XM Vs eToro

Choosing the right broker is paramount in the world of trading as it directly impacts the trading journey and outcomes. With numerous brokers available, it is crucial to compare and assess their features and offerings. In this article, we will focus on the comparison between XM and eToro. XM is a well-established broker offering a wide range of trading instruments, while eToro is known for its social trading platform and unique features. The purpose of this article is to provide traders with an insightful analysis of both brokers, examining factors such as regulation, trading platforms, pricing, account types, and customer support. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of XM and eToro, traders can make an informed decision based on their individual trading preferences and needs.

XM Overview

XM

XM

XM is a well-established forex and CFD broker that has been providing trading services to clients worldwide. Founded in 2009, XM is operated by Trading Point Holdings Ltd. The broker is regulated by reputable financial authorities, including CySEC, ASIC, and IFSC, ensuring a high level of trust and security for traders. XM offers a variety of trading platforms and technologies, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, known for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. The pricing and fees at XM are competitive, with variable spreads starting from as low as 0.0 pips for major currency pairs and no commissions on trades. Traders can choose from various account types, including Micro, Standard, and XM Zero accounts, each designed to cater to different trading preferences.

XM provides favorable trading conditions with tight spreads, fast order execution, and high liquidity. Additionally, the broker offers a range of research and education resources, such as market analysis, webinars, video tutorials, and trading tools, to support traders in making informed decisions. Customer support is available 24/5, with multilingual assistance through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring accessibility and prompt assistance for clients. Overall, XM is a reputable broker that offers a comprehensive trading experience with its robust platforms, competitive pricing, diverse account types, favorable trading conditions, extensive research resources, and dedicated customer support.

Pros and Cons of XM

Pros:

  • XM is a good broker for beginners because it offers a micro account where traders can learn from their mistakes without the need to cost a fortune².
  • XM has low trading fees for CFDs and charges no withdrawal fee³.
  • XM offers competitive spreads and a good platform with an option for trading with robots.

Cons:

  • Forex and stock index fees are only average, and
  • There is a fee for inactivity
XM Logo

XM Group is a multi-award winning globally established and regulated broker that offers tight spreads, fast execution speeds and low commission fees, for trading over 1,000 instruments on user-friendly platforms. They also provide education, market analysis tools and convenient funding options.

Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

eToro Overview

eToro

eToro

eToro is a popular trading and investing platform that provides a unique and user-friendly experience for traders and investors worldwide. Established with the goal of empowering individuals to grow their knowledge and wealth, eToro has become a prominent player in the industry. The platform is regulated by reputable authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring compliance and security for its users. eToro offers a web-based trading platform, making it accessible and convenient for traders to execute their trades from any device with internet access. The platform provides competitive pricing and generally low CFD trading fees, allowing users to access the markets at a cost-effective rate.

With two account types, retail and professional, eToro caters to different trading needs and preferences. One of the unique features of eToro is social trading, which enables users to follow and copy the trades of successful traders, leveraging the wisdom of the crowd. This social aspect of trading provides an opportunity for novice traders to learn from experienced professionals and potentially improve their trading performance. Additionally, eToro offers a range of research and education resources, including market analysis, educational articles, and webinars, to support users in making informed trading decisions. Customer support is readily available through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat, ensuring prompt assistance and accessibility for users.

Pros and Cons of eToro

Pros of eToro:

  • Social Trading
  • Diverse Asset Selection
  • User-Friendly Platform
  • Regulation and Trustworthiness
  • CopyPortfolio

Cons of eToro:

  • Limited Technical Analysis Tools
  • No Direct Market Access
  • Inactivity Fee
  • Limited Educational Resources

eToro is a leading social trading platform offering flexible methods of investing in a wide range of assets and copying other traders. The eToro platform is very intuitive with a vast collection of analytical tools and convenient funding options.

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Comparison Between XM and eToro

Here we will explore key aspects of these brokers to help you make an informed decision.

Regulation:

Both XM and eToro are regulated by multiple authorities in different jurisdictions. XM is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

eToro is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. Additionally, eToro is registered as a money services business with FinCEN in the US.

eToro has a slight edge over XM in terms of regulation, as it has one more regulator than XM and is also authorized to operate in the US.

Trading platforms:

XM offers a web-based trading platform that is accessible from any device with an internet connection. The platform provides a user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a wide range of technical indicators. It is designed to cater to traders of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals, offering a seamless and intuitive trading experience. eToro also offers a web-based platform known for its innovative social trading features. The platform is easy to navigate, and its social trading aspect allows users to interact with other traders, share ideas, and follow successful traders’ strategies. This creates a social trading community where users can learn from each other and potentially improve their trading outcomes.

