Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025
Discover the best brokers with access to the Russell 2000 following our rigorous hands-on testing.
-
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.
-
2
Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 2.5 Plexytrade, founded in 2024 and based in Saint Lucia, is an ECN/STP broker. It caters to active traders and offers four account choices. It also allows crypto transactions and a notably high leverage of up to 1:2000, due to its unregulated status. -
3
Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 3.6 Founded in 2004, Dukascopy Bank SA is a Swiss online bank and brokerage offering trading on over 1,200 instruments, including binary options. It provides various accounts (JForex, MT4/5, Binary Options) and advanced platforms (JForex, MT4/MT5) with strong tools and market data for active traders. -
4
Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.9 Founded in 2006, AvaTrade is a top forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Regulated in 9 regions, it handles more than 2 million trades monthly. AvaTrade offers platforms like MT4, MT5, and WebTrader, with over 1,250 instruments. Traders of all levels can explore CFDs, AvaOptions, and AvaFutures for short-term trading. AvaTrade provides excellent education and 24/5 multilingual customer support for a complete trading experience. -
5
Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.8 XM is a well-known forex and CFD broker with over 15 million clients in more than 190 countries. Since 2009, it has offered low trading fees on over 1000 instruments. It is highly regulated by authorities like ASIC and CySEC and provides a complete MetaTrader experience.
Compare Brokers
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025 are.
Mobile Trading Comparison
Compare the mobile trading features of the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025.
Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025 are for beginners.
Comparison for Advanced Traders
Compare how suitable the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025 are for advanced or professional traders.
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025.
Detailed Rating Comparison
Compare how we rated the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025 in key areas.
Fee and Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of trading with the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025.
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Russell 2000 Brokers 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
Broker | Popularity |
---|---|
XM |
|
Interactive Brokers |
|
Dukascopy |
|
AvaTrade |
|
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 offers exceptional access to global stocks, with thousands of equities available from over 100 market centers in 24 countries, including the recent addition of the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
- There's a large selection of free or paid research subscriptions available to all traders. If you subscribe to Toggle AI, you will also receive commission refunds from IBKR.
Cons
- 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.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity. Plus500's web platform, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those new to trading.
- 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 Plexytrade?
Plexytrade is a new trading platform offering attractive features such as a 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on certain instruments, and quick execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the company is not regulated which is a substantial issue, and the lack of research and educational tools puts it behind other leading platforms.
Pros
- Plexytrade is a unique offshore broker that accepts US residents as clients. This makes it one of the few offshore brokers that serve US-based traders.
- Different VPS packages start at $50 monthly, but they are free after reaching certain deposit amounts.
- Plexytrade supports various trading tactics such as quick buying and selling, risk management, and computer-based trading.
Cons
- Plexytrade only accepts deposits and withdrawals through cryptocurrencies. It does not support bank cards, wire transfers, or e-wallets.
- Plexytrade isn't regulated in key regions, which raises the risk for traders who open an account or deposit money.
- The platform lacks research and education tools, unlike IG. Also, only clients with at least $500 can view the economic calendar.
Why Trade With Dukascopy?
If you're an experienced trader, Dukascopy offers the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the assurance of a Swiss-regulated bank and broker.
Pros
- Dukascopy offers top-notch research, including a professional TV studio in Geneva for financial news, market analysis, and daily expert insights.
- The proprietary JForex platform is advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, detailed charting, and access to deep liquidity for traders.
- Dukascopy provides tight spreads starting at 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200 (based on jurisdiction), and volume-based commissions that benefit high-frequency traders.
Cons
- JForex offers many features, but its complexity makes it less ideal for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
- Dukascopy offers educational resources and 24/7 support, but its complex platforms and tools require extensive testing and can overwhelm new traders.
- Certain account types, like MT4/MT5 accounts, need a higher minimum deposit of $1,000. This might not be suitable for traders with limited budgets.
Why Trade With AvaTrade?
AvaTrade provides traders with essential tools: an intuitive WebTrader, strong AvaProtect risk management, a quick 5-minute sign-up, and reliable support for fast-paced markets.
Pros
- The WebTrader performed well in our tests, featuring an easy-to-use interface for beginners and strong charting tools, including 6 chart layouts and over 60 technical indicators.
