Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
IG and Markets4you are both online brokers with distinct profiles, differentiating by their founding years, public trading status, and banking affiliations. IG, established in 1974, is a publicly traded company and operates as a bank. In contrast, Markets4you, founded in 2007, doesn't enjoy the same public trading status or banking credentials. These foundational differences set the two apart, providing IG with a longstanding presence in the financial market, whereas Markets4you is relatively new to the scene.
When it comes to regulatory backing, IG holds a significant advantage with 8 Tier-1 licenses, signaling a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com. It also has 2 Tier-2 licenses, enhancing its credibility further. On the Trust Score scale, IG earns a stellar 99 out of 99, reflecting its top-tier reliability. Meanwhile, Markets4you does not hold any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses and its Trust Score of 61 suggests a higher risk. For traders focusing on security and reliability, IG stands out as a more trusted choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
In the arena of online trading, IG and Markets4you offer distinct approaches to commissions and fees. IG is a powerhouse known for scalable execution across multiple trading products, providing several execution methods beyond standard offerings. While not a discount broker, IG shines with competitive pricing for active traders via its Forex Direct accounts. In July 2023, average spreads on IG's Forex Direct account hovered around 0.62 pips, with an all-in cost of 0.82 pips after including a per trade commission of 0.2 pips. Additionally, IG’s robust CFD accounts offered average spreads of 0.69 pips during peak trading hours, slightly outperforming the industry average.
For volume traders who meet professional criteria under EU regulations, IG provides enticing discounts through a three-tier active-trader rebate program, with rebates reaching up to 20% for significant forex volumes. For serious traders, IG also offers a DMA account through Forex Direct, presenting even larger discounts. With a minimum requirement of £1,000, DMA accounts allow access to the L2 Dealer platform and offer tiered pricing based on past trading volumes, providing a competitive edge for high-volume traders.
In comparison, Markets4you does not provide explicit average spread data, creating a less transparent fee structure. While IG secures a commendable five-star rating for commissions and fees and ranks #8 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, Markets4you holds a 3.5-star rating and is ranked at #54. These rankings highlight IG's superior position in offering efficient and cost-effective trading conditions across various account types.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and Markets4you, IG stands out significantly for its breadth of investment opportunities. IG offers an extensive range of 19,537 tradeable symbols, far surpassing Markets4you's 150 options. For forex enthusiasts, IG provides access to 97 tradeable forex pairs compared to Markets4you’s 43. Moreover, IG enables clients to buy actual shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing you to invest in companies like Apple and Vodafone directly. Conversely, Markets4you lacks this capability, limiting its appeal to those looking for direct stock ownership.
IG also caters to cryptocurrency investors, allowing for the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives. In contrast, Markets4you only offers cryptocurrency derivatives. On the other hand, Markets4you provides copy trading features, a service not available with IG. When rated for investment range, IG earns a stellar 5-star rating and ranks 4th out of 63 brokers, while Markets4you holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks 58th. Overall, IG presents a more comprehensive platform for diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 43 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 the trading platforms and tools offered by IG and Markets4you, both brokers provide comprehensive options to enhance the trading experience. Both IG and Markets4you offer simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing new traders to practice strategies without financial risk. Additionally, each broker has developed its own proprietary platform, ensuring a customized trading environment. Both companies facilitate trading through Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based browsers. However, Markets4you stands out by offering copy trading, something IG does not. While both brokers support the popular MetaTrader 4 platform, only Markets4you provides access to MetaTrader 5, catering to those seeking advanced trading functions.
For charting features, IG offers 20 drawing tools, surpassing the 15 available on Markets4you. Both enable trading directly from stock charts, a convenient feature for active traders. Regarding watch list customization, Markets4you gives traders more flexibility with seven fields compared to IG's five. Despite these offerings, IG is rated higher for trading platforms and tools with a perfect five-star rating. It stands as the second-ranked broker among 63 according to ForexBrokers.com. Markets4you, while commendable with a four-star rating, is placed significantly lower at #52. This discrepancy highlights IG's superior platform and tools in the fiercely competitive online broker landscape.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing between IG and Markets4you for mobile trading, there are several elements to consider that highlight IG's advanced offerings. Both IG and Markets4you provide iPhone and Android apps, complete with the ability to receive stock or forex price alerts. However, IG distinguishes itself with the capability to sync watchlist symbols between the app and the user's online account, enhancing convenience for users who regularly make adjustments to their portfolios. In addition, IG provides 33 technical studies for charting, slightly more than Markets4you’s offering of 30.
For users focused on chart analysis, both apps support drawing trendlines and viewing various time frames such as daily, weekly, or intraday. They also auto-save chart drawings, which is a significant benefit for detailed analysis. Both IG and Markets4you allow the creation of real-time quote watchlists, but IG receives a higher overall rating with 5 stars compared to Markets4you's 4-star rating. The superior features have helped IG secure the top spot out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category, whereas Markets4you is placed at number 50.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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 online brokers IG and Markets4you, there are several key differences to consider. Both IG and Markets4you provide daily market commentary, ensuring that traders stay up-to-date with ongoing market developments. They also offer forex news from esteemed sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, along with tools from Autochartist, enhancing traders' strategies with technical and fundamental research capabilities. However, IG further enriches its users' experience by offering additional resources such as sentiment-based trading tools and market research from TipRanks—features that Markets4you currently lacks.
While Markets4you holds a slight edge by providing technical analysis tools from Trading Central, the overall research support from IG remains superior. IG users also benefit from options like Acuity Trading's Signal Centre and a well-detailed economic calendar, both of which are not available through Markets4you. This extensive range of research tools has earned IG a distinguished reputation, reflected in its 5-star rating and #2 ranking in the Research category by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Markets4you has received a 3.5-star rating, placing it at #47. These distinctions highlight IG as a more comprehensive choice for traders seeking in-depth market analysis and research support.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, IG excels with a comprehensive offering that includes over ten articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. They host monthly educational webinars which clients can access live or through a searchable archive of previous sessions. IG's commitment to nurturing both novice and experienced traders is evident with their library of beginner and advanced trading videos. They also provide an investor dictionary featuring over 50 terms, making it easier for beginners to grasp the essentials. These efforts have earned IG a stellar 5-star rating for education and the top spot in ForexBrokers.com’s rankings among 63 brokers.
In comparison, Markets4you also offers more than ten educational pieces on forex and CFDs but falls short on several fronts. Unlike IG, Markets4you does not provide monthly webinars, limiting live learning opportunities for clients. Their educational video content does not specifically cater to beginners or advanced traders, which may make it harder for users to deepen their understanding. Additionally, Markets4you lacks an extensive investor dictionary. While they hold a decent 3.5-star rating for education, their number 26 ranking on ForexBrokers.com indicates there’s room for improvement, especially when matched against IG's more extensive educational resources.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than Markets4you. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Markets4you finished with an overall rank of #56.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets4you
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 61 |
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IG allows investors to purchase both actual delivered cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Markets4you only offers the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual cryptocurrency.
IG provides multiple account funding options including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, whereas Markets4you offers Visa, Mastercard, bank wire transfers, and Skrill, but does not support 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 | IG | Markets4you | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Markets4you | |
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| Regulation | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 61 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | 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 | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 43 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | 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 | 33 | 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 | IG | Markets4you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | 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 | IG | 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 | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | Markets4you | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 61 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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