Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025

Discover the top brokers for synthetic indices, rigorously tested for trading conditions and product flexibility – ideal for traders looking to capitalize on instruments that mirror real market dynamics around the clock.

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Paul Holmes
Checker Image Fact Checker
Tobias Robinson
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James Barra
Showing top 5 of 33 matching brokers.
  1. 1
    Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 3.4
    eToro is a platform for social investing that provides options for both short and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The platform is recognized for its easy-to-use, community-oriented interface and reasonable fees. With oversight from FINRA and SIPC, and used by millions globally, eToro is a reputed name in the industry. Trading on eToro is facilitated by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
    Demo Account
    Yes
    Minimum Deposit
    $100
    Minimum Trade
    $10
    Leverage
    No
    Copy Trading
    Yes
    Regulator
    SEC, FINRA
    Instruments
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    Platforms
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    Account Currencies
    USD
    Automated Trading
    No
    AI
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No
  2. 2
    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.
    Demo Account
    Yes
    Minimum Deposit
    $100
    Minimum Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:200
    Copy Trading
    No
    Regulator
    FINMA, JFSA, FCMC
    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options
    Platforms
    JForex, MT4, MT5
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN
    Automated Trading
    Yes (EAs & FIX APIs)
    AI
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No
  3. 3
    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.
    Demo Account
    Yes
    Minimum Deposit
    $300$100
    Minimum Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    Copy Trading
    Yes
    Regulator
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    Platforms
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Automated Trading
    Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
    AI
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No
  4. 4

    XM

    flag
    Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.6
    XM is a well-known forex and CFD broker with over 10 million clients in more than 190 countries. Since 2009, this reliable broker has provided low trading fees on over 1000 instruments. It is highly regulated by bodies such as ASIC and CySEC and offers a complete MetaTrader experience.
    Demo Account
    Yes
    Minimum Deposit
    $5
    Minimum Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:10001:30
    Copy Trading
    Yes
    Regulator
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    Platforms
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
    Automated Trading
    Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
    AI
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No
  5. 5
    Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.8
    IC Markets is a renowned forex and CFD broker recognized for its high-quality pricing, extensive range of trading tools, and superior trading technology. Established in 2007 in Australia, it operates under the oversight of ASIC, CySEC, and FSA. It has drawn in over 180,000 traders from across 200 countries.
    Demo Account
    Yes
    Minimum Deposit
    $200
    Minimum Trade
    0.01 Lots
    Leverage
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    Copy Trading
    Yes
    Regulator
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    Instruments
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    Platforms
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
    Account Currencies
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Automated Trading
    Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
    AI
    No
    Guaranteed Stop Loss
    No

Top Synthetic Index Brokers Comparison

Broker
US Flag
USD Account
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Leverage
Copy Trading
Regulator
Instruments
Platforms
Account Currencies
Automated Trading
AI
Guaranteed Stop Loss
eToro USA
$100 $10 SEC, FINRA Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader USD
Dukascopy
$100 0.01 Lots 1:200 FINMA, JFSA, FCMC CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options JForex, MT4, MT5 USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN Yes (EAs & FIX APIs)
AvaTrade
$300$100 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
XM
$5 0.01 Lots 1:10001:30 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies MT4, MT5, TradingCentral USD, EUR, GBP, JPY Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
IC Markets
$200 0.01 Lots 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Broker
US Flag
USD Account
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Leverage
Copy Trading
Regulator
Instruments
Platforms
Account Currencies
Automated Trading
AI
Guaranteed Stop Loss

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025 are.

Broker
Trust Rating
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Negative Balance Protection
Segregated Accounts
eToro USA
3.3
Dukascopy
3.5
AvaTrade
4.8
XM
3.8
IC Markets
4.6
Broker
Trust Rating
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Negative Balance Protection
Segregated Accounts

Mobile Trading Comparison

Compare the mobile trading features of the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025.

Broker
Mobile Apps
iOS Rating
Android Rating
Smart Watch App
eToro USA iOS & Android
4.3
4.0
Dukascopy iOS & Android
4.6
3.7
AvaTrade iOS & Android
4.3
4.0
XM iOS, Android & Windows
4.7
3.9
IC Markets iOS & Android
3.1
4.2
Broker
Mobile Apps
iOS Rating
Android Rating
Smart Watch App

Comparison for Beginners

Compare how suitable the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025 are for beginners.

