CMC Marketsvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated brokers face off in a stocks-focused matchup. The tension centers on exchange coverage and platform tools versus integrated copy trading and broader client reach.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets edges HFM on editorial score. CMC Markets also offers 10,000+ share CFDs across 20 exchanges and a Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: CMC Markets lists 20 exchanges vs HFM's 8.
- 2Proprietary platform: CMC Markets offers Next Generation; HFM relies on MT4/MT5.
- 3Copy trading: HFcopy enables equity strategy copying on HFM.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want broad global exchange access and advanced Next Generation stock tools.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want integrated copy trading with HFcopy and MT4/MT5 access.
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 regulatory breadth with FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FMA, and DFSA.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
CMC Markets vs HFM 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 HFM: 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
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. 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.
HFM 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 CMC Markets nor HFM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and HFM 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 HFM 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.
HFM charges $6 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 HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor HFM 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 HFM 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.
