Two brokers compete on regulation, platform depth, and global stock access. The outcome hinges on exchange breadth and research tools.
CMC Markets edges Axi on editorial score and exchange breadth, while both provide regulated CFD equity exposure.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you want 700+ share CFDs accessible through MT4 and Axi One.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose Axi if you prefer ECN-adjacent equity CFD execution with a zero minimum deposit. Choose CMC Markets if you want access to 20 exchanges and 10,000+ share CFDs via the Next Generation platform. Choose CMC Markets if you value 24/5 live chat, phone support, and robust research tools.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets wins with broader regulator coverage (FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FMA, DFSA).
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and CMC Markets rates 4/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Axi lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither Axi nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi and CMC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Axi charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Axi nor CMC Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Axi and CMC Markets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
CMC Markets wins for active traders due to a richer platform and more stock screen tools.
CMC Markets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support, aiding new users.
CMC Markets connects to more exchanges (20) than Axi (8).
CMC Markets offers marginally better Fees & Spreads than Axi.
Equally matched.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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