Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

CrazyTrader58

Favorite FX Broker

Recommended Posts

Hello!

 

I've been reading this forum for a couple of days now and I have to admit, this is the best forum about trading i've seen so far! Everybody are willingly sharing their knowledge and it give great ressult!

 

So I have a question for you FX guys: After some research it appear to me that we can find and equal amount of pros and cons for every broker. I've seen some of you are using EFX...how does it perform? Do you like it? FXCM? And what about Gain Capital...I've seen that this was the worst broker...but that's the one John Carter is using so i suppose it can't be that bad. So i'm wondering which one are you using?

 

Cheer like walterw would say!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the best answer is to test drive them all when the free fake accounts. But be aware that the test accounts won't be exactly as the real accounts, there are miles apart from the two. But two things I check for, the quotes, and the speed of the execution (especially when it's AT THE MARKET, for what the current last price was and what you got and how long it took to be executed). If the spread is wider than another, put it as a con. If it executes longer than expected (even at Market), double con. If it executes at prices way out last prices (exception is at the news announcement, all bets are off), triple con. If they all hold up, then you have a decent platform on your hand.

 

So I've done this and had experienced with real accounts with a few out there. I'm currently using MBTrading, which uses the same platform as EFX. No complains from me so far. Been using for more than 1 year. I won't mention names, but the bigger and popular the brokers, then you know you're not dealing with highly personal customer rep service or decent platform (slaughterhouse). These are the ones the amateurs and uninformed first go when they see an ad all over the place. Do due diligence and see through the smoke and mirrors and judge for yourself.

 

Hope that helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  torero said:

 

I'm currently using MBTrading.

 

Been using for more than 1 year.

 

These are the new? naked, multi-stream (bank), tell it like it is spot operators in town aren’t they? I guess 12 months is a reasonably decent guage/trial period.

 

How do they cope with layered size torero? You shoving much size through there at varying times during the London & New York shifts?

 

We're informed they got one or two foot soldiers out there on the retail forums banging their drum, not sure if that's good or bad :)

 

It’s difficult to obtain a true reading on these guy’s. Ross & Steve Demarest sure have (positive) history out there, but it would be interesting to hear how this engine holds up against all the chatter & jawboning.

 

I only know one semi-serious player running tickets through them, but he's a whack job (& no, it’s not milliard – though he’s certainly a whack job lol), so I disregarded the conversation.

 

They appear? to offer an alternative to the dirty laundry masquerading as legit spot brokers out there, just wondering if their walk matches their talk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is from my experience after using various brokers, and from what I see so far, they are better (I never said they are the ultimate retail broker). I'm not a big gunslinging size trader compared to the institute so I can't say if they can handle size. So trading a few standard size contracts don't pose a problem for me during rush hour. The contracts execute fairly quick.

 

I'm aware that EFX has a guy out there on the forums educating or jawboning like you say to differentiate themselves from the no-commission brokers. I'd rather take the comms to the spread they offer. There's a level II on MBT where you can see the size a few levels on each side, so it look like the real market to me, I place an order, and I can my order on the Level II right away. FXCM and others only offer the spread quotes the last time I dropped them. They have more than others for me at the moment. If there are others out there that can offer more, let me know, I'm always looking out for new improved platform.

 

I don't promote or condemn any brokers, just my personal observation and opinion and I mentioned earlier, just try them all and see for yourself and don't take my word as the truth because the truth is only what each person sees it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Guys,

 

I'm at the moment with MB Trading FX which is a nice broker. I'd like to get a better broker though because commissions aren't exactly cheap at 10USD per 100k lot per round trip compared to what is being offered on futures. Someone I knew got them down to 8, and there are some people out there who claim to be able to get you a 25% refund, but in a way that I don't like. Other than that I am very happy with MB FX.

 

The only alternative of non dealing desk brokers seem to be Hotspot FX(6USD) and Dukascopy(max 4USD). Of course spreads, slippage and execution platform are also vital, unfortunately I have no idea how they compare in that respect.

 

OANDA seems to be ok too, they're not on top of my list though.

 

It would be great if someone could share their experience.

 

Cheers

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not wishing to ignore your above post there Sparrow, but unfortunately I can't add much of any use to your request for sharing re; Brokers.

 

Same goes for Anna-Maria & Krantzy too. I doubt you'll get a comment from them now anyway, they packed their toys away end Nov & aren't active again till end Jan 08.

 

We trunk thru Prime Broker ops... therefore don't utilize retail supply at all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey torero,

 

Yeah I drew the short straw! :roll eyes:

 

I fly home with a couple other stragglers Thursday. I'll be sure pass on your best wishes when I catch em for a few beers at the the other end next w/end.

