7 Best Indices Trading Forex Brokers for 2026
Trading indices via CFDs has been gaining popularity for years, as traders and the general market have been focusing on sectors and overall market performance for some time. This is partly due to index and passive investing flows, and also due to the simplicity of betting on the market itself, instead of a particular company.
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Our team has been reviewing hundreds of brokers for the last few years, and I have focused on index trading for this article. I looked at an extensive list of brokers, picking the best for traders that offer index trading, reasonable spreads and costs, user-friendly platforms, and helpful resources.
List of Top Forex Brokers for Indices Trading
*AvaTrade doesn’t allow CFD trading in Spain; only Futures are available.
Compare All Listed Brokers
| Broker | Score | Fees Score | Min Deposit | Max Leverage | Platforms | Visit Broker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC | 4.8 | 5.0 | $0 | 1:30 (ASIC) 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:5000 (FSA) · 1:400 (CMA) · 1:200 (SCB) | MT5, cTrader, MT4, TradingView, Zulutrade | Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary. |
Trading.com | 4.4 | 4.0 | $50 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:50 (CFTC) · 1:50 (NFA) | MT5, Trading.com WebTrader, Trading.com App | FX and CFD trading involve a high risk of loss. T&Cs Apply. |
Capital.com | 4.5 | 4.1 | $20 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:30 (CySEC) · 1:200 (SCB) · 1:300 (CMA UAE) | MT4, TradingView, Capital.com Web Trader, Capital.com App | Depending on the company, 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Capital.com Group. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. |
FxPro | 4.3 | 3.0 | $0 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:10000 (FSA) · 1:200 (SCB) · 1:30 (CySEC) | MT5, cTrader, MT4, FxPro Trading Platform, FxPro Mobile App, TradingView | 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. (EU, UK) |
IronFX | 4.4 | 4.0 | $50 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:500 (FSCA) · 1:2000 (BVI FSC) | MT4 | Our products are traded on margin and carry a high level of risk and it is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. |
AvaTrade | 4.5 | 4.2 | $100 | 1:400 (FSCA) 1:30 (CBI) · 1:200 (BVI FSC) · 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:400 (ADGM) · 1:25 (JFSA) · 1:30 (ISA) · 1:30 (CySEC) | AvaOptions, AvaSocial, MT5, Proprietary, MT4, DupliTrade, Ava Web Trader, AvaTrade App | Trading CFDs and FX Options entail risk and could result in the loss of your capital. |
OANDA | 4.4 | 3.9 | $0 | 1:30 (FCA) 1:50 (CFTC) · 1:50 (NFA) · 1:25 (FFAJ) · 1:30 (ASIC) · 1:50 (CIRO (IIROC)) · 1:20 (MAS) | MT5, MT4, OANDA Trade Web Platform | Your capital is at risk. Spreadbetting only available in UK. |
How Did I Select the Best Forex Brokers for Indices Trading?
- I checked all brokers in this article, ensuring that they are licensed in a strong jurisdiction.
- I looked at the indices offered and made note of whether or not the offerings were varied and wide.
- All brokers are checked to see if they allow indices to be traded, using leverage through CFDs, futures, or options.
- I opened live trading accounts to determine trading fees and compared them to industry averages.
- I tested each broker’s trading platform, making sure user-friendliness and the proper tools are included.
- I looked at the educational materials and preferred brokers that offer dedicated content related to trading indices.
Best Overall
- $0Min Deposit
- 7342Tradable Instruments
- LowFees
Why We Picked It
IC Markets was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the FSA in the Seychelles. IC Markets offers over 2,200 instruments for trading. IC Markets offers 4 platforms, research platforms both in-house and third-party, and extremely low fees.
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indices for Trading: 25
- Type of Index Contracts: CFDs, ETFs, Futures
- Max Leverage for Indices: 1:200
- Fees for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: Average 1.4 pip Spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Research Tools: Trading Central, Autochartist, IC Insights
IC Markets offers 25 global indices, including spot indices and futures indices. This includes such indices that you would expect, such as the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and others like the VIX and ICE Dollar Index.
IC Markets index spreads are some of the best I have found in the industry. My live test showed the average spread for the Dow Jones 30 index at 1.4 pips, well below the 3.0 pip industry average.
IC Markets offers Metatrader 4 and 5 platforms, cTrader, and TradingView platforms. All of these platforms are well-known and tested by traders all over the world. There is a massive amount of indicators available, as well as a multitude of drawing tools for technical analysis. IC Markets also offers 20 exclusive trading tools not previously available on MetaTrader 4. These include Alarm Manager, Sentiment Trader, Market Manager, Correlation Trader, and more.
