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- 11 Nov 2024
Best Investment Trading Platforms Overview
*eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
In the world of DIY investing, trading platforms have become crucial tools for investors to manage their portfolios directly. The rise of app-enabled trading has made investing more accessible than ever. While traditional platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell continue to be significant players, newer app-based platforms like eToro, IG Index, and Plus500 are gaining popularity.
These platforms differ in their fee structures, investment offerings, and user experiences, making it vital for investors to choose the one that aligns best with their investment strategy and experience level. Here’s a look at our top-rated investing apps.
eToro: Multi-Asset Trading Platform for Traders of All Levels
eToro has revolutionised the trading landscape since its inception in 2007. Positioned as a leader in social trading, eToro stands out with its user-friendly platform designed to make investment accessible to traders of all levels. With a focus on community and innovation, eToro has built a robust platform that blends traditional investing with the power of social media.
eToro's stated mission is to open the financial markets to everyone, everywhere. The platform boasts a global presence, serving over 30 million users across 140 countries. eToro offers a diverse multi-asset approach, allowing users to trade in stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and other financial instruments. A cornerstone of the platform is the CopyTrader feature, which allows users to mirror the trades of experienced investors, making it a favourite among users, especially those looking to learn from others' strategies.
The company's commitment to simplicity and accessibility, combined with a wide range of financial instruments, makes it a top choice for individuals seeking a holistic and community-oriented trading experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Share trading fee: No charge (other fees apply)Platform fee (annual): No chargeChoice of investments: Over 4,000 stocks (0% commission), ETFs, Cryptoassets, Commodities, Currencies, Smart Portfolios, and more.
Why We Picked It
eToro stands out as a multi-asset platform that caters to all levels of investors. Founded in 2007, it now boasts over 30 million users worldwide. eToro's strengths lie in its community-driven approach, with features like CopyTrader, which allows users to mimic the trades of others and its Social Feed, which fosters a sense of investor community.
Pros:
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and professionals
Offers a diverse range of over 4,000 financial instruments
Innovative features like CopyTrader and Social Feed
Demo account with $100k virtual funds to practise trading.
Cons:
Other fees apply which may be a consideration for some users.
For more information about eToro’s fees, visit https://www.etoro.com/trading/fees/
*eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
IG Index: A Platform for the Sophisticated Investor
IG Index, established in 1974, is a titan in the world of online trading, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and services for traders and investors. Known for its strong regulatory framework and a wide array of trading options, IG Index is a preferred choice for advanced traders who require a more sophisticated trading environment.
With a history spanning over four decades, IG Index has established itself as a reliable and innovative platform, offering access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and more. The platform is renowned for its advanced technology, providing powerful and flexible trading platforms both on the web and mobile. IG Index's dedication to providing in-depth market analysis and real-time data has made it a go-to resource for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
For traders who prioritise a blend of extensive market access, cutting-edge tools, and robust educational resources, IG Index stands as a formidable choice in the online trading landscape.
Rating: 4.0/5
Share trading fee: Variable based on trade frequency and market.
Platform fee (annual): £96 (waived with sufficient trade volume)
Choice of investments: Wide range of UK, US, European, and Australian shares, ETFs, and investment trusts.
Why We Picked It
IG Index is recognised for its comprehensive range of investment options and advanced trading tools, making it suitable for experienced traders. It offers access to over 13,000 global markets and a variety of instruments such as CFDs and spread betting.
Pros:
Extensive range of investment choices
Advanced trading tools and analytics
Ideal for experienced traders looking for depth in market access
Cons:
The platform can be complex for beginners.
Higher fees compared to some competitors
Indicative Fees: For detailed fee structure, visit ig.com.
Plus500: Streamlined Trading With Competitive Spreads
Plus500 emerged in 2008 as a user-friendly platform focusing primarily on Contracts for Difference (CFDs). With a commitment to simplicity and transparency, Plus500 provides an intuitive trading environment, making it a suitable platform for both novice and experienced traders.
The platform offers a streamlined trading experience, allowing users to trade a diverse range of instruments including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and indices, all through CFDs. Plus500 has gained popularity for its straightforward approach, offering
competitive spreads and no commission on trades, which appeals to traders mindful of cost efficiency.
Plus500's strength lies in its user-centric design, offering a clean, intuitive interface coupled with all the necessary tools and features for effective trading. Their commitment to customer service and providing a reliable trading environment has solidified Plus500's position as a trusted name in the realm of CFD trading.
Rating: 4.0/5
Share trading fee: No commission (spreads apply)
Platform fee (annual): No charge
Choice of investments: CFDs on Stocks, Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Options, and Indices.
Why We Picked It
Plus500 is known for its straightforward, user-friendly platform, offering an intuitive trading experience with competitive spreads. It specialises in CFD trading and provides a simplified interface that's accessible to traders of all levels.
Pros:
User-friendly and straightforward platform
Competitive spreads on a wide range of CFD instruments
Efficient customer support and educational resources
Cons:
Limited to CFDs, which may not be suitable for all investors
Does not offer traditional investment options like stocks and bonds
Indicative Fees: For more details, visit plus500.com.
The Bottom Line
Each of these platforms is a good candidate in its own way, each offering its own unique approach to trading and investing and each serving a variety of different kinds of clients. To find out more about these brokers, you can always contact customer service to see how quickly they respond, which is often a good sign as to the efficiency and professionality of each company. Finally, you can always try a demo account with any of the brokers in order to “try before you buy.”
FAQs
What should I look for in a regulated broker?
When selecting a regulated broker, you should consider various factors to make an informed decision. Firstly, ensure that the broker is regulated by a reputable authority like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK to guarantee adherence to industry standards and investor protection.
Pay attention to security measures, such as data encryption and secure login processes, to safeguard your personal and financial information. Understanding the fee structure is essential, including commission fees, spread charges, and non-trading fees, to avoid unexpected costs. Assess the range of financial instruments available, from stocks and bonds to ETFs and derivatives, as a diverse selection offers more investment opportunities.
The user interface should be user-friendly and equipped with essential tools and resources for analysis, research, and trading, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. Reliable customer support through multiple channels, educational resources, platform performance history, user reviews, and any additional features such as demo accounts or social trading should also factor into your decision-making process. All of these elements combined will help you to choose the most suitable broker for your trading needs.
Why is regulation important for a broker?
Regulation is crucial because it ensures that the broker operates under strict guidelines set by the financial authorities. This provides a level of security and trust, ensuring that the broker is accountable for its actions and provides a fair trading environment. Regulated brokers must also adhere to financial standards and client protection measures, such as keeping client funds in segregated accounts.
How can I verify a broker's regulatory status?
You can verify a broker's regulatory status by checking their website for details of their regulatory body and license number. This information is typically found in the footer of the website or in the “About Us” section. In addition, you can visit the website of the regulatory authority and use their database to confirm the broker's registration and compliance history.
