- Jump to:
- Main Features
- What are Fixed Spread Brokers?
- Advantages of Fixed Spreads
- Disadvantages of Fixed Spreads
- Fixed Spreads vs. Variable Spreads
- Key Features to Look for
- Who Should Use Fixed Spreads?
- Tips for Choosing the Right Broker
- Final Thoughts
Forex trading is not just about trading currencies. Understanding different costs and brokerage models is also important. Due to predictable structure, fixed spread brokers are popular among traders. Let’s delve into more details about it.
- Pepperstone 75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Plus500 82% of retail investor accounts lose money
- FxPro 74% of retail investor accounts lose money
- easyMarkets 71% of retail investor accounts lose money
- AvaTrade 76% of retail investor accounts lose money
- eToro 51% of retail investor accounts lose money
- InstaForex 75.02% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Forex.com 77.7% of retail investor accounts lose money
- Iron FX 63.91% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our team has thoroughly evaluated all brokers listed below using TradingPedia’s exclusive methodology.
Main Features of the Best Forex Brokers with Fixed Spreads
- Brand
- Trading platforms
- Minimum deposit
- Regulations
- Trading instruments
- Spreads
- Leverage for Forex CFDs
- Leverage for Crypto CFDs
- Leverage for Indices CFDs
- Deposit methods
- Withdrawal Methods
- Commission per Lot
- Contact details
What are Fixed Spread Brokers?
Advantages of Fixed Spreads
Let’s find the core benefits of fixed spread brokers.
- Since spreads are fixed, the trading cost is predictable. You can easily calculate the cost regardless of market conditions.
- It provides ease of budgeting for the traders. Traders can be better at money management by calculating their costs upfront.
- Fixed spreads save you from wide spreads usually seen during news releases or market turbulence.
Disadvantages of Fixed Spreads
At the same time, there are some disadvantages as well.
- Fixed spreads mean a higher cost of trading during stable markets as variable spreads are low during such conditions.
- With fixed spread brokers, there is always a risk of requotes. Your orders may not be instantly executed during extreme volatility.
- Fixed spreads may not suit traders who like to scale. For example, high frequency traders open several positions and every pip of cost matters to them.
Fixed Spreads vs. Variable Spreads
Let’s compare both models to help you find what suits your trading style.
The trading cost can be high for fixed spread brokers as the variable spreads are mostly low with minimal to none markup added by them.
However, volatility response for variable spreads is usually negative for the traders as too wide spreads during extreme volatility could turn the table for the traders while fixed spread brokers change nothing in either market condition.
- Scalping involves multiple positions being opened and closed in a session. Variable spreads suit scalpers more than fixed spreads.
- For swing traders, fixed spreads provide cost stability over longer trades.
- For day traders, the choice primarily depends on number of positions traded in a day and market conditions.
Variable spreads are often doubted for less transparency as the brokers could manipulate the pricing. For fixed spreads, the ideal scenario is less trading and aiming for bigger gains. For example, if you trade once a day during the low volatile market hours. It could be an early Asian session or a late US session. You may aim for twenty pips target. This scenario is ideal for fixed spread brokers.
Key Features to Look for in Forex Brokers with Fixed Spreads
Once you have decided to opt for a fixed spread broker, consider the following features to find the best one.
Spread Range Across Major and Minor Pairs
Check the spreads of major and minor pairs that you frequently trade. Make sure the broker offers competitive spreads for those pairs.
Transparency in Pricing and Commission Structure
Usually, fixed spread brokers do not charge commissions. However, look for other costs like withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, etc. A transparent broker does not keep hidden fees.
Execution Speed and Trade Reliability
Fixed spread brokers usually have requotes when prices fluctuate a lot. However, a good broker executes trades speedily with higher reliability.
Compatibility with Popular Trading Platforms
Ensure the VPS is compatible with popular platforms like MetaTrader and cTrader. Some countries do not allow MetaTrader. Hence, check before signing up.
Broker Reputation and Regulation
Once you see the above feature, then look for the regulation of a broker. If a broker is highly regulated, then you are good to sign up with it.
Who Should Use Fixed Spreads?
Let’s find out who should use fixed spread brokers.
Beginners and Small Account Traders
Beginner traders may not be well acquainted with the markets. So, handling the variable spreads may be a bit challenging for them. Moreover, small account traders may not have access to the variable spread accounts as they require bigger deposits.
News Traders and High-Volatility Scenarios
Due to a predictable cost structure and no change in spreads during highly volatile conditions, news traders can benefit from fixed spreads.
Traders with Specific Budget Constraints
Traders who have budget constraints may like fixed spread brokers as they help them to strictly adhere to their financial plans.
Tips for Choosing the Right Broker with Fixed Spreads
Here are some important tips for you to pick the right fixed spread broker.
Assessing Your Trading Needs and Strategy
Evaluate your strategy and find out your trading requirements and objectives. Not every trader and the strategy are meant to be aligned with the fixed spreads. Once you know the pros and cons of fixed spreads and you have clarity on your strategy, then go for it.
Checking Spreads During Volatile and Normal Markets
Though brokers claim to provide fixed spreads, there are instances when brokers raise their spreads. It could be at the end of a session or the beginning of a session. Hence, observe the spreads during normal conditions and volatile markets as well.
Evaluating Trading Platforms and Tools Provided
Always check what trading platforms are provided by the broker. The chosen broker must have a platform that is user-friendly for you. Also, find out what valuable tools are provided by the broker.
Final Thoughts
Fixed spread brokers can be a great choice for traders looking for cost predictability and stable spreads during highly volatile conditions. However, they may not suit scalpers and high frequency traders. Therefore, it is important to assess your trading needs and goals before choosing fixed spread brokers.