Pricing and fees:

XM and eToro have different pricing and fee structures depending on the type of account and asset class. XM offers three types of accounts: Micro, Standard, and Ultra Low. The Micro and Standard accounts have no commissions but higher spreads, while the Ultra Low account has lower spreads but charges commissions. The average spread for EUR/USD on XM is 0.8 pips for Micro and Standard accounts, and 0.6 pips for Ultra Low accounts. The commission for Ultra Low accounts is $3.5 per lot per side. XM also charges an inactivity fee of $5 per month after 90 days of no trading activity.

eToro offers only one type of account, which has no commissions but variable spreads. The average spread for EUR/USD on eToro is 1 pip. eToro also charges a withdrawal fee of $5 per transaction, and a conversion fee for deposits and withdrawals in currencies other than USD. eToro does not charge an inactivity fee.

Broker Type:

XM and eToro are both market makers, meaning they act as the counterparty to their clients’ trades. However, XM also offers direct market access (DMA) for some accounts, meaning they route the clients’ orders to liquidity providers such as banks or hedge funds. XM is therefore a hybrid broker that combines market making and DMA. eToro does not offer DMA, but claims to use advanced technology to execute the clients’ orders at the best available prices.

Leverage:

XM offers leverage up to 1:1000, allowing traders to control larger positions with a smaller capital outlay. High leverage provides the potential for higher returns, but it also amplifies the risks associated with trading. Traders should exercise caution and have a sound risk management strategy when using high leverage. eToro offers leverage up to 1:400, which is also a significant amount of leverage. Traders should assess their risk tolerance and understand the potential impact of leverage on their trading before deciding which level of leverage is appropriate for them.

Asset selection:

XM offers a wide range of tradable instruments, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, precious metals, energies, and shares. This diverse selection allows traders to access various markets and diversify their portfolios. eToro provides access to forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The inclusion of cryptocurrencies sets eToro apart, providing traders with the opportunity to participate in the growing cryptocurrency market. Traders should consider the specific assets they wish to trade and ensure that the broker they choose offers the desired range of instruments.

Social Trading:

eToro is widely recognized for its social trading platform, which allows users to interact with a community of traders, follow their strategies, and even automatically copy their trades. This social aspect of trading can be beneficial for beginners or traders looking to learn from experienced investors. It provides an opportunity to gain insights, share ideas, and potentially enhance trading outcomes through collaboration. XM does not offer a dedicated social trading feature, focusing more on providing a robust trading platform and a wide range of financial instruments. Traders who prioritize social trading and the ability to engage with other traders may find eToro’s platform more appealing.

Minimum Deposit:

XM requires a low minimum deposit of $5, making it accessible to traders with different account sizes. This lower entry requirement allows traders to start with a smaller initial investment. eToro, on the other hand, has a higher minimum deposit requirement of $200. Traders should consider their budget and the amount they are comfortable investing when deciding which broker suits them best.

Withdrawal and Deposit methods:

Both XM and eToro offer a variety of secure and convenient withdrawal and deposit methods. These include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and popular e-wallets. Traders can choose the method that is most convenient for them, ensuring easy and efficient transactions. The availability of multiple options enhances accessibility and flexibility for traders.

Which Should You Choose?

When deciding between XM and eToro, it is essential to assess your individual trading preferences and needs. If you are a beginner trader seeking a user-friendly platform and educational resources, as well as the ability to engage in social trading, eToro may be a suitable choice. Their intuitive platform and extensive educational materials can support your learning journey, and social trading provides the opportunity to follow and copy successful traders. On the other hand, if you are an experienced trader looking for a diverse range of tradable assets, competitive trading conditions, high leverage options, and advanced charting tools, XM might be the preferred option. With XM, you can access a wide range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and popular trading platforms like MT4 and MT5.

Ultimately, the choice between XM and eToro depends on your specific trading goals, experience level, and the features that are most important to you. Consider your needs, conduct thorough research, and make an informed decision that aligns with your trading style and aspirations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing XM and eToro, it is evident that both brokers have their unique strengths and cater to different types of traders. XM excels in offering a wide range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, advanced trading platforms, and comprehensive research and educational resources. On the other hand, eToro stands out with its innovative social trading feature, user-friendly platform, and diverse asset classes, including cryptocurrencies. To determine the best choice, traders should carefully assess their individual trading preferences, goals, and requirements. It is recommended to conduct further research, explore the offerings of both brokers, and even consider opening demo accounts to test their platforms and services. By doing so, traders can make an informed decision and select the broker that aligns best with their trading style and objectives.


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