FXOpenvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
In this stocks comparison, FXOpen and HFM battle over exchange reach and platform design. Both deliver regulated stock CFDs, but their approaches diverge on access and technology.
Our Verdict
HFM winsby 0.2 pts
FXOpen and HFM are closely matched on stocks. FXOpen offers a proprietary platform and five exchanges, while HFM provides eight exchanges but no proprietary platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FXOpen provides a proprietary platform; HFM does not.
- 2FXOpen covers five exchanges; HFM covers eight.
- 3HFM has DFSA regulators and FSCA, expanding regional oversight.
Who should choose FXOpen vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXOpen if…
FXOpen if you value a proprietary trading platform. It covers five exchanges. HFM if you want broader exchange access. It covers eight markets but does not offer a proprietary platform.
Choose HFM if…
FXOpen if you value a proprietary trading platform. It covers five exchanges. HFM if you want broader exchange access. It covers eight markets but does not offer a proprietary platform.
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
HFM is favored for safety and regulation with CySEC and DFSA oversight.
Best for active traders
FXOpen vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $3/lot▼ lower | $6/lot |
FXOpen vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and ASIC regulated, dual tier-1 regulatory coverage with FSCS protection
- ECN/STP execution with competitive stock CFD pricing
- MT4/MT5 and TickTrader for professional equity trading
Cons
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity platforms
- No real share ownership or dividend entitlement
FXOpen vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXOpen | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FXOpen vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXOpen rates 3.6/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. HFM 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.
Both FXOpen and HFM start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while FXOpen requires at least $100. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXOpen 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, two factors stand out: HFM 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.
FXOpen lists maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade, lower than HFM's $6 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader.
Neither FXOpen 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 FXOpen 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.
