Two brokers evaluate stock CFDs under tight regulation and varied platform ecosystems. The tension centers on platform ownership and exchange access that shape trading choices.
FXTM and Skilling are closely matched overall, with strong regulation and platform options. The clearest differentiator is Skilling's proprietary Skilling Trader platform versus FXTM's MT4/MT5.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Skilling is safer with CySEC regulation and investor compensation up to EUR 20,000.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
FXTM and Skilling share the same editorial score of 3.7/5. One concrete differentiator: FXTM requires a lower minimum deposit.
Skilling lists tighter spreads from 0.7, compared with FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $50. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM and Skilling 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: FXTM 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.
FXTM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Skilling 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Neither FXTM nor Skilling 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 FXTM and Skilling 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.
Skilling wins for active traders with a built-in algorithmic workflow via Skilling Trader and cTrader.
Skilling offers broader global market access with 10 exchanges and 800+ share CFDs.
Equally matched; neither offers real ownership or dividend entitlement.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | 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 | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader Skilling Trader MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
Score 3.7 / 5
Personalised recommendation
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