E*TRADEvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits E*TRADE's US-focused Power platform against HFM's MT4/MT5 with share CFDs. The tension centers on platform depth, regulation, and access to global equities.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want commission-free stocks and ETFs and the Power platform with options analytics.
Choose if…
Choose HFM if you prefer MT4/MT5 trading and integrated copy trading with HFcopy.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
E*TRADE vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
E*TRADE vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | 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 |
E*TRADE vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.8/5 for HFM. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
HFM requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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, HFM provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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 E*TRADE 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.
ETRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while HFM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. ETRADE has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while HFM does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
HFM scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