Broker
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Education Rating
Support Rating
Fractional Shares
Demo Competitions
eToro USA $100 $10
3.0
3.0
Dukascopy $100 0.01 Lots
3.5
4.0
AvaTrade $300$100 0.01 Lots
4.5
4.3
XM $5 0.01 Lots
4.3
4.8
IC Markets $200 0.01 Lots
3.5
4.5
Broker
Demo Account
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Trade
Education Rating
Support Rating
Fractional Shares
Demo Competitions

Comparison for Advanced Traders

Compare how suitable the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025 are for advanced or professional traders.

Broker
Automated Trading
VPS
API
AI
Pro Account
Leverage
Low Latency
Extended Hours
eToro USA
Dukascopy Yes (EAs & FIX APIs) 1:200
AvaTrade Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
XM Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:10001:30
IC Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Broker
Automated Trading
VPS
API
AI
Pro Account
Leverage
Low Latency
Extended Hours

Accounts Comparison

Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025.

Broker
Demo Account
Interest on Cash
Islamic Account
Joint Account
Managed Account
PAMM
MAM
LAMM
Pro Account
eToro USA USD: 4.9%
Dukascopy
AvaTrade USD: 2.7%
XM
IC Markets
Broker
Demo Account
Interest on Cash
Islamic Account
Joint Account
Managed Account
PAMM
MAM
LAMM
Pro Account

Detailed Rating Comparison

Compare how we rated the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025 in key areas.

Broker
Trust
Platforms
Assets
Mobile
Fees
Accounts
Research
Education
Support
eToro USA
3.3
3.5
2.9
4.2
3.4
3.0
3.5
3.0
3.0
Dukascopy
3.5
4.3
3.8
4.2
3.0
3.5
4.5
3.5
4.0
AvaTrade
4.8
4.3
4.5
4.2
3.8
4.3
4.3
4.5
4.3
XM
3.8
3.8
4.0
4.3
4.0
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.8
IC Markets
4.6
4.0
3.5
3.7
4.6
4.0
4.0
3.5
4.5
Broker
Trust
Platforms
Assets
Mobile
Fees
Accounts
Research
Education
Support

Fee and Cost Comparison

Compare the cost of trading with the Best Brokers With Synthetic Indices 2025.

Broker
Cost Rating
Fixed Spreads
Inactivity Fee
CFD Stocks Spread
EUR/USD Spread
Crypto Spread
eToro USA
3.4
$10 $0 BTC 0.75%
Dukascopy
3.0
CHF 100 0.1 0.1 0.1
AvaTrade
3.8
$50 0.13 0.9 BTC <1%, ETH 2%
XM
4.0
$5 0.002 0.8 Variable
IC Markets
4.6
$0 0.02 0.02 BTC 42.036
Broker
Cost Rating
Fixed Spreads
Inactivity Fee
CFD Stocks Spread
EUR/USD Spread
Crypto Spread

How Popular Are These Brokers With Synthetic Indices?

Traders often gravitate toward the most popular synthetic index platforms, trusting a large user base as a sign of reliability. Let’s break down the rankings by client numbers:

Broker Popularity
XM
10,000,000
eToro USA
3,200,000
Dukascopy
400,000
AvaTrade
400,000
IC Markets
200,000

Why Trade With eToro USA?

eToro is a top choice for traders due to its top-notch social investing and copy trading services. The broker caters well to new traders with its low deposit requirement, commission-free trading, and user-friendly platform.

Pros

  • The low minimum deposit and simple account setup allow beginners to start trading quickly.
  • eToro USA Securities is a reliable broker that's regulated by the SEC, part of FINRA, and a member of SIPC.
  • The online broker provides a user-friendly social investment network for easy crypto trading replication.

Cons

  • There are fewer trading options available, including only stocks, ETFs, and cryptos, compared to competitors.
  • Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
  • Average fees can reduce the profits of traders.
Go to eToro USA
Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

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.
Christian Harris
Review Author

Pros

  • Dukascopy is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as a broker and a bank, providing high-level financial security and compliance with strict standards.
  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.
  • Dukascopy offers educational resources and 24/7 support, but its complex platforms and tools require extensive testing and can overwhelm new traders.
  • Dukascopy's withdrawal fees are higher than most competitors we've tested, especially for bank wire transfers, which may discourage traders who need frequent fund access.

