IG Review

IG-review

Welcome to our comprehensive IG Review, where we will delve into the various aspects of this well-known trading platform. As an investor or trader, it is crucial to understand the ins and outs of a platform before committing your hard-earned money.

In this review, we will discuss IG’s company background, products and services offered, as well as their fees and charges. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll analyze IG’s desktop platforms, mobile platforms and web trading platform in detail.

Furthermore, our IG Review covers essential topics such as regulation and security by examining the regulatory bodies involved with IG and exploring its account security features. Additionally, we will highlight copy trading features and charting tools available on the platform for those interested in these functionalities.

In conclusion, we will provide a comprehensive assessment of IG’s features and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Stay tuned for valuable insights that could potentially enhance your investing experience.

Overview of IG

IG is a leading online trading and investment platform that has been in the industry for over 40 years. IG’s comprehensive suite of products, services and cutting-edge tools strive to empower traders and investors with the resources they need to succeed in finance. In this section, we will delve into IG’s company background, explore their product offerings, as well as discuss their fees and charges.

a. Company Background

IG Group Holdings plc, founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler, started out as a small firm offering spread betting on gold prices before expanding into other financial markets such as forex trading and CFDs (contracts for difference). Today, IG boasts more than 239k active clients worldwide who enjoy access to over 17k global markets across various asset classes like stocks, indices, commodities, currencies, among others.

b. Products and Services Offered

  • CFDs: Trade contracts for difference on popular instruments including shares, indices, cryptocurrencies, etc., without owning underlying assets themselves;
  • Forex Trading: Access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs through competitive spreads and low margins;
  • Social Media Integration: Stay connected with market updates via Instagram Direct messages or follow trends using Instagram Stories and Reels;
  • User Experience Enhancements: Enjoy seamless navigation and an easy-to-use interface designed to enhance the overall user experience for both novice and experienced traders alike.

c. Fees and Charges

The fee structure at IG varies depending on the type of account you hold (standard or premium) along with specific products being traded – such as forex, CFDs, or spread betting. Generally speaking, IG offers competitive spreads and low commissions for its clients. However, it is essential to be aware of additional charges like overnight funding fees (for holding positions open past market close) and inactivity fees if your account remains dormant over specified periods.

Head to IG’s fees and charges page for an exhaustive listing of all costs connected with trading on their platform.

The Overview of IG provides a comprehensive look at the company’s background, products and services offered, as well as fees and charges. Moving on to Platforms and Apps, we will take an in-depth look into the various trading platforms available from IG.

Key Takeaway: 

IG is a recognised platform for trading and investing, providing various services, products and resources to assist traders in the finance sector. With over 239k active clients worldwide, IG provides access to more than 17k global markets across different asset classes like stocks, indices, commodities, currencies among others with competitive spreads and low commissions. However it’s important for users to be aware of additional charges such as overnight funding fees and inactivity fees if accounts remain dormant over specified periods.

Platforms and Apps

IG offers a variety of trading platforms and apps to cater to the diverse needs of investors and traders. IG provides a range of user-friendly platforms and apps, with advanced features to enhance your trading experience.

a. Desktop Platforms

The flagship IG Trading Platform is available for Windows and Mac users as a downloadable software application. This platform boasts an array of professional-grade tools such as customizable charts, technical indicators, drawing tools, price alerts, watchlists, economic calendars, and news feeds from Reuters News Agency directly integrated into the platform.

In addition to their proprietary platform, IG also supports third-party desktop applications like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), one of the most popular forex trading platforms in the industry known for its extensive range of automated strategies called Expert Advisors (EAs) which can be used by both beginners or experienced traders alike.

b. Mobile Platforms

To accommodate on-the-go traders who prefer managing their investments through smartphones or tablets, IG provides dedicated mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android devices – IG Trading App for Android and IG Forex & CFD Trading App for iOS. These intuitive apps offer seamless access to all essential features found on their desktop counterparts, including real-time quotes, interactive charts with multiple timeframes and indicators, order management tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders, and even live streaming news from Reuters.

c. Web Trading Platforms

For those who prefer trading directly through their web browsers without the need to download or install any software, IG has a Web Trading Platform. This platform is accessible on all major browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. It offers an easy-to-navigate interface that includes customizable watchlists for quick access to your favorite markets along with advanced charting capabilities featuring over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools for comprehensive market analysis.

