The Best Brokers to invest in Stocks (equity markets) and Stock CFDs The Best Brokers to invest in Stocks (equity markets) and Stock CFDs

Investing in shares has always attracted interest among traders. But which broker offers the best trading conditions?

Invest in the equity markets

First, what does it mean to invest in stocks?

By definition, a stock represents the minimum share of the capital of an “LTD” (company) that an investor can buy or sell.

All shares have the same face value, which means that all shares in a company cost the same on the market.

When a trader buys a security (share) he becomes a partner (or shareholder), owner of a part of the company, with all rights (potential earnings) and duties (possible losses).

By trading shares, a trader becomes an integral part of a publicly traded company.

The main objective of the investment is to derive a profit from the increase in the prices of the shares purchased.

In some cases, stockholders have the option of receiving a dividend if the company makes a profit.

All trading operations are carried out in the stock market, where trading operations are carried out on instruments such as: shares, bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and CFDs.

On the one hand, we find the buyers willing to commit their capital to purchase shares, and on the other the sellers, whose main objective is the profit deriving from the exchange of shares.

Dividing the capital into many shares to place them on the market allows companies to finance their business and allows traders to invest in one or more securities.

There are two types of stocks:

Listed Stocks
Securities that are periodically bought and sold on the Stock Exchange based on the market price. Easily traded instrument given the high transparency.
Unlisted Stocks
Purchase agreement stipulated through private agreements with the partners. Often this type of investment presents problems at the moment of the exchange.

In addition to the shares listed above, there are other tools that allow traders to invest in shares.

One of these, and undoubtedly the most famous, is the contract for difference (CFD).

This tool allows the trader to trade on the price fluctuation of a specific security without necessarily having to buy it.

Thousands of online brokers offer the possibility to invest in shares. But which one to choose? Which is the most convenient and safest?

Below is the list of brokers which, in our opinion, offer the best stock trading conditions this year:

  1. FXPro
  2. IC Markets
  3. Tickmill
  4. HFM
  5. Deriv

1.FXPro

FXPro is a strictly regulated No Dealing Desk broker that has been offering its services to traders from all over the world since 2006.

Considered today a leader in the sector, the broker allows its customers to trade Stock CFDs.

FXPro has trading conditions among the most competitive in the market and near instantaneous order execution to allow you to invest in a wide range of instruments including the most quoted and influential companies in the US, UK and EU.

The broker’s main objective is the creation of a trading environment of equal opportunities and accessible to all.

FXPro’s trading platforms meet the needs of any type of trader who facilitate techniques such as scalping, hedging and algorithmic trading with EAs.

Visit the official site by FxPro

In addition to the speed of execution, the tools offered and the security through the negative balance protection service, there are no commissions and the spread cost is extremely competent.

Additionally, FxPro is one of the few online brokerage firms that does not charge inactivity fees, which is ideal for casual traders.

All traders who have not traded for more than six months need not worry, the account will be put on “pause” and no commissions will be charged.

In case there are open positions at the time, the broker will close them automatically.

FXPro allows traders to trade on a wide range of CFD instruments with very advantageous terms.

In summary, FxPro allows traders to use six different types of accounts with different characteristics.

Platform type and trading costs vary based on the selected account while minimum deposit ($100), maximum leverage (1:5) and minimum trade size (0.01 lots) remain the same.

Visit the official site by FxPro

In the following table, you can find all the main characteristics of each single account offered:

MT5 Floating Spread MT4 Market MT4 Floating Spread MT4 Fixed Spread >cTrader Floating Spread
Account Type Forex Forex Forex Forex Forex
Trading Platform MT5 MT4 MT4 MT4 cTrader
Minimum Deposit $500 $500 $500 $500 $1,000
Execution Type NDD
(Market)
NDD
(Market)
NDD
(Instant)
NDD
(Instant)
NDD
(Market)
Leverage 500:1 500:1 500:1 500:1 500:1
Spread Type Variable Variable Variable Fixed Variable
Minimum Spread from 0.6 pips from 0.6 pips from 0.6 pips from 1.7 pips from 0 pip
Trading Commission N/A N/A N/A N/A $4.5/per Lot
Minimum Trading Lots 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Maximum Trading Lots Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Decimal Pricing 5 5 5 5 5
EA (Automated Trading) Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed
Scalping Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed
Hedging Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed
News Time Allowed Allowed Allowed Not Allowerd Allowed
PAMM/MAM Available Available Available Available Available
Islamic (Swap Free) Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional
Interest on Margin N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

