Brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) enable traders to access one of the world’s leading securities exchanges. We’ve compiled a list of the top ASX brokers, including useful comparisons.
The brokers listed below primarily offer stock trading through CFDs (Contracts for Difference). This allows for leverage and short-selling, making them effective tools for day traders. However, CFDs do not provide direct ownership of shares and are generally not appropriate for long-term investors due to overnight financing costs.
Top Brokers With Access To The ASX
After assessing broker market coverage and testing their platforms, these are our top choices for trading Australian Securities Exchange-listed markets:
-
- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $5
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA
- Platforms: TN Trader, MT4, TradingView
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: FSC
- Platforms: R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs -
- Demo account
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Min. deposit: $200
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
What Makes These The Top ASX Brokers?
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- XM is the best broker with access to the ASX in 2026 4.8/5 XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 20+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It also offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience that we've observed firsthand placing test trades.
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
- Trade Nation 4.4/5 Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
- RoboForex 4.5/5 RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the FSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
- Pepperstone 4.8/5 Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 830,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,400+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, helping to ensure a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
- IC 4.8/5 IC Markets (now IC) is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 200,000 clients from over 200 countries.
How Secure Are The Best ASX Brokers?
We reviewed each broker’s regulatory status, account safeguards and client protection measures:
| Broker | Trust Rating | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Negative Balance Protection | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| AvaTrade | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| Trade Nation | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| RoboForex | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| Pepperstone | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | |
| IC | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes |
Are The Top ASX Brokers Good For Beginners?
We assessed how straightforward these brokers are for newer traders looking to access ASX-listed markets:
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Education Rating | Support Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | ✔Yes | $5 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| AvaTrade | ✔Yes | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Trade Nation | ✔Yes | $0 | 0.1 Lots | ||
| RoboForex | ✔Yes | $10 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Pepperstone | ✔Yes | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| IC | ✔Yes | $200 | 0.01 Lots |
Are The Best ASX Brokers Suitable For Active Traders?
Active traders often need broad Australian market access, reliable execution, advanced tools and competitive pricing for ASX-listed instruments - here’s how the top brokers compare:
| Broker | Automated Trading | VPS | AI | Pro Account | Leverage | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | ✘No | 1:1000 | ✔Yes | ✘No |
| AvaTrade | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘No | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ✔Yes | ✘No |
| Trade Nation | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘No | ✘No | ✘No | 1:30 (FCA, CMVM, ASIC), 1:200 (FSCA, SCB), 1:500 (FSA) | ✘No | ✘No |
| RoboForex | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, Strategy Builder in R StocksTrader | ✔Yes | ✘No | ✘No | 1:2000 | ✘No | ✘No |
| Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✘No | ✘No | ✔Yes | 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) | ✔Yes | ✘No |
| IC | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade | ✔Yes | ✘No | ✘No | 1:5000 | ✔Yes | ✘No |
Compare Ratings For The Leading ASX Brokers
See how the top ASX brokers performed across the key areas in our broker reviews:
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Assets | Mobile | Fees | Accounts | Research | Education | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | |||||||||
| AvaTrade | |||||||||
| Trade Nation | |||||||||
| RoboForex | |||||||||
| Pepperstone | |||||||||
| IC |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 3077 | ||||
| AvaTrade | 13616 | ||||
| Trade Nation | 2170 | ||||
| RoboForex | 775 | ||||
| Pepperstone | 3705 | ||||
| IC | 2 |
Which ASX Trading Platforms Are The Most Popular?
We compared client figures across our highest-rated broker picks:
Why Trade ASX Markets With XM?
With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
- Regulator
- CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR
Stock Exchanges
XM offers trading on 16 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korea Exchange
- Nasdaq
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- XM secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates in late 2025, strengthening its regulatory credentials and making it a strong option for traders in the Middle East.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
Cons
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
Why Trade ASX Markets With AvaTrade?
AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Stock Exchanges
AvaTrade offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Euronext
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- Russell 2000
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- AvaTrade launched AvaFutures to offer low-margin access to global markets, then expanded in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures, and then later in the year went further by integrating with TradingView.
Cons
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
Why Trade ASX Markets With Trade Nation?
Trade Nation suits discretionary traders who want to speculate on major indices like the US 500 or liquid FX pairs, and want the predictable all-in costs of fixed spreads. In tests, we found the fixed-spread TN Trader environment particularly useful for trading around scheduled economic releases owing to its reliable charting environment and because published spreads stayed capped.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Trade Nation quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only)
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA
- Platforms
- TN Trader, MT4, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.1 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK
Stock Exchanges
Trade Nation offers trading on 16 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- Trade Nation's 2026 partnership with Volt has sped up payments for Australian traders, who can now make instant deposits and withdrawals using PayID, with the faster payout capabilities planned for clients in the UK and EU.
