Borsa Italiana brokers offer access to a major European stock exchange dealing in Italian stocks, indices, ETFs and derivatives. The Italian stock exchange has an eventful history and is home to several notable global companies, including Juventus, Moncler and UniCredit. This guide ranks the best Borsa Italiana brokers and trading platforms in 2026 based on our hands-on tests. We cover what to weigh up when comparing providers, walk through how to place a trade on the exchange step by step, and answer the questions traders ask most.
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.Borsa Italiana Brokers
These are the 6 best brokers for trading on the Borsa Italiana:
-
- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $5
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
-
- Demo account
- Platforms: eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $50
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. -
- Demo account
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Min. deposit: $0
-
- Demo account
- Platforms: WebTrader, App
- Min. deposit: $100
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money. -
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- XM 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.
- eToro 4.0/5 eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors. You could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here. 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
- FP Markets 4.2/5 Established in 2005 in Australia, FP Markets is an ASIC- and CySEC-regulated broker boasting an extensive suite of tradable assets. Its Standard and Raw accounts cater to day traders at every level, while it packs a punch in the tooling department, from the MetaTrader suite and intuitive TradingView to actionable trading ideas from Trading Central and AutoChartist.
- Plus500 4.1/5 Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.
- IG 4.8/5 Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers a top-tier selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
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 | 3100 | ||||
| AvaTrade | 13614 | ||||
| eToro | 32244 | ||||
| FP Markets | 10363 | ||||
| Plus500 | 20136 | ||||
| IG | 10185 |
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’s growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- 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 customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/7 assistance in 30 languages, response times of under 2 minutes and a growing Telegram channel.
Cons
- 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.
- 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 is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
eToro
eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
- Platforms
- eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Minimum Trade
- $10
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, DKK
Stock Exchanges
eToro offers trading on 26 stock exchanges:
- Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Dubai Financial Market
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korea Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- Nasdaq Nordic & Baltics
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Tokyo Commodity Exchange
Pros
- eToro introduced EUR and GBP accounts, and more recently BTC and ETH payments, cutting conversion fees and providing a localized trading experience.
- There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses.
- eToro elevated the social trading experience in 2025, integrating insights from Stocktwits 10M+ users to help gauge market sentiment.
Cons
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners.
- The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software.
- There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital.
FP Markets
FP Markets strikes an ideal balance between affordability and quality for active traders. They’ve managed to keep trading costs low while expanding their investment offering, charting tools, and research features, all while providing excellent support you can rely on for urgent trading queries.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FP Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- Iress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Stock Exchanges
FP Markets offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Pros
- FP Markets has a seamless onboarding experience, standing out with crypto deposits and over 10 base currencies, catering to global traders.
- FP Markets has integrated top-notch research tools from Trading Central and Autochartist, helping traders identify short-term opportunities based on chart patterns, indicators, and other technical factors.
- With MetaTrader, cTrader, Iress and more recently TradingView, FP Markets is one of the most accommodating brokers in terms of platform choice.
Cons
- Although Traders Hub provides rich research, notably the Daily Report, Technical Report, Market Insights, and Fundamental Analysis, it needs to widen its daily content variety and keep its forex news updated to match category leaders like IG.
- FP Markets’ Iress platform is only available to clients in Australia. It also primarily emphasizes stock trading over forex trading, and data fees can accumulate rapidly unless you're an active trader or maintain a high-balance account.
- While pricing in the Raw account is excellent, spreads in the Standard account trail the cheapest brokers with a 1.1-pip average spread on the EUR/USD compared to the 0.8-pip average at IC Markets.
Plus500
Plus500 offers a super-clean experience for traders with a CFD trading platform that sports a modern design and dynamic charting. That said, the broker’s research tools are limited, fees trail the cheapest brokers, and there’s room for enhancement in its educational resources.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plus500 quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Options, Crypto
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, EFSA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MAS, ISA, FSA, DFSA, SCA, JFSA, SCB, CIRO, BAPPEBTI, OJK, BI
- Platforms
- WebTrader, App
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- Variable
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK
Stock Exchanges
Plus500 offers trading on 14 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
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Pros
- The broker offers low commission trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders
- The customer support team continue to provide reliable 24/7 support via email, live chat and WhatsApp
- In 2025 Plus500 added new share CFDs in emerging sectors like quantum computing and AI, offering opportunities in stocks like IonQ, Rigetti, Duolingo, and Carvana
Cons
- The absence of social trading means users can’t follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders
- Algo trading and scalping are not supported, which may deter some day traders
- Plus500’s lack of support for MetaTrader or cTrader charting tools might be a deal breaker for advanced day traders looking for familiarity
IG
IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and robust trade execution for experienced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only)
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB
- Platforms
- Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
Stock Exchanges
IG offers trading on 21 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Bombay Stock Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korea Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq Dubai
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Tadawul
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus added US-listed futures and options as well as an AI Index, providing diversification opportunities.