Pros and Cons
- Four trading platform ecosystems
- Advanced MetaTrader tools
- Research from Trading Central and Autochartist
- Zero commission on indices trading
- High swap fees
Best Index Trading Platform
- $50Min Deposit
- 1469Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Trading.com is a New York-based broker that is licensed by several top-tier regulators around the world. This includes CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and CFTC/NFA. WebTrader and mobile app trading are available, as well as Metatrader 5. Trading.com offers over 1,400 assets, including 23 equity indices, and a total of 44, including thematic indices such as “Crypto 10” or “Electric Vehicles.”
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indices: 23 equities, 44 total
- Types of Indices: Cash and futures
- Max Leverage for Indices: 1:20
- Fees for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: 4.0 pip Spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: Trading.com WebTrader, mobile app, and MT5
- Research Tools: Reuters News, Analyzer, Trading Central
Trading.com gives you access to 44 indices, as well as a total of 1,400 tradable assets. The indices include not only those you would expect, such as S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, or FTSE 100, but also theme-based indices like “LATAM Giants” and “Crypto 10.”
The premium web platform has TradingView charts integrated, allowing for very detailed technical analysis by traders. The mobile version is robust as well, and Metatrader 5 is also offered, a favorite platform of traders around the world.
I also found a wide selection of high-quality educational content, including articles and videos. These covered topics are suitable for traders of all experience levels. Customer support is offered 24/5 via live chat, email, or phone.
Pros and Cons
- Advanced charting by TradingView
- User-friendly web and mobile platforms
- Low minimum deposit
- Strong educational content
- No Raw spread account
Best Selection of Indices
- $20Min Deposit
- 6313Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
Capital.com has been around since 2016 and has a massive amount of assets for trading, with over 5,500 markets offered. They also offer not only 66 indices via CFD trading, but also “knock-out” options on indices. This allows exposure to both equity indices and thematic ones, such as “US FANG.”
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indices: 66, plus 19 “knock out” options
- Type of Indices: Cash, Futures, and Kick-Out options.
- Max. Leverage for Indices: 1:20
- Fess for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: 2.0 Spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: Web Trader, Metatrader 4, Metatrader 5, TradingView
- Tools: FIX API
Capital.com’s major index spreads are one of their strongest points, with the Dow Jones 30 offering a spread of 2.0, and the DAX in Germany being just 1.5 as well, driving down the costs for their traders.
The Web Trader platform is a strong point as well, with multiple functionalities and responsive charts. I found it very intuitive. Capital.com also offers MT$ and MT5, as well as the widely-loved TradingView platform to access the trading environment.
Capital.com also offers FIX API access, accommodating Direct Market Access trading. This allows lightning execution and raw spreads directly from the exchange order books.
Pros and Cons
- 66 indices, 19 “Knock-outs”
- Great selection of platforms
- FIX API integration
- $20 minimum deposit
- No copy trading
Best for Professional Traders
- $0Min Deposit
- 2090Tradable Instruments
- HighFees
Why We Picked It
FxPro is a huge global Forex and CFD broker regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, the SCB in the Bahamas, and the FSA in the Seychelles. FxPro has over 2,100 assets available for trading, spreading the global reach of its clients quite far. This allows professionals to take advantage of opportunities around the world. FxPro also offers multiple types of accounts, as well as multiple trading platforms.
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indiecs: 20
- Types of Indices: CFDs
- Max. Leverage for Indices: 1:200
- Fees for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: 2.5 pip spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, FxPro Web Platform, and FxPro App
- Research Tools: Trading Central
FxPro offers three accounts for retail traders: the Standard, Raw+, and the Elite. The Raw+ and Elite accounts offer raw spreads, with a commission of $3.50 per lot, per side. Elite accounts allow traders to get rebates on commission up to $1.50 per lot, depending on volume.
FxPro offers a user-friendly WebTrader platform and mobile app that have plenty of features. FxPro also offers cTrader, MT5, MT4, and TradingView.
FxPro also offers Virtual Private Servers (VPS) to run automated strategies 24 hours a day without interruption. The cTrader copy trade feature allows professional investment managers to offer clients yet another option to allow clients to follow their investments.
Pros and Cons
- Freat selection of trading platforms
- Raw spreads accounts with low prices
- Commission rebates for Elite accounts
- Trading Central research
- An inactivity fee after 6 months of no activity
Best Account Offering
- $50Min Deposit
- 311Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
IronFX, founded in 2010, is registered and regulated by the FSC (BVI). The broker offers 4 different trading accounts, with over 500 tradeable instruments. There are both commission-free and floating spread accounts. The account mixture also includes STP/ECN execution models.