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

  • AvaTrade enhances its products with AvaFutures, offering an alternative to trade over 35 markets with low trading margins.
  • 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's support team did well in tests, responding within 3 minutes and providing local support in major regions like the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

Cons

  • The AvaSocial app is satisfactory but could be better. Its design, usability, and navigation between strategy providers and account management need improvement to compete with top platforms like eToro.
  • 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.
Go to AvaTrade
79% of retail accounts lose money with this provider.

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.
Christian Harris
Review Author

Pros

  • 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.
  • XM offers over 1,000 instruments, giving traders various short-term opportunities, including turbo stocks, fractional shares, and thematic indices.

Cons

  • 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 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.
  • The XM app is user-friendly and offers unique copy trading products, but its technical analysis tools need enhancement for advanced traders.
Go to XM
74.12% of retail accounts lose money.

Why Trade With IC Markets?

IC Markets provides excellent prices, quick execution, and smooth deposits. The utilization of sophisticated charting platforms such as TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account makes it a preferred choice for intermediate to advanced traders.
Christian Harris
Review Author

Pros

  • IC Markets, a well-regulated and respected broker, emphasizes client security and transparency for a trustworthy global trading experience.
  • IC Markets provides some of the smallest spreads in the industry, offering 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs. This makes trading particularly cost-efficient for traders.
  • IC Markets won DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its top-notch MetaTrader integration, perfected over years to enhance the platform experience.

Cons

  • Despite having four top-tier third-party platforms, there is no in-house software or trading app specifically designed for new traders.
  • The range and quality of educational materials, such as tutorials and webinars, require improvement. This lag falls behind competitors like CMC Markets and reduces its suitability for novice traders.
  • Interest is not earned on unused funds, a feature commonly available at other platforms such as Interactive Brokers.
Top Pick
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How We Choose the Top Brokers For Synthetic Index Trading

To find the best trading platforms for synthetic indices, we identified brokers in our evolving database that provide synthetic index products like Volatility 75, Crash/Boom, and Jump.

We then ranked these synthetic index brokers by their overall ratings after an in-depth assessment of 200+ metrics per provider and personally testing their trading software.

What To Look For in a Top Broker For Trading Synthetic Indices

We’ve seen synthetic indices gain serious traction among traders looking for market conditions that mimic real-world assets but operate independently of external economic events.

These assets often provide 24/7 trading, predictable volatility patterns, and no price gaps, making them a favorite for algorithmic and short-term traders.

However, after investigation, we’ve found the quality of synthetic index brokers can vary dramatically. Here’s what to look for to find the right match for your needs:

Range of Synthetic Indices

The first thing to consider when trading synthetic indices is market access. Unlike traditional assets like forex or stocks, synthetic indices aren’t traded on centralized exchanges. Instead, they are exclusively provided by select brokers.

This means the range of available instruments – such as synthetic futures, options, and CFDs – can vary significantly depending on the broker.

Pro tip: Since each broker may offer a unique selection of these instruments, carefully compare the composition of synthetic index products and contract specifications to find the right fit for you.

Top pick for range of synthetic indices: After years of tracking the market, Deriv remains the leader in synthetic index trading, offering a diverse range of bespoke products tailored to different styles, including Volatility Indices with steady 50%-100% volatilities, Crash/Boom Indices for sharp market moves every 500 ticks, DEX Indices featuring dramatic spikes every 10-25 minutes, Jump Indices with high-impact price leaps, and Step Indices for controlled, stepwise movements.

Deriv's trading platform with a chart of a synthetic index and instrument panel

Deriv has an intuitive platform that offers 15 derived synthetic indices that you can trade in a few clicks

Fees and Commission Structure

Trading synthetic indices can be profitable, but fees and commissions can eat into your gains if you’re not careful.

Before choosing a broker, understanding spreads, commissions, overnight financing (swap) rates, and hidden charges is crucial.

Key trading costs for dealing in synthetic indices to consider:

  • Spreads and Commissions: Most brokers offering synthetic indices that we’ve tested operate on a spread-only model, but some also charge commissions per trade.
  • Overnight Financing (Swap Rates): If you hold positions overnight, you might be charged a swap fee, which varies between brokers. Some brokers offer swap-free accounts, so it’s worth checking.
  • Hidden Charges: These include withdrawal, inactivity, and even deposit fees in some cases. Always read the fine print.

Top pick for fees and commission structure: XTB offers tight spreads on synthetic indices like the VIX and doesn’t charge withdrawal fees on most payment methods. Their no-commission trading model for synthetic indices makes them a great choice for cost-conscious traders.

