CMC Marketsvs
FXOpenStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over equity access and platform depth. One emphasizes broad stock CFDs and advanced tools, the other highlights regulated ECN execution and tighter stock coverage.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
CMC Markets is the winner overall, delivering a higher editorial score and broader exchange coverage. FXOpen remains competitive on regulation and ECN execution but trails on access and tools.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC covers 20 exchanges, FXOpen covers 5.
- 2CMC provides a stock screener; FXOpen does not.
- 3CMC offers 24/5 live chat; FXOpen does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs FXOpen?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want broad access across 20 exchanges and a Next Generation platform with a stock screener.
Choose FXOpen if…
Choose FXOpen if you value ECN/STP execution and FCA/ASIC regulation with a smaller, more focused stock set.
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
CMC Markets wins for safety & regulation thanks to its FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FMA and DFSA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs FXOpen: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $3/lot |
CMC Markets vs FXOpen 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 FXOpen: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
FXOpen
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FXOpen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs FXOpen: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and FXOpen rates 3.6/5. 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.
FXOpen 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.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while FXOpen requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and FXOpen 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 FXOpen lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FXOpen charges $3 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 FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor FXOpen 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 FXOpen 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.
