Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2024
China’s highly volatile Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, frequent government interventions leading to sharp market movements, and rapid economic growth making it the world’s second-largest economy with a GDP of $17.7 trillion, create an attractive environment for short-term traders.
We’ve identified the best day trading platforms in China following hands-on tests. Many of these platforms cater to Chinese day traders, offering local markets like currency pairs containing the Chinese yuan (CNH) and stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), as well as convenient payment methods, such as Hangzhou-based Alipay.
Note, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has tightened restrictions surrounding online trading in recent years. This is to keep a handle on capital outlfows and stabilize the yuan. We recommend checking Beijing’s latest rules to make sure you only trade with authorized brokers.
Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In China
Following our first-hand evaluations, these 10 trading platforms stand out as the best for Chinese day traders:
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1Moneta Markets50% Cashback Bonus, Free VPS
Ratings
$500.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, FSCA, FSACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, CryptoAppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralVisa, Bitcoin Payments, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Sticpay, JCB Card, Credit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, BRL -
2AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
3IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
4Deriv.com
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSCCFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesDeriv Trader, MT5Neteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP, AUD -
5Exness
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoExness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, AirtelUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR -
6PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
7IC Trading
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:500FSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Cryptos, FuturesMT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Neteller, Mastercard, Visa, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
8XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNFForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, FuturesMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF -
9Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
10RoboForex$30 No Deposit BonusRoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.
Ratings
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, FuturesR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingViewVisa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPayUSD, EUR
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Moneta Markets - Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Moneta Markets offers over 1000 instruments for short-term trading. New traders can choose between STP and ECN accounts while the smooth sign-up process has helped attract 70,000 registered traders.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
- IC Markets - IC Markets 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 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
- Deriv.com - Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
- Exness - Exness is a Cyprus-based forex and CFD brokerage established in 2008. With over 800,000 clients, several awards and reputable licensing, the broker has maintained its position as a highly respected global brand. Active day traders can access the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, raw spreads and multiple account types.
- Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ 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, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
- IC Trading - IC Trading is part of the established IC Markets group. Built for serious traders, it boasts some of the most competitive spreads, reliable order execution, and advanced trading tools. The catch is that it’s registered in the offshore financial centre of Mauritius, enabling it to offer high leverage but in a weakly regulated trading setting.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
- Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 800+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
- RoboForex - RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC 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.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in China 2024 Comparison
Moneta Markets
"With ECN pricing featuring spreads from 0 and commissions from $1, high leverage of up to 1:1000, and the terrific ProTrader charting platform, Moneta Markets is an excellent broker for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Moneta Markets Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 50% Cashback Bonus, Free VPS |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FSCA, FSA |
Platforms | AppTrader, ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, BRL |
Pros
- Moneta Markets makes account funding a breeze, with plenty of account currencies, zero transfer fees and a wide selection of traditional, digital and now crypto-backed payment methods.
- The intuitive ProTrader web platform, powered by TradingView, performed brilliantly during testing, enabling trading directly from charts, plus the easy modification of orders using drag-and-drop functionality.
- Registering for an account with Moneta Markets is quick and easy through the digital sign-up process, taking just a few minutes with an accessible $50 minimum deposit.
Cons
- Although regulated by the ASIC, trading through the Seychelles-based entity may result in limited regulatory protections while Moneta Markets’ short track also means it hasn’t earned the reputation of the safest brokers.
- The best pricing is reserved for traders who deposit $20,000 for the ECN Ultra account, putting it out of reach for most retail investors.
- While trading costs are generally competitive, index CFDs feature fairly high spreads especially on US products like the S&P 500, trailing IC Markets during testing.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
- The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
- Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins
Cons
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
- There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
- It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
IC Markets
"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 Markets Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
Cons
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
Deriv.com
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Deriv.com Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC |
Platforms | Deriv Trader, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD |
Pros
- Deriv bolstered its short-term trading opportunities in 2024 with accumulator options on simulated indices featuring up to 5% growth rates
- There's a good range of fast deposit and withdrawal methods with zero payment fees and low minimum deposits
- Deriv continues to offer fast and reliable 24/7 support and the WhatsApp service is particularly convenient
Cons
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
Exness
"Exness remains an accessible broker for all experience levels, though experienced day traders will particularly appreciate the ultra-low commission rates, fast withdrawals and high-quality charting software."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
Exness Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC, CBCS, CNMV, KNF, AFM |
Platforms | Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR |
Pros
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips and low commissions from $2 per side
- Exness is the first brokerage to pass the $1 trillion and $2 trillion marks in monthly trading volumes
- Local payments are available, plus deposits in BTC and USDT
Cons
- There are several regional restrictions for retail traders including the USA, Europe and the UK
- Unlike most competitors, Exness doesn't provide its own education section
- There are no promotional deals or loyalty schemes for high-volume day traders
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 24/7 support."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
Cons
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
IC Trading
"With superior execution speeds averaging 40 milliseconds, deep liquidity, and powerful charting software, IC Trading delivers an optimal trading environment tailored for scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC Trading Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Cryptos, Futures |
Regulator | FSC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The simplified and digital account opening process saves time and effort, allowing traders to start trading sooner without extensive paperwork, taking just minutes during testing.
