Forex traders always look for trading with brokers that suit their trading needs and preferences.CMC Markets and LQDFX are online forex brokers that offer their trading services to traders and investors.CMC Markets is a highly regulated and trusted forex broker. It is regulated in five tier-1 jurisdictions. On the other hand, LQDFX is an offshore forex broker which is not regulated by any regulatory bodies.
In this article, we will review and compare the brokerage services offered byCMC Markets and LQDFX. We will explore options such as regulations, reputations, fees, features, leverage, and more. Additionally, we will analyze and rate the brokers based on macro and micro categories and options. By reviewing these aspects, you will get a clear idea of which broker suits you best for your trading journey.
CMC Markets vs LQDFX: In a Nutshell
CMC Markets
Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a publicly traded broker (Ticker: CMCX). The broker is regulated in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. It offers over 9800 trading instruments, including Forex, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Shares & ETFs, and Commodities. There is no minimum deposit requirement on IC Markets; you may deposit as low as $1. CMC Markets allows EA trading and news trading. The broker uses the most popular trading platform, MetaTrader (MT4), as its trading platform. To learn more, you can read our review about CMC Markets.
LQDFX
Established in 2015, LQDFX boasts of low spreads, fast order executions, and security through client funds segregation, zero balance implementation, etc. Newbies are encouraged with multiple trading resources, demo account contests, and even micro accounts. Investors can choose the MAM/PAMM accounts and pros can open VIP accounts.
CMC Markets vs: LQDFX Features
CMC Markets
- Trading Instruments: 12000+ trading instruments including forex, indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Shares, Share baskets, Treasuries, etc
- Maximum leverage: Up to 30:1 ( FCA, ASIC), up to 1:50 (IIROC), and up to 500:1 for a professional account.
- Minimum Deposit: No Minimum Deposit. However, Pepperstone recommends $200 or equivalent for the margin requirement.
- Account Types: Three (Spread Betting Account, CFD Account, Corporate Account)
- Trading Fees: only Spread is charged (Commission is only for Shares account). Variable spreads from 0.3 pips. A rollover commission is applied on open positions overnight. For the Shares account commission starts from $7.
- PAMM/ MAM: Not Available
- Scalping: Allowed
- News Trading: Allowed
- EA/ Robot Trading: Allowed
LQDFX
- Trading Instruments: FX, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Cryptos
- Maximum leverage: 1000:1
- Minimum Deposit: $20
- Account Types:Â 4 (Standard, Pro, Var, Mini)
- Trading Fees: Commissions on Fx apply, $2.50 per 100,000
- PAMM/ MAM:Â Not Available
- Scalping: AllowedÂ
- News Trading: Allowed
- EA/ Robot Trading: Allowed
CMC Markets vs LQDFX: Side By Side Comparison
CMC Markets vs LQDFX: Pros and Cons
CMC Markets Pros & Cons
- Regulated by FCA, ASIC, IIROC, MAS, FMA
- Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is publicly traded company
- The minimum deposit is as low as $1
- Comparatively low spread starting from 0.7 pips
- Allows news trading, EA/Robot trading
- Extensive range of tradable assets
- Excellent education and research resources
- Offered only MT4, no MT5, cTrader trading platforms
- Maximum leverage is only 1:300
- No passive investment programme or social trading platforms ( No PAMM, MAM accounts)
- Does not accept US clients
- Only CFD Trading
- High CFD spreads for certain Indices
- Spread betting only for UK residents
LQDFX Pros & Cons
- ECN broker with spreads from 0.0 pips and full STP execution.
- The minimum deposit required to start live trading is $20.
- Zero-balance protection and segregated funds.
- A 100% deposit bonus is given to traders who deposit from $250 to $20,000.
- Variety of Account Types including Swap Free Islamic Account
- Training resources in the form of video lessons, eBooks, etc.
- More than 30 video lessons are provided to train beginner traders.
- Accept multiple deposit methods such as debit/credit cards, cryptos, bank transfers, and PayRedeem eCards.
- An Economic Calendar, trading calculators, and chart analysis are some of the trading tools provided by the broker.
- No regulation from any regulatory authority.
- MT4 is the only platform available for traders.
- VIP accounts have a very high opening deposit.
- No daily market news and analysis.
- No MAM Managed Account
- Withdrawal fees for Visa and MasterCard
CMC Markets Vs LQDFX: Our Scores and Ratings
We rated both brokers, CMC Markets and LQDFX, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 0.1 increments. To achieve a comprehensive rating, we broadly grouped all services offered by brokers into 6 macro categories and assigned percentage weights to them. Each macro category is subdivided into several data points which contributes to the total score of 1.0-10.0 assigned to each macro category. Since all categories are not equally important, our weight percentage plays a significant role in assessing the broker accurately. For example, Regulation and Security contributes a total weight of 40% to the whole ratings because this is the most important rating category. To learn more, read our methodology.
CMC Markets:
LQDFX
Final Verdict :
Both CMC Markets and LQDFX offer similar trading services worldwide. However, there are differences in their regulations, reputation, and operation.CMC Markets is a highly regulated and trusted forex broker. It is regulated by top-tier regulatory authorities, including FCA, MAS, ASIC, IIROC, FMA. On the other hand, LQDFX is an unregulated offshore forex broker.CMC Markets provides Multiple trading platforms including Mt4, Web Trading, Mobile. On the Contrary, LQDFX uses MT4 as its trading platform
As CMC Markets is not licensed in the USA, it cannot accept US clients. Being an unregulated offshore forex broker, LQDFX can onboard clients from anywhere in the world, including the USA. Therefore, non-US traders may opt forCMC Markets , while US traders looking for offshore forex brokers may consider LQDFX. Trading with offshore forex brokers is risky and not recommended.