IC Markets

Established in 2007 and regulated by top-tier authorities—including FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia) and the DFSA (Dubai)—IC Markets is a well-known global broker.

With over 2,250 tradable instruments covering forex, indices, commodities, shares, and crypto, they offer three account types: Standard (no commission, wider spreads), Raw Spread (low spreads plus commission), and cTrader Raw (for those preferring the cTrader platform and slightly lower commission rates).

IC Markets earns its place near the top of TraderGuide’s rankings by offering institutional-grade execution, ultra-low spreads, and transparent costs. On their Raw Spread account, EUR/USD averages around 0.1 pips with a commission of roughly $3.50 per lot per side. Beyond forex, their index spreads—such as DAX at approximately 0.5 point and Dow at only 0.7—are amongst the very best we’ve tested and ideal for active CFD traders.

Their platforms (MT4, MT5, and cTrader) all run on low-latency servers anchored in Equinix NY4 and connectivity hubs. As a result, we experienced lightning-fast execution—typically under 40ms—making it well-suited for scalpers, algo systems, and frequently active traders.

Support and education are strengths too. Customer service runs 24/7 across live chat, email, and phone, with reported fast response times and strong performance from their Sydney office. Their learning center includes market commentary, webinars, podcasts, and tools like Trading Central and economic calendars—well-integrated into their platform environment.

While IC Markets delivers exceptional value on many fronts, there are a few areas to note. First, non‑forex products like certain stock CFDs can carry higher fees or wider spreads, particularly during off-market hours. Swap rates on leveraged trades held overnight may also add up for long-term positions.

Lastly, although they provide raw spread accounts with very low commissions, these still add to your total cost—especially compared to no‑commission models. And traders wanting guaranteed stop-loss options, built-in social trading, or proprietary desktop platforms won’t find them here. IC Markets focuses on minimalism and execution straightness rather than added bells and whistles.

IC Markets is one of the top-tier choices in the CFD and forex world—especially if low index spreads, fast execution, and broad platform options matter to you. For scalpers, EAs, and high volume FX or index traders, they deliver almost unmatched value in the TraderGuide rankings.

However, if your trading strategy centres around equities, ETFs, or requires advanced built-in tools like guaranteed stop-loss functionality or social trading features, you may find their offering feels more utilitarian than innovative.

Overall, IC Markets is a standout for cost-conscious, active traders who prioritise execution speed, pricing clarity, and accessibility to market-leading platforms. It’s the kind of broker we often recommend to experienced traders looking for consistency and value—just know exactly what you’re getting.