In the blue corner, we have IC Markets! And in the red corner, weighing in with a robust trading platform, it’s Trade Nation! Let’s unpack the 2023 showdown between these two trading behemoths.
Key Takeaways
βIC Markets offers superior flexibility with more trading instruments. |
βTrade Nation shines with its simple, user-friendly platform. |
βBoth platforms are secure, but have distinct pros and cons. |
Table of content
- π₯ Round 1: Trading Instruments
- π² The More You Know: Diversity in Currency Pairs
- π₯Round 2: Trading Platforms
- π£ The Lure of Simplicity
- π₯Round 3: Leverage and Spreads
- π’ The Thrill of Leverage: The Rollercoaster of Trading
- Weighing The Pros and Cons: IC Markets and Trade Nation
- π₯ IC Markets: Pros and Cons
- π Pros of IC Markets
- π Cons of IC Markets
- π₯ Trade Nation: Pros and Cons
- π Pros of Trade Nation
- π Cons of Trade Nation
- π So, Who’s the Winner?
- π‘Final Thoughts
- π§ Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Which platform is better for a beginner, IC Markets or Trade Nation?
- 2. Are both IC Markets and Trade Nation safe and trustworthy?
- 3. Which platform offers better leverage rates, IC Markets or Trade Nation?
- 4. Can I trade forex with both IC Markets and Trade Nation?
- 5. Do both platforms offer mobile trading?
- Disclaimer And General Risk Warning:
- Author & Expert Trader - Financial Analyst:
82.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
By Bart Bregman
Fact checked: by Shrijan Dangol
Our broker rankings are based on thorough research and analysis. We put a strong emphasis on transparency, regulatory oversight, and client feedback.
β€Learn more about how we rank brokers
β€For Reporting: Feature Requests, Missing or outdated data.
(Data
last updated:
14-09-2023)
π’Company Background:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Regulatory Compliance? | Yes | Yes |
Publicly traded company? | Yes | No |
Does it offer banking services? | Yes | Partner with a Swiss bank |
Year Founded | 1974 | Trade Nation was originally founded as Core Spreads in 2009 |
Country headquarters | Australia | UK |
Website Language Options | en, ar, dan, de, es, fr, ne, nor, po, ru, swe, it, swi | EN, DE, FR, IT, ES, NL, PT, PL, CZ, BG, RU, TR, UA |
Separate Client Funds? | Yes | Yes |
Non-ESMA Branches Available? | Yes | Yes |
EU Clients Accepted? | Yes | Yes |
US Clients Accepted? | Yes | Yes |
Canadian Clients Accepted? | No | Yes |
β€ Elite Signals | Stock, Crypto, & Forex
Type of assets offered:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Forex (e.g. USDJPY or EURGBP) | Yes | Yes |
Options and futures (S&P500 Futures or Crude Oil Futures) | Yes | No |
Funds Van(ARK invest or BlackRock Equity Dividend) | No | No |
CFDs (Google Share in CFD form) | Yes | Yes |
Cryptos (BTC or ETH) | Yes | Yes |
Stocks and ETFs (TESL or AAPL) | Yes | Yes |
Commodities (Gold or Silver market) | Yes | Yes |
Beginner-friendly (demo-account access) | Yes | Yes |
Advanced /pro (High-frequency trading, algorithmic trading) | Yes, supports (HFT, Algo, API) | No |
Binary option (note this is non-regulated trading, considers EXTREME risk) |
ποΈTier 1 Regulatory Bodies:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
FSA (Financial Services Authority) | (Body replaced by(FCA) in 2013) | (Body replaced by(FCA) in 2013) |
FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | Yes | No |
MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) | Yes | No |
FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) | Yes | No |
CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) | Yes | No |
MIFID-ESMA (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) | Yes | Yes |
ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) | Yes | Yes |
IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) | No | No |
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) | No | No |
ποΈTier 2 Regulatory Authorities:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
FMA (Financial Markets Authority) | Yes | No |
CBR (Central Bank of Russia) | No | No |
FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) | Yes | Yes |
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) | No | No |
DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) | Yes | No |
CBRC (China Banking Regulatory Commission) | No | No |
CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) | No | No |
ISA (Israel Securities Authority) | No | No |
ποΈTier 3 Regulatory Oversight:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Offshore Regulators | No | Yes |
MMA (Maldives Monetary Authority) | No | No |
EDR (External Dispute Resolution) | No | Yes |
FSA (Seychelles Financial Services Authority) | No | No |
SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) | No | Yes |
FSC (Financial Services Commission, Mauritius) | No | No |
VFSC (Vanuatu Financial Services Commission) | No | No |
IFSC (International Financial Services Commission, Belize) | No | No |
CIMA (Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) | No | No |
SVG (St. Vincent & Grenadines Financial Services Authority) | No | No |
FSRC (Financial Services Regulatory Commission, St. Kitts & Nevis) | No | No |
BMA (Bermuda Monetary Authority) | Yes | No |
BVI (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission) | No | No |
Max Leverage Options:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Leverage for Non-EU Clients | 200:1 | 1/500 |
European Leverage Limits | 30:1 | 30:1 |
