AvaTrade is best suited to Australian active CFD traders who want broad platform choice, especially for forex, copy trading and mobile use. Its main strengths are a wide CFD range, MT4/MT5 plus proprietary platforms, strong support for automation and social trading, and a decent education offer for less experienced users. Australian clients are served by Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, regulated by ASIC (AFSL 406684). It is less suitable for long-term investors and traders who want the tightest pricing or pure agency-style execution.
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In this AvaTrade review, we break down pros and cons, regulation and security, fees, platforms, markets, account features, and trading conditions, so you can decide faster and with more confidence. AvaTrade is also part of our selection of the best trading platforms. The tabs below let you jump directly to the factor most important to your decision.
My take after testing AvaTrade: I’ve used AvaTrade on and off for years at this point. My opinion of it hasn’t moved much: it’s a good CFD broker if what you care about is platform choice and flexibility, not squeezing out the cheapest possible spreads. They pack a lot under one roof: MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaOptions, the social and copy trading side, a decent app, reasonable learning section. Honestly, few brokers cover that many bases. Where it falls short is pricing, which has always been average at best, and the fact that it still feels like a market maker more than a pure execution venue. It also makes very little sense for anyone looking for real shares, spot crypto or a longer-term investment setup.
Filippo Ucchino
Co-Founder and CEO of InvestinGoal - Introducing Broker
What type of broker is AvaTrade?
AvaTrade is a market maker with an in-house dealing desk operating on a principal basis. It is a multi-asset CFD broker offering 1,250+ instruments across forex, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, and options. It serves retail, premium, and professional client segments.
As a market maker, AvaTrade acts as the counterparty to client trades, filling buy orders by selling and short orders by buying, rather than routing orders to external venues. The dealing desk manages net risk by hedging with banks and liquidity providers. This principal model distinguishes it from No-Dealing-Desk (STP/ECN) brokers.
AvaTrade focuses on CFDs and does not offer real stock ownership. It provides forex, CFD, and OTC options trading, plus CME and EUREX futures. Cryptocurrency exposure is via CFD only.
Account tiers include Standard (spreads from 0.9 pips), Premium (VIP tiers from $10,000 deposit or $30M annual volume), and Professional (for clients who qualify as wholesale clients under the Corporations Act 2001).

Yes, AvaTrade is legitimate. It was founded in 2006 as Ava FX and rebranded to AvaTrade, with administrative headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. AvaTrade is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and holds regulatory licences from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, through Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 406684), and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Markets. The company has operated for almost two decades, reports over 400,000 registered clients executing more than 3 million trades monthly, and has received industry awards including Best Futures Trading Platform 2024 and Most Trusted Broker 2023. AvaTrade is privately held and does not publish group-wide audited financial statements.
The advantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- Regulation and Security: AvaTrade holds multiple regulatory licences and keeps client funds in segregated accounts, ensuring compliance with international financial standards and protecting customer money.
- Wide Platform Choice: Supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, proprietary WebTrader, and mobile apps, which enable desktop, web, and mobile access for different trading styles.
- Broad Product Range: Trade forex, CFDs on stocks, commodities, indices, options, and cryptocurrencies from one account for portfolio diversification.
- Education and Research: Provides tutorials, webinars, trading guides, and analytical tools to help beginners learn and experienced traders refine decisions.
- Risk-Management Tools: AvaProtect and built-in features let users limit downside risk on individual trades with short-term position protection.
- Transparent Trading Conditions: Spreads, leverage, and execution terms are clearly presented, making costs predictable and position management straightforward.
- Low Minimum Deposit: Simple account opening with a low minimum deposit gives new traders full platform access with limited starting capital.
- VIP and Loyalty Programmes: Active clients receive interest on free margin, personal account managers, and enhanced trading tools as volume-based rewards.
The main disadvantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- High Spreads on Certain Assets: AvaTrade is known to have fixed but wider, less competitive spreads than some other top-tier brokers, particularly on less-liquid instruments.
- High Non-Trading Fees: Users are subject to inactivity fees if the account is left dormant for 2 consecutive months with equity below the equivalent of USD 2,000, along with administration fees.
- Limited Asset Selection: Compared to brokers that offer direct market access to stocks, AvaTrade has a more limited selection of tradeable assets, focusing primarily on CFDs, which can be restrictive for portfolio diversification.
Is AvaTrade regulated in Australia?
Yes, AvaTrade is regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) through Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, AFSL 406684. Australian retail clients have their money held in segregated client trust accounts, receive negative balance protection, and can take complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Australia has no investor compensation scheme.
