Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM 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.
FXCM, established in 1999, is known for its solid foundation and long-standing presence in the trading industry. It is publicly traded, indicating a level of transparency in its operations. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95 out of 99, FXCM is highly trusted, thanks in part to holding four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. This regulatory backing provides traders with confidence in the broker's trustworthiness and compliance with high standards.
On the other hand, VT Markets, founded in 2016, positions itself as a newer player in the online brokerage scene. While it is not publicly traded, it holds one Tier-1 license and one Tier-2 license. VT Markets has a Trust Score of 70, classifying it as an average-risk broker. Traders considering VT Markets should be aware of its shorter track record and comparatively lower regulatory backing, which may impact their perception of its reliability.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
When comparing FXCM and VT Markets, both brokers offer distinct pricing structures that appeal to different types of traders. FXCM's forex trading costs are slightly above the industry average, with spreads on the EUR/USD ranging from 0.78 for their EU, UK, and Australia clients to 1.38 pips for the entity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This discrepancy highlights the importance of considering your residency when evaluating costs. FXCM's commission-based accounts feature an average spread of 0.28 pips, excluding commissions, but when you factor in commission costs, the effective spread reaches around 0.74 pips. Active traders can benefit from FXCM's rebate program, although the effective costs may not be as competitive as those offered by Tickmill or FP Markets. However, deeper discounts are available depending on the monthly trading volume and applicable rebates.
VT Markets, on the other hand, provides two main account options: the Raw ECN and the Standard STP. The Standard STP account is commission-free with an average EUR/USD spread of 1.2 pips, making it less attractive for traders prioritizing tight spreads. The Raw ECN account offers a more appealing cost structure for active traders, with an effective spread of 0.83 pips, reflecting a 0.6 round turn commission and a 0.23 average spread. This pricing aligns with industry standards and presents a competitive choice for those who trade frequently.
In terms of ratings and rankings, VT Markets edges out with a 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, compared to FXCM's 4-star rating. Additionally, VT Markets holds the 20th position out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category on ForexBrokers.com, whereas FXCM is ranked 24th. These distinctions highlight VT Markets as the slightly more favorable choice in terms of cost efficiency for traders seeking competitive pricing.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.8 |
| 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.
Both FXCM and VT Markets provide a solid foundation for forex trading, each offering trading through both CFDs and spot contracts. While FXCM presents traders with 440 tradeable symbols, VT Markets outpaces with a selection of 1,000 options. In the forex pairs department, FXCM offers 43 pairs, slightly ahead of VT Markets' 39 pairs. Neither platform supports trading in U.S. exchange-listed securities, such as Apple shares, and FXCM does not extend this offering to international exchanges either. In contrast, VT Markets allows trading of international exchange-listed securities, like Vodafone shares. Both brokers facilitate copy trading and the trade of cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies directly.
When assessed for their range of investments, both FXCM and VT Markets earn a 3.5-star rating, yet there's a difference in industry recognition. FXCM is ranked 47th by ForexBrokers.com for investment variety, while VT Markets ranks 39th out of 63 brokers. This indicates that while both offer similar diversity in products like CFDs and copy trading, VT Markets may have a slight edge in terms of broader market offerings, particularly with its inclusion of international exchange-linked investments.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 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 FXCM to VT Markets, both brokers offer simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, but differ significantly in their platform offerings and tools. FXCM shines with its own proprietary platform and supports a comprehensive range of trading interfaces, including both Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms. Meanwhile, VT Markets does not feature a proprietary platform but provides access to MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which FXCM lacks. Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and enable trading directly from stock charts. However, FXCM stands out with its support for ZuluTrade, which VT Markets does not offer.
In terms of charting capabilities, VT Markets leads with 30 drawing tools compared to FXCM's 10, though FXCM compensates with more columns for watch lists, offering 13 fields to VT Markets' 7. In ForexBrokers.com's ranking, FXCM garners a 5-star rating for trading platforms and tools, securing the 6th position among 63 brokers—far surpassing VT Markets' 4-star rating and 47th place ranking. Whether you prioritize advanced charting or a more versatile trading experience, these distinctions might guide your choice between FXCM and VT Markets.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
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 | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both FXCM and VT Markets offer comprehensive mobile trading apps available on iPhone and Android. These apps include important features such as stock and forex price alerts, the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes, and the capability to view multiple time frames on charts. Where FXCM stands out is with additional features like watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and online account, and a higher number of technical studies, offering 59 compared to VT Markets' 30. Moreover, FXCM's app auto-saves drawings on charts, providing an added layer of convenience for traders on the go.
When it comes to user ratings and rankings, FXCM receives a 4.5-star rating for its mobile trading app, whereas VT Markets is rated slightly lower with 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM ranks 16th out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category, while VT Markets holds the 44th position. These ratings and rankings suggest that while both platforms offer similar core functionalities, FXCM provides a more feature-rich and well-received experience for its users.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
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 | 59 | 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.
FXCM and VT Markets both provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, ensuring traders stay informed about market developments. While neither broker utilizes Autochartist for technical or fundamental research, both offer tools from Trading Central that enhance trading strategies with valuable analytics. Additionally, both brokers equip traders with sentiment-based tools, presenting insights into long and short positions across various instruments, and maintain an economic calendar that showcases important global economic events.
However, a key difference lies in the availability of research tools from TipRanks, which FXCM offers but VT Markets does not. This, among other aspects, contributes to FXCM's higher research rating of 4.5 stars compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. This elevation in research capabilities places FXCM at 11th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for research, whereas VT Markets ranks at 36th. Thus, for traders prioritizing comprehensive research resources, FXCM presents itself as a more favorable option compared to VT Markets.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
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 | 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 beginners, FXCM stands out compared to VT Markets. Both brokers provide more than ten educational pieces like articles, videos, and webinars that focus on forex or CFDs, catering to newcomers in trading. However, FXCM goes a step further by offering monthly online educational client webinars and a searchable archive of past recordings, features not available with VT Markets. For those just starting, both brokers serve up an array of beginner educational videos, but FXCM offers a richer selection with added webinars.
In terms of advanced educational content, FXCM maintains the lead by providing more than ten videos designed for seasoned traders, a feature that VT Markets lacks. While both firms offer an extensive investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, FXCM's comprehensive approach to education is reflected in its higher rating of 4.5 stars compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com rankings, FXCM holds a respectable position at #14 out of 63 brokers in the education category, while VT Markets trails behind at #55. Overall, FXCM offers a more enriching educational experience for beginner traders.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
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 FXCM is better than VT Markets. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
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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VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 70 |
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Both FXCM and VT Markets do not allow users to buy actual cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, making them suitable for traders interested in cryptocurrency without the need for physical delivery.
FXCM offers a wider range of deposit and withdrawal options, including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas VT Markets supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires but does not facilitate ACH, SEPA, or PayPal transactions.
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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | VT Markets Review |
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| Regulation | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | 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) | 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 43 | 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 | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.78 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.78 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 | |
| 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 | 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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | 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 | 59 | 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 | FXCM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | 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 | FXCM | 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 | FXCM Review | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | FXCM | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | VT Markets Review |
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