Research and Market Insights

When trading synthetic indices, staying ahead of market trends is key. While real-world economic events don’t influence these indices, volatility patterns, liquidity, and algorithmic behaviours still play a crucial role.

That’s why having access to market research, increasingly AI-driven insights, and trading signals can give you an edge.

What to look for:

  • Market Reports & Supply-Demand Analysis: Brokers that regularly update synthetic indices’ volatility trends help traders make informed decisions.
  • Trading Signals & AI-Based Predictions: Some brokers integrate AI-driven tools to predict market movements, which can be useful for short-term strategies.
  • Educational Resources: For beginners, accessing webinars, e-books, and strategy guides can help refine trading skills.

Top pick for research and market insights: IG is the best synthetic index broker when it comes to market analysis, offering detailed volatility reports, AI-driven trading signals, and educational content for all levels. Their daily insights help traders spot trends in synthetic indices.

Trading Platform and Tools

A solid trading platform is a must when dealing with synthetic indices. Since these markets are active 24/7, you need reliable execution, advanced charting tools, and mobile access to stay ahead.

Whether you prefer MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), TradingView, or proprietary platforms, choosing a broker with the right tech can make a huge difference.

Key platform features to look for:

  • MetaTrader 4 & 5 (MT4/MT5): Essential for algorithmic traders and those who rely on custom indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs).
  • TradingView Integration: If you love clean charts, community insights, and customizable indicators, a synthetic index broker that supports TradingView is a great choice.
  • Proprietary Platforms: Some brokers have in-house platforms offering specialized synthetic indices tools, often with faster execution speeds.
  • Advanced Charting & Alerts: Access to multiple timeframes, custom indicators, and price alerts helps traders react quickly to market movements.
  • Mobile Trading: Increasingly popular, a well-optimized mobile app ensures you never miss a trade on a simulated market, even when you’re on the move.

Top pick for trading platforms and tools: FxPro provides a powerful proprietary platform that we enjoyed using during testing, alongside MT4 and MT5, with advanced indicators, deep liquidity, and intuitive mobile trading. If you rely on technical analysis and automation, go for a broker like this that offers robust charting tools and fast execution – it’ll make your synthetic index trading strategies smoother and more efficient.

Regulation and Security

When trading synthetic indices, choosing a broker that prioritizes security, transparency, and regulatory compliance is non-negotiable.

Since synthetic indices are broker-generated instruments rather than exchange-traded assets, it’s even more important to trade with a well-regulated and reputable broker that ensures fair pricing and fund protection.

Key regulatory factors to consider:

  • Licensing & Oversight: Look for brokers regulated by top-tier authorities such as:
    • FCA (UK): Ensures strict compliance with trading standards and client protection.
    • ASIC (Australia): Regulates brokers to maintain fair and transparent trading environments.
    • CySEC (EU): Provides oversight for brokers offering services across Europe.
    • CFTC (U.S.): Ensures the highest level of regulatory enforcement for US financial markets.
  • Segregated Client Funds: Top brokers keep client funds in separate bank accounts to protect traders’ money in case of insolvency.
  • Transparency & Compliance: Reputable brokers disclose fees, execution policies, and risk warnings upfront – especially important given the high-risk nature of trading exclusive synthetic index products.

Top pick for security and compliance: CMC Markets stands out as a highly trusted broker for synthetic indices, regulated by the FCA, CIRO, and ASIC, with a London Stock Exchange listing ensuring transparency. UK, EU, and Canadian clients get fund protection up to £85,000, €20,000, and CAD 1 million, plus negative balance protection.

Leverage and Margin Requirements

Leverage is a double-edged sword—it can amplify profits but also increases risk. Understanding maximum leverage, margin requirements, and stop-out levels is crucial when trading synthetic indices, as different brokers offer varying conditions based on regulatory restrictions and trader classification (retail vs. professional).

Key factors to consider:

  • Maximum Leverage: The highest leverage you can use depends on regulations and your account type:
    • Retail traders (tightly regulated markets): Typically, 1:30 to 1:50 for synthetic indices from our research.
    • Professional traders: Can access leverage up to 1:500 or higher, depending on the broker.
    • Offshore brokers: Some offer extreme leverage (1:1000+), but this comes with higher risk.
  • Margin Call & Stop-Out Levels: Each broker has different rules:
    • Margin Call: The point where your broker warns you that your account is running low on margin.
    • Stop-Out Level: If your equity drops below this level (e.g., 50%), the broker will automatically close positions to prevent further losses.
  • Suitability for Different Traders:
    • Beginners: Should start with lower leverage to minimize risk.
    • Experienced traders: Can utilize higher leverage, but risk management is key.