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
How To Trade At Borsa Italiana Brokers
There are plenty of trading vehicles provided by Borsa Italiana brokers, the exchange, and investment companies.
Single Stocks
Individual stocks are available through some of the top Borsa Italiana brokers. However, international traders may have difficulty finding a provider and website that supports Italian companies outside the MIB 40.
Some of the largest stocks are available for CFD trading through Borsa Italiana brokers that support EU stock CFDs.
Futures and options contracts for equities such as Banco Bpm, Unicredit S.p.A and other high market cap listed companies are available directly from the exchange.
Indices
The indices of the Borsa Italiana are arguably the most accessible trading product. There are many different methods of speculating on the value of these indices at the best Borsa Italiana brokers. However, the larger indices, such as the MIB 40 and MIB ESG, may have more options than the smaller stock collections.
For pure investing, mutual funds that track Borsa Italiana indices’ performance are available from several investment companies. Traders signed up with a specialist broker should have no trouble finding multiple options for each index.
Another option is to use an ETF that tracks a specific index. This instrument gives traders more flexibility as ETFs can be traded throughout the day. Derivative ETFs also offer inverse and leveraged index tracking of up to 3x or -3x.
There are several other derivatives available for speculation on Italian stock indices. For example, some Borsa Italiana brokers offer CFDs, binary options or spread betting markets on the MIB 40. Alternatively, the exchange itself provides options and futures contracts on its indices.
ETFs
In addition to tracker ETFs, sector-specific ETFs are available from the Borsa Italiana. Traders can gain exposure to ESG groups, inflation derivatives, industry sectors like finance and tourism and much more through hundreds of specific ETFs.
Bonds
The Borsa Italiana provides domestic and international government bonds to traders. Corporate bonds from Italian and global companies are also available.
On the downside, there is a limited selection of relevant bonds at Borsa Italiana brokers.
Comparing Borsa Italiana Brokers
When choosing brokers with access to the Borsa Italiana, there are several things to look out for:
Instruments
When it comes to online trading, ensuring that Borsa Italiana brokers support your favoured instruments is the first place to start.
For example, binary options traders that want to speculate on the MIB 40 will have to find an entirely different provider than traders that wish to buy Kolinpharma or BE Group equities.
Whether you want to trade indices, stocks or bonds or use derivatives, ensure your Italian stock exchange broker can meet your needs. Multi-instrument traders may also want to consider signing up with two or more brokerages to meet individual trading goals while benefiting from the most competitive conditions.
Leverage
A big factor for derivatives traders is leverage. Some products, such as options, futures and ETFs, come with fixed, inherent leverage. However, Borsa Italiana brokers with high leverage are often a must for CFD traders who want to trade in large volumes with a small initial outlay.
Keep in mind that retail leverage on EU share CFDs is capped at 5:1 under ESMA rules, so check whether a broker offers professional account terms if you need more.
Market Data And Depth
Fast, accurate price data matters more here than many traders expect. Italian small caps and Euronext Growth Milan names can move quickly on thin volume, and a delayed feed leaves you chasing a price that has already gone. Check whether a broker gives you live Level 1 quotes for free and what it charges for full order book (Level 2) data, which shows the buy and sell orders waiting at each price. Around the open and close, when most of the day’s volume goes through, seeing the book helps you judge where your order will fill.
Execution And Routing
How a broker handles your order shapes the price you get. Some pass orders straight to Euronext Milan, while CFD providers fill you against their own book and quote a spread on top. Neither is automatically better, but it changes how you should trade. On a liquid name like Enel or Intesa Sanpaolo the difference is tiny, while on a small cap a wide spread can cost more than the commission. Test a broker with a small order first and watch the gap between the quoted price and your fill before you size up.
Safety & Regulation
Staying safe is important in the online trading sphere. Therefore, look for Borsa Italiana brokers with a genuine licence from a reputable regulator, such as Italy’s Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB), the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC) or the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
In addition, our experts recommend choosing Borsa Italiana brokers and platforms with additional login protection measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), to further safeguard your funds from fraud.