- Trading Central and Autochartist are valuable tools for in-depth technical summaries and actionable trading ideas and are accessible from within the account area or the cTrader platform.
- IC Trading provides industry-leading spreads, including 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, making it ideal for day traders.
Cons
- Despite being part of the trusted IC Markets group, IC Trading is authorized by a weak regulator - the FSC of Mauritius, with limited financial transparency and regulatory safeguards.
- Customer support performed woefully during testing with multiple attempts to connect via live chat and no one available to assist, plus unanswered emails, raising concerns about its ability to address urgent trading concerns.
- The educational resources are greatly in need of improvement, unless you navigate to the IC Markets website, posing a limitation for beginners in search of a comprehensive learning journey, especially compared to category leaders like eToro.
XM
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
William Berg, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNF |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF |
Pros
- Powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms are available with 60+ and 80+ technical charting tools
- The broker offers premium research including market sentiment, fundamental insights and strategy builders
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
Cons
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Eightcap Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
- With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed more than 490 competitors to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
Cons
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
- The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
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
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures |
Regulator | IFSC |
Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- 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.
- The broker offers leverage up to 1:2000 for certain account types, which is among the highest in the industry. This high leverage allows day traders to maximize their trading potential, albeit with a corresponding increase in risk.
- RoboForex offers over 12,000 instruments, providing more short-term trading opportunities than the vast majority of online brokers, with forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and futures.
Cons
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
- 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.
- 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.
Methodology
To uncover the best day trading brokers in China, we searched our database of 500 online platforms and narrowed it down to all those that accept Chinese traders.
We then ranked them by their overall score, leveraging 100+ data points and findings from our in-depth assessments.
- We ensured each broker accepts Chinese day traders.
- We only recommended trusted and regulated brokers.
- We prioritized brokers with a wide range of markets.
- We favored brokers with competitive day trading fees.
- We checked for a range of charting tools for technical analysis.
- We assessed each broker’s leverage and margin requirements.
- We investigated each broker’s execution speed and quality.
- We made sure each broker offers convenient account funding
How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In China
Our years in the industry have shown that there are several important factors to consider when choosing a broker:
Choose A Trustworthy Broker
A trusted brokerage will be regulated by a credible authority and provide a secure environment to help protect you from trading scams.
Unfortunately, trading scams are prevalent in China, with the infamous ‘Pig Butchering’ operation sweeping through Asia in recent years. As reported by CNN, this is a “type of confidence fraud in which victims are lured by scammers often impersonating young women on the internet. The scammers then spend weeks building a relationship with their victim, introducing them to cryptocurrency and encouraging them to invest on a fake platform.”
That’s why day trading with a regulated broker is crucial if you want peace of mind and security. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) oversees domestic financial markets.
Some overseas brokers also accept Chinese traders, though it’s important to check for any legal restrictions before signing up.
If you do opt for this route, it’s advisable to select a broker authorized by a ‘green tier’ regulator, such as the UK’s FCA. We also recommend picking a broker with a long, clean track record.
- AvaTrade maintains a top spot in our trust ratings, with licenses from multiple green tier authorities including Australia’s ASIC and Japan’s FSA. It’s also upheld an excellent track record since 2006 and safeguards client accounts with negative balance protection and its own AvaProtect feature.
Choose A Broker With Diverse Market Coverage
Day traders may be interested in a range of asset classes, typically traded via short-term products like contracts for difference (CFDs).
For Chinese traders, exotic currency pairs involving the Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY or CNH in the offshore market) such as the USD/CNH, exhibit significant volatility that can make them attractive to short-term trading strategies.
You may also be interested in Chinese shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), such as Kweichow Moutai Co and PetroChina.