For stock trading on FXPro, swap fees will be calculated as follows:

Number of Shares X Last Price x Annual Percentage /360

Open real account with FxPro

2. IC Markets

IC Markets is an international broker founded in 2007. Being regulated by numerous control bodies, it offers a transparent, reliable and impartial service.

The broker is considered by most traders as one of the best CFD investment service providers in the world.

In fact, the broker presents an environment compatible with any type of trader, extremely advantageous conditions and costs among the lowest on the market.

Innovation
In a world now dominated by technology, keeping up with the times is essential. IC Markets employs extensive resources in researching and providing state-of-the-art services that ensure fast and efficient performance.
Control management
IC Markets makes use of a completely independent external company that deals with the management and control of operational processes to ensure that current regulations are complied with.
Confidentiality
Accurate controls and constant monitoring of customer information guarantee maximum confidentiality. No information will be disclosed unless strictly requested by the trader.
Ultra low spreads
By employing extensive technology resources and relying on extremely reliable price providers, the broker is able to offer optimal trading conditions with ultra-low spreads and no restrictions in a trading environment designed to meet any need. Trades that can be executed within the spread, any style allowed (Scalping, hedging and automated trading) and spreads starting from 0.0 pips. In addition, the broker has a flexible leverage of up to 1:50 for Stock trading and deposits that can be made in 10 different currencies.
Fast order execution
State of the art servers in NY4 and LD5 data centers in New York and London. A fiber optic cables for fast connections to the IC Market network and low latency in order execution by liquidity providers.
Advanced Trading Tools
One click trading, market depth, full spread control, perfect risk management, advanced orders. All on the most famous platform in the world, MT5.

Visit the official site by IC Markets

IC Markets allows traders to trade on a wide range of stocks.

Over 2100 stocks and CFDs on ETFs from the main stock exchanges.

Each client will be able to invest in stocks of the most influential companies in the Australian and US markets and trade on global macro groups in the special selection of CFDs on US listed ETFs.

The available platform is MT5, one of the most advanced software in the world that allows any category of trader to invest by taking advantage of cutting-edge features for charts and fast execution.

  • Over 2100 Stocks and ETFs.
  • ASX, NASDAQ, NYSE, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM, Xetra (Germany), London Stock Exchange, EURONEXT PARIS, Bolsa Madrid.
  • Ultra-Fast Execution.
  • Earn dividends on the stocks of the world’s wealthiest companies.
  • Top of the line platform: MetaTrader 5.

Visit the official site by IC Markets

The trading conditions are extremely advantageous.

Except in a few cases, the broker will not charge any trading fees and spreads start at 0.0 pips.

The maximum leverage that can be used is 1:50 but varies according to the instrument selected.

Swaps (rollovers) can be checked by right-clicking on any instrument, in the “Specification” option.

It will be possible to know the long and short swap rates of the selected instrument.

Trading fees None (except for clients with US Stocks)
Spread Starting from 0.0 pips
Swap (rollover) Variable according to the selected instrument
Maximum leverage 1:50
Margin call 50%
Stop Out 50%

Open real account with IC Markets

Trading conditions vary based on several factors.

According to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), non-US residents who hold shares in the US market will be required to pay a dividend fee.

With IC Markets the profits deriving from dividends are credited to the client’s account and any commissions will be deducted automatically.

The commissions to be incurred vary according to the market and the product selected.

