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Shenzhen Stock Exchange

Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers offer one of the two major stock exchanges operating independently in mainland China. The SZSE currently stands as the eighth largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization. This tutorial will rank the best Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers for day trading. We also explain who owns the exchange, listing rules of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, its purpose and opening hours.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange Brokers

These are the 5 best brokers for trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange:

  1. AvaTrade
  2. Pepperstone
  3. CityIndex
  4. IG
  5. CMC Markets

#1 - AvaTrade

Why We Chose 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, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.

"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."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
  • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
  • Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)

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

  • WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
  • Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
  • There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill

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
Visit AvaTrade

#2 - Pepperstone

Why We Chose 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.

"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."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • 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)

Stock Exchanges

Pepperstone offers trading on 22 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
  • Korean Stock 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
  • Toronto Stock Exchange

Pros

  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • 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

  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
  • 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.
  • There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
Visit Pepperstone

#3 - CityIndex

Why We Chose CityIndex

City Index is an established and award-winning forex, CFD and spread betting broker with top-tier global regulation, including in the UK (FCA) and Australia (ASIC). With 30+ years in the industry, 13,500+ instruments and 24/5 customer support, City Index is a solid pick for aspiring traders.

"City Index is best for new and intermediate traders looking for a wide selection of assets on user-friendly platforms."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities, Bonds
  • Regulator: ASIC, FCA, MAS
  • Platforms: MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.

Stock Exchanges

CityIndex offers trading on 2 stock exchanges:

  • S&P 500
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange

Pros

  • Extended hours trading on 70+ popular shares including Amazon and Tesla
  • No minimum deposit to get started
  • Thousands of instruments including thematic indices and interest rates that are not available at many alternatives

Cons

  • $15 monthly inactivity fee
  • Cryptocurrency trading not available in all locations
  • No Islamic account for Muslim traders
Visit CityIndex

#4 - IG

Why We Chose IG

Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled 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.

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA
  • Platforms: Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)

Stock Exchanges

IG offers trading on 20 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
  • Korean Stock Exchange
  • London Stock Exchange
  • 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

  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis

Cons

  • 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
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
Visit IG

#5 - CMC Markets

Why We Chose CMC Markets

Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a respected broker listed on the London Stock Exchange and authorized by several tier-one regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CIRO. More than 1 million traders from around the world have signed up with the multi-award winning brokerage.

"With advanced charting tools and an extensive range of tradable CFDs, including an almost unrivalled selection of currencies and custom indices, CMC Markets provides a fantastic online platform for traders of all levels. "

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting
  • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
  • Platforms: Web, MT4
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)

Stock Exchanges

CMC Markets offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Deutsche Boerse
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange

Pros

  • CMC Markets is heavily regulated by reputable financial authorities and maintains its stellar reputation, helping to ensure a secure and trustworthy trading environment.
  • The web platform delivers a fantastic user experience with advanced charting tools for day trading and customizable features, catering to both beginners and experienced traders. MT4 (but not MT5) is also supported.
  • CMC offers excellent pricing, including tight spreads and low trading fees for all but stock CFDs. The Alpha and Price+ schemes also offer perks for active traders with up to 40% discounts on spreads.

Cons

  • Trading stock CFDs incurs a relatively high commission, especially compared to the cheapest brokers like IC Markets.
  • An inactivity fee of $10 per month is applied after 12 months of inactivity, which may deter casual investors.
  • The CMC Markets app offers the complete trading package but the design and user experience trails category leaders like eToro.
Visit CMC Markets

How To Choose Shenzhen Stock Exchange Brokers

Financial brokers act as an intermediary platform so you can access Shenzhen Stock Exchange trading services. Choosing the right SZSE brokers to meet your investing needs is important. Consider the integration of tools such as historical data charts, customizable index graph options, market sentiment data and access to live news and press release information to increase the potential of your strategy.

Pricing & Fees

Fees will also be a key consideration when comparing brokers with access to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Look for SZSE brokers that support trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with a transparent and competitive commission structure.

Additionally, consider low non-trading costs such as deposit and withdrawal charges, inactivity fees, and account maintenance costs as these can also cut away at profits.

Education & Training

Access to comprehensive resources is invaluable, whether you are a new or experienced trader. The top Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers will offer a wealth of content, learning materials and resources available for free, at the click of a button.

Books and journals may also be useful. Topics are vast with themes such as the Growth Enterprise Market (gem board), how to buy shares, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange trading fact book or details on blockchain board implementation.

Other helpful resources to look out for when comparing Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers include a full trading calendar with public holidays, company annual report publications such as market cap filings or PE ratio rationale.

Alternatively to the content offered by Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers, you can find plenty of peer-to-peer or published resources to set you up on your way to a successful investment journey. Online platforms and websites include Reuters or TradingView.

Instruments

It is also worth researching the specific asset types and trading methods that can be accessed at Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers. This includes bond trading, ETFs, futures, and B-shares.

