Recommended brokers, with the full market shortlist
This is the full broker shortlist, presented in the same horizontal comparison format as the Broker Directory. Start with the four editorial picks, then review every broker across regulation, execution costs, leverage, platforms, bonuses and gold-trading conditions.
4 priority picks
Editorial starting point
Gold & forex focus
Built for active traders
Costs, safety, platforms
Compare before signup
How we selected the priority four
We prioritise a balance of regulation, usable trading conditions, platform quality and suitability for different strategies. The shortlist is editorial, not a promise of returns; verify the legal entity, current terms and protections available in your jurisdiction.
Showing 13 of 13 brokers
| Broker | Rating | Bonus | Drawdown coverage | Max Leverage | Gold Spread | Regulation | Platforms | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ultima Markets | 4.8 | 150% Deposit Bonus | Bonus can cover drawdown | 1:2000 | 12 cents | CIMA, FSC, ASIC-adjacent | MT4, MT5, WebTrader | Trade |
 VT Markets | 4.6 | 50% Welcome Bonus | Bonus can cover drawdown | 1:1000 | 14 cents | ASIC, FSCA, FSC | MT4, MT5, WebTrader | Trade |
 Vantage | 4.7 | 150% Deposit Bonus | Bonus can cover drawdown | 1:500 | 13 cents | ASIC, FCA, CIMA | MT4, MT5, ProTrader, TradingView | Trade |
 Bullwaves | 4.3 | 100% Deposit Bonus | Bonus does not cover drawdown | 1:1000 | 16 cents | FSA | MT5, WebTrader | Trade |
 BlackBull Markets | 4.7 | 100% Deposit Bonus | Coverage not clearly advertised | 1:500 | 13 cents | FMA, FSA | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Trade |
 IC Markets | 4.6 | No welcome bonus advertised | No bonus advertised; no drawdown coverage claim | 1:30 retail regulated; up to 1:500 professional/global entity | 15 cents | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Trade |
 Pepperstone | 4.6 | No welcome bonus advertised | No bonus advertised; no drawdown coverage claim | 1:30 retail regulated; higher for professional clients | 16 cents | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, DFSA | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Trade |
 XM | 4.6 | 100% Deposit Bonus | Coverage not clearly advertised | 1:30 in Italy; varies by region | 13 cents | ASIC, CySEC, FSC | MT4, MT5, XM App | Trade |
 TradeSmart | 4.4 | 120% Deposit Bonus | Bonus can cover drawdown | 1:2000 | 14 cents | FSCA, FSA | MT4, MT5 | Trade |
 PlexyTrade | 4.4 | 120% Deposit Bonus | Bonus can cover drawdown | 1:2000 | 18 cents | FSA | MT5, WebTrader | Trade |
 Blueberry Markets | 4.8 | 40% Deposit Bonus | Coverage not clearly advertised | 1:500 | 13 cents | ASIC, FSA | MT4, MT5, TradingView | Trade |
 HankoTrade | 4.5 | 100% Deposit Bonus | Bonus does not cover drawdown | 1:500 | 12 cents | FSA | MT4 | Trade |
 Equiti | 4.5 | 25% Deposit Bonus | 25% bonus only; drawdown coverage not advertised | 1:2000 | 15 cents | FCA, CBJ, CySEC | MT4, MT5, Equiti Trader | Trade |
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Related broker guides
The full broker directory contains additional brokers and filters. Bonus availability, leverage and protections vary by jurisdiction. Brokerquant.net may earn a commission through some links without affecting editorial rankings.
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