 

You winding things up your end? You fella's generally run your orders right into Xmas week?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah, we all just wishing to squeeze a few more $$ to get a few more presents before it all ends. (Either that or a few less presents! Yikes!).

 

Good luck and happy new year!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  torero said:
(Either that or a few less presents! Yikes!).

 

Good luck and happy new year!

 

:o Oh for sure. Take care to wear adequate footware, it'll start getting awful slippy after this week as the volumes dissipate.

 

Our reps are more interested in chasing the skirt round the offices with bunches of mistletoe than work the orders. Waste of time trying to dodge the snipers when the lack of cover (liquidity) gets whacked.

 

Same to you, enjoy the holidays, & don't get crushed in the last minute shopping madness ;)

 

Catch y'all in Jan hopefully!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did a bit of research, read a couple of reviews at forexpeacearmy

and currencysecrets.

 

I suppose both hotspot and dukascopy are good brokers with pros and cons respectively but would have to find out myself by trying their demo accounts to get the complete picture.

 

I am just exploring my options here, I'll stay with MB FX for some time for sure until I've got enough experience paper trading.

 

For scalping though commissions, spreads and slippage can make or break a system.

 

Hope you're all enjoy your vacation, see you next year.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  notouch said:
How original! Another "Favorite FX Broker" thread! :crap:

 

Interactive Brokers seem to offer the best spreads and cheapest commissions and they're a STP/ECN broker.

 

If you can post a good link I'd be very glad.

Thanks for reminding me of IB, i forgot to mention them, but dunno how they compare to the others.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  notouch said:
How original! Another "Favorite FX Broker" thread! :crap:

 

Interactive Brokers seem to offer the best spreads and cheapest commissions and they're a STP/ECN broker.

 

 

Hey, nice to see you back at the forum!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

IB hasn't got cheaper comissions than MB FX as far as I can tell.

They charge normal retail traders 1 basis point * trade value in comissions ( e.g. 100k USD * 0.0001 = 10USD ).

 

If you trade a lot you can get it down to a tenth of that, but that'd require a bunch of money. Besides their reviews are worse than the others, mostly because of their support.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have used many Forex Brokers over the years. I no longer daytrade Forex in a "scalping" manner, but still occasionally enter intraday swings or even longer positions. The only broker I still use for Forex is EFXGroup. They are the Forex only side of MBTrading. The people that work there are very helpful and I have never had an issue with them. If you trade the big pairs during peak hours the spread is practically non-existent and in my opinion cancels the fact that you pay a commission. Their speed is top notch and the spreads are very fair around news events.

 

I would like to point out, however, that I do not think scalping and news trading is a good idea with Forex. Currency futures is a better choice in my opinion. If you do have a valid and robust strategy for trading Forex, you should take a look at EFXGroup or MBTrading.

 

Forex Brokers I have had experience with:

  • EFXGroup
  • Forex.com
  • FXCM
  • FXDD
  • InteractiveBrokers
  • Oanda
  • Velocity4X

Note: EFXGroup is the only one I have dealt with lately (within the last five months). Like with every broker…uptime, speed, customer support, etc, can change from time to time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Hlm,

 

thanks for the info, sadly there aren't many real alternatives to EFX/MB FX.

You're right about the scalping, setups really need to be very good otherwise there's no way to make a profit in FX.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with the scalping. Forex tend to trend much better than other products so why scalp when you can trend and make more money. I have 2 accounts at MBT, one for swing and the other to use for short term counter-trend trades (not scalping though). As I mentioned in other threads, I never had problems with them so why fix it if it ain't broke?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  Sparrow said:
IB hasn't got cheaper comissions than MB FX as far as I can tell.

They charge normal retail traders 1 basis point * trade value in comissions ( e.g. 100k USD * 0.0001 = 10USD ).

 

If you trade a lot you can get it down to a tenth of that, but that'd require a bunch of money. Besides their reviews are worse than the others, mostly because of their support.

 

IB are much cheaper than MB. I don't know where you're getting your figures from.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  torero said:
Hey, nice to see you back at the forum!

 

Thanks. I've been focussing on forex trading with some nice set-ups on the 5 minute charts and a few fundamental trades here and there (long EUR/JPY since yesterday in anticipation of the Fed cut) so haven't posted here in a while. I came back to check if there's been much discussion on the rainbow indicator because I find that useful for getting into established trends. I post over at forexfactory more regularly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  Sparrow said:
ey notouch, the figures are correct, the application/calculation might not be.

I'd be happy to be wrong.

