XM versus FXCM
Algorithmic traders get a cutting-edge trading infrastructure at FXCM. Six specialty algorithmic trading platforms and API trading complement MT4. The proprietary Trading Station caters to manual traders, who will benefit from Capitalise AI, allowing automation of trading strategies using an intuitive, code-free environment. ZuluTrade supports social trading together with the embedded MT4 service.
XM remains one of the best-balanced multi-asset brokers, catering to 5M+ traders from 190 countries with a competitive product and services portfolio. Traders get the MT4/MT5 trading platforms, low trading costs, a broad-based asset selection, and low minimum deposit requirements. Generous bonuses, incentives, and quality trading tools are equally available.
We have conducted an in-depth review of FXCM and XM to determine which one presents the better overall choice and which traders will benefit the most at either broker.
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- XM versus FXCM - Verdict
Features and Platforms
Features & Platforms | FXCM (visit site) | XM (visit site) |
![]() | ![]() | |
Headquarter: | UK | Belize |
Established : | 1999 | 2009 |
Retail Loss Rate: | 66.00% | 75.59% |
Regulation: | ||
Minimum Deposit: | $50 | $5 |
Demo Account: | ||
Managed Account: | ||
Islamic Account: | ||
Inactivity Fee | $50 annually after 12 months | $5 monthly after 90 days |
Deposit Fee: | Third-Party | No |
Withdrawal Fee | Third-Party | Third-Party |
Funding Methods: | 6 | 25+ |
MT4: | ||
MT5: | ||
cTrader: | ||
Proprietary Platform: | ||
Automated Trading: | ||
Social / Copy Trading: | ||
MT4/MT5 Add-ons: | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss: | ||
Negative Balance Protection: | ||
Bonuses and Promotions: | ||
Unique Feature One: | Excellent trading platform choices | Low trading costs |
Unique Feature Two: | Deep liquidity | Excellent order execution |
Broker Offers: |
Noteworthy:
Quality education and research are available at both FXCM and XM. The latter also features one of the most efficient order execution environments, mostly without requotes or rejections.
Available Markets
Available Markets | FXCM | XM |
Currency Pairs: | ||
Cryptocurrency Pairs: | ||
Commodities and Metals: | ||
Indices: | ||
Equities: | ||
Bonds: | ||
ETFs: | ||
Options, Futures, and Synthetics: | ||
Maximum Retail Leverage: | 1:400 | 1:888 |
Maximum Pro Leverage: | 1:400 | 1:888 |
Forex traders are offered fewer than 40 currency pairs at FXCM compared to approximately 60 at XM. While neither broker offers in-depth exposure to cryptocurrencies, XM takes the overall lead with 1,300+ trading instruments, providing better cross-asset trading opportunities. Equity traders get nearly 1,300 CFDs, and XM continues to expand its well-balanced asset selection.
Typical Spreads and Fees
Typical Spreads & Fees | FXCM | XM |
Minimum Raw Spreads: | 0.2 pips | Not applicable |
Minimum Standard Spreads: | 1.3 pips | 0.6 pips |
Minimum Commission for Forex: | $5.00 per round lot | Commission-free |
Commission for CFDs/DMA: | Commission-free | Commission-free |
Commission Rebates: | Yes | Yes |
Execution Type: | Market Maker/NDD Hybrid | Market Maker |
Trading costs at both FXCM and XM remain competitive. Most retail traders will benefit from a cheaper pricing environment at XM, where minimum Forex fees commence at 0.6 pips, commission-free, or $6.00 per lot. FXCM is twice as expensive, but high-volume traders can lower costs via the commission-based account plus volume-based rebates.
Security and Trust
FXCM
Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
Australia | Australian Securities and Investments Commission | 309763 |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority | 217689 |
Cyprus | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission | 392/20 |
South Africa | Financial Sector Conduct Authority | 46534 |
XM
Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
Belize | International Financial Services Commission | 000261/158 |
Australia | Australian Securities & Investments Commission | 443670 |
Bahamas | Securities Commission of The Bahamas | SIA-F201 |
Cyprus | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission | 120/10 and 256/14 |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority | 705428 |
Dubai | Dubai Financial Services Authority | F003484 |
US | Commodity Futures Trading Commission / National Futures Association | NFA #0516820 |
Segregation of client deposits, negative balance protection, and investor compensation funds at the UK and the Cyprus subsidiaries exist at FXCM and XM.
XM vs FXCM – Verdict
FXCM
Pros | Cons |
Excellent choice of trading platforms with dedicated support for algorithmic trading | High commission-free Forex trading costs |
Deep liquidity, transparent order executions, and monthly slippage statistics | |
Low-cost commission-based cost structure with a volume-based rebate program | |
Quality research and education via FXCM Plus |
XM
Pros | Cons |
Well balanced overall asset selection | Limited cryptocurrency selection |
Upgraded MT4/MT5 trading accounts with excellent order execution statistics | |
Low minimum deposit of $5 and maximum leverage of 1:888 | |
Competitive commission-free trading costs from $5.00 per 1.0 standard lot |
FXCM caters best to algorithmic traders and maintains one of the most competitive infrastructures for high-volume and high-frequency traders who require fewer assets but highly liquid ones.XM remains the overall better choice as it features a more balanced trading environment, supportive of many trading strategies, cheaper trading costs, attractive bonuses, a loyalty program, and a broad-based asset selection centered around equity trading.
FAQs
What broker is better than XM?
The answer depends on the individual requirements. For most beginners, XM provides an excellent product and services portfolio, but competitors cater better to select niche requirements.
Is FXCM data reliable?
FXCM provides transparent, reliable data amid its push to regain confidence and trust following years of misconduct and fines by its previous management team. FXCM is now part of the publicly listed Jefferies Financial Group and has enjoyed a spotless operational record since the takeover in 2017.
Can I trust XM broker?
XM complies with seven regulators and has maintained a spotless track record since its inception in 2009. It earned a place among the most trusted and honest brokers industry-wide with one of the most engaging management teams.