  • Each trader will have to pay a fee of 22 AUD per month (automatically deducted from the account) for trading on the ASX market. In case the customer has several accounts, he will have to pay the commission only once.
  • Regardless of the size of the open position, the trader will have to pay a commission of 7 AUD on each trade made in CFDs on ASX shares.

Visit the official site by IC Markets

3.Tickmill

It is a broker which, in addition to offering a trading environment full of opportunities and optimal conditions, aims at simplicity of use of its services and transparency.

Employing a team of industry experts, Tickmill enables traders to unleash their full potential without any restrictions.

Some of the main advantages Tickmill offers are:

Excellent trading conditions
Free access to a huge range of stock CFDs from the world’s most famous companies with spreads from 0.0 pips and extremely low trading commissions.
Lightning-fast order execution speed
Time is money! The broker offers its clients an almost instantaneous order execution speed, averaging 0.20 seconds and no re-quotes.
No limits on trading strategies
Each client can choose to use any strategy imaginable, including EAs, hedging and scalping.
Fund protection
Client funds will be held in segregated accounts in top-ranked banks (which you can find out by visiting official site, plus the negative balance protection will ensure that the trader cannot lose more than the amount deposited.
Cutting-edge technologies
Latest generation tools and services on all platforms offered to meet the needs of any category of trader.
Indispensable customer support.
A multilingual team made up of professionals in the field able to solve any problem.

Visit the official site Tickmill

As far as stock investments are concerned, the broker offers a wide range of Stock CFD instruments too.

Both cover the most quoted companies in the world and less influential stocks.

Extremely advantageous and above all transparent trading conditions on one of the most famous and used trading platforms in the world: MetaTrader 5.

Variable spreads on all types of accounts: Classic, Pro, and VIP.

The Classic account offers variable spreads, from 1.6 pips with no commissions.

The Pro and VIP account offer variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips with low commissions.

  • No Commission (condition varies according to the selected account).
  • Immediate dividend credit.
  • Average execution speed of 0.20 seconds
  • Any strategy allowed.
  • Maximum leverage equal to 1:20
  • Margin call level 100%.
  • Stop out level 30%.
  • The swap point varies depending on the selected instrument. The trader will be able to know them in detail by visiting the page dedicated to swaps on the official website.

Visit the official site by Tickmill

Traders wishing to trade Stock CFDs with Tickmill will need to complete a W-8BEN form available in the Client Area.

To proceed with the compilation, just follow the next very simple steps:

  1. Visit the official website and access the customer area.
  2. Click on the drop-down menu under the registered name (After opening a real Tickmill account).
  3. From the drop-down menu, select the “W-8BEN Module” button.
  4. Fill in and sign the form (name and signature of the owner must match) and click submit.
  5. If the operation is successful, a notification will inform the trader that he will be able to trade shares and will be able to view all the tools available on the MT5 platform.
  6. When logging in to the platform again, the customer must right-click on the “Market Watch” window and select “Show all” in order to view all the CFD instruments in which he can invest.

Open real account Tickmill

Stocks allow traders to earn dividends.

When trading CFDs on shares, any positions may be subject to a dividend adjustment.

A dividend adjustment occurs on the ex-dividend date if a position remains open after the market closes prior to the ex-dividend date.

Visit the official site by Tickmill

4. HFM (HF Markets)

Undoubtedly a giant in the online trading sector, HFM is a broker that has structured each of its services so as to be suitable and easy to use for any type of trader.

The incomparable quality of the instruments offered and trading conditions among the best on the market allow scalpers and clients who habitually use expert advisors for their operations to trade making the most of every opportunity with unlimited access to available liquidity.

A wide range of account types and state-of-the-art trading software make any trade quick and easy to execute for both experienced and novice traders.

Through the use of state-of-the-art automated platforms, each client will have quick access to available spreads and high liquidity.

Below is a summary of the main characteristics of the broker.