In summary, IG’s diverse range of platforms and apps ensures that investors can trade comfortably according to their preferences while enjoying access to powerful features designed for effective market analysis and efficient execution of trades.

Platforms and Apps are an integral part of the IG trading experience, providing traders with a wide range of tools to access markets. With Regulation and Security being paramount in any online financial activity, it is important for investors to understand what measures have been put in place by IG to ensure their accounts remain safe.

Key Takeaway: 

IG provides numerous trading systems and applications, from desktop versions to mobile options to web-based platforms. Their flagship IG Trading Platform boasts an array of professional-grade tools such as customizable charts, technical indicators, drawing tools, price alerts, watchlists, economic calendars and news feeds from Reuters News Agency directly integrated into the platform. With their diverse range of platforms and apps investors can trade comfortably according to their preferences while enjoying access to powerful features designed for effective market analysis and efficient execution of trades.

Regulation and Security

To ensure the security of investors’ funds, regulation and oversight are essential elements in the world of online trading. In this section, we will discuss the regulatory bodies involved in overseeing IG’s activities as well as the account security features available for safeguarding customers’ funds.

a. Regulatory Bodies Involved

IG Group Holdings plc, the parent company of IG, is a global leader in online trading with over 45 years of experience in providing access to financial markets worldwide. The company operates under strict regulations imposed by various authorities across different jurisdictions:

  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates IG’s operations within the United Kingdom.
  • ASIC is responsible for supervising IG’s activities in Australia.
  • In Europe, local regulators such as BaFin (Germany), CONSOB (Italy), CNMV (Spain), and AMF (France) monitor their respective countries.
  • Additionally, other international regulatory bodies like Japan’s Financial Services Agency (J-FSA) and Singapore’s Monetary Authority also supervise IG’s services within their regions.

This extensive network of regulatory oversight ensures that clients can trust IG to adhere to high standards when it comes to transparency, customer protection, and risk management practices.

b. Account Security Features

Besides being regulated by multiple agencies globally, Forextra.io notes that IG has implemented several robust security measures designed to protect customers’ accounts against unauthorized access or fraudulent activity:

  1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): IG offers 2FA for its clients, adding an extra layer of security to their accounts. This feature requires users to verify their identity through a secondary device or app before accessing the platform.
  2. Data Encryption: All data transmitted between clients and IG’s servers is encrypted using industry-standard SSL encryption technology, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and secure from potential cyber threats.
  3. Segregated Client Funds: In compliance with regulatory requirements, IG holds client funds in segregated bank accounts separate from the company’s operational funds. This practice helps protect customers’ money in case of insolvency or financial difficulties faced by the broker.

In summary, investors can rest assured knowing that they are trading with a well-regulated and secure online brokerage.

Regulation and security are of utmost importance when it comes to trading, which is why IG takes the necessary steps to ensure their clients’ safety. Next, let’s investigate the copy trading and charting features IG offers.

Key Takeaway: 

With over 45 years of expertise in the financial industry, IG is a reliable and secure online broker with stringent regulatory oversight from authorities like the FCA and ASIC. It operates under strict regulations imposed by various authorities across different jurisdictions, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), among others. IG has implemented robust security measures such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, and segregated client funds to protect customers’ accounts against unauthorized access or fraudulent activity.

Copy Trading and Charting Tools

In this section, we will explore the various copy trading features available on IG’s platform as well as the charting tools that can be used to analyze markets.

a. Copy Trading Features

IG offers a unique social trading experience through its partnership with ProRealTime, an advanced charting software provider. With ProRealTime, traders can access powerful copy trading features by following successful traders and copying their strategies in real-time. This allows beginners to learn from experienced professionals while also potentially benefiting from their expertise.

  • Follow Top Traders: Users can search for top-performing traders based on various criteria such as profitability, risk level, and more.
  • Copy Trades Automatically: Once a trader is selected for copying, all of their trades are automatically replicated in the user’s account according to predefined settings (e.g., trade size).
  • Risk Management Tools: To minimize potential losses, users have access to customizable risk management tools such as stop-loss orders or maximum drawdown limits when using copy trading features.

b. Charting Tools Available

Besides offering robust copy trading capabilities through ProRealTime integration, IG provides its clients with a wide range of professional-grade charting tools designed for both novice and experienced traders alike. These include:

  • Trend Lines & Technical Indicators: Traders can easily add trend lines or choose from over 100 technical indicators like moving averages or RSI directly onto charts within IG’s platforms.
  • Multiple Chart Types: IG offers various chart types such as candlestick, bar, line, and Heikin-Ashi charts to cater to different trading styles.
  • Drawing Tools: A comprehensive set of drawing tools is available for annotating charts with support/resistance levels or Fibonacci retracements/extensions.
  • Customizable Timeframes & Layouts: Users can customize the timeframes displayed on their charts (e.g., daily, hourly) and create personalized layouts for a more efficient workflow.