AvaTrade operates globally through entities in other jurisdictions:
- AvaTrade EU Ltd: Central Bank of Ireland, C53877
- Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd: FSCA (South Africa), FSP 45984
- AvaTrade Middle East Ltd: FRSA/ADGM (UAE), 190018
- Ava Trade Japan K.K.: Financial Services Agency (Japan), Kanto Local Financial Bureau 1662
Retail accounts generally include negative balance protection, but professional accounts do not.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated in Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulatory status in Australia | Regulated | Regulated | Regulated |
| Tier 1 regulations held | ASIC, JFSA, ESMA (CBI, CySEC, KNF) | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (BaFin, CySEC) | ASIC, CFTC, FCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA |
| Tier 2 regulations held | FSCA, ISA | CMA, DFSA | DFSA, FMA |
| Tier 3 regulations held | BVI | SCB | BMA |
AvaTrade is legally authorised by ASIC for Australian clients through Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 406684), and Australian residents open their accounts with this entity. CFDs are permitted within ASIC leverage limits, spread betting is not available in Australia, and crypto CFDs are offered with a maximum leverage of 2:1. If you’re in Australia, use the ASIC Professional Registers to verify the firm name and AFSL 406684, and check the Moneysmart investor alert list for similarly named clone sites.
Yes, AvaTrade accepts Australian traders and is licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Australian retail clients trade CFDs within ASIC leverage limits, such as 30:1 on major currency pairs, spread betting accounts are not available, and crypto CFDs are offered with a maximum leverage of 2:1.
A broker regulated by ASIC must give its Australian retail clients segregated client money, negative balance protection and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). A broker’s licence can be checked on the ASIC Professional Registers.
Explore the best Forex brokers in Australia.
No, AvaTrade does not accept U.S. traders because the broker is not regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or the National Futures Association and therefore cannot lawfully provide services to U.S. residents, and its help center explicitly lists the United States as a prohibited country, so it does not accept applications from U.S. clients.
Learn more about the best Forex brokers in US.
Is AvaTrade safe in Australia?
AvaTrade is considered safe due to segregated client funds, guaranteed negative balance protection for retail accounts, and automatic position closure when margin falls to 50% of the required level. Australian clients are served by Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, licensed by ASIC, which holds client money in segregated client trust accounts, separately from firm capital. Australia has no investor compensation scheme. Security includes 256-bit SSL encryption, True-Site identity seal, McAfee Secure scanning, and optional two-factor authentication. AvaTrade does not offer excess-loss insurance or disclose biometric login or penetration-testing frequency.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Segregated client funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor compensation scheme | No | No | No |
| Founded in | 2006 | 2010 | 1974 |
| Publicly traded | No | No | Yes |
Risks with AvaTrade are listed below.
- Leverage risk: AvaTrade offers up to 1:30 leverage for retail clients (higher for professionals). Leverage amplifies gains and losses; small adverse moves can exceed initial investment and cause account wipeout.
- CFD trading risk: AvaTrade’s products are mainly CFDs—these are complex derivatives where clients don’t own the underlying asset. 57% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs with AvaTrade. Leverage and volatility can rapidly erode balances.
- Counterparty risk: AvaTrade operates as a market maker and takes the opposite side of client trades, creating a conflict of interest. Clients face execution and pricing risk tied to the broker, despite segregated accounts.
- Overnight financing costs: Positions held overnight incur swap or financing fees that accumulate over time, eroding profitability, especially on indices, commodities, and pairs with large interest rate differentials.
- Inactivity and withdrawal fees: AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee after 2 consecutive months of inactivity when account equity is below the equivalent of USD 2,000, depleting dormant accounts. AvaTrade’s standard withdrawal fee is $0, although intermediary or bank charges may still reduce the amount received in some wire-transfer cases.
What markets can you trade on AvaTrade?
The markets you can trade on AvaTrade are listed below.
- Currency pairs (CFDs): 50+ major, minor, and exotic FX pairs via spot-referenced CFDs. Minimum trade: 0.01 lots (1,000 units). Learn more about what is the Forex market.
- Stocks (CFDs): 650+ equity CFDs from major exchanges using one-share contract model. Minimum trade: varies by share.
- Indices (CFDs): Major benchmark CFDs including S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, Nikkei 225. Minimum trade: typically 1 index unit.
- Commodities (CFDs): Crude oil, natural gas, gold, silver, and agricultural product CFDs. Minimum trade: varies by asset (e.g., 100 units for natural gas).
- Cryptocurrencies (CFDs): Major crypto CFDs including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, with a maximum leverage of 2:1 for retail clients. Minimum trade: varies by crypto pair.
- ETFs (CFDs): ETF CFDs mirroring ETF price changes without fund ownership. Minimum trade: follows standard equity CFD rules.
- Bonds (CFDs): Government and corporate bond CFDs. Minimum trade: depends on bond type.
- Options: Vanilla options and FX options as derivative instruments. Minimum trade: varies at option-contract level.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes (CFDs, Options) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Indices | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Commodities | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Shares | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs, Options) |
| ETFs | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs) |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |

The trading products not offered by AvaTrade are listed below.