Leverage in Australia | 200:1 | 2023-01-30 00:00:00 |
US Leverage Restrictions | 50:1 | 1970-01-01 01:30:00 |
Canadian Leverage Rules | 0 | Yes |
πAccount Offerings:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Demo Account Access | Yes | Yes |
Expiration of Demo Accounts | No | Yes |
Account Currency Choices | AUD, EUR, GBP, USD, ZAR, AED, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD | EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, NZD, CHF, JPY |
Standard Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Micro-lots Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Low-cost Account (nano lots) | Yes, $50 | |
Variable Spread Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Fixed Spread Accounts | No | Yes |
Zero Spread Accounts | No | No |
ECN Accounts | No | Yes |
Swap-Free Accounts | No | Yes |
Islamic Accounts | No | Yes |
Professional Trading Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Active Trader Rewards Program | Yes | Yes |
π°Deposits and Withdrawals:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit Requirements | Yes $300 | Yes, $50 |
Minimum Withdrawal Limits | No | Yes, $20 |
Credit Card Options | Yes | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro |
Bank Transfer Availability | Yes | yes |
PayPal Support | Yes | Yes |
Neteller Integration | No | Yes |
Skrill Compatibility | No | Yes |
Additional Payment Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit Card,PayPal | Bank transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Sofort, iDeal, Giropay, EPS, Bancontact, Przelewy24, WebMoney, Qiwi, China UnionPay, cryptocurrencies |
Deposit Processing Time | instant | Instant |
Withdrawal Processing Time | 1 business day | Yes |
Fees and Charges:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Deposit-related Fees | Yes | Yes |
Commissions on Withdrawals | No | No |
Overnight/Swap Charges | Yes | Yes |
Account Inactivity Fees | Yes | No |
Currency Conversion Costs | Yes | Yes |
Are bonus Programs Available? | No | Yes |
Security Protocols and Measures:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
(2FA) available? | Yes | Yes |
(SSL) security? | Yes | Yes |
(AML) Policy Compliance | Yes | Yes |
Know Your Customer (KYC) | Yes | Yes |
πBrand Influence:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Twitter Follower Counts | 10.2K | 4782 |
πΉForex Fixed Spreads:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
EUR/GBP Spread Range | No | Yes |
EUR/USD Spread Range | No | Yes |
USD/JPY Spread Range | No | Yes |
GBP/USD Spread Range | No | Yes |
USD/CHF Spread Range | No | No |
AUD/USD Spread Range | No | Yes |
USD/CAD Spread Range | No | Yes |
NZD/USD Spread Range | No | Yes |
Trade Execution Methods:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Direct Market Access (DMA) | Yes | Yes |
Straight Through Processing (STP) | Yes | Yes |
Electronic Communication Network (ECN) Execution | No | Yes |
Market Maker Model | No | No |
Non-Dealing Desk (NDD) Approach | Yes | Yes |
First In, First Out (FIFO) Rule Application | No | Yes |
4-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes | Yes |
5-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes | No |
Order Types & Tools:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Stop Loss Orders | Yes | Yes |
Take Profit Orders | Yes | Yes |
Limit Orders | Yes | Yes |
Fill or Kill (FOK) Orders | No | Yes |
Trailing Stop Orders | Yes | Yes |
Margin Call Alerts | Yes | Yes |
One Cancels Other (OCO) Orders | No | Yes |
Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders | Yes | No |
Negative Balance Protection Measures | Yes | Yes |
Minimum Trade Sizes | 0.01 lots | Yes |
Maximum Trade Sizes | 100 lots | Yes |
Available Asset Classes:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Forex Currency Pairs | 90 | Yes |
Cryptocurrencies | 90 | Yes |
Commodities | 34 | Yes |
Equities | - | Yes |
Market Indices | 37 | Yes |
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | 20 | Yes |
Futures Contracts | 5 | No |
Options Contracts | 20 | No |
Bonds | 12 | No |
Metals | 5 | Yes |
Agricultural Products | No | No |
Energy Resources | 6 | Yes |
Interest Rates | Yes | Yes |
Penny Stocks | Yes | |
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) | Yes | No |
Asset Blends | 1 | Yes |
Dow Jones Index | No | Yes |
FTSE 100 Index | Yes | Yes |
DAX Index | Yes | Yes |
Nikkei 225 Index | Yes | Yes |
Gold Market Trading | Yes | Yes |
Special Account Features:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Multi-Account Manager (MAM) | No | No |
Percentage Allocation Money Management (PAMM) | No | No |
Social Trading Integration | No | Yes |
Copy Trading Support | No | No |
Lot Allocation Money Management (LAMM) | No | No |
Supported Trading Techniques:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Scalping Strategies | Yes | Yes |
Hedging Techniques | Yes | Yes |
Spread Betting Opportunities | Yes | Yes |
Automated Expert Advisor (EA) Integration | Yes | Yes |
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Options | Yes | Yes |
Application Programming Interface (API) Support | Yes | Yes |
Trading Tools and Features:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
One-Click Trade Execution | Yes | Yes |
Signal Trading Availability | Yes | Yes |
Price Alert Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Number of Chart Indicators Offered | 22 | Yes |
Number of Chart Drawing Tools Provided | 17 | Yes |
