CMC Marketsvs
Forex.comStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers face off in a stock-focused matchup, weighing exchange coverage and platform capabilities. The tension centers on global stock access and how each handles equity exposure.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.1 pts
CMC Markets and Forex.com are closely matched, with the clearest differentiator being CMC Markets' broader exchange coverage (20 vs 8).
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: CMC Markets 20 vs Forex.com 8.
- 2Stock screener: available on CMC Markets, not on Forex.com.
- 3Trading platforms: CMC Next Generation; Forex.com MT4/MT5 plus Web Trader.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Forex.com?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 10,000+ stock CFDs and a Next Generation platform.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want MT4/MT5 and a single account for share CFDs.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Equally matched on safety and regulation.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
CMC Markets vs Forex.com Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
0
Forex.com
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and Forex.com rates 3.9/5. 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.
CMC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0.7, compared with Forex.com's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Forex.com 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, two factors stand out: CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Forex.com 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.
Forex.com 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor Forex.com 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 CMC Markets and Forex.com 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.
