Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs IFC 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.
Founded in 2009, XM Group is a well-regarded online broker known for its stability and reliability. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 93, XM Group falls within the highly trusted range. This confidence is bolstered by its four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, making XM Group a strong option for those seeking a secure trading environment. As XM Group is not publicly traded nor a bank, it focuses its expertise on providing consistent, high-quality brokerage services.
In contrast, IFC Markets, established in 2006, has a more modest reputation with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 73, categorized as average risk. While it doesn’t possess any Tier-1 licenses, it does hold a single Tier-2 license, which indicates a level of trust. Similar to XM Group, IFC Markets is neither a publicly traded company nor a bank, concentrating its efforts on delivering accessible trading options. While XM Group appears more secure in terms of regulation and trust, IFC Markets offers an alternative for traders considering different factors when choosing their online broker.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
Comparing commissions and fees at XM Group and IFC Markets, both earn 4 out of 5 stars from ForexBrokers.com, but the cost structures differ. XM Group ranks #34 out of 63 for this category, while IFC Markets ranks #40 out of 63, reflecting slightly different strengths depending on how you trade.
XM Group’s Standard account spreads are considered expensive, which can raise your day-to-day trading costs. For its commission-based XM Zero account, XM does not publish average spreads, making it harder to calculate an exact all-in cost before you trade. Rating: 4/5 stars; Ranking: #34/63 for Commissions and Fees.
IFC Markets lists an average EUR/USD spread of 1.44, above the industry average of 1.08, so it’s a bit less competitive on that common pair. However, active traders may find better value with the new ECN account, where effective spreads are about 1.1 pips after the 0.005% commission charged on both sides. The lack of inactivity fees and the availability of active trader discounts can also trim costs. Rating: 4/5 stars; Ranking: #40/63 for Commissions and Fees.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $1 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.6 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
XM Group offers a wider range of investments than IFC Markets, with 1,394 tradeable symbols versus 630. Forex coverage is also broader at XM (55 pairs) compared with IFC Markets (49). Both brokers let you trade forex as CFDs and spot contracts. For stocks, XM lets you buy exchange-traded U.S. shares (such as Apple), while IFC Markets does not; both support exchange-traded shares on international exchanges. Each broker supports copy trading. Neither allows purchases of actual cryptocurrency, but both offer cryptocurrency CFDs.
For range of investments, ForexBrokers.com rates XM Group 4.5/5 stars (ranked #25 of 63) and IFC Markets 3.5/5 stars (ranked #44 of 63). In short, XM stands out for its larger selection and access to U.S. stocks, while IFC Markets covers the essentials with forex, CFDs, international shares, and copy trading.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
XM Group and IFC Markets both cover the basics traders look for in platforms and tools. Each offers a free demo (paper) account, a web-based platform, and a Windows desktop download. Both support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, copy trading, watchlists, and placing trades straight from charts. The main difference is platform choice: XM Group sticks with third-party platforms, while IFC Markets also provides its own proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader for those who want another option.
According to ForexBrokers.com, both brokers earned 4 out of 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools. In that category, XM Group ranked 33rd out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets ranked 37th. If you prefer a MetaTrader-focused setup, XM Group fits well; if you want the added choice of a proprietary platform, IFC Markets has you covered. Both let you practice risk-free with a demo account before trading live.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
XM Group and IFC Markets both deliver mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with handy price alerts and watchlists that sync between the app and your online account. For charting, each app provides 30 technical studies and lets you draw trendlines, covering the basics most forex and CFD traders look for on the go.
The main difference is chart annotations: IFC Markets’ app will auto-save your drawings, while XM Group’s app does not. Despite that, both earned 4 out of 5 stars for Mobile Trading Apps. In ForexBrokers.com’s rankings, XM Group placed higher at #31 out of 63 brokers, compared with IFC Markets at #53. If saving chart drawings matters to you, IFC Markets has a small edge; if independent rankings carry more weight, XM Group stands out.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
XM Group and IFC Markets both cover the basics for market research, including daily market commentary, a sentiment tool showing long/short positioning, and a global economic calendar. The key differences show up in news and analytics: XM Group streams forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters and adds Trading Central analytics, while IFC Markets does not offer either. Neither broker includes Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading tools.
Those extras help explain the gap in independent scores: XM Group is rated 5 stars and ranked #8 out of 63 brokers for Research by ForexBrokers.com, whereas IFC Markets earns 3.5 stars and ranks #41. In short, XM Group suits traders who want richer news and trade ideas alongside the essentials, while IFC Markets is a simpler choice if you only need basic commentary, sentiment, and an economic calendar.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
XM Group vs IFC Markets for beginner education: both brokers offer forex and CFD education that meets the 10-piece minimum, and each provides at least 10 beginner videos as well as 10 advanced videos. One key difference is live training—XM Group runs client webinars at least once a month, while IFC Markets does not. Beginners at XM can pair on-demand lessons with live sessions and Q&A, whereas IFC Markets leans on self-paced video learning.
Independent ratings back this up: XM Group earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #7 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets holds 3.5 stars and ranks #30. If you want frequent webinars and a stronger all-around path for new traders, XM Group is the better choice. If you’re comfortable learning through videos without live classes, IFC Markets can still cover the basics.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | 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 IFC Markets. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
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IFC Markets
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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 |
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XM Group and IFC Markets do not support purchasing actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFD trading for investors seeking crypto price exposure without owning the underlying asset.
XM Group vs IFC Markets: both do not support ACH/SEPA or PayPal; XM Group supports Skrill while IFC Markets does not; both allow bank wire transfers; Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either.
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 | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). |
| Cost | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.6 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
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