Fees
Experienced traders know that working with Borsa Italiana brokers with low fees can enhance profits or diminish losses when trading. To this end, research the fee schedule of a prospective brokerage, looking into areas such as spreads and commissions, deposit and withdrawal fees, market data fees, margin rates and inactivity charges.
Note, if an Italian stock exchange broker is entirely fee-free or has far lower charges than its competitors, consider whether this offer is too good to be true.
Opening Hours
The Borsa Italiana follows set trading hours from Monday to Friday every week, excluding calendar holidays. Continuous trading runs from 09:00 to 17:30 Italian time (CET, or CEST in summer), with an opening auction from 08:00 and a closing auction just after the bell. You can confirm the current calendar on the exchange’s trading hours page.
A separate Trading After Hours (TAH) market has historically operated in the evening, but liquidity there is thin, so most traders stick to the main session.
While using international Borsa Italiana brokers, we noted that it’s worth checking their individual opening times to ensure they offer market and platform access when you wish to trade.
Payment Options
Find Borsa Italiana brokers with convenient and low-cost deposit options. This could include debit and credit cards, e-wallets like Skrill, bank wire transfers, or even crypto payments.
The top trading platforms also offer local payment solutions, for example, those popular with Italian stock traders. Note, Borsa Italiana brokers that primarily accept US clients may have regional payment methods unavailable to international traders.
Strategies
Not all Borsa Italiana brokers support every strategy, whether that be scalping, hedging or using automated bots. And due to the wealth of different instruments and products available when trading the Italian stock exchange, there is no shortage of potential strategies. Popular systems used by beginners through to seasoned traders include:
Fundamentals
When looking at a stock, index or bond, longer-term traders should consider the product’s intrinsic value and whether it is trading higher or lower than this level. This can inform traders whether to buy long or sell short using instruments such as futures, options and ETFs. Long-term projections about the sector of the product can also come into play. For example, a fossil fuel company will likely need to pivot towards greener forms of energy to survive into the next 20 years.
Momentum
The alternative to fundamentals trading is conducting stock, index or bond analysis based on short-term price movements. This momentum-based strategy is based on short-term factors such as breaking news rather than long-term projected outcomes. Therefore, a firm grasp of technical analysis is often key to successfully implementing this strategy, as is using a platform with ample graphs, indicators and drawing tools. Suitable instruments for making money off short-term trends include CFDs, spread bets and short-term binary options, available at many of the top-rated Borsa Italiana brokers. Leading platforms will also offer real-time price quotes, information on data fees, corporate actions, financial statements and filings.
Dividend Investing
Dividend investing involves holding a stock, index or bond to capitalise on high payouts. As a lower-risk strategy compared to derivative trading, dividend investing is used by many as a form of passive income, with little to no intraday trading required. Several high-yielding stocks within the Borsa Italiana could facilitate this strategy, with the most reliable payouts tending to come from the big banks and energy majors. The MIB 40 has carried one of the higher dividend yields among major European indices in recent years. However, there is no specialist dividend-focused index of stocks provided to traders by the exchange.
Covered Calls
Similarly to dividend investing, covered calls are an options strategy designed to generate small but consistent profits. Traders need to hold a long spot position on a Borsa Italiana product and then sell short positions to other traders. The options premium is the profit of this trade.
Borsa Italiana – Headlines
- Borsa Italiana, now trading as Euronext Milan, is Italy’s only stock exchange and lists more than 375 companies.
- The FTSE MIB is the benchmark index, holding the 40 largest Italian companies, with banks UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo among the heaviest weights.
- CFD brokers give the widest access to MIB 40 names and indices, while direct share dealing suits traders who want to collect dividends.
- Test platforms first with a demo account before risking real money on thinly traded Italian small caps.
- Charting matters for momentum trading, and many of our top brokers connect to TradingView.
- Keep a trading journal to track which Italian instruments and sessions work best for your strategy.
How To Place A Trade On The Borsa Italiana
Placing your first trade on an Italian stock is straightforward once you know the steps.
Here is the process we follow when we test a Borsa Italiana broker, so you can practise without risking funds.
For this example, I’m using Interactive Brokers.
1) First, we load up the platform and search for the instrument
Type the company name or ticker into the search bar.
A single stock like Ferrari (RACE) brings it up directly.
Broad exposure to the whole market means searching for an index ETF instead, such as one tracking the FTSE MIB.
It pays to confirm you have the right listing, since some Italian names also trade on other exchanges in different currencies.
2) Next, we check the spread
On a heavily traded FTSE MIB stock the gap between the buy and sell price is usually tight, which keeps your cost low.
