LQDFX vs IC Markets

LQDFX vs IC Markets Comparison Table 2024
LQDFX IC Markets
4.5
4.8

LQDFX is a straight-through processing (STP) broker based in the Marshall Islands. The offshore trading firm offers competitive spreads from 0.0 pips, free deposits, 24/5 support and access to the hugely popular MetaTrader 4 platform. LQDFX also runs a competitive bonus program for short-term traders.

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.

Customer Reviews
3
4
Bonus Offer
100% deposit bonus up to $20,000
Comment by Reviewer
"LQDFX is best for active day traders looking for ultra-tight spreads, low fees and high leverage up to 1:1000. Forex traders will particularly appreciate the strong range of 70+ currency pairs with minimum deposits starting from $20." "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."
Pros
  • There are multiple STP account types with fast execution speeds, plus an Islamic swap-free option and PAMM accounts
  • The broker offers the industry favorite MT4 platform and mobile app, with 30 technical indicators for chart analysis
  • The $20 minimum initial deposit is accessible for beginners, and the Micro account will serve those looking to trade in smaller volumes
  • Tight forex spreads from 0.0 are available in the raw spread account and the $3.50 per lot commissions are in line with competitors
  • Leverage is available up to 1:1000 for experienced day traders
  • 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.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
Cons
  • There are no additional charting platforms available, such as MT5 or a proprietary solution
  • The lack of regulatory oversight is a concern, although the broker does claim to use segregated accounts and balance protection
  • It's a shame that there's no copy trading platform for beginners or experienced strategy providers
  • Market research tools and educational resources are very limited compared to top brands like IG
  • While IC Markets 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.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • 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.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
Awards
  • Best ECN Broker 2017
  • Most Reliable Broker 2017
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
Instruments
Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$20 $200
Trading Platforms
  • MT4
  • MT4
  • MT5
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • TradingCentral
  • DupliTrade
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
STP Account
Yes No
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
Yes Yes
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
Yes Yes
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
App Review

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView  platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.

Android App Rating
4.4
4.2
iOS App Rating
4.8
3.1
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Copy Trading
No Yes
Copy Trading Platform
Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy.
Social Trading
No Yes
Trade Signals
Signal Start
VPS Hosting
No Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0 $0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Stock Exchanges
Commodities
CFD Trading
LQDFX offers a modest collection of CFDs covering currencies, metals, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos. The 50+ technical indicators and drawing tools pre-included in MT4 will facilitate both short-term and long-term strategies. You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
Leverage
1:1000 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FTSE Spread
0.90 1.0
GBPUSD Spread
0.1 0.23
Oil Spread
0.05 0.03
Stocks Spread
0.05 (Apple Inc) 0.02
Forex Trading
LQDFX offers an extensive list of 70+ currency pairs, more than most alternatives. Spreads are low, coming in at 0.2 pips for EUR/GBP during peak market hours and the low/no commission models will suit beginners and high-volume forex traders. IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
Forex App

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for both their cTrader and MT5 platforms. Both have been developed on android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. The speed of execution synonymous with IC Markets is retained across their apps.

GBPUSD Spread
0.1 0.23
EURUSD Spread
0.1 0.02
EURGBP Spread
0.5 0.27
Assets
71 75
Cryptocurrency
You can trade 16 well-known cryptos including Bitcoin, the majority paired with USD or EUR. Spreads are low, starting from 1.02 pips. You can also deposit instantly via crypto with minimum deposits from $20 and no fees. IC Markets offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access high leverage up to 1:200 in the MetaTrader platforms.
Spread
1.02 - 28.0 pips BTC 42.036
Coins
  • BTC
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • DSH
  • XRP
  • BCH
  • NEO
  • ZEC
  • XMR
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • SOL
  • LUNA
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
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