Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs XM Group, 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.
CMC Markets, established in 1989, stands as a highly trusted online broker with a near-perfect Trust Score rating of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. The company is publicly traded and holds an impressive five Tier-1 licenses, underscoring its strong regulatory standing. Despite not being a bank, CMC Markets' combination of a long history and significant licensure fosters confidence among traders seeking reliability and credibility in their financial dealings.
Founded in 2009, XM Group is a reputable broker on its own, reflected in a respectable Trust Score of 88, indicating a status of trust. Although XM Group is not publicly traded and holds one less Tier-1 license compared to CMC Markets, it still captures attention with its four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Like CMC Markets, XM Group is not a bank, yet it manages to maintain a trusted presence in the online trading sphere.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers, CMC Markets and XM Group exhibit notable differences in their commissions and fees structures. CMC Markets excels in the industry with a top spot ranking and a 5-star rating for its affordable pricing model. This broker offers industry-leading spreads, averaging 0.61 pips on EUR/USD pairs based on August 2023 data. Furthermore, CMC Markets' Price Plus Scheme rewards active traders with discounts based on their trading volume, enhancing cost-efficiency for engaged users.
CMC Markets also introduced its FX Active service, which charges a $2.50 commission per side alongside competitive spreads, providing a cost-effective solution with a collective 0.5 pip cost on specific currency pairs. The availability of this service on both MT4 and Next Generation platforms across major regions reflects its commitment to competitive pricing. With consistently low average spreads that align closely with minimum advertised spreads, CMC Markets stands as the #1 ranked broker in the Commissions and Fees category among 62 brokers.
Conversely, XM Group, holding a 4-star rating and ranking at #33, presents less appealing cost structures. While its standard account spreads are considered pricey, the broker does not disclose average spreads for its XM Zero commission-based account, making cost assessments less transparent. As you evaluate brokers, keep these considerations in mind to align your trading needs with the most advantageous fee structures.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the investment range of CMC Markets and XM Group, both brokers provide forex trading through CFDs and spot contracts. CMC Markets stands out with an impressive offering of 11,925 tradeable symbols, including 156 forex pairs. In contrast, XM Group provides 1,394 tradeable symbols with 55 forex pairs available to traders. Both brokers facilitate investments in exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to purchase shares from major companies like Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, both offer copy trading and access to cryptocurrency derivatives, although direct cryptocurrency buying is not available.
In terms of overall assessment, CMC Markets earns a five-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 9th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, XM Group receives a commendable 4.5 stars and holds the 23rd spot in the same category. While both platforms provide a comprehensive selection of investment options, CMC Markets offers a broader array, particularly in forex pairs and tradeable symbols, making it a preferred choice for those seeking extensive market opportunities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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). | 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.
CMC Markets and XM Group both offer free virtual demo accounts for traders looking to practice their skills without any financial risk. However, when it comes to trading platforms, CMC Markets stands out with its proprietary platform, offering a seamless trading experience that's tailored to their services. Both brokers provide a Windows-based desktop download platform and a web-based solution for traders who prefer browser-based access. Additionally, both CMC Markets and XM Group support popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), catering to a wide range of trader preferences. Both brokers also offer copy trading options, enhancing the ability to learn from and mimic successful traders' strategies.
For charting tools, CMC Markets provides an impressive 40 drawing tools compared to XM Group's 15, offering more opportunities for thorough technical analysis. CMC Markets also allows trading directly from a stock chart and provides 11 columns for watch lists, which facilitates better market monitoring and decision-making. In comparison, XM Group offers 7 columns for watch lists. Rated 5 stars by ForexBrokers.com for their trading platforms and tools, CMC Markets ranks 4th out of 62 brokers, outperforming XM Group, which holds 4 stars and ranks 30th. This positions CMC Markets as a particularly powerful option for those seeking advanced trading capabilities and comprehensive platforms.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of CMC Markets and XM Group, both options stand out for their coverage across device platforms. Both brokers offer apps for iPhone and Android, providing flexibility for traders on the go. Each app also supports essential features like stock or forex price alerts and seamless watchlist syncing with their respective online accounts. This ensures you can stay updated and make changes regardless of whether you're on your computer or phone. Both brokers also offer numerous technical studies in their charting tools, with CMC Markets offering 29 studies and XM Group slightly ahead with 30. Additionally, both platforms allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on their stock or forex charts.
However, differences are evident in certain functionalities and ratings. CMC Markets' app automatically saves chart drawings, a feature XM Group's app lacks. Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, but when it comes to user satisfaction and industry ranking, CMC Markets leads the pack. It boasts an impressive rating of 5 stars and ranks 5th among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, XM Group holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 27th among the same list, making CMC Markets the more favored choice for mobile trading according to reviews.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of CMC Markets and XM Group, both brokers provide daily market commentary and offer forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. CMC Markets stands out by providing technical analysis tools from Autochartist, whereas XM Group excels with tools from Trading Central. Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long and short positions, and they each feature an economic calendar that tracks important global events. However, neither broker provides market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading.
In terms of research quality, CMC Markets and XM Group both receive a stellar five-star rating, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets edges out XM Group in research capabilities with a ranking of sixth out of 62 brokers. XM Group follows closely at eighth place. This slight difference in ranking reflects subtle distinctions in the research tools and resources each broker provides, making CMC Markets and XM Group both strong contenders for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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.
Both CMC Markets and XM Group offer comprehensive educational resources for beginners interested in forex and CFDs. Each platform provides a minimum of 10 educational pieces, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing primarily on forex and CFDs. For those who prefer learning through visual content, both brokers have compiled at least 10 beginner-friendly trading videos to help newcomers understand the basics. Furthermore, they also provide at least 10 advanced videos for more experienced traders looking to expand their knowledge. CMC Markets stands out with the addition of an investor dictionary featuring definitions for at least 50 investing terms, which can be particularly beneficial for novices picking up the language of investing.
XM Group offers the advantage of monthly online educational webinars, which can be invaluable for those who appreciate learning in a live, interactive setting. CMC Markets, while not offering regular live webinars, provides a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, similar to XM Group, allowing learners to access past sessions at their convenience. Based on their educational offerings, both brokers have earned a five-star rating in the Education category. However, when ranked among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, XM Group slightly edges out CMC Markets, taking the 7th spot compared to CMC Markets at 10th, indicating a slight preference for XM Group's educational resources.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than XM Group. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
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XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 |
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Both CMC Markets and XM Group do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets and XM Group differ in their payment options, with CMC Markets supporting ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, while XM Group offers Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal.
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 | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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). | 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 | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XM Group Review |
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