IG is a well-established and highly respected online trading platform, offering a wide range of financial instruments and services to traders around the world. With over 17,000 markets available for trading, including forex, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more, IG is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced traders alike.
Founded in 1974, IG has a long and trusted history in the financial industry. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides traders with the assurance that their funds are safe and secure. IG also offers advanced technology and tools to help traders make informed decisions, along with competitive spreads and low fees.
But his IG the right trading platform for you? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key features and benefits of trading with IG, as well as some of the potential drawbacks. So let’s dive in and explore what IG has to offer.
Features
- Comprehensive Trading Platform: IG’s trading platform is highly advanced and customizable, offering a range of charting and technical analysis tools to help traders make informed decisions. The platform is also user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate for traders of all skill levels.
- Wide Range of Markets: IG offers over 17,000 markets for trading, including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more. This allows traders to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of a wide range of trading opportunities.
- Competitive Fees and Spreads: IG offers competitive and transparent pricing, with low fees and tight spreads. This allows traders to keep their trading costs low and maximize their potential profits.
- Advanced Risk Management Tools: IG provides traders with advanced risk management tools, including stop-loss orders, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and negative balance protection. This allows traders to minimize their risks and protect their funds in volatile market conditions.
- Accessible Customer Support: IG offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. They also provide a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, along with educational resources and webinars to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.
- Regulated and Secure: IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides traders with the assurance that their funds are safe and secure. They also use advanced security measures to protect their website and trading platform from potential security threats.
Account Types and Requirements
IG offers a range of account types to suit the needs of different types of traders. Here is a breakdown of the account types and their requirements:
Demo Account
IG offers a free demo account with $10,000 in virtual funds. This allows traders to practice their trading strategies and test out the IG trading platform without risking any real money.
CFD Trading Account
IG’s standard CFD trading account allows traders to access over 17,000 markets, including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more. There is no minimum deposit required to open a CFD trading account with IG.
Spread Betting Account
IG also offers a spread betting account for traders based in the UK and Ireland. This account type allows traders to bet on the direction of the market, without actually owning the underlying asset. There is no minimum deposit required to open a spread betting account with IG.
Professional Account
IG also offers a professional account for experienced traders who meet certain eligibility criteria. This account type offers higher leverage and lower margin requirements, as well as access to a wider range of markets. To qualify for a professional account, you must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Have a portfolio of over €500,000
- Have more than one year of experience in the financial sector
- Have a relevant professional qualification
Account Requirements
To open an account with IG, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid ID and proof of address
- Reside in a country where IG is authorized to offer its services
Funding and Withdrawals
IG offers a range of funding and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, PayPal, and more. There is no fee for funding your account, but there may be fees for withdrawals, depending on the method used.
Education and Research
IG offers a range of educational resources and market analysis tools to help traders make informed decisions. Here are some of the key features of IG’s education and research offering:
Trading Courses and Webinars
IG offers a range of free trading courses and webinars to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. These courses cover a range of topics, from the basics of trading to advanced technical analysis techniques.
Trading Platform Guides
IG provides comprehensive guides and tutorials on how to use its trading platform, including how to place trades, set up indicators, and manage risk.
News and Analysis
IG’s news and analysis section provides traders with up-to-date market news and insights, along with expert analysis and commentary. This includes daily market briefings, technical analysis reports, and in-depth articles on specific markets and trading strategies.
Economic Calendar
IG’s economic calendar provides traders with a comprehensive overview of upcoming economic events and announcements, along with their potential impact on the markets.
Trading Signals and Alerts
IG also offers trading signals and alerts to help traders identify potential trading opportunities. These signals are generated by a team of expert analysts and are based on technical and fundamental analysis.
Trading Experience
IG provides traders with a user-friendly and intuitive trading platform, along with a range of advanced trading tools and features to help traders make informed decisions. Here are some of the key features of the IG trading experience:
User Experience and Interface
IG’s trading platform is highly customizable and user-friendly, making it easy for traders of all skill levels to navigate the platform and place trades. The platform is available on both desktop and mobile devices and provides traders with access to a range of technical analysis tools, charting options, and risk management features.
Mobile Trading App
IG’s mobile trading app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows traders to monitor their positions, place trades, and access their account information on the go. The app is user-friendly and provides access to the same range of features and tools as the desktop platform.
Order Execution and Trading Tools
IG provides traders with a range of advanced order types, including stop-loss orders, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and trailing stop orders. These tools help traders to manage their risk and maximize their potential profits. IG also offers a range of charting options, technical analysis tools, and trading signals to help traders identify potential trading opportunities.
Market Access and Liquidity
IG offers access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies, providing traders with a wide range of trading opportunities. IG also uses advanced order routing and execution technology to ensure that traders receive the best possible prices and execution speeds.
Summary
Summary-
User-Friendliness5/5 Amazing
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Range of Markets5/5 Amazing
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Educational Resources5/5 Amazing
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Support Services3/5 Neutral
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Advanced Trading Tools4/5 Good
The Good
- Comprehensive range of educational resources
- User-friendly and intuitive platform
- Access to over 17,000 markets
- Advanced order types and charting options
The Bad
- Limited product offering for US clients (only CFDs)
- Limited customer service options outside of opening hours in the UK
