Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
City Index, established in 1983, stands as a highly trusted online broker, boasting a perfect Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded entity, City Index holds an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, reinforcing its commitment to stringent regulatory standards and client protection. Additionally, it possesses one Tier-2 license, marking it as a strong contender in the trading world, offering a secure and reliable platform for its users.
In contrast, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, operates with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 73, placing it in the average risk category. Unlike City Index, IFC Markets is not publicly traded and holds no Tier-1 licenses, which are critical for establishing high trust. While IFC Markets does possess one Tier-2 license, it stands on different footing compared to City Index when it comes to regulatory assurance and trustworthiness in the online trading arena.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers City Index and IFC Markets, it's clear they each have their own strengths in terms of commissions and fees. City Index, which received a 4.5-star rating, stands out with pricing that matches the industry norm for CFDs, forex, and spread-betting products. While not leading in all categories—lagging behind brokers like Tickmill and FP Markets—their Premium Trader account is designed for active traders making substantial deposits of over £10,000. This account offers exclusive pricing and rebates that begin at £4 per million for U.K.-based traders scaling up with higher trading volumes.
City Index's average spread for the EUR/USD pair is 0.74 pips, keeping it competitive within the industry. The broker is ranked 14th out of 62 by ForexBrokers.com for commissions and fees, showcasing its reliable standing among the competition. For traders in Australia, City Index provides rebates starting from AUD $4.5 per million, with the potential to climb as trading volumes increase.
On the other hand, IFC Markets, rated at 4 stars, does not provide average spread data for comparison. Nevertheless, it holds the 39th position in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com, suggesting that while they offer satisfactory pricing models, they may not match the competitive edge offered by City Index. Ultimately, both brokers have their strengths, but City Index provides a slightly more nuanced and rewarding fee structure for active traders.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing City Index and IFC Markets, City Index offers a more extensive selection for those interested in a diverse range of investment options. With an impressive 13,500 tradeable symbols, including 66 forex pairs, City Index provides numerous opportunities for traders. However, neither broker allows the trading of actual U.S. or international stocks. Both City Index and IFC Markets do not facilitate trading in actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer cryptocurrency derivatives. Additionally, both platforms support copy trading for those looking to follow successful investors.
In contrast, IFC Markets offers a total of 630 tradeable symbols, which includes 49 forex pairs. Unlike City Index, IFC Markets stands out by allowing access to exchange-traded securities on international exchanges. Despite these features, City Index leads in overall variety and is rated 5 stars for its range of investments, ranking 8th out of 62 brokers. IFC Markets, while still a viable option, earns a 3.5-star rating and ranks 43rd in the same category. For traders prioritizing a wider array of investment opportunities, City Index clearly takes the edge, although IFC Markets offers specific advantages in international trading.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
City Index and IFC Markets both offer reliable trading platforms and tools, appealing to traders of various experience levels. Both brokers provide virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice simulated trading without financial risks. They also each have developed their proprietary platforms in-house, ensuring tailored user experiences. For those preferring specific technologies, both brokers support the MetaTrader 4 platform, with IFC Markets going a step further by also offering MetaTrader 5. Both brokers accommodate diverse trading preferences with Windows-based desktop and web-based versions, along with options like copy trading.
When it comes to charting and watch list capabilities, City Index takes a lead. It provides an impressive 239 drawing tools, exceeding IFC Markets' 15. Furthermore, City Index traders benefit from 11 columns for watch lists, compared to IFC's 7. This superior offering contributes to City Index's higher rating of 4.5 stars, compared to IFC Markets' 4 stars, concerning trading platforms and tools. Ranked as the 10th broker by ForexBrokers.com, City Index surpasses IFC Markets, which holds the 36th position out of 62 brokers. Both brokers allow users to trade directly from stock charts, supporting streamlined and efficient trading experiences.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both City Index and IFC Markets offer dedicated iPhone and Android applications. They provide necessary features like price alerts for stocks and forex, and the convenience of watchlist symbol syncing ensures seamless experience between mobile and online platforms. Both platforms enable drawing trendlines, viewing various time frames, and autosaving chart drawings on their apps, ensuring traders have essential tools at their fingertips.
However, notable differences emerge in the details and rankings. City Index impresses with 88 technical studies for charting, significantly more than IFC Markets’ 30. Moreover, City Index's mobile app receives a 4.5-star rating, surpassing IFC Markets’ 4-star rating. This advantage reflects in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where City Index holds the 9th spot while IFC Markets stands at 52nd among 62 brokers. For users seeking a richer assortment of technical tools and a higher-rated app, City Index might be the preferred option.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing City Index and IFC Markets for market research capabilities, both brokers offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed of daily market trends. However, City Index holds an advantage by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, which IFC Markets does not offer. Additionally, City Index offers tools from Trading Central, including Technical Analytics, while IFC Markets lacks this feature. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools that show a ratio of long or short positions across currency pairs, as well as an economic calendar displaying global news events.
Despite some similarities, City Index outshines IFC Markets in research offerings, which is reflected in their ratings and rankings. City Index receives a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars for research, securing a #10 rank among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets is rated 3.5 stars and ranks at #40 in the same category. Overall, City Index provides more comprehensive market research services, making it a preferred choice for traders looking for in-depth and reliable market insights.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners in the world of forex and CFDs, both City Index and IFC Markets deliver a wide range of materials. They each offer more than ten educational pieces like articles, videos, and webinars focused on forex and CFDs. However, City Index stands out with its frequent online educational webinars, held at least once a month, and creates a searchable archive of past webinars, making learning accessible anytime. IFC Markets does not provide this same level of access, lacking both live webinars and an archive of recorded sessions.
Both brokers cater to traders at different levels, offering at least ten beginner-focused and ten advanced educational videos, which help both novice and seasoned traders enhance their skills. Moreover, each broker supplies an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 trading terms, a handy resource for mastering trading language. When rated for education, City Index receives a 4.5-star rating compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. Ranked by ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds the #9 spot in education among 62 brokers, significantly outperforming IFC Markets, which is ranked at #30.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than IFC Markets. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
Backed by StoneX Group, City Index is a trusted brand known for its versatile trading platforms, excellent mobile app, diverse market research, and extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
City Index
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Both City Index and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, City Index offers greater flexibility in payment options with support for ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets provides options for Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal support, with neither broker offering Skrill.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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| Regulation | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | City Index Review |
| Overall | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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