In addition to these features, IG’s platforms also offer advanced order types like guaranteed stop-loss orders and trailing stops. These help traders manage risk effectively while maximizing potential profits. Overall, IG’s copy trading capabilities combined with its powerful charting tools make it an excellent choice for both beginners looking to learn from experienced traders and seasoned professionals seeking advanced analysis options.

Copy trading and charting tech can provide a great opportunity to make the most of market conditions, permitting investors to get maximum returns with minimum effort. Let’s examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of utilizing IG as an online broker.

Key Takeaway: 

IG offers a unique social trading experience through its partnership with ProRealTime, allowing traders to access powerful copy trading features by following successful traders and copying their strategies in real-time. Additionally, IG provides its clients with a wide range of professional-grade charting tools designed for both novice and experienced traders alike, including trend lines & technical indicators, multiple chart types, drawing tools, customizable timeframes & layouts. Overall making it an excellent choice for both beginners looking to learn from experienced traders and seasoned professionals seeking advanced analysis options.

Pros and Cons of IG

Understanding the positives and negatives can assist in deciding if IG is a suitable platform for one’s requirements.

a. Pros of Using IG

  • Diverse product offering: With a wide range of products such as forex, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, options and more available to trade on their platform, investors have ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios.
  • User-friendly platforms: The various desktop, mobile and web trading platforms offered by IG are designed with user experience in mind. This makes it easy for beginners to navigate while still providing advanced features that experienced traders need.
  • Affordable fees: Compared to other brokers in the industry, IG offers competitive pricing structures with low spreads on major currency pairs and no commission charges on most trades.
  • Solid regulation: Being regulated by top-tier regulatory bodies like FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia) ensures that clients’ funds are protected through stringent security measures adhered to by these regulators.
  • Educational resources: For those looking to improve their trading skills or learn new strategies, Forextra.io provides educational content, including articles, videos and webinars led by expert analysts from around the world.
  • Built-in charting tools: The extensive array of built-in charting tools provided within its platforms allows users seamless access to technical analysis capabilities without needing third-party software integration.

b. Cons of Using IG

  • Limited copy trading options: While the platform does offer some social and copy trading features, it may not be as comprehensive as those found on other platforms like eToro.
  • Minimum deposit requirement: For new clients, there is a minimum deposit requirement of $300 to open an account with IG which might be higher than what some traders are willing to invest initially.
  • No fixed spreads: IG offers variable spreads that can widen during periods of high market volatility or low liquidity. This could lead to increased costs for traders who prefer more predictable pricing structures offered by brokers with fixed spread offerings.

Key Takeaway: 

The pros of using IG for trading or investing include a diverse product offering, user-friendly platforms, affordable fees, solid regulation, educational resources and built-in charting tools. However, the cons of using IG are limited copy trading options, a minimum deposit requirement and variable spreads that can widen during periods of high market volatility or low liquidity.

FAQs in Relation to IG Review

What is the review of IG Investments?

IG Investments is a well-regarded online trading platform that offers a wide range of products and services, including forex, CFDs, and spread betting. With its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and strong regulatory oversight from bodies like the FCA and ASIC, it has earned positive reviews from both novice and experienced traders alike.

Is IG a trustworthy website?

Yes, IG is considered to be a trustworthy website for trading due to its long-standing reputation in the industry since 1974. It operates under strict regulations by various authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), ensuring transparency and security for clients’ funds.

Is IG FCA regulated?

Absolutely. IG Group Holdings plc holds licenses from multiple regulatory bodies worldwide, including being authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. This ensures that IG adheres to strict regulatory standards, providing clients with a secure and transparent trading environment.

Conclusion

Overall, our review of IG found that the company offers a wide range of products and services with competitive fees and charges. Their platforms and apps are user-friendly, secure, and offer advanced charting tools for traders. Additionally, their copy trading features make it easy for investors to follow successful traders.

However, some potential downsides include limited educational resources for beginners and high inactivity fees. Despite this, we believe that IG is a solid choice for both novice and experienced traders looking to invest in various markets.

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