- The broker expanded into Europe with regulated online trading services after securing authorization from Portugal's CVMV, boosting its safety protections for European residents.
- Trade Nation accounts can now be linked with TradingView, providing advanced multi-charts and the ability to execute trades directly.
Cons
- Offshore SCB and FSA entities allow retail clients up to 1:200 and 1:500 leverage compared to 1:30 in regions like the UK, Europe and Australia, so an FSA client can have 16 times the exposure of a UK retail client on the same trade, but with less oversight and no compensation scheme.
- The 2–20% rebate scheme is closed to FCA, CMVM, and ASIC clients, meaning active day traders in these regions who would benefit from transaction rebates cannot claim them.
- Withdrawals can take up to five business days, which is around the industry average but slower than the 1-3 days we’re increasingly seeing brokers offer in an attempt to quash withdrawal complaints from retail investors.
Why Trade ASX Markets With RoboForex?
RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator
- FSC
- Platforms
- R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Stock Exchanges
RoboForex offers trading on 13 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- In July MobileTrader Telegram Mini App was released - bringing out one of the first solutions we've seen that lets users execute trades and manage positions without leaving the Telegram messaging app.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
Cons
- Despite offering a range of platforms, RoboForex still doesn't support the increasingly popular cTrader. This might deter traders who prefer this specific platform for their day trading activities and is available at firms like Fusion Markets.
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
- RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
Why Trade ASX Markets With Pepperstone?
Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/5 support (18h a day on weekends).
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Stock Exchanges
Pepperstone offers trading on 21 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korea Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
Pros
- Pepperstone has greatly improved the deposit and withdrawal experience in recent years, adding Apple Pay and Google Pay in 2025, as well as PIX and SPEI for clients in Brazil and Mexico in 2024.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
Cons
- Overnight holding fees are higher than that found with some Market Maker brokers (usually Benchmark + 2.5%). This makes pepperstone an ideal broker for day traders and forex scalpers but less suitable for swing traders who often keep position open overnight.
- Execution may not feel as reliable in fast markets as headline speeds suggest. In our own testing, execution was fast at desired prices, but some community complaints focus on slippage, stop-loss fills and spread-sensitive order triggers during volatile conditions.
- Despite improvements to its range of markets, crypto CFD offerings are still fairly limited compared to other brokers who focus on this area, such as Eightcap, and there's no option to invest in real coins.
Why Trade ASX Markets With IC?
IC (formerly IC Markets) offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Stock Exchanges
IC offers trading on 12 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- IC offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- IC secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- While IC offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
How We Chose The Best Brokers With Access To The ASX
To identify the best trading brokers for Australian Securities Exchange access, we:
- Reviewed which brokers in our database offer ASX-listed instruments. This involved registering with brokers, checking their market coverage, and, where possible, logging into their platforms to confirm access to Australian shares, ETFs, indices, options or other ASX-related products.
- Scored ASX brokers using our full broker rating framework. Our ratings are based on more than 200 data points, including ASX market access, trading costs, regulatory oversight, platform quality, execution standards, research tools and account features, alongside the findings of our expert reviewers after hands-on testing.
How To Compare ASX Brokers
Online brokers act as an intermediary platform for you to access the Australian Securities Exchange. Choosing the right ASX broker will help you meet your trading goals. Consider the following factors when comparing brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange.
Platform & Tools
When looking for the best Australian Securities Exchange brokers, consider the tools and software offered. Whilst some traders prefer the established MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 terminals, others will feel more comfortable executing trades from a modern and sleek mobile application.
However you choose to trade, look out for Australian Securities Exchange brokers that offer the charts, indicators, and execution modes to execute your trading strategy. An integrated economic calendar could also help you keep on top of ASX news updates and announcements.
Fees
A competitive and transparent fee structure is an important comparison between Australian Securities Exchange brokers.
XM, for example, offers commission-free trading on the AUS200Cash index, with tight spreads. IG, on the other hand, offers Australian shares for a low commission, with same-day bank transfers also free if depositing above a minimum threshold.
You should consider all non-trading charges too. As well as account funding fees, review inactivity costs, withdrawal charges and any currency conversion rates if trading in a currency other than your account denomination. If this information is not readily available, reach out to the ASX broker’s customer support team.