Top pick for leverage and margin conditions: IC Markets excels as a top pick for synthetic index traders who want high leverage (up to 1:500 for pro accounts) and low margin requirements, making it ideal for both retail and professional traders.

Execution Speed and Order Types

Fast execution and order precision are game-changers when trading synthetic indices. Since these instruments operate in simulated market environments rather than centralized exchanges, execution quality depends entirely on the broker’s infrastructure.

Minimal slippage, deep liquidity, and a variety of order types can help traders lock in profits and effectively control risk.

Key factors to consider:

  • Execution Speed & Slippage:
    • Low-latency execution ensures trades are placed instantly, reducing slippage.
    • ECN/STP brokers generally offer better execution speeds with direct market access.
  • Order Types: A good broker should support:
    • Market & Limit Orders: Essential for precise entry and exit points.
    • Stop-Loss & Take-Profit: Protects against excessive losses and locks in gains.
    • Trailing Stops: Adjusts automatically to secure profits while following price trends.
  • Liquidity Access for Large Trades:
    • High-liquidity providers allow traders to execute large orders without significant price impact.
    • Brokers with deep liquidity pools tend to offer tighter spreads and reduced order delays.

Top pick for execution speed and order types: Pepperstone impresses with its ultra-fast execution speeds (under 30ms) and access to deep liquidity, making it ideal for traders who prioritize precision when buying and selling synthetic index products like the VIX available on its platforms.

Customer Support and Service

I know from my years of trading that customer support can make or break your trading experience, especially when dealing with fast-moving synthetic indices. Having responsive and knowledgeable support is crucial, whether it’s a technical issue, withdrawal delay, or margin call concern.

Key factors to consider:

  • Availability: Does the broker offer:
    • 24/5 support (standard for most brokers)
    • 24/7 support (ideal for synthetic indices, which trade around the clock)
  • Support Channels: A good broker should provide multiple ways to get help, including:
    • Live Chat: Instant response for urgent issues.
    • Phone Support: Direct assistance for complex problems.
    • Email & Help Desk: For non-urgent inquiries or documentation requests.
  • Multilingual Support: The best brokers cater to global traders by offering customer service in multiple languages.

Top pick for customer support: Pepperstone has great customer service based on our tests, including one-on-one account management and quick response times. If fast, reliable, and multilingual support is a priority, choosing a broker for synthetic index trading like Pepperstone with wide availability and multiple contact options is essential.

Trading synthetic index product, the VIX, on XTB's platform

XTB has one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for trading synthetic indices

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Smooth and hassle-free deposits and withdrawals are essential for any trader, especially when dealing with synthetic indices. The best brokers offer multiple funding methods, fast transaction processing, and minimal fees, ensuring traders can access their funds quickly and efficiently.

Key factors to consider:

  • Multiple Funding Options: A top-tier broker should support:
    • Bank Transfers: Secure but can take longer (1–5 business days).
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Instant deposits, but some brokers charge withdrawal fees.
    • E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, etc.): Fast and convenient, often with low fees.
    • Cryptocurrency Payments: Increasingly popular for fast, decentralized transactions.
  • Withdrawal Processing Speed: The best brokers process withdrawals within 24 hours, while others may take 2–5 business days, depending on the method.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Look for synthetic index trading platforms with low or no withdrawal fees, especially if you’re a frequent trader.

Top pick for deposit and withdrawal options: IC Markets supports a wide range of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and multiple e-wallets with no deposit fees. Some of our team personally use IC Markets for trading and have not reported any problems making withdrawals.

FAQ

What Is A Synthetic Index?

Synthetic indices are unique in that they don’t include actual assets like stocks. Instead, they use computer-generated numbers to create a value. There are two main types:

  • Asset-Based Synthetic Indices: These track certain sectors or market values, like the S&P 500 Volatility Index. These are available from top brokers like IG and CMC Markets.
  • Simulated Synthetic Indices: These are fully generated by algorithms and aren’t connected to real assets. These are available from leading providers like Deriv, which still can’t be matched in its suite of synthetic trading products.