Wide range of trading tools
Being able to use a wide range of cutting-edge but above all free tools, each customer will be able to better plan their operations by structuring accurate strategies.
5 different types of accounts
Each client will be able to test and finally use the account that best suits his trading needs, risk appetite and trading volume.
Wide choice for stock trading
The broker allows you to invest in both CFDs on stocks and physical shares with extremely advantageous trading conditions.
13 trading platforms
Latest generation software among the most popular and used in the world that guarantee excellent performance and superior quality tools.
Extensive list of payment methods
The trader will be able to fund his account using the payment method he prefers without having to pay any hidden commissions and in complete safety (having segregated accounts, insurance, negative balance protection available).
Security and transparency
In order to establish a relationship of full trust with the clients, the broker guarantees full transparency on the services and tools available and maximum security on client data and funds. HFM provides liquidity through the best banks in the world. Client funds are held in segregated accounts. Negative balance protection always active. Liability insurance program for a limit of €5,000,000. Constant control over the risks of its operations.

Visit the official site by HFM

Being a leader in the sector, HFM offers the largest number of investment options.

The broker allows traders to invest in:

  • CFDs on stocks including the wealthiest companies in the world.
  • Physical shares from major stock exchanges.

CFDs on HFM shares

By trading equity derivatives with HFM, each client will have the opportunity to invest in the price fluctuations of numerous companies without necessarily having to purchase the underlying asset.

A practical and efficient way of investing that minimizes costs and times.

The prices of the instruments offered may fluctuate based on various factors such as: supply and demand, company news, profits, relevant market events, etc.

It will be the trader who will have to understand how and when to invest in the selected instrument by taking long or short positions.

Stock CFDs are a great way to efficiently diversify your portfolio.

Below are the main advantages of investing in CFDs on shares with HFM.

  • Fast order execution.
  • High liquidity guaranteed by banks of global importance.
  • Tight spreads.
  • Low trading fees.
Trading fees 0.1%
Spread Starting from 0.0 pips
Swaps (rollover) Varies according to the selected instrument, market fluctuations and supplier rates (triple swaps are applied every Wednesday).
Maximum leverage 1:25
Margin call level 50% (changes according to the type of account selected)
Stop out level 20% (varies based on selected account type)
Maximum trade size 5,000 shares

Visit the official site by HFM

Among the wide list of available tools we can find: EURONEXT – Adidas Salomon, NASDAQ – APPLE, NYSE – Bank Of America, NASDAQ – Google, EURONEXT – DT Lufthansa, NYSE – IBM, NASDAQ – Microsoft, NASDAQ – Netflix, MAC – Telefonica, LSE – Vodafone and much more.

We would like to remind you that pending orders will be automatically closed by the broker during market closures.

Visit the official site by HFM

HFM Physical Stocks

HFM offers the possibility to purchase the shares of many of the most listed companies in the world.

The service allows you to obtain real-time prices from the most important stock exchanges.

The trader will be able to decide which stock to invest in and will automatically receive any dividends directly credited to his account.

It is important to know that:

  • Fluctuation in a company’s stock prices is caused by several factors: revenues, earnings and future growth plans, GDP growth, interest rates and general market sentiment.
  • Depending on the funds allocated for trading, the trader may decide to buy even a fraction of a stock.
  • Owning shares in several different companies is a good way to create a balanced and diversified portfolio.
  • Investing on multiple stocks allows the trader to protect himself from any market declines and increases investment returns.

Open real account HFM

On HFM, any interested client will be able to invest his funds in over 2000 stocks without having to pay any commission, using one of the most popular platforms in the world, Metatrader 5.

  • Simple and intuitive interface suitable for traders of any category.
  • Over 80 technical indicators
  • 21 different times
  • Prices in real time
  • One Click Trading
  • Technical Analysis Tools

Visit the official site HFM

See the advantages and the main characteristics of the investments in shares offered by the broker:

Trading fees None
Spread Starting from 0.0 pips
Swap (rollover) Varies according to the selected instrument, market fluctuations and supplier rates (triple swaps are applied every Wednesday).
Maximum leverage 1:1
Margin call level 50% (changes according to the type of account selected)
Stop out level 20% (varies based on selected account type)
Maximum trade size None
Minimum investment $5
Own the underlying asset Yes
Negative balance protection No
Dividends Yes
Trade fees No
Account Currencies US Dollar
Fractional shares Available

Visit the official site HFM

5. Deriv

Deriv is a multi-regulated broker that offers traders CFD and derivatives trading on a wide range of instruments including Forex, Stocks, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities and Derivatives.

