61 |
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Both FXCM and Markets4you allow users to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency.
FXCM offers a more versatile range of deposit and withdrawal options compared to Markets4you, providing ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, while Markets4you supports Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal options.
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 | FXCM | Markets4you | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Markets4you | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 61 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | 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) | 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) | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 43 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 59 | 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 | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | No | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | No | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | No | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | No | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | No | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | No | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | No | |
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Markets4you | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
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