CMC Marketsvs
FXTMStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers clash over stock offerings and platform power. The tension centers on exchange reach and integrated tools shaping access.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges FXTM on editorial score (4.0 vs 3.7) and provides broader exchange access plus a proprietary platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets covers 20 exchanges, FXTM's is 6.
- 2CMC Markets has a proprietary platform; FXTM relies on MT4/MT5.
- 3CMC Markets offers 24/5 live chat; FXTM does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs FXTM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want access to 20 exchanges and a proprietary Next Generation platform with a stock screener.
Choose FXTM if…
Choose FXTM if you value MT4/MT5 with FXTM Invest copy trading.
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.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs FXTM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
| Deposit fee |
CMC Markets vs FXTM 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 FXTM: 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
FXTM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXTM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and FXTM rates 3.7/5. 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 FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither CMC Markets nor FXTM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and FXTM 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.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FXTM 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