 

IB Coms

 

Forex trading is through IdealPro not Ideal. Commissions are a fifth what you're quoting.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're right, thanks for clearing things up. That'd put em in the same league as dukascopy commissions wise with half of the minimum initial balance requirement.

 

Looks like another option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 3rd April 2025.   Gold Prices Pull Back After Record High as Traders Eye Trump’s Tariffs.   Key Takeaways:   Gold prices retreated after hitting a record high of $3,167.57 per ounce due to profit-taking. President Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all US imports, escalating trade tensions. Gold remains exempt from reciprocal tariffs, reinforcing its safe-haven appeal. Investors await US non-farm payroll data for further market direction. Fed rate cut bets and weaker US Treasury yields underpin gold’s bullish outlook. Gold Prices Retreat from Record Highs Amid Profit-Taking Gold prices saw a pullback on Thursday as traders opted to take profits following a historic surge. Spot gold declined 0.4% to $3,122.10 per ounce as of 0710 GMT, retreating from its fresh all-time high of $3,167.57. Meanwhile, US gold futures slipped 0.7% to $3,145.00 per ounce, reflecting broader market uncertainty over economic and geopolitical developments.   The recent rally was largely fueled by concerns over escalating trade tensions after President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new import tariffs. The 10% baseline tariff on all goods entering the US further deepened the global trade conflict, intensifying investor demand for safe-haven assets like gold. However, as traders locked in gains from the surge, prices saw a modest retracement.   Trump’s Tariffs and Their Market Implications On Wednesday, Trump introduced a sweeping tariff policy imposing a 10% baseline duty on all imports, with significantly higher tariffs on select nations. While this move was aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing, it sent shockwaves across global markets, fueling inflation concerns and heightening trade war fears.   Gold’s Role Amid Trade War Escalations Despite the widespread tariff measures, the White House clarified that reciprocal tariffs do not apply to gold, energy, and ‘certain minerals that are not available in the US’. This exemption suggests that central banks and institutional investors may continue favouring gold as a hedge against economic instability. One of the key factors supporting gold is the slowdown that these tariffs could cause in the US economy, which raises the likelihood of future Federal Reserve rate cuts. Gold is currently in a pure momentum trade. Market participants are on the sidelines and until we see a significant shakeout, this momentum could persist.   Impact on the US Dollar and Bond Yields Gold prices typically move inversely to the US dollar, and the latest developments have pushed the dollar to its weakest level since October 2024. Market participants are increasingly pricing in the possibility of a Fed rate cut, as the tariffs could weigh on economic growth.   Additionally, US Treasury yields have plummeted, reflecting growing recession fears. Lower bond yields reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, making it a more attractive investment.         Technical Analysis: Key Levels to Watch Gold’s recent rally has pushed it into overbought territory, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) above 70. This indicates a potential short-term pullback before the uptrend resumes. The immediate support level lies at $3,115, aligning with the Asian session low. A further decline could bring gold towards the $3,100 psychological level, which has previously acted as a strong support zone. Below this, the $3,076–$3,057 region represents a critical weekly support range where buyers may re-enter the market. In the event of a more significant correction, $3,000 stands as a major psychological floor.   On the upside, gold faces immediate resistance at $3,149. A break above this level could signal renewed bullish momentum, potentially leading to a retest of the record high at $3,167. If bullish momentum persists, the next target is the $3,200 psychological barrier, which could pave the way for further gains. Despite the recent pullback, the broader trend remains bullish, with dips likely to be viewed as buying opportunities.   Looking Ahead: Non-Farm Payrolls and Fed Policy Traders are closely monitoring Friday’s US non-farm payrolls (NFP) report, which could provide critical insights into the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves. A weaker-than-expected jobs report may strengthen expectations for an interest rate cut, further boosting gold prices.   Other key economic data releases, such as jobless claims and the ISM Services PMI, may also impact market sentiment in the short term. However, with rising geopolitical uncertainties, trade tensions, and a weakening US dollar, gold’s safe-haven appeal remains strong.   Conclusion: While short-term profit-taking may trigger minor corrections, gold’s long-term outlook remains bullish. As global trade tensions mount and the Federal Reserve leans toward a more accommodative stance, gold could see further gains in the months ahead.   Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Andria Pichidi HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • AMZN Amazon stock, nice buying at the 187.26 triple+ support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?AMZN
    • DELL Dell Technologies stock, good day moving higher off the 90.99 double support area, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?DELL
    • MCK Mckesson stock, nice trend and continuation breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?MCK
    • lmfx just officially launched their own LMGX token, Im planning to grab a couple of hundred and maybe have the option to stake them. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.