FP Markets vs XM Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FP Markets and XM across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets offers direct-access share CFD trading via IRESS alongside standard MT4/MT5/cTrader share CFDs - a differentiated dual-model approach under ASIC and CySEC regulation that suits both ECN forex traders and equity-focused clients.
FP Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.1/5 vs XM's 3.7/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
FP Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
FP Markets edges out XM with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
FP Markets vs XM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $5 |
| 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 | ASIC CySEC | ASIC CySEC ASF FSC KNF |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Visit broker | Visit FP Markets | Visit XM |
FP Markets vs XM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation - among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55) - uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- CFD-only for most share access; DMA limited to IRESS users
- IRESS has a steeper learning curve than MetaTrader or TradingView
- Not available to US residents
- 1,200+ share CFDs - one of the widest selections among multi-asset regulated brokers
- CySEC and ASIC regulated with compensation fund coverage
- Outstanding educational content and 24/7 multilingual support
- Share CFDs only - no real stock ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Spreads and commissions on standard accounts are higher than ECN alternatives
- High leverage (1000:1) available only on offshore entity - not ASIC/CySEC clients
FP Markets vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP 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 |
FP Markets vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, FP Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.7/5 for XM. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither FP 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 FP Markets and XM hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
XM has a lower minimum deposit of $5, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes XM more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS and XM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: XM has a lower minimum deposit ($5); FP Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
More Stock Broker Comparisons
More FP Markets comparisons
More XM comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker