Executive Summary
- Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
- Best Suited For: Beginners to intermediate traders, those prioritizing regulatory oversight
- Key Strengths: Strong regulation, MT4/MT5 platforms, educational resources
- Key Weaknesses: Higher spreads compared to competitors, limited advanced features
- Bottom Line: Solid choice for regulated trading environment, but spreads may impact frequent traders
Platform Overview
- Company: ForexTime Limited (FXTM)
- Headquarters: Limassol, Cyprus
- Years in Operation: Since 2011
- Regulation: UK FCA and CySEC, multiple global licenses
- Primary Markets: Forex, commodities, indices, shares, cryptocurrencies
- User Base: Global retail and institutional clients
XAUUSD Trading Specifications
Spreads and Costs
- Typical XAUUSD Spread: 46 pips (based on recent data)
- Spread Analysis:
- London Session: Current data not available for verification
- Asian Session: Current data not available for verification
- US Session: Current data not available for verification
- Commission Structure: Zero commission on standard accounts (spread-only)
- Overnight Financing: Current swap rates require verification with broker
- Assessment: Spreads appear higher than many competitors in the 35-pip “low spread” category
Execution Quality
- Order Execution: Current execution speed data not available for verification
- Slippage Performance: Insufficient current data for verification
- High Volatility Performance: Requires real-time testing for accurate assessment
- Rejection Rates: Current data not available
- Note: FXTM is rated as excellent for scalpers, suggesting decent execution quality
Position Sizing and Leverage
- Maximum Leverage: Up to 1:400
- Minimum Position Size: Current specifications require verification
- Maximum Position Size: Contact broker for current limits
- Margin Requirements: Variable based on account type and jurisdiction
- Position Calculator: Available on MT4/MT5 platforms
Trading Platform Features
Charting and Analysis
- Platforms Available: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Chart Types: Standard MT4/MT5 chart types (candlestick, bar, line)
- Timeframes: Full range from M1 to MN1
- Technical Indicators: Advanced charting tools, customizable indicators
- Drawing Tools: Complete MT4/MT5 drawing toolkit
- Historical Data: Extensive historical data available
Order Types and Risk Management
- Order Types: Market, pending orders, stop loss, take profit
- Advanced Orders: Available through MT4/MT5
- Guaranteed Stops: Current availability requires verification
- Risk Management: Standard MT4/MT5 risk tools
- Position Scaling: Supported through platform features
Mobile Trading Experience
- Mobile Apps: MT4 and MT5 mobile applications
- Stability: Generally stable based on MetaTrader reliability
- Chart Quality: Standard MT4/MT5 mobile charting
- Order Placement: Standard MetaTrader mobile functionality
- Notifications: Configurable through MT4/MT5
Market Data and Research
Real-Time Data Quality
- Data Feed: Standard institutional feeds
- Tick Data: Available on professional platforms
- Price Accuracy: Generally reliable for major brokers
- Weekend Gaps: Current gap handling policies require verification
Gold-Specific Research Tools
- Economic Calendar: Available on website and platform
- Market Analysis: Regular market commentary provided
- Research Quality: Strong regulatory oversight and risk management suggests comprehensive approach
- Correlation Tools: Standard MT4/MT5 correlation features
- News Integration: Available through platform news feeds
Costs Analysis
Trading Costs Breakdown
- Cost per Standard Lot: Based on 46-pip spread = approximately $46 round trip
- Daily Holding Costs: Current swap rates require verification
- Monthly Active Trading: High spread impact for frequent traders
- Competitive Assessment: Above average compared to low-spread brokers
Additional Fees
- Deposit Fees: Current fee structure requires verification
- Withdrawal Fees: Varies by payment method – verification needed
- Inactivity Fees: Standard industry practice – current rates TBD
- Platform Fees: Typically free for standard MT4/MT5
Account Features
Account Types
- Minimum Deposit: Current requirements vary by account type
- Account Tiers: Multiple account options available
- Demo Account: Standard MT4/MT5 demo available
- Islamic Accounts: Available for both beginners and experienced traders
Funding and Withdrawals
- Payment Methods: Multiple options typically available
- Processing Times: Standard industry timeframes
- Currency Conversion: Rates require current verification
- Limits: Account-dependent – verification needed
Customer Support
Support Quality
- Response Times: Current performance data requires verification
- Gold Trading Knowledge: Generally competent for established brokers
- Trading Hours Support: Typically available during market hours
- Languages: Multiple language support standard
Educational Resources
- Gold Trading Content: Educational materials typically provided
- Webinars: Regular educational webinars available
- Strategy Guides: Basic to intermediate educational content
- Economic Calendar: Integrated calendar with explanations
Regulatory and Safety
Regulation Status
- Primary Regulators: UK FCA and CySEC
- Client Funds: Segregated accounts standard for regulated brokers
- Compensation: UK and EU compensation schemes applicable
- Track Record: Established broker with regulatory compliance history
Platform Stability
- System Uptime: MT4/MT5 generally reliable platforms
- Volatility Performance: Requires real-time testing for verification
- Backup Systems: Standard MetaTrader redundancy
- Mobile Stability: Generally stable on standard MT4/MT5 apps
Pros and Cons Summary
Strengths
- Strong regulatory oversight from top-tier authorities
- Supports industry-leading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- Excellent for beginners, active traders, and scalpers
- Established track record since 2011
- Comprehensive educational resources
Weaknesses
- Higher XAUUSD spreads (46 pips vs industry leaders at <35 pips)
- Limited proprietary platform innovation
- Current trading conditions require verification for accuracy
- May not be cost-effective for high-frequency gold trading
Best Suited For
- Experience Level: Beginners and active traders
- Trading Style: Position and swing trading rather than scalping (due to spreads)
- Account Size: Mid-range accounts where spread costs are manageable
- Priority: Traders prioritizing regulatory safety over lowest costs
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
FXTM offers a solid, regulated trading environment with reliable MetaTrader platforms, making it suitable for traders who prioritize regulatory oversight and platform stability. However, the relatively high XAUUSD spreads of 46 pips may impact profitability for active gold traders. The broker appears well-suited for beginners and intermediate traders who value educational resources and regulatory protection over ultra-competitive pricing.
Recommendation Strength: Moderate
Good choice for regulated trading environment, but traders should compare current spreads with competitors before committing to active XAUUSD trading.
Alternatives to Consider:
- For lower spreads: IC Markets, Pepperstone, or other ECN brokers
- For similar regulation with different pricing: Plus500, IG Group
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Rating (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| XAUUSD Spreads | 2 | 46 pips above industry average |
| Execution Speed | 3 | Standard MT4/MT5 performance |
| Platform Stability | 4 | Reliable MetaTrader platforms |
| Mobile Experience | 4 | Standard MT4/MT5 mobile apps |
| Customer Support | 3 | Adequate for established broker |
| Research Tools | 3 | Standard educational content |
| Regulatory Safety | 5 | Top-tier FCA and CySEC regulation |
| Overall Value | 3 | Good for regulated trading, expensive for active trading |
Testing Methodology
- Data Sources: Web research and publicly available broker information
- Limitations: Current trading conditions, execution speeds, and specific costs require real-time verification
- Recommendation: Readers should verify current spreads, fees, and trading conditions directly with FXTM before opening accounts
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information as of June 2025. Trading conditions change frequently. CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. Always verify current conditions with the broker directly.
Data Verification Notice: Several specific trading conditions marked as “requires verification” should be confirmed directly with FXTM for the most current and accurate information.