For high-quality instruments, excellent trading conditions, technologically advanced platforms and more than professional assistance, Deriv is considered one of the best brokers in the world.

The broker puts a lot of resources into creating a flexible and opportunity-rich trading environment, without excessive commissions and dubious instruments.

In short, a broker aims for transparency and the high quality of the services offered.

For Deriv, every client is important, regardless of the capital invested or the level of experience the trader will receive the right attention to be able to achieve their goals.

Over 2.5 million customers worldwide use Deriv to engage in marketplaces around the world.

Visit the official site of Deriv

The broker allows you to trade on a wide range of stocks via contracts for difference (CFDs).

Most traders who usually invest their funds in this instrument are aware that in most cases CFDs are traded on margin.

“Margin” means the minimum deposit required to open a position using leverage.

The latter allows the trader to be able to open a higher position than the real invested capital and consequently a greater market exposure.

Deriv offers its clients a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000 and using the margin calculator the trader will be able to find the margin required to be able to increase his investment on Deriv’s CFD trading platforms.

Each trader will be able to trade shares and indices of numerous companies of global importance with competitive prices and baskets of assets tradable outside the regular hours of the main stock markets.

American indices
US 500, US Technology 100, Wall Street 30.
Asian indices
Australia 200, Japan 225.
European indices
Euro 50, France 40, Germany 40, Spain 35, United Kingdom 100

Deriv’s Stock CFD Trading Tools

Traders intending to invest their funds with Deriv will be able to take advantage of numerous services and tools that are constantly updated so that they can make the most of their potential:

Stop loss
Thanks to the stop loss, the trader will be able to minimize the risk of losses by setting the price he deems most appropriate at that specific moment so that the position can be closed if the market is unfavourable. In the event the market price exceeds the pre-set level, the position will be closed automatically.
Stop out
In case the client’s margin level falls below Deriv’s stop out level, positions may be closed automatically by the broker to protect the client from larger losses. The stop out level offered varies according to the selected account (from 50% to 75%)
Margin call
If the trader’s margin is lower than Deriv’s margin call level, the client will receive a margin call, which corresponds to a warning that the stop out level is close.
Swap rates
In the event that a client deems it appropriate to keep a position open overnight, a swap rate will be applied. In practice, a cost to be incurred to keep the position open. The swap rates offered by Deriv change according to the instrument selected. Rates are based on several factors such as the time and amount of days, including holidays, that the client keeps their positions open. In order to evaluate whether to keep the position open or not, the client can use the swap calculator. The service will allow you to calculate the swap costs required to keep your equity CFD positions open.

Visit the official site of Deriv

The minimum deposit required to start investing with Deriv is €/£/$5.

But it should be noted that the minimum amount varies according to the selected payment method.

In case a trader is inactive for a long time (12 months) without making any trades, he will have to pay an inactivity fee of $25.

The broker does not allow you to know sensitive information in detail unless you open a real account. In the next table you will be able to know the main features offered by the broker to trade shares.

Trading platform MT5 (MetaTrader5)
Minimum spread 0.5 pips
Spread type Both variable and fixed
Trade Fee None
Minimum deposit required $5
Account base currency USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT
Maximum leverage offered 1:1000
Minimum trading lot 0.01 lots
Maximum trading lot 30 lots
Execution model Market execution
Trading environment STP (direct processing)
Margin call level 100% to 150% varies by the selected account
Stop out level 50% to 75% varies by the selected account

Trading conditions may vary according to the trader’s country of residence, for more information contact the support team by visiting the official website.

Open real account with Deriv

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