Exante vs Interactive Brokers: Comparison and Analysis

Exante vs Interactive Brokers: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing a broker, it is important to compare different aspects such as security, demo account availability, account opening requirements, social-copy trading options, markets available, trading fees, platforms, and education/customer care. In this comparison, we will analyse these aspects for Exante and Interactive Brokers.

Security

Exante is regulated by MFSA, CySEC, and SFC, and it has a security rating of 94. Interactive Brokers, on the other hand, is regulated by FCA, several EU regulators (CSSF, CBI, and the Central Bank of Hungary), ASIC, HKSFC, SEBI, IIROC, FFAJ, MAS, SEC, and CFTC, and it has a security rating of 95. Both brokers have high security ratings, and they are regulated by multiple authorities, ensuring that clients’ funds are protected.

Demo Account

Exante offers an unlimited demo account with $1,000,000 virtual funds. Interactive Brokers also offers an unlimited demo account with $1,000,000 virtual funds, and the funds can be restored by contacting customer support. Both brokers offer demo accounts that are useful for testing strategies and getting familiar with the platform.

Account Opening

Exante has a minimum deposit requirement that is not specified on its website. The broker offers account currencies in GBP, USD, JPY, EUR, CHF, CZK, SEK, CAD, HKD, MXN, PLN, NOK, and SGD, and it accepts wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and eWallets. It offers standard, corporate, and professional trading accounts. Interactive Brokers does not have a minimum deposit requirement, but it requires at least $2,000 to trade with margin. The broker offers over 25 base currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, and GBP, and it accepts wire transfers, credit/debit cards, eWallets, IRA transfers, checks, and several local payment methods. It offers standard, margin, cash, and professional accounts. Interactive Brokers offers more options for account types and base currencies, making it more suitable for traders with different needs.

Social-Copy Trading

Exante offers social trading, but the details are not specified on its website. Interactive Brokers does not offer social-copy trading.

Markets

Exante offers forex (50), commodities (5), indices (10), crypto (30), stocks (24000+), futures (500+), options (270000+), hedge funds (200), and bonds (9). Interactive Brokers offers forex (100+), commodities (10), indices (0), crypto (23), stocks (5000+), ETFs (50+), and futures and options (20). Exante offers a wider range of CFD markets than Interactive Brokers, which may be more suitable for short-term investors.

Trading Fees

Exante’s spreads are variable, starting from 0.3 pips on forex, and stock commissions start from 0.02 USD. Interactive Brokers’ spreads are variable, starting from 0.1 pip on forex, and commissions per lot can go up to $7 per lot traded. However, with the IBKR Lite Plan, there are no commissions on stocks and ETFs, and financing rates start from 0.75%. With the IBKR Pro Plan, commissions start from $0.0005 per share or ETF. Interactive Brokers has lower spreads on forex and offers lower commissions on stocks and ETFs.

Platforms

Exante offers a proprietary trading platform available on web and mobile devices. Interactive Brokers offers a proprietary trading platform available as desktop, webtrader, and mobile. Both brokers offer algo trading options, but Interactive Brokers also offers VPS services, FIX API, and TWS API integration, which can be useful for more advanced traders.

Education/Customer Care

Exante does not provide educational materials, although market news and live events are scheduled. Its customer support is available via phone, live chat, and email. Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of educational materials for both beginners and advanced traders, including tutorial videos, the IBKR blog, and trader’s academy. Its customer care is easy to contact via email, telephone, and live chat, and it offers support in eight different languages.

Conclusion

Both Exante and Interactive Brokers are highly regulated brokers with strong security measures in place. They both offer unlimited demo accounts and a wide range of payment methods. However, Interactive Brokers offers a wider range of account types, base currencies, and educational materials, making it a better option for traders with different needs. Additionally, Interactive Brokers offers lower spreads on forex and lower commissions on stocks and ETFs with the IBKR Lite Plan. Exante offers a wider range of CFD markets, making it more suitable for short-term investors. Ultimately, the choice between Exante and Interactive Brokers depends on the trader’s individual needs and preferences.