Regulation
Regulation is also an important factor when comparing brokers with access to the Australian Securities Exchange. These will help protect you from scams while ensuring negative balance protection and segregated client funds.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates registered providers of financial services and aims to promote informed participation from traders, creating an environment of transparency and integrity. Look out for the ASIC logo when choosing between ASX brokers. Alternatively, look for oversight from other trusted agencies, such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Educational Resources
Accessing educational resources is important, particularly for beginners. The top ASX brokers will provide materials that could help with understanding market cap, top 100 and 200 index listings, and YTD valuation by share value. Leading Australian Securities Exchange brokers will integrate this content into their service offering and update information regularly.
You may also wish to view video and YouTube content, access peer-to-peer platforms, or use books and other internet resources. AvaTrade, for example, offers a comprehensive education section, suitable for traders of all experience levels, with access to webinars and live events. These sessions are often run by experts in the field and may be able to set you up with useful ASX tutorial demonstrations, plus help you understand key trading hours and live trading examples.
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange?
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), originally the Australian Stock Exchange, is one of the leading global securities exchanges by value, with a total market capitalization of over US$2 trillion (CEIC Data). Based in Sydney, it was the first major financial market open every day.
Today, the exchange remains one of the largest markets for interest rate derivatives in Asia and is among the globally recognized exchanges for raising capital.
History
The Australian Stock Exchange was founded on 1st April 1987, after the government passed legislation to combine six independent stock exchanges. Although the combined exchange is relatively new, some of the state-based original exchanges dated as far back as the 1800s, including the Sydney Stock Exchange, which was established in 1871. This stock exchange was in fact home to the first computer installed within an Australian exchange, used to streamline clearinghouse functionality and broker-client accounting services.
The Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange merged in 2006. This merger expanded ASX’s asset range to include energy and agricultural commodities, index options and interest-rate securities. As a result, the company was renamed to the Australian Securities Exchange to reflect this new diversity of trading products available. The holding company today is also known as the ASX Group.
In 2012, the Australian Liquidity Centre (ALC) was launched, a state-of-the-art data hub supporting the Australian Securities Exchange trade execution and post-trade platforms. In 2013, the exchange expanded to offer global network connectivity via ASX Net Global. Recent activities highlight continuous innovative functionality aiming to enhance the features of the exchange. This includes new platform integration, post-trade solutions for equity market trading and the introduction of mFund, permitting traders to hold, buy and sell units in unlisted funds.
Australian Stock Exchange Vs Australian Securities Exchange
Although still used interchangeably, it should be noted that the stock exchange in Australia is officially called the Australian Securities Exchange (definition ASX, mic code XASX). The Australian Stock Exchange and the Futures Exchange of Sydney merged in 2006 and were renamed under the securities title. Members can trade on the two platforms offered by ASX; ASX Trade and ASX Trade24. We cover these in more detail below.
What Is The Australian Securities Exchange Used For?
The purpose of the Australian Securities Exchange is expansive. It offers listings and trading, has a clearing role, is a market operator and acts as a payments facilitator. Functions also span learning resources for retail traders via the ASX education centre. It also implements and oversees regulator guidance with its operating rules and promotes standards of corporate governance in the market. The company is structured around four divisions; listings, markets, technology & data and securities & payments.
As many significant national companies are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange markets, it can also indicate a gauge of economic health or act as a reflection of the impacts of major events. The Australian stock exchange is well known for being used as a trading venue by individuals across the globe who attempt to profit from stock price fluctuations. Traders can take positions on a listed corporation’s stocks, ‘short selling’ or ‘going long’ depending on market sentiment trends via registered ASX brokers.
The Australian Securities Exchange live asset list is comprehensive and enables retail traders access to options trading, equities, futures, commodities, mutual funds and more.
How The Australian Securities Exchange Works
Listing Rules
There are several requirements that companies must adhere to before being listed as members on the exchange and being available for intraday trading via registered Australian Securities Exchange brokers. The rules serve the interests of both listed entities and traders, ensuring international competitiveness and the facilitation of efficient capital raising. The application is comprehensive and approval is granted by the provisions of the Corporations Act. The Australian stock exchange’s trading rules include:
- Financial statements should be produced in accordance with adequate auditing standards
- Corporations must disclose information about corporate governance practices to allow security holders the opportunity to express their views openly to the board and management members
- Timely disclosure of information that may have a material effect on the price or value of an entity’s securities
As with all exchanges, the Australian stock exchange strictly prohibits insider trading.
ASX Systems
There are two Australian Securities Exchange platforms available to intraday traders: ASX Trade and ASX Trade24.