On a smaller Euronext Growth Milan company the spread can be much wider.
Careful with this because that difference comes straight out of your return, so it’s worth noting before you commit.
3) Then we choose the order type
A market order fills immediately at the best available price. This is fine for liquid names but risky around the open, when stocks can gap.
For anything volatile or thinly traded, we use a limit order and set the exact price we are willing to pay, so the trade only goes through on our terms.
I almost always use limit orders to control what price I enter or exit.
4) After that, we set the size and review the order confirmation
This screen shows the number of shares or contracts, any commission, and the estimated total cost.
Always read the estimated cost line carefully, since it is where data fees, currency conversion or financing on a CFD (non-US traders) position show up.
Once the numbers look right, we confirm the trade and it appears in the queue waiting to be filled.
For active traders, you can also set a stop loss or take profit to manage the risk.
About The Borsa Italiana
Founded in 1808 as the ‘Borsa di Commercio di Milano’, or Milan Stock Exchange, the Borsa Italiana S.p.A. oversees the publicly listed companies of Italy and the region’s major indices, bonds and derivative markets.
The Borsa Italiana is traded in Euros. However, traders can trade some stocks and indices in alternative currencies through regional mutual fund trackers and ETFs.
Licensed by the Italian government agency CONSOB, the exchange sets guidelines for its member companies and provides real-time market information from its data centre building to online Borsa Italiana brokers and financial platforms.
Ownership
The Borsa Italiana has undergone several changes in ownership in its recent history.
In 1998, the exchange moved from public ownership to private, shortly after the merger of all Italian markets to the single exchange. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) then purchased the exchange in late 2007. However, less than ten years later, they attempted to sell the Borsa Italiana to Deutsche Borse in 2016, though this sale was vetoed by the EU Competition Regulator.
The London Stock Exchange finally offloaded the Borsa Italiana in 2021, with pan-European exchange group Euronext taking control for a reported €4.3 billion. The integration is now complete: in March 2023 the exchange moved its equity and ETF markets onto Euronext’s Optiq trading platform, and the main market trades as Euronext Milan.
Importantly, the top Borsa Italiana brokers have continued to provide retail trading products on the exchange under the new name and structure without disruption.
Indices
Italian stock exchange brokers typically offer several regional indices, which can often be traded using CFDs, ETFs, and mutual funds, among other instruments. These are made up of companies that meet the listing requirements of the exchange and are arranged thematically.
Some of the more notable indices include:
- FTSE MIB 40 – The major index of Italy, the MIB 40 contains the 40 biggest companies within ten major market sectors. This index is widely available for spot, futures and derivatives trading.
- FTSE Italia MIB Dividend – The MIB Dividend has a value based on the cumulative dividend yield of the MIB 40 stocks, readjusting after each corporate action.
- FTSE Italia All-Share – The Italia All-Share Index offers exposure to Italy’s entire stock market, including all stocks from the FTSE MIB, FTSE Italia Mid Cap and FTSE Italia Small Cap indices.
- FTSE MIB IVI – The Implied Volatility Index (IVI) tracks the expected volatility of the FTSE MIB 40 using options contract values. This index is available in 30, 60, 90 or 120-day formats.
- FTSE MIB ESG – The MIB ESG contains the top 40 ranked stocks in terms of ESG score from a basket of the 60 most liquid Italian companies.
Price & Performance
The combined value of Milan-listed companies runs into the hundreds of billions of euros. The bulk of that value sits in the FTSE MIB, and the index is heavily concentrated: the top ten stocks alone account for well over half its weight, so a move in a few large banks or energy names can swing the whole market.
On a price basis the FTSE MIB has returned a modest average since the late 1990s, but that figure leaves out dividends. On a total-return basis, which counts reinvested dividends, the index has gone on to set fresh record highs.
The index’s price record still dates back to 2000, when it reached 50,109.00 at close on 6th March 2000 with only 30 constituent companies. It spent the following two decades well below that mark, with promising highs above 40,000 in 2006 proving short-lived and a historical low of 12,295.76 in May 2012. After a strong run through 2023 to 2025, led by Italian banks, the index recovered to within a fraction of its 2000 peak, trading near the 49,000 to 50,000 area in 2026.
Dividends
Dividends are a way for traders to get paid on longer-term stock positions and generate passive income from holding stocks. The FTSE MIB has carried one of the higher dividend yields among major European indices, generally in the region of 4% to 5% in recent years, helped by large bank and energy payouts.
