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.
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When comparing XM Group and IFC Markets, both brokers offer unique qualities, but they differ significantly in their regulatory standings. XM Group, founded in 2009, holds four Tier-1 licenses, marking it as a highly trusted broker according to ForexBrokers.com, and earns a Trust Score of 88 out of 99. While not being publicly traded nor a bank, XM Group's regulatory credentials place it within the trusted range. On the other hand, IFC Markets, established in 2006, has no Tier-1 licenses but holds one Tier-2 license, which indicates a trusted status, earning it a Trust Score of 73 from ForexBrokers.com.
Neither XM Group nor IFC Markets is publicly traded or operates as a bank, which is a commonality between the two. Despite their differences in trust scores and Tier-1 licensing, both brokers provide services tailored to various trading preferences. Traders often consider these regulatory insights crucial for making informed decisions, as they reflect the brokers' capabilities to meet industry standards and safeguard client interests.
| 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 |
When considering commissions and fees, XM Group presents a mixed picture. While its Standard account spreads are on the pricier side, specific average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency can be a concern for traders trying to gauge potential costs. Despite this, XM Group holds a respectable rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its overall commissions and fees, ranking 33rd out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In comparison, IFC Markets shows some competitive aspects, particularly for active traders. Although its average spread for EUR/USD stands at 1.44—higher than the industry standard of 1.08—the broker introduces a more appealing option for frequent traders through its new ECN account. Here, effective spreads drop to 1.1 pips, factoring in a 0.005% commission on both sides of a trade. The absence of inactivity fees and offers of active trader discounts add further value, making IFC Markets a viable choice for cost-conscious traders. IFC Markets also garners a 4 out of 5 stars rating in the category of commissions and fees, coming in 39th out of 63 brokers.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing XM Group to IFC Markets in terms of investment options, XM Group clearly stands out with a wider array of tradeable symbols and forex pairs. XM Group offers an impressive 1,394 tradeable symbols, almost double the 630 symbols available through IFC Markets. In the forex market, XM Group provides 55 tradeable forex pairs, slightly surpassing the 49 pairs offered by IFC Markets. Both brokers allow forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts.
In terms of exchange-traded securities, XM Group takes the lead by offering clients the ability to buy shares on U.S. exchanges like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), a feature IFC Markets does not provide. However, both brokers enable the purchase of securities on international exchanges. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, neither broker offers the purchasing of actual cryptocurrency, but both provide cryptocurrency derivatives. Additionally, both companies support copy trading. With a higher rating of 4.5 stars versus IFC Markets' 3.5 stars, XM Group is ranked #23 among 63 brokers for range of investments by ForexBrokers.com, whereas IFC Markets is ranked #43 in the same category.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by XM Group and IFC Markets, both brokers provide a range of features designed for traders of all levels. Each offers simulated trading with a free virtual demo account, allowing users to practice before diving into live trading. While XM Group relies on third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), IFC Markets distinguishes itself by also offering a proprietary platform developed in-house. Both brokers support trading on Windows-based desktops and through web browsers, giving traders the flexibility to choose their preferred method. The availability of copy trading on both platforms adds an extra layer of functionality for those looking to follow more experienced traders.
In terms of charting tools, XM Group and IFC Markets offer a similar experience, featuring 15 drawing tools for chart analysis and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. Both brokers allow users to create watch lists with seven adjustable fields, helping traders keep tabs on their favorite assets. Despite offering similar functionalities, XM Group edges out slightly ahead, ranking #31 in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets holds the #36 spot. Both earned a solid four-star rating, reflecting their comprehensive yet accessible trading environments.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC 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 | 15 |
| 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 IFC Markets offer mobile trading apps that are compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Users of both platforms can stay updated with stock and forex price alerts, while also benefiting from the ability to sync watchlist symbols across devices. The apps from both brokers include 30 technical studies for charting, facilitate trendline drawing, and allow viewing of multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday. However, a key difference is that while IFC Markets automatically saves drawing changes on stock or forex charts, XM Group does not offer this feature.
Both XM Group and IFC Markets allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes through their mobile apps. In terms of user ratings, both platforms score an impressive 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading apps. When looking at rankings by ForexBrokers.com, XM Group holds a stronger position at #29 among 63 brokers, whereas IFC Markets is ranked at #52. This provides a slight edge to XM Group for those prioritizing ranking, while both apps provide comprehensive features for mobile trading.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| 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 it comes to daily market commentary and forex news, XM Group and IFC Markets both provide updates to keep traders informed. However, XM Group takes a step further by offering insights from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas IFC Markets does not. In terms of analytic tools, XM Group offers resources from Trading Central, a recognized provider of technical analytics, while IFC Markets lacks offerings from Trading Central. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools and maintain economic calendars to keep users updated with global news events.
Although both brokers provide essential market research features, XM Group stands out with its comprehensive offerings, earning a 5-star rating in research, compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. This distinction is supported by their respective rankings among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, where XM Group is placed at #8, showcasing its strong research capabilities, in contrast to IFC Markets, which is ranked #40. This comparison highlights XM Group as a more resourceful option for traders seeking thorough market insights.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| 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 comparing XM Group and IFC Markets on the educational resources they offer, both brokers provide beginners with an array of learning materials like articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. Both platforms also present educational video content targeted specifically at beginner traders. However, XM Group stands out by hosting monthly webinars and maintaining an archive of past webinars, offering more live learning opportunities. Conversely, IFC Markets does not provide these webinars or archived sessions, which may limit interactive learning experiences. Additionally, XM Group is highly rated with 5 stars for its educational offerings, securing the 7th spot out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's education rankings, while IFC Markets earns a 3.5-star rating, positioned at 30th.
Where IFC Markets shines is in offering a comprehensive investor dictionary, featuring definitions for over 50 investing terms, an area where XM Group falls short. For beginners seeking structured, continuously updated educational content, XM Group seems to provide a more dynamic educational environment. However, if terminology and glossary resources are a priority, IFC Markets may fill that niche more effectively. Ultimately, while both brokers support foundational trading education, XM Group appears to deliver a more engaging and interactive learning experience for those new to trading.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
IFC 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 | 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 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
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 73 |
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Neither XM Group nor IFC Markets offers the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both brokers provide opportunities to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, XM Group and IFC Markets both offer Visa or Mastercard and bank wires for managing account funds, but only XM Group provides Skrill as a deposit and withdrawal option, with neither broker supporting ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal.
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 | 88 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| 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 | 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) | No | 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) | XM Group | IFC 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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). |
| Cost | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | IFC 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 | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | IFC 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 | 15 | |
| 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 Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | IFC 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 | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | IFC 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 |
| Overall | XM Group | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
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