- Years later, AvaTrade is still among the few brokers with a custom risk management tool, AvaProtect, which insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is simple to use on the platform.
- AvaTrade introduced AvaFutures to provide low-margin access to global markets. In 2025, it expanded by adding CME's Micro Grain Futures, which are financially settled contracts at 1/10th the size of standard contracts for key commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.
Cons
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but it needs more customization as widgets like market watch and watchlists can't be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While the deposit process is smooth, AvaTrade doesn't support crypto payments, unlike TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
- Signing up is easy, but AvaTrade doesn't offer an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides raw spreads and fast execution that many traders want.
Why Trade With XM?
With a $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting on MT4 and MT5, a growing range of markets, and a Zero account with spreads from 0.0, XM offers what traders need. They have even won our 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' award recently.
Pros
- XM's customer support has proven reliable, offering 24/5 service in 25 languages, response times under 2 minutes, and a growing Telegram channel.
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, without requotes or rejections.
- XM excels in trader education by providing well-organized resources like webinars, tutorials, and live trading sessions via XM Live.
Cons
- The XM global entity is generally reliable and well-regulated but is registered with the less robust IFSC regulator. It no longer accepts UK clients, limiting its market reach.
- XM is lagging because it doesn’t offer cTrader and TradingView, which are now preferred over MetaTrader for their better user interface and charting tools.
- The XM app is user-friendly and offers unique copy trading products, but its technical analysis tools need enhancement for advanced traders.
Filters
Understanding Russell 2000 Brokers
Russell 2000 brokers help clients trade stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from the small and medium-sized companies in the United States. Created in 1984, the Russell 2000 is part of the Russell 3000 index, which influences the management of over $9 trillion in assets. This guide will help you understand how to choose the best stock brokers for trading the Russell 2000, along with insights into historical prices, average returns, and the companies included in the index.
How To Compare Russell 2000 Brokers
- Trading Options: Brokers offer different ways to trade. Some investors prefer using an ETF that mimics the index’s performance, while others may opt for products like CFDs, which allow for leveraged trades.
- Costs: Brokers usually charge fees, which could be a percentage of each trade or based on the difference between buying and selling prices. There might be additional charges such as deposit and withdrawal fees, subscription costs, and more, especially if you keep a position overnight with tools like CFDs.
- Trading Platform: This is where you analyze stocks and place trades. Popular platforms include MetaTrader 4 and 5, known for their comprehensive tools and indicators to assist in analysis.
- Support Tools: Look for brokers offering educational resources and insights into small US companies. Some brokers provide access to expert analyses and forecasts of Russell 2000 stocks.
- Customer Assistance: Ensure the broker offers quality customer service, crucial for resolving any issues you face. Top brokers provide support via live chat and phone calls.
- Regulation: Regulated brokers, such as those licensed by FINRA in the US, are generally more reliable. You can check a broker’s license with regulatory directories to ensure trustworthiness.
What Is The Russell 2000?
The Russell 2000 is an index that represents 2000 of the smallest US publicly traded companies. It forms a part of the Russell 3000 index, which covers over 95% of all US stocks by market capitalization. Most companies in the Russell 2000 are in the financial, industrial, or healthcare sectors.
This index represents a smaller share of the entire Russell 3000 market cap, due to its focus on small and mid-sized companies. Notably, the largest market cap in the Russell 2000 can reach over $10.5 billion, with an average around $1 billion.
History
The Russell 2000 index was introduced in 1984 by the Frank Russell Company as a tool to measure the health of small to medium-sized US businesses. Now managed by the FTSE Russell Group, it remains a popular gauge of the US stock market’s overall condition.
To track its performance, you can use ticker symbol RUT on sites like MarketWatch and Yahoo Finance. Top brokers often provide tools to explore historical returns, P/E ratios, and other vital index data.