Alternatively, look out for SZSE brokers that offer individual stocks. You should be able to trade shares of some of the companies included in the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. As a member of SEHK, Interactive Brokers for example, provides day traders with direct access to eligible products on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Alternatively, investors with China Connect permissions will be eligible to trade securities through Shenzhen – Stock Connect.

Demo Accounts

Today is it standard practice for the most established Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers to offer demo accounts. Demo platforms allow investors to practice in simulated environments without having to deposit personal capital.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers that provide these accounts offer a great way to get a feel for the exchange and trial strategies risk-free. Remember, price quote data may not be as accurate as demonstrated within a live account.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers with mobile trading will also rank highly, meaning you won’t miss out on opportunities whilst on the go.

What Is The Shenzhen Stock Exchange?

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange ticker symbol is SZSE and it is a key exchange operating in China. The exchange provides access to domestic stocks, oversees securities and devises operational rules. Other functions include arranging securities listings, supervising members, regulating listed companies and managing market information.

Today, it is the world’s 8th largest stock exchange by market capitalization with over 2,700 companies listed. In July 2021, the market capitalization figure stood at $3.9 trillion. The exchange is a self-regulated legal entity operating under the guidance and supervision of the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The other, larger exchange operating across mainland China is the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE).

Shenzhen Stock Exchange Vs Shanghai Stock Exchange

Both the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) & Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) centres were opened by the Chinese government in 1990 as a method to modernize China’s economy. The main difference between the two is the listed companies found within the entity search. Note not all SSE brokers will offer access to the SZE.

The SZSE is a much smaller exchange than the SSE. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange companies are more entrepreneurial, privately-owned businesses. These are often those within the technology or manufacturing industry, New Hope Liuhe, for example. Around 60% of organizations listed on the SZSE are manufacturers vs 28% on the SSE. The Shanghai Stock Exchange hosts larger, state-owned organizations like those within the financial sector. These firms are mainly responsible for China’s economic growth.

Shenzhen Hong Kong Stock Connect

The Shenzhen Hong Kong Stock Connect is a cross-boundary investment network that links the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The programme, developed in 2016, allows traders to invest shares in the other market via local brokerages. The stock connect simply creates a single ‘China’ stock market that ranks as one of the largest in the world by daily turnover.

History

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre was established on 1st December 1990, with many online SZSE brokers emerging since. The ownership directive is led by the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission and operates from an impressive OMA building with an address in the Futian District location. By 2004, the exchange had eight listed companies, with new listings required to be small to medium-sized enterprises only.

Key milestone history dates include:

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre signed a memorandum of understanding with 50 major global stock exchanges and financial establishments. Other notable disclosure memberships of the platform include; the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the Asian and Oceanian Stock Exchanges Federation (AOSEF) and affiliate membership to the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

What Is The Shenzhen Stock Exchange Used For?

The SZSE is ‘committed to developing China’s multi-tiered capital market system, serving national economic development and transformation, and supporting the strategy of independent innovation’. As many significant national corporations are featured on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange lists, it can also provide a gauge of economic health or act as a reflection of major financial events.

The exchange is well known for being used as a trading platform by individuals across the globe who attempt to make a profit from company share price fluctuations. Traders can invest in company stocks, ‘short selling’ or ‘going long’ depending on market sentiment trends. Simply look out for the logo on Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers’ investment platforms.

How Shenzhen Stock Exchange Trading Works

Indices

The main Shenzhen Stock Exchange index list is the SZSE Composite Index (SZCOMP). This contains only companies listed on the exchange, including Oriental Energy, ZTE Corporation, Anker Innovations and BYD Company. It is a market-cap weighted index that tracks the stock performance of all A-share and B-share corporations on the exchange.

Other related indices include:

Note, not all SZSE brokers offer access to each index.

Boards

There are three Shenzhen Stock Exchange boards: the mainboard, the small and medium enterprises (SME) board and the ChiNext Market. These all support China’s capital market system.

The mainboard originated in 1986 and is a vital channel to finance major enterprises. The mainboard plays an active role in endorsing a modern enterprise structure, contributing to economic growth and optimizing resources. The mainboard has seen the continuous expansion of capacity to serve the economy in real-time.

The SME board was recognised in 2004 and has grown to be the largest of the three sub-markets hosted on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Many of the organisations listed on this platform are manufacturing corporations with stable performance prospectuses.

The ChiNext Market is the newest board, established in 2009. The rules of the board focus on innovative growth companies and start-ups with lower average daily turnover revenues vs those on the SME board.

In April 2021, the CSRC approved the merger of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre’s main board and the small and medium enterprises (SME) board. The plan was developed due to the overlapping issues between business scopes across both boards. The securities category of the formerly listed companies on the SME board will merge and be changed to ‘A Shares’ on the mainboard.

Blockchain

In October 2020, it was published that the Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre was set to develop a blockchain-based platform for private companies that fail to be listed on the main exchange board. This is a move hosted by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and marked an important milestone towards boosting the innovation of financial technology. The SZSE hosts an application to further facilitate the digitization of the equity market.

