CMC Marketsvs
XMStock Broker Comparison
In a head-to-head of regulation, platform power, and global reach, CMC Markets and XM face off in a battle for investor preference.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges XM on the editorial score (4.0 vs 3.7). Its higher marks for platforms and regulation help justify the lead.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Stock screener available on CMC's Next Generation platform.
- 2CMC connects to 20 exchanges, XM to 10.
- 3CMC has a proprietary platform; XM relies on MT4/MT5.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs XM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value a built-in stock screener, access to 20 exchanges, and a proprietary platform.
Choose XM if…
Choose XM if you want 1,200+ share CFDs and 24/7 multilingual support.
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 safety and regulation with broader regulator coverage including FCA/ASIC.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs XM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $5 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | $5/month (after 90 days)▼ lower |
CMC Markets vs XM 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 XM: 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
XM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | XM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and XM 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.
XM lists tighter spreads from 0.6, 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 XM requires at least $5. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and XM 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 XM lists up to 1000:1. 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 XM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. XM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor XM 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 XM 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.