ASX Trade
Used for trading equity securities. This platform is based on the NASDAQ OMX system. It is recognized as one of the fastest platforms in the world.
ASX Trade24
Used for trading derivative securities. This platform is globally distributed with gateways in New York, London and Sydney and offers 24-hour trading by maintaining two active trading days.
Indices
Stock market indices operate to depict the condition of the market and support traders in identifying patterns and economic health. The S&P/ASX 200 is Australia’s leading share market index, a popular index offered by many international ASX brokers. It comprises the top 200 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange by market capitalization.
Significant listed companies by revenue include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), Qantas Airways Ltd, Goodman Group, Vanguard Australian Shares Index Exchange Traded Managed Fund (VAS) and gold mining companies like Newmont Corporation. Use the company search function on the ASX website for full listing details.
The index is maintained by Standard & Poor’s and is considered the benchmark for the Australian Securities Exchange equity performance.
The components of the index are selected by the S&P committee based on the below criteria:
- Daily Market Cap – minimum benchmark sizes apply and the previous six months must be considered institutionally investable
- Liquidity – public float trading volume (shares not owned by employees, directors, government agencies, etc.) must meet a minimum requirement
- Listing – only stocks listed on the Australian stock exchange can be considered for inclusion and must be an ordinary or preferred equity stock (e.g. no warrants or bonds)
The index was launched in 2000 and is rebalanced quarterly to ensure the included stocks meet the eligibility requirements. The top companies listed typically account for a substantial share of the index’s total market cap. The best Australian Securities Exchange brokers will offer key financial metrics on these companies, including any significant impacts on their revenues.
How To Place A Trade On The ASX
Let’s look at a basic workflow on how to place a trade on the ASX.
Step 1: Open And Fund Your Account
I have an account with Interactive Brokers. If you’re new to any broker, the registration process is relatively straightforward. If you don’t already have an account with them, most brokers will ask for basic personal information and verify your identity before you can get up and running with a live account (at which point you can fund it). If you’re looking to try out a broker before committing real money, consider a demo account.
Step 2: Search For An ASX Ticker
Once inside the platform, I can search for a ticker. Let’s look at BHP Group (BHP), a popular mining and resources major on the ASX. It normally has a tight bid-ask spread of just A$0.01 during regular hours during normal market activity.
The ticker appears along with a price chart, bid-ask spread, and basic company information.
In our testing, searching for the major ASX instruments was fast and easy. When searching for BHP Group, I typed in its ticker symbol BHP and hit Enter to see the display. This produced a pop-down menu on the order entry page.
I also searched for several of the other top ASX 200 components to compare. The spread on CSL Limited (CSL) and Macquarie Group (MQG), and others was tight, normally only 1-2 cents during market hours. This is typical for the largest ASX names. At the same time, lower-weighted ASX components will commonly show slightly wider spreads outside the busiest hours of the session.
Step 3: Analyze The Spread
The SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW) is one of the most heavily traded ETFs on the ASX, tracking the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index. The bid-ask spread was tight at just one cent. The ETF’s strong daily trading volume makes it a popular choice for traders looking for broad exposure to the Australian market. It will nonetheless widen out outside the main session like all other securities.
For individual ASX components, the spread can vary. The biggest names generally offer the tightest spreads during normal market hours when news and events aren’t being priced into the market. Smaller-weighted ASX components can widen out a bit, especially the times around the open and close. If you’re trading smaller individual ASX stocks rather than the STW ETF, account for the wider spread as an additional cost every time you move in and out of the trade.
Step 4: Select Your Order Type
I placed a limit order rather than a market order. I rarely use any type of market order to better control the price.
Some brokers (including Interactive Brokers) have adaptive pricing, which is a type of market order that works at getting you the best price. MidPrice is an option as well, which splits the bid and ask.
For most intraday ASX trading, limit orders are the safest default. This is especially true during the first 15-30 minutes after the opening bell when prices are often changing faster than any other part of the day until the close.
Step 5: Confirm And Execute
Before submitting, the platform displayed an order confirmation screen showing the ticker, order type, quantity, limit price, estimated commission, margin requirements (initial and maintenance margin), and total estimated cost.
I reviewed these details and clicked confirm.
As a limit order, it shows up in your personal queue and you wait for it to execute.
Bottom Line
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) brokers offer intraday opportunities. With some of the largest corporations in the country listed on the exchange, the indices and markets offer openings to try and trade the price fluctuations of different companies as well as changes in the economic performance of the country as a whole.
Compare Australian Securities Exchange brokers before you get started, follow our top trading tips above, and check out our list of the top ASX brokers.