Additionally, as the world’s number one exporter of goods, China offers opportunities to speculate on prominent commodities, such as oil, iron ore and aluminium.
- Pepperstone offers a superb range of regional markets for Chinese day traders, including the USD/CNH currency pair, shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), and a range of local indices and ETFs, notably the Hang Seng China 50 Index and the iShares China 25 ETF.
Choose A Broker With Excellent Pricing
Low brokerage fees are important if you’re actively trading, as transaction costs can accumulate quickly.
That’s why we assess spreads and commissions on popular assets, the most common day trading fees. We also consider non-trading fees such as deposit and withdrawal charges, plus conversion costs if transferring Chinese yuan.
- Moneta Markets continues to deliver some of the best pricing in the industry, with ultra-low spreads from 0.3 on USD/CNH and 0.6 on the China 50 Index. For no additional fee, you also get access to an intuitive economic calendar where you can filter economic events in China.
Choose A Broker With Reliable Charting Platforms
Short-term traders require a stable charting environment to build strategies and execute trades.
Crucially, the best charting platforms are user-friendly, easy to navigate and deliver a wide range of technical tools.
Popular options include MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which have pioneered online trading software since 2005. However, more contemporary options like cTrader and TradingView stand out for their sleeker designs, with limited compromises in terms of quality and features.
I particularly love that you can view chart patterns from Autochartist directly in the cTrader workspace alongside your chosen asset. For example, I was able to seamlessly analyze potential opportunities in the HK50 Index, as can be seen below.
- IC Markets offers a superb selection of platforms to suit all experience levels and strategies, including MT4, cTrader and TradingView. You can also access superior tools, including IC Insights, which I’ve used to view market research on NASDAQ-listed Chinese stocks, such as China Xiangtai Food Co.
Choose A Broker With Clear Leverage Requirements
Leverage is a key component of many day trading strategies, allowing you to magnify your gains while only putting down a small deposit (margin).
Let’s say I want to speculate on PetroChina shares with leverage of 1:5, this means that my gains from a 500 CNH deposit would multiply x5, to 2,500 CNH.
That said, leverage can also contribute to significant losses, so understand your broker’s margin requirements upfront and take a proactive approach to risk management.
- XM offers leverage up to 1:1000 for highly experienced investors, although leverage on USD/CNH is capped at 1:50. Margin requirements are clearly articulated upfront, for example, the China 50 Index requires a minimum margin of 0.4%. I also recommend using the broker’s handy margin calculator to work out what you need for each trade.
Choose A Broker With Fast Execution
Successful day trading requires reliable order execution, ensuring that positions are filled quickly and at the desired price.
We examine brokers’ execution data where possible, including speeds (ideally meeting our <100-millisecond benchmark).
We also take into account latency and slippage rates – the measures of time delay and price difference per order executed, respectively.
- FOREX.com consistently delivers ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 50 milliseconds, with 100% of trades successfully executed at the requested price or better on the MT4 platform. This makes it an excellent option if you want to day trade fast-moving markets such as USD/CNH, AUD/CNH, EUR/NCH, and CNH/JPY (all available at FOREX.com).
Choose A Broker With Convenient Account Funding
You can usually open a day trading account with less than 250 USD (approximately 1,810 CNY), though some brokers let you sign up with no minimum.
Having access to convenient local payment methods can also help keep transaction costs and processing times down.
According to research by Adyen, 92% of Chinese consumers use Alipay and WeChat Pay as their primary funding methods, while Union Pay is a prominent card solution. These are offered by various day trading platforms, as firms look to attract Chinese traders.
- RoboForex is a great option for budget traders with its $10 minimum deposit. It also offers a vast selection of payment methods, including leading payment solutions in China, WeChat Pay and Alipay.
FAQ
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In China?
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) regulates the financial markets in China, including participants like online trading platforms.
We recommend checking the latest rules and regulations from the Chinese government before choosing a broker, as there may be restrictions on using international platforms in certain instances.
Which Is The Best Broker That Accepts Day Traders In China?
See our list of the best day trading platforms in China to find a suitable option for your needs.
For example, Pepperstone offers a great range of Chinese markets, from CNH currency pairs to Chinese ETFs, while RoboForex is a top pick for those looking for hassle-free account funding using Chinese payment solutions like Alipay.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA)
- Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)
- Chinese Trading Scam - CNN
- China Economy - OEC
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
- People's Bank of China
- Payment Methods In China - Adyen
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