While there is no specific dividend index within the Borsa Italiana, traders can buy individual high-yield stocks to make the most of this strategy. Alternatively, through the MIB Dividend index, traders can speculate on the dividend value paid out by MIB 40 companies.
Note, check the Borsa Italiana brokers you are considering offer direct shares dealing versus derivatives to benefit from dividend payments.
Price Determinants
Here are some of the major price determinants when looking at the value of Borsa Italiana stocks and indices:
Local Economy
The performance of the local economy in Italy will significantly impact its stocks, even those with substantial international exposure. For example, changes in the import and export tariffs or laws, business tax adjustments or the country’s employment levels can all holistically affect stock prices.
Value Of The Euro
The value of the Euro compared to other major global currencies, such as GBP and USD, will also affect the value of Borsa Italiana member companies.
A stronger Euro will tend to mean an increase in the share prices of European or globally positioned stocks, with any fluctuations likely amplified for the high market cap MIB 40.
Fortunately, the best Borsa Italiana brokers offer insights into the currencies and economies of neighbouring countries.
Single Stock Performance
Around 80% of the index’s market capitalization is centred on the top 40 companies. Of these 40, the top 10 comprise over 65% of its weighting.
As a result, the top ten stocks hold over 50% of the overall exchange value, making the Borsa Italiana and its broad indices highly exposed to these companies.
Italian stock exchange traders should take note of the outlook of banks Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit S.p.A, which have grown into the heaviest weights in the index after a strong run, energy companies Enel and Eni, and carmakers Stellantis and Ferrari.
Global Economy
With more and more companies expanding into international business, global market sentiment can have far-reaching effects worldwide. As a prominent European exchange, changes in the global economy will significantly affect the Borsa Italiana.
For example, when global risk sentiment turns, the MIB 40 typically falls in step with the US S&P 500, the UK FTSE 100 and other major markets, as it did during the 2022 selloff.
Again, the best Borsa Italiana trading brokers will offer insights into geopolitical events and other indices.
Ownership
The transfer of ownership from the London Stock Exchange to Euronext is now complete and has run smoothly, removing a risk that hung over the exchange a few years ago. Governance or operating changes at the exchange level can still affect sentiment, but the integration itself is settled.
Final Word On Borsa Italiana Brokers
As Italy’s only stock exchange, the Borsa Italiana S.p.A forms the hub of all the trading activity in the country. Traders can deal stocks, indices, bonds and ETFs through the Euronext-owned exchange. Both domestic and international brokerages will support the major trading assets, such as the MIB 40 index and stocks such as Ferrari, Moncler, Juventus and Unicredit S.p.A. However, a regional broker may be required for more obscure Borsa Italiana offerings.
Use our list of the best Borsa Italiana brokers to start trading.
FAQs
Do Borsa Italiana Brokers Offer CFDs?
Many CFD brokers support the major index of the exchange, the MIB 40. Some CFD brokers that support stock speculation may also offer products based on high market cap, liquid Borsa Italiana stocks, such as Ferrari and Unicredit S.p.A.
Can I Trade Borsa Italiana Stocks From Outside Italy?
Yes. Plenty of international brokers offer access to Italian stocks, indices and ETFs, often through CFDs that track FTSE MIB names. Reach beyond the largest companies can be patchy, though, so if you want a specific small cap, check it is available on a free demo account before you open a funded account.
Are There Any Borsa Italiana Brokers With The No PDT Rule?
The Pattern Day Trading (PDT) rule is a US regulatory consideration restricting traders from making four or more intraday trades within five days. Using an international broker may help US-based traders around this rule. Alternatively, traders can fund their Borsa Italiana accounts with $25,000 or more and transition to a margin account to comply with the rule.
Do Borsa Italiana Brokers Offer Trading On Every Listed Company?
The Borsa Italiana has more than 375 companies listed on its markets, grouped into indices based on market cap, ESG score or recent growth. However, not all Borsa Italiana brokers will offer access to every stock and index. You can often check which assets are available using a free demo account.
Who Owns The Borsa Italiana?
From 2007 until 2021, the Borsa Italiana was owned by the London Stock Exchange. The current owner, Euronext, acquired the exchange in 2021 and completed the move onto its own trading platform in 2023. Importantly, most Borsa Italiana brokers and platforms continue to offer trading on the Italian stock exchange and its constituents without disruption.
What Are The Borsa Italiana Trading Hours At Online Brokers?
The Borsa Italiana stock exchange trades from 09:00 to 17:30 CET (CEST in summer months). But it’s also worth checking whether your Borsa Italiana broker supports market and platform access during these times to prevent issues.