Key Dates
- 1984 – Creation of the Russell 2000 index
- 1987 – Reached a record low of 106.08
- 1989 – First mutual fund based on the index launched
- 2013 – Index exceeded a value of 1,000
- 2015 – Formation of the FTSE Russell Group
- 2020 – Surpassed a value of 2,000
- 2021 – All-time high of 2,442.74
Rules
The list of companies in the Russell 2000 is reviewed annually. To be part of this index, companies must:
- Also be part of the Russell 3000
- Have a market cap of at least $30 million
- Possess a smaller float-adjusted market cap compared to Russell 1000 companies
- Be publicly traded
- Be listed on exchanges like NYSE, NASDAQ, or CBOE
Trading Hours
The trading hours for the Russell 2000 depend on the financial instrument and exchange. Futures based on the E Mini Russell 2000 from CME Globex are available from Sunday to Friday. For NASDAQ stocks, trading is available across different sessions:
- Pre-market: 4 AM – 9:30 AM (ET)
- Main session: 9:30 AM – 4 PM (ET)
- Post-market: 4 PM – 8 PM (ET)
Online brokers may have their own trading times, so it’s crucial to check these details with your broker.
What Companies Are In The Russell 2000?
The Russell 2000 includes companies from diverse sectors like technology, energy, and utilities. As of 2023, the top companies by market cap include:
- Iridium Communications (IRDM)
- Matador Res Co (MTDR)
- Crocs Inc (CROX)
- Saia Inc (SAIA)
- Inspire Medical Systems (INSP)
- Emcor Group Inc (EME)
- RBC Bearings Inc (RBC)
- Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO)
- Texas Roadhouse Inc (TXRH)
- Shockwave Medical (SWAV)
How To Start Trading The Russell 2000
Select An Instrument
There are several ways to trade the Russell 2000:
- Stocks: Consider factors like trading volume, which indicates interest and potential price movement, and volatility, which signifies how much a stock’s price can swing.
- ETFs: These are easy to trade and track the Russell 2000. Options include the iShares Russell 2000 ETF and others. There are also leveraged and inverse ETFs for betting on the index’s rise or fall.
- Derivatives: These allow for trading based on the index’s movements without owning the underlying assets. Popular derivatives include CFDs, futures, options, and binary options.
Develop A Strategy
Creating a strategy is essential for success. Here’s how to get started:
- Research: Study companies with the highest market caps and sectors that could influence price movements.
- Find A Niche: Consider focusing on a specific industry or set of stocks to gain deeper insights and make informed decisions.
Helpful Tips
Practice With A Demo Account
Demo accounts offered by brokers let you try trading without risking real money. A good demo account provides virtual funds for testing your strategies with the Russell 2000 index.
Use Available Resources
Expand your knowledge using free resources like books, online classes, and discussion forums. Some brokers offer tools like trading bots to help automate trades, but remember, these tools act based on your instructions and don’t guarantee success.
Economic Calendar
An economic calendar tracks key events that might affect your investments. This includes annual re-settings of the Russell indices and new stock additions.
Keep A Journal
Maintaining a trading journal helps you evaluate your performance. Record each trade’s details like entry and exit points and reasons behind them. Trading software may offer journal features or allow history export for detailed review.
Final Word On Russell 2000 Brokers
The Russell 2000 is a significant index for tracking the US stock market. With brokers, you can trade stocks and various financial instruments like futures and options. Choose a reliable broker to start trading today.
FAQs
What Stocks Are In The Russell 2000?
The index comprises approximately 1,950 stocks. Visit the FTSE Russell website for a complete list of companies in the Russell 2000.
What Is The Russell 2000?
The Russell 2000 tracks 2000 smaller companies in the US, reflecting the economy’s state through high-growth stocks. You can trade it via various stocks or ETFs like the Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF.
Are Russell 2000 Brokers Regulated?
Many top brokers hold licenses with bodies like FINRA in the US or FCA in the UK. Check their license numbers to verify regulation.
How Do You Short The Russell 2000?
To short the index, use CFDs or put options contracts. Investing in inverse ETFs like the ProShares Short Russell 2000 is another method.
Are Russell 2000 ETFs The Best For Trading?
Evaluate various index ETFs like S&P 500 or NASDAQ by examining their returns and volatility to determine the best fit for your trading goals.
Where Can I Track The Russell 2000 Index?
Websites like Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch offer tracking of the Russell 2000. Brokers also provide the latest charts and data for the index.