Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM 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 2010, online broker HFM operates as a private entity and is not listed on any stock exchange. Though it doesn't function as a bank, HFM boasts a reputable standing in the financial world, holding two Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses. With a Trust Score of 86 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, HFM falls into the 'trusted' category, making it a reliable choice for investors seeking a secure trading platform.
In contrast, Markets4you was established slightly earlier in 2007, but like HFM, it remains privately held and not bank-affiliated. Lacking any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses, Markets4you holds a Trust Score of 61 out of 99. This positions it in the 'high risk' bracket according to ForexBrokers.com, suggesting potential investors proceed with caution when considering this broker for their trading activities.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online broker HFM versus Markets4you, HFM emerges with slightly better offerings. HFM's standard trading accounts typically show a spread of 1.2 pips, though it's worth noting that this isn't confirmed as an average across a specified date range and may vary. Their Zero account offers a more competitive spread of 0.7 pips after accounting for commissions, but again, these figures might not represent complete averages across the board. In terms of ratings, HFM earns a commendable 4-star rating for commissions and fees from industry reviews.
On the other hand, Markets4you lacks transparency in providing average spread data for its accounts, making it more challenging for traders to assess the true cost of transactions effectively. This has garnered Markets4you a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars for commissions and fees among industry evaluators. This lack of detailed spread information can be a drawback for traders trying to determine potential costs beforehand.
In terms of overall ranking within the industry, HFM holds the 31st position out of 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com for the Commissions and Fees category. Meanwhile, Markets4you is positioned further down the list, ranking at 54th. This indicates that HFM generally offers more favorable terms for traders when it comes to pricing structures compared to Markets4you.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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.
When comparing HFM and Markets4you regarding their available range of investments, there are some notable differences to consider. HFM offers a significantly broader range, with 500 tradable symbols, including 102 forex pairs. In comparison, Markets4you provides access to 150 tradable symbols and 43 forex pairs. Both platforms support forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, giving traders the flexibility to choose how they engage with the market. However, neither broker offers exchange-traded securities, meaning investors won't have the option to buy actual shares of companies like Apple or Vodafone directly through these platforms.
Both HFM and Markets4you support copy trading features, allowing clients to replicate the trading strategies of successful investors. When it comes to cryptocurrency, they offer options for trading derivatives rather than the actual digital currencies. HFM has received a rating of 4 stars for its range of investments, ranking 36th out of 63 brokers, while Markets4you is rated slightly lower at 3.5 stars and ranks 58th. These rankings and offerings might influence your decision, depending on whether you’re seeking a wider array of trading options and tools.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 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.
HFM and Markets4you both offer a comprehensive range of trading platforms and tools aimed at meeting the diverse needs of traders. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, making it easy for users to try out their offerings without financial risk. Traders can access proprietary platforms developed in-house, and there are options for Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading. Copy trading is supported by both brokers, as are popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. However, neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade integration. When it comes to charting tools, HFM offers 30 drawing tools while Markets4you provides 15, and both allow trading directly from stock charts. Additionally, each broker provides seven columns for creating detailed watch lists.
In terms of ratings, both HFM and Markets4you receive a solid four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, indicating a strong satisfaction among users. Nonetheless, HFM edges out Markets4you slightly in ForexBrokers.com's rankings, coming in at 42 out of 63 brokers compared to Markets4you’s rank of 52. This distinction may offer a slight advantage for users looking for a trading platform with slightly higher industry recognition.
| Feature |
HFM
|
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) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
HFM and Markets4you both offer versatile mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android users. These apps deliver essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, along with the ability to view charts across multiple time frames and draw trendlines. Users of either app can find real-time quotes to help make informed trading decisions. With both platforms providing 30 technical studies for charting, traders have substantial analytical tools at their fingertips.
One area where both apps show room for improvement is in watchlist symbol syncing, as changes made on either platform don't sync with the online account. Notably, both apps are even in auto-saving chart drawings and real-time quote watchlists. Rated four stars for mobile trading, HFM edges out Markets4you, ranking #39 compared to #50 by ForexBrokers.com out of 63 brokers. In summary, while both platforms cater to traders' needs, HFM slightly outpaces Markets4you in terms of expert ranking.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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 HFM and Markets4you in terms of market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They each offer analytical tools from Autochartist, making it easier for traders to access technical and fundamental insights. However, unlike HFM, Markets4you also provides advanced tools from Trading Central, which includes Technical Analytics, giving traders an additional edge. Conversely, HFM stands out by offering a sentiment-based trading tool that provides valuable insights into trader positions across various instruments, a feature absent from Markets4you.
Both HFM and Markets4you provide economic calendars to help traders stay informed about global news events. Despite similarities, HFM earns a slightly higher rating of 4 stars for research compared to Markets4you's 3.5 stars, according to reviews. This is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where HFM is placed at #20, outpacing Markets4you's #47 out of 63 brokers. While neither broker offers tools or market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading, HFM's combination of reliable news, technical tools, and trader sentiment analysis helps it secure a stronger research reputation.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| 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, both HFM and Markets4you offer a wealth of material focusing on forex and CFDs, with each providing at least 10 educational pieces such as articles and videos. However, HFM takes it a step further by hosting monthly online educational webinars, giving new traders the chance to learn directly from experts in a live setting. Although both platforms have searchable archives of recorded webinars, Markets4you does not offer ongoing live sessions, which might be crucial for traders who learn best through interactive methods.
HFM stands out with its extensive video library, providing more than 10 beginner-specific educational videos to help newcomers understand trading concepts, whereas Markets4you falls short in this area. HFM also excels with advanced educational videos and an investor dictionary that covers over 50 investing terms, resources that are not available with Markets4you. Despite these advantages, Markets4you is ranked higher by ForexBrokers.com in the education category. However, HFM's wider array of educational resources earns it a higher 4-star rating compared to Markets4you's 3.5 stars, making it a solid choice for traders seeking comprehensive learning tools.
| Feature |
HFM
|
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 HFM is better than Markets4you. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while Markets4you finished with an overall rank of #56.
Alongside its enhanced MetaTrader offering and quality research, HFM (HF Markets), previously known as HotForex, offers a proprietary copy trading platform, HFcopy, a proprietary HF mobile app, and a decent selection of over 1,000 CFDs and 47 forex pairs. Still, trading costs at HFM are slightly above the industry average.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 86 | 61 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both HFM and Markets4you provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the capability to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies.
Both HFM and Markets4you allow deposits and withdrawals through Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither supports 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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 86 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 61 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | 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) | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 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 | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| 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 | HFM | 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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 | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | 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 | HFM | 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 | HFM Review |
| Overall | HFM | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 86 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill