In this head-to-head, two equity CFD specialists contrast platform depth and pricing models to appeal to different trading styles.
CMC Markets edges Libertex in editorial score, supported by broader exchange access and the Next Generation platform under FCA/ASIC/BaFin/FMA/DFSA oversight.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want broad exchange access and advanced stock tools.
Choose Libertex if…
Choose Libertex if you prefer zero-spread pricing with commission-only costs.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets wins for safety and regulation with FCA/ASIC/BaFin/FMA/DFSA oversight.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | $5/month (after 180 days)▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 rates 4/5 versus 3.5/5 for Libertex. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Libertex 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 Libertex requires at least $10. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Libertex 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 Libertex lists up to 999:1. 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 Libertex supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime. Libertex has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor Libertex 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 Libertex 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 thanks to broad exchange access and advanced tools.
Libertex wins for beginners with a clean proprietary platform and intuitive interface.
CMC Markets wins for global access with 20 exchanges compared to 5.
Libertex wins for low-cost pricing with zero spreads and commission-only costs.
Equally matched.
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| 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 | DFSA FMA FCA ASIC BaFin | CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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