Note, SZSE brokers may also provide trading on digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies.

Trading Rules

There are several listing requirements that firms must adhere to before being considered for the SZSE exchange. The main Shenzhen Stock Exchange rules include:

Strategy Tips

It is worth carefully considering which strategy you will use to turn a profit with Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers. The best approach is to analyze previous market data facts, charts and patterns. Using this information will help you better predict future price movements, thus creating a base strategy.

There are many pre-existing strategies and indicators online that you can use for inspiration or implement in your own trades. The best Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers will offer built-in indicators within platforms so you don’t have to download third-party software or tools.

Choosing A Stock

The most difficult decision is ascertaining the best day trading stocks to invest in on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre. With the ever-growing company search list, which will provide the best profit potential? Do you stick to those with recent IPO hypes?

There are two main ways to analyze stocks; volume and volatility. Spend the time analyzing price shifts and average trading volumes across the past four weeks, for example. Volume gives weight to market moves. The greater the volume, the greater the move.

Expanding your search out of the top 20+ stocks that Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers may offer could also make a significant difference to your profit potential. Live index trackers and screeners will be invaluable when looking into the exchange.

The level of unpredictability surrounding stocks can influence price fluctuations within a trading session. Stocks with low volatility generally offer less profit potential. There are several ways to try and calculate the volatility of stock including standard deviation, or Beta, which refers to the fluctuations of returns against a relevant benchmark.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange Hours

The SZSE operating hours are:

The exchange’s opening hours operate in the Asian time zone, GMT +8. Note there are no weekend days available; the SZSE is open Monday to Friday only. The stock exchange is open for just under 4 hours, a notably shorter period vs other markets. A shorter session compresses activity leading to increased liquidity, smaller spreads and sometimes less volatility.

Keep an eye on public holiday dates as Shenzhen Stock Exchange trading will not be available during national holidays. Many Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers will integrate a holiday calendar into personal account portals.

Biggest Players

In 2021, there were 2743 companies listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with 67% of these belonging to the manufacturing industry. The number of listed companies in this sector had a combined market value of 23 trillion yuan. Some of the largest listed companies by market capitalization include:

These Shenzhen Stock Exchange companies hold massive market cap numbers with financial statements reaching into the billions. There is no ‘best stock to trade’ but the above can offer strong liquidity and volatility.

Keep an eye on company announcements, news and filings via Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers, as these can quickly swing price movements.

Why Trade The Shenzhen Stock Exchange?

Shenzhen Stock Exchange Trading For Foreign Investors

Purchasing shares of publicly traded companies in China is not as simple as for alternative exchanges like in the US. China imposes strict restrictions on the individuals who can purchase stocks and all public companies will fall under share categories. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange has a foreign ownership holdings limit of 30%, with some companies nearing their owner limit in 2020. SZSE reserves the right to block investment trade for these companies from overseas buyers.

A-Shares

Defined as publicly listed Chinese corporations that trade on exchanges such as the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. These trade in renminbi (CNY) and are generally only available for trading to mainland China residents. Foreign investment in these companies is occasionally supported through a regulated arrangement such as via the Qualified Institutional Investors (QFII) programme. Other methods for international investors to access A-Shares includes alternative opportunities like exchange-traded index funds (ETFs) via registered Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers.

B-Shares

B-Shares are domestically listed foreign investment shares. These trade in foreign currency such as the US Dollar and can be found on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange centre. These shares are more widely available to foreign investors. Note that settlement cycle timings may vary for overseas traders.

Final Word On Shenzhen Stock Exchange Brokers

Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers offers access to some of the most influential companies in Asia. It is no surprise that international day traders across the globe output a significant interest and trading volume investing in this market. But importantly, spend time understanding historical price movements, economic influences and trading hours. A thorough comparison of Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers can also help you get the most out of your strategy. Use our list of the best TWSE brokers to get started.

FAQs

How Many Companies Are Listed At Shenzhen Stock Exchange Brokers?

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange trading centre is the 8th largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, with over 2700 listed companies. In July 2021, this market capitalization figure stood at $3.9 trillion.

Who Owns The Shenzhen Stock Exchange?

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) supervises the services of the SZSE. It is one of two stock exchanges operating independently in mainland China, the other being the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Are SZSE Brokers Regulated?

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) is a self-regulated legal entity under the supervision of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). However, the best Shenzhen Stock Exchange brokers hold licenses in the major investing jurisdictions in which they have clients from.

Where Is The Shenzhen Stock Exchange Located?

The stock exchange is located in the Futian District of Shenzhen, a city in southeastern China.

What Is The Difference Between The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Vs Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE)?

The main difference between the Shenzhen Stock Exchange trading centre and SSE is the types of companies that are hosted on each exchange. Smaller, emerging companies trade on the SZSE, whereas larger, state-owned corporations like banks can be found on the SSE. Both exchanges were founded in 1990 by the Chinese government.