Direct Trading From Charts | Yes | No |
Customizable Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Trading Compatibility:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Android App | Yes | Yes |
iOS App | Yes | Yes |
Windows Mobile App | No | No |
Mobile Trading Signal Integration | Yes | Yes |
App for Smartwatches | No | Yes |
Forex Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes |
CFD Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes |
Alert Notifications on Mobile Devices | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Charting and Drawing Tools | Yes | Yes |
Languages Supported on Mobile App | en, de, es, fr, po | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Slovenian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Greek, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish |
Watchlist Feature on Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Commodity Offerings:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Crude Oil Trading | 2.8 | Yes |
Natural Gas Trading | No | Yes |
Silver Markets | 2 | Yes |
Platinum Trading | No | Yes |
Copper Trading | No | Yes |
Soybean Contracts | No | Yes |
Corn Markets | No | Yes |
Gold Markets | 0.3 | Yes |
Lithium Markets | Yes | Yes |
Stock Trading Fees:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Apple Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Amazon (AMZN) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Invidia Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
META Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Ford Motor Co Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Alphabet (GOOGL) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
BP Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Tesco Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Barclays Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Lloyds Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Adobe (ADBE) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Microsoft (MSFT) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Nvidia (NVDA) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Index Trading Fees:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
FTSE 100 Fee Structure | 1 | Yes, 0.08% per trade |
S&P 500 Fee Structure | 0.4 | No |
Dow Jones Fee Structure | - | Yes |
Nasdaq Fee Structure | 1 | Yes |
CAC 40 Fee Structure | 1 | Yes |
DAX 30 Fee Structure | 2 | Yes |
Nikkei 225 Fee Structure | 7 | Yes |
Euro Stoxx 50 Fee Structure | 2 | Yes |
Cryptocurrency Trading Fees: Maker-Taker-Spread
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Bitcoin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Ethereum Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Ripple Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Binance Coin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Cardano Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Solana Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Polygon Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Dogecoin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Chainlink (LINK) Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Polkadot (DOT) | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Avalanche (AVAX) | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0%, 0%, Up to 2% |
Available Trading Platforms:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
cTrader Desktop App | No | Yes |
cTrader Web Interface | No | No |
Mirror Trader Platform | No | No |
ZuluTrade Integration | No | Yes |
MT4 Desktop Interface | No | Yes |
MT4 Web Platform | No | Yes |
MT5 Desktop App | No | Yes |
MT5 Web Interface | No | Yes |
Tradingview | No | No |
Proprietary Desktop Software | No | No |
Proprietary Web-based Platform | Yes | Yes |
Mac-Compatible Platform Options | Yes | Yes |
Sirix Trading Platform | No | No |
Education Resources:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Education Offerings | Yes | Yes |
Webinar Offerings | Yes | Yes |
Platform Tutorial Videos | Yes | Yes |
Beginner-Level Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Expert-Level Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Tutorial guides | Yes | Yes |
Terminology Glossary | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support Options:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
Callback Request Feature | No | Yes |
Email Support Availability | Yes | Yes |
Telephone Support | Yes | No |
Live Chat support | Yes | Yes |
Offered Support Languages | en, ar, dan, de, es, fr, ne, nor, po, ru, swe, it, swi | Yes |
Research-Tools:
Data | IC Markets | Trade Nation |
---|---|---|
In-Depth Professional Reports | Yes | Yes |
Social Trading Features - Social Newsfeeds | Yes | Yes |
Economic Event Calendar | No | Yes |
Daily Email With Trading Ideas | Yes | Yes |
Analysis From Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
Analysis From Delkos Research | No | Yes |
AutoChartist Tool | Yes | Yes |
Trader Sentiment Metrics | Yes | Yes |
Twitter-Based News Updates | Yes | No |
Facebook-Based News Updates | Yes | No |
Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
π₯ Round 1: Trading Instruments
Whichever platform you choose, the quantity and variety of trading instruments is pivotal for maintaining an engaging trading portfolio. Both platforms offer forex trading, but IC Markets avails a broader selection. It has over 60 currency pairs compared to Trade Nation which only equips its traders with around 30.
