Company Profile: FP Markets
Overview
FP Markets, founded in 2005 and based in Australia, has become a reputable forex and CFD broker known for its extensive range of trading products, including forex, shares, metals, commodities, indices, digital currencies, bonds, and ETFs. As a regulated broker under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), FP Markets ensures a high level of customer protection and transparency for traders worldwide. With a diverse array of trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, and MT5 Mobile Trader, FP Markets accommodates both novice and seasoned traders.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Regulated by ASIC and CySEC
- Wide range of tradable instruments
- Competitive spreads and high leverage (up to 1:500)
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Multiple trading platforms available (MT4, MT5, cTrader, etc.)
- Negative balance protection
- 24/7 customer support
- Cons
- Not available to U.S. clients
- Inactivity fees for dormant accounts
- Limited number of live account types
Regulation
FP Markets operates under strict regulatory oversight, with ASIC in Australia and CySEC in Cyprus. This regulatory environment ensures higher transparency, client fund segregation, rigorous verification, and fair trading practices, making FP Markets a reliable choice for secure trading.
Market Instruments
FP Markets offers a comprehensive range of financial instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios:
- Forex: Over 70 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.
- Indices: Access to popular global indices like S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and DAX 30.
- Shares: Wide selection from exchanges such as NYSE and NASDAQ.
- Metals: Precious metals, including gold and silver.
- Commodities: Options like oil, coffee, and natural gas.
- Cryptocurrencies: Major options such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
- Bonds: U.S. and UK bonds, including US10YR and UK GILT futures.
- ETFs: Exchange-traded funds for diversified portfolios.
Account Types
FP Markets offers two primary account types:
- Standard Account: Commission-free with spreads starting from 1.0 pips, ideal for beginners.
- Raw Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.5 AUD commission per lot, designed for professional traders seeking tighter spreads and faster execution.
Both accounts require a minimum deposit of 100 AUD or equivalent and offer leverage of up to 1:500.
Demo and Islamic Accounts
FP Markets offers a 30-day demo account for testing strategies without risk. Additionally, Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available for traders who prefer Sharia-compliant trading options.
Trading Platforms
FP Markets provides multiple trading platforms to accommodate different trading styles:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): User-friendly with advanced technical analysis tools.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Enhanced version of MT4 with additional timeframes and tools.
- cTrader: Highly customizable, ideal for algorithmic and high-frequency trading.
- TradingView: Web-based platform known for technical analysis.
- WebTrader: Browser-accessible with no software installation required.
- Mobile Trader: MT5 mobile app available for iOS and Android.
Leverage and Spreads
FP Markets provides varying leverage based on regulation:
- ASIC-regulated accounts: Up to 1:500 leverage on major forex pairs.
- CySEC-regulated accounts: Up to 1:30 leverage per European legislation.
Spreads and Commissions:
- Standard Account: No commission with spreads as low as 1.0 pips.
- Raw Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.5 AUD commission per lot on forex pairs.
Non-Trading Fees
- Inactivity Fee: $10 AUD per month for inactive accounts over six months.
- VPS Hosting: Optional VPS service for $30 AUD per month.
- Swap Fees: Charged for holding overnight positions based on currency pair and trade direction.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
The minimum deposit is 100 AUD, and funding methods include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard.
- Bank Transfer
- Cryptocurrency Payments: LetKnowPay, m2p crypto payments.
- E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay, Monetix Wallet, Perfect Money.
Copy Trading
FP Markets offers copy trading through Myfxbook AutoTrade, Signal Start, and FP Markets Social Trading, allowing clients to replicate successful strategies from experienced traders.
Customer Support
FP Markets provides 24/7 customer support through:
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Email
- Contact Form
Multilingual support is available, and a detailed FAQ section covers common issues.
Educational Resources
FP Markets offers comprehensive educational tools:
- Webinars: Expert-led sessions covering various trading topics.
- Trading Videos: Tutorials on technical and fundamental analysis.
- Ebooks: Covering basics to advanced trading strategies.
- Market Analysis: Insights on current conditions to assist decision-making.
- Economic Calendar: Details on impactful global events.
Conclusion
FP Markets is a reputable broker with extensive trading solutions and strong regulation by ASIC and CySEC. With diverse platforms, low fees, high leverage, and comprehensive educational resources, FP Markets is suitable for traders of all levels. Despite a few non-trading fees and certain regional limitations, the broker offers a secure, well-regulated environment for forex and CFD trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is FP Markets safe to trade? Yes, FP Markets is highly regulated by ASIC and CySEC, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment.
- Does FP Markets offer a demo account? Yes, FP Markets offers a 30-day demo account with an option for extension upon request.
- What is the minimum deposit for FP Markets? A minimum deposit of 100 AUD or equivalent is required to open an account.