Best London Metal Exchange Brokers 2025
Discover the best brokers with access to the London Metal Exchange (LME) following our rigorous hands-on testing.
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1Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.5 Fusion Markets, an online broker since 2017, is regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. Known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, it offers a variety of accounts and copy trading options for all types of traders. New traders can register and begin trading in three easy steps.
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Safety Comparison
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Mobile Trading Comparison
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Comparison for Beginners
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Comparison for Advanced Traders
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Accounts Comparison
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Detailed Rating Comparison
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Fee and Cost Comparison
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Broker Popularity
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Broker | Popularity |
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Interactive Brokers |
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Fusion Markets |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
- IBKR provides a cost-effective platform for traders by offering low fees, narrow spreads, and clear pricing.
- The TWS platform is designed for intermediate to advanced traders. It includes over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed that rarely experiences downtime.
Cons
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
Why Trade With Fusion Markets?
Fusion Markets is a top choice for forex traders seeking competitive prices with near zero spreads, minimal commissions, and new TradingView integration. The company, based and regulated in Australia by the ASIC, is especially suitable for Australian traders.
Pros
- Fusion Markets offers a supported VPS solution for algorithmic traders, including a 25% discount if they choose the NYC Servers VPS for their MT4 or cTrader platforms.
- The variety and quality of charting platforms and social trading features are superb. TradingView, MT4, MT5, and cTrader cater to diverse trading preferences.
- The Market Buzz and Analyst Views features are useful tools for finding opportunities. They are easily accessible within the client dashboard.
Cons
- The broker provides a wide selection of currency pairs, surpassing most competitors. However, their alternative investment options are just average and offer no stock CFDs outside of the US.
- Non-Australian traders need to register with global entities that have less regulation, limited safety measures, and no protection against negative balances.
- Fusion Market falls short in providing educational resources compared to competitors like eToro and IG. It offers few guides and live video tutorials for inexperienced traders.
Filters
Understanding the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Brokers
The London Metal Exchange (LME) is a major marketplace where traders can buy and sell metals like copper, aluminum, and silver. Here’s an easy guide on how to choose the best brokers for trading on the LME, what the LME is all about, and the variety of metals and contracts you can trade there.
How to Compare London Metal Exchange Brokers
Here are some straightforward tips for comparing brokers that deal with the London Metal Exchange:
Education
– There are lots of online resources to learn about the London Metal Exchange, including videos, PDFs, and books.
– The best brokers provide consolidated educational materials, making it easier to enhance your understanding and make informed trades.
– Use demo accounts if available to practice trading without financial risk.
News
– Knowing the history of metal prices can help predict future trends.
– Top brokers offer news updates and notifications to keep you informed about market changes.
– Reacting quickly to the latest news can give traders an edge.
Platforms
– Choose brokers that offer stable and user-friendly trading platforms.
– Ensure they have tools like historical pricing and customizable charts.
– Mobile apps with notifications can be beneficial for trading on the go.
How to Trade on the LME
To trade on the LME, you typically need to go through brokers. Here’s a simple guide to getting started:
1. Choose a Broker: Compare brokers based on fees, customer support, and mobile app functionality.
2. Deposit Funds: Add money to your account with your chosen broker.
3. Buy ETCs: Begin trading Exchange-Traded Commodities (ETCs) on the LME.
What Is the London Metal Exchange?
– The LME is the world’s largest market for metal futures contracts, dealing in various metals like base, ferrous, and precious metals.
– It’s a central hub for metal trading globally, and is owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX).
– The LME does not have a public share price, but members can buy B-shares.
History of the London Metal Exchange
– The LME’s roots go back to 1571 with the Royal Exchange in London, and it was officially founded in 1877.
– Initially, copper was the only metal traded, but many more were added over the years.
– It was closed during World War 2 and didn’t reopen until 1953. HKEX bought it in 2012.
Metals Traded on LME
Here’s a quick look at the types of metals you can trade:
Non-Ferrous Metals
- Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
- Copper
- Nickel
- Lead
- Zinc
- Tin
Ferrous Metals
– Focuses primarily on different forms of steel.
EV Metals
- Molybdenum
- Lithium
- Cobalt
Precious Metals
- Palladium
- Gold
- Platinum
- Silver
Metals Not Traded
– Some metals like iron ore, titanium, and others are not traded on the LME.
Types of Contracts
Understanding contract types is crucial for trading:
Futures
– This is an agreement to buy or sell a specific metal at a fixed price at a future date.
Options
– Offers the right to buy or sell a metal, but not an obligation, at a set price on a specific date.
TAPOs
– These are Average Price Options where payouts depend on the monthly average price of the metal.
Monthly Average Futures
– These are used to protect against price changes that happen monthly.
Trade At Settlement (TAS)
– TAS is an order to trade at a closing price that will be set later, available for 3-month nickel contracts.
HKEX London Minis
– These are available for certain metals and are priced in different currencies.
LMEminis
– Smaller, monthly contracts that are settled using the official settlement price.
LME Index
The LME Index tracks six metals based on their trading volume and production.
Trading Methods
You can trade on the LME through open outcry (face-to-face trading), electronic platforms, or over the phone.
Ring Trading
– Ring trading involves brokers trading in a physical setting, which helps in setting official prices.
Delivery Points & Hedging
– Only a small percentage of trades result in physical delivery, but the LME has warehouses worldwide for this purpose.
Rules & Regulations
– The LME follows strict rules and is overseen by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Trading Hours
– Trading hours vary depending on the method but typically include morning and afternoon sessions for open outcry and longer hours for electronic trading.
London Metal Exchange vs. CME
– The LME focuses on metals, while the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) offers a wider range of products.
– The LME also emphasizes sustainability initiatives.
Notable Employees
– Key figures at the LME include CEO Matthew Chamberlain and other leaders in risk and compliance.
Branches
- London Branch: 10 Finsbury Square, London
- Singapore Branch: 9 Battery Road, Raffles Place, Singapore
Contact Details
– London Office: +44 20 7113 8888
– Singapore Office: +65 6535 5035
Final Word on London Metal Exchange Brokers
The London Metal Exchange is integral to the global metals market, offering numerous opportunities for trading through brokers. Whether you’re looking to trade directly or benefit from market trends, understanding the LME is vital.
FAQs
Can I Purchase LME A Shares Through Online Brokers?
– No, A shares are not available, but you can buy B shares.
Can I Buy Iron Futures on the LME via Online Brokers?
– No, iron futures are not available, but steel contracts often are.
Is There Still Open Outcry Trading at LME?
– Yes, the traditional open outcry method is still in use.
What is the LME Official Settlement Price?
– It’s the last cash offer price for settling futures, published between 12:30 and 13:25 GMT.
What is LME’s LMEGA?
– LMEGA stands for the London Metal Exchange Golf Association, where industry members can play golf.