π² The More You Know: Diversity in Currency Pairs
Why stress over the quantity of currency pairs? Because diversity is the spice of stock trading life! Just like your grandma’s secret sauce, having variety on your trading options is crucial for a solid flavor.
π₯Round 2: Trading Platforms
There’s more to becoming a successful trader than the availability of trading instruments. The platform’s user interface and ease of use come into sharp focus. At this stage, Trade Nation takes up the mantle with their sleek and friendly platform, making them a precious gem for newbies in the trading arena.
π£ The Lure of Simplicity
You might recall your physics professor stressing the KISS principle β Keep It Simple, Silly! In trading, a user-friendly platform aids in understanding everything from market analysis to executing your trading strategies. And thatβs what Trade Nation offers – simplicity at its finest!
π₯Round 3: Leverage and Spreads
Here comes the kicker! Leverage and spreads can make a significant difference in your profits. IC Markets provides high leverage rates and low spreads, which is a sweet deal for seasoned traders. However, Trade Nation offers fixed spreads, giving traders predictability when planning their strategies.
π’ The Thrill of Leverage: The Rollercoaster of Trading
Leverage can be a thrilling ride, but remember, “With great power comes great responsibility”. Always buckle up when dealing with high leverages and ensure you understand the potential risks involved.
Weighing The Pros and Cons: IC Markets and Trade Nation
Before we delve into more detail, it’s prudent to consider the pros and cons of both platforms. After all, every seasoned trader knows the importance of looking at both sides of the coin.
π₯ IC Markets: Pros and Cons
IC Markets is a tried and tested platform, garnishing favorable reviews for its range of trading options and overall flexibility. π
π Pros of IC Markets
- Offers a wider variety of trading instruments, enhancing portfolio diversity.
- Provides high leverage rates for those keen on implementing aggressive investment strategies.
- Boasts relatively low spreads, enabling traders to maximize profit margins. π
π Cons of IC Markets
- The platform layout may not be as newbie-friendly as others on the market. π»
- High leverage, while potentially profitable, also involves considerable risk. It’s a double-edged sword! π‘οΈ
π₯ Trade Nation: Pros and Cons
Trade Nation, still a significant player in the game, demonstrates robust reliability and user-friendliness unmatched in the trading ecosystem. π
π Pros of Trade Nation
- Offers a user-friendly platform that breaks down complicated market trends into digestible bytes β perfect for trading newbies! π
- Provides fixed spreads, adding predictability to trading transactions, another boon for beginners. π₯³
π Cons of Trade Nation
- Limited trading instruments compared to other platforms, potentially impacting portfolio diversity. π
- While fixed spreads offer predictability, they might not be as low as variable spreads offered by other vendors. π
π So, Who’s the Winner?
Well, to cop-out in true diplomatic style β it honestly depends on your personal trading needs and capabilities. If versatility and high leverage appeal to you, IC Markets holds the advantage. However, for a simpler, more predictable trading experience, Trade Nation might be your cup of tea. Or coffee. No judgment here. β
Remember, regardless of your selection, ensure you tread with caution and understanding of the respective risks involved. In the world of trading, knowledge truly is power. π‘
π‘Final Thoughts
Choosing between IC Markets and Trade Nation isn’t black and white. Both platforms have their unique strengths and weaknesses. IC Markets takes the trophy for offering a wider range of trading instruments with terrific leverage rates. However, Trade Nation steals the show when it comes to usability, perfect for novice traders or those who value simplicity over all else.
The verdict? It ultimately boils down to your individual trading needs and preferences. Yes, itβs like choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream all over again! Both have their charms β itβs a matter of which suits your palate. Happy trading in 2023! π¦
π§ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which platform is better for a beginner, IC Markets or Trade Nation?
While IC Markets offers a wider range of trading instruments, Trade Nation’s platform is more user-friendly and therefore a wise choice for beginner traders.
2. Are both IC Markets and Trade Nation safe and trustworthy?
Absolutely! Both platforms are regulated and maintain high levels of security to protect client data and funds. But as they say in the trading world, “always do your homework” and ensure you’re comfortable with the platform you select.
3. Which platform offers better leverage rates, IC Markets or Trade Nation?
IC Markets provides higher leverage rates. However, remember that higher leverage also comes with increased risk, so tread carefully!
4. Can I trade forex with both IC Markets and Trade Nation?
Yes, both platforms support forex trading. In fact, IC Markets offers over 60 currency pairs whilst Trade Nation provides around 30.
5. Do both platforms offer mobile trading?
Indeed, they do. Whether you’re a trader on the go or someone who enjoys trading from the comfort of your living room, both IC Markets and Trade Nation have platforms designed for mobile gadgets.
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