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of indices: 24
- Types of Indices: Cash and Futures CFDs
- Max. Leverage for Indices: 1:100
- Fees for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: 3.0 pip spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4
- Research Tools: Trading Central
IronFX offers 24 equity index CFD markets such as the US30CASH and Nikkei225 futures. There are plenty of other markets, such as commodities like oil and natural gas, as well as over 80 FX pairs. All are available on the live floating spread and fixed spread accounts, as well as the STP/ECN versions.
The STP/ECN account allows direct access to liquidity providers, which makes for faster executions in general and better pricing at times. The Dow Jones 30 Index CFD spread averages about 3.0 pips, which is in line with CFD markets overall.
Pros and Cons
- 4 trading accounts, including spread-based and raw-spread options
- Add-ons and PMAM accounts on MT4
- Free VPS hosting
- Copy trading via TradeCopier
- EU entity does not accept retail traders
Best for Beginners
- $100Min Deposit
- 1472Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
AvaTrade has been around since 2006, and is a well-known and well-regulated broker, including in the EU, Australia, British Virgin Islands, Japan, South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Colombia. AvaTrade offers zero-commission trading accounts, a massive amount of indices, including thematic ones. There is a massive range of educational materials fit for beginners as well.
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indices: 36
- Types of Indices: CFDs
- Max. Leverage for Indices: 1:20
- Fees for Dow Jones 30 Index CFD: 4.0 pip spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: AvaTrade WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, AvaTrade App, MT4, MT5, DupliTrade
- Research Tools: Trading Central
AvaTrade offers a wide range of index CFD markets, not only the ones you expect, but also many thematic indices, such as “Airlines” or “China Internet.” This allows traders to get a wide exposure to not only markets like the S&P 500 or FTSE 100, but also to take advantage of hot sectors.
Beginners will love the large range of educational materials that AvaTrade offers, such as courses on Short Selling, Derivatives, Strategies, and more. The courses are often text-based, but the material is solid.
The live testing I did showed the spread for the Dow Jones 30 Index CFD was 4.0 pips, a bit higher than the industry average of 3.0 pips.
Pros and Cons
- User-friendly trading platforms
- Educational webinars, video lessons, and articles
- Thematic-based indices
- Zero commission index trading
- Limited payment options
Best Low Spreads
- $0Min Deposit
- 2337Tradable Instruments
- MediumFees
Why We Picked It
OANDA was founded in 1996 and has long been a leader in retail online trading of CFD markets. OANDA is regulated across the world, offering plenty of protection for traders. There are almost 20 equity indices, but this can vary depending on your country of residence. These all have tight spreads and zero commissions.
Key Indices Trading Features:
- Number of Indices: 19 (via UK, can vary slightly)
- Type of Indices: CFDs
- Max Leverage for Indices: Up to 1:20
- Fee for Dow Jones Index 30 CFD: 1.75 pip Spread, Zero Commission
- Platforms: OANDA Web, MT4, TradingView
In my live test, the spread for the Dow Jones 30 Index CFD averaged 1.75 pips, much better than the industry average of 3.0 pips. Other indices also had tight spreads, such as the DAX 40 with 1.7 pips. This is better than the industry average of 2.0 pips.
OANDA is more than just competitive spreads. It also offers strong trading platforms, with the proprietary one offering user-friendly tools and options. However, the MetaTrader 4 platform is one that people will know and love, and of course, TradingView is very popular for its excellent range of tools and charting options.
OANDA also provides an order book on its platform, providing the trader with the depth of liquidity, and allows them to get a read on sentiment as far as clients are concerned. The platform also has a news aggregator that works well and is timely. The trader performance analytics were also excellent as well.
Pros and Cons
- Low spreads on indices
- Zero commission trading
- Excellent proprietary platform
- Advanced technical tools
- Withdrawal fee
All the Brokers We Tested
Update history
Related Guides
About the Authors
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Christopher Lewis is an experienced trader and technical analyst specializing on currencies, indices, and commodities. He also has been working as a proprietary trader for institutional accounts. Chris has been an FXEmpire analyst since the site's early days and shares his trading insights on his own blog, The Trader Guy. His sharp, practical understanding of the trading industry means he knows forex and CFD brokers inside-out, so you can trust his guidance on how they work and which one to choose.
Aviva is a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire. Her substantial contributions include refining over 150 broker reviews and 'Best Brokers Guides,' enhancing our proprietary methodology, and ensuring every fact is meticulously verified.
As a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire, Ola has revised and fact-checked over 200 broker reviews and guides. Her profound understanding of financial markets has been crucial in developing the proprietary rating system.
- List of Top Forex Brokers for Indices Trading
- How Did I Select the Best Forex Brokers for Indices Trading?
- Best Overall
- Best Index Trading Platform
- Best Selection of Indices
- Best for Professional Traders
- Best Account Offering
- Best for Beginners
- Best Low Spreads
- All the Brokers We Tested
- Update history
- Related Guides