- Spot cryptocurrencies
- Real shares
No, you can’t buy real crypto on AvaTrade. AvaTrade offers cryptocurrency exposure exclusively through CFDs, so you speculate on price movements of assets like BTC, ETH, XRP, and LTC without holding the underlying asset.
No, you can’t trade real shares on AvaTrade. AvaTrade offers only CFDs (contracts for difference) on equities, not direct ownership of shares, so you speculate on price movements without owning the underlying stock.
No, AvaTrade does not offer fractional share ownership of the underlying stock, but it does allow fractional position sizing on selected stock CFDs.
How cheap are spreads with AvaTrade?
AvaTrade spreads are average overall, with competitive pricing on select instruments. On EUR/USD, the AvaTrade Standard account spread is around 0.9 pips, while the AvaTrade Pro account offers tighter pricing at approximately 0.6 pips. On SPX500, the AvaTrade spread is competitive at about 0.3 points. On XAU/USD (gold), the AvaTrade spread ranges from 27 to 34 pips.
The AvaTrade Pro account delivers better value for cost-conscious traders through tighter spreads. The AvaTrade Standard account keeps pricing simple with all costs built into the spread, though at slightly wider levels.
Learn more about low spread Forex brokers.
The fees with AvaTrade are listed below.
- Spreads: Forex ~0.9 pips (EUR/USD, retail account); index CFDs 1.00 point (UK 100/FTSE 100).
- Overnight fee: Rollover funding charge; rate varies by instrument and account.
- Currency conversion: 0.5% mark-up on deposits/withdrawals in non-account currency.
- Inactivity: USD 10 on a USD account for every 2 consecutive months without trading, when account equity is below the equivalent of USD 2,000.
- Deposits: $0.
- Withdrawals: $0 (standard).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | No | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | No |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No, AvaTrade does not charge raw spread commissions. AvaTrade uses spread-based pricing, where the trading cost is paid via the Bid/Ask spread incorporated into the quoted rate.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (markup) | 0.90 pips | 1.00 pips | 1.13 pips |
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (raw) | N/A | 0.10 pips | N/A |
| Commission/lot | N/A | $7.00 Round Turn | N/A |
| All-in FX cost | $9.00 | $9.00 | $11.30 |
AvaTrade’s overnight swaps for EUR/USD are Average, being around 1.94% p.a. (from roughly 0.0053% per day, annualised on a 360-day basis).
Triple swaps are applied on Wednesdays to cover the weekend carry. Swap fees may vary by account type, and Islamic (swap-free) accounts can be requested to avoid standard overnight swaps.
AvaTrade charges zero commission on share CFDs. All trading costs are included in the bid–ask spread (the difference between buy and sell prices).
- No per-trade, per-share, or percentage-based fees are charged separately.
- Spreads vary by underlying exchange, liquidity, and volatility, with no fixed tiers or published rates by market.
- No volume-based discounts or tier rebates (since no commission is charged). Professional accounts do not alter the cost structure.
If the share currency differs from your account base currency, AvaTrade applies a currency conversion fee (typically ~0.5% of trade value).
The broker’s crypto CFD commissions are reflected in the spread. Typical markups over raw spreads range from approximately 0.20% to about 2.00% depending on coin and conditions; examples start around roughly 0.35%. Overnight financing may apply.
Is AvaTrade good for trading?
AvaTrade is good for trading forex, CFD stocks, CFD crypto, demo trading, algorithmic trading, copy trading, and mobile trading. AvaTrade is not good for trading real stocks or real crypto.
AvaTrade supports forex trading with over 60 currency pairs, commission-free execution through spreads, and multiple platforms including MT4, MT5, and proprietary options. The broker offers CFD trading on hundreds of stocks and around 20 cryptocurrencies, both commission-free with costs embedded in spreads. Algorithmic trading is supported through MT4/MT5 Expert Advisors, with VPS options available for 24/7 operation.
Copy trading is available via the proprietary AvaSocial platform and third-party integrations including ZuluTrade and DupliTrade. Mobile trading is fully supported through AvaTradeGO and MT4/MT5 mobile apps for iOS and Android. A free demo account with live pricing is available with no expiry date. However, AvaTrade does not offer real stock ownership or direct cryptocurrency custody. All equity and crypto exposure is exclusively through cash-settled CFDs without underlying asset ownership, wallets, or crypto deposit/withdrawal services.
AvaTrade is not a good fit for investing because it does not offer real ownership of stocks or ETFs. The broker provides exposure to equities and ETFs exclusively through CFDs (contracts for difference), meaning clients do not own the underlying securities. AvaTrade offers no direct custody dealing in real stocks, ETFs, bonds, or mutual funds, no recurring investment features for real assets, and no fractional share ownership of actual securities.
AvaTrade is good for demo trading because it uses real-time market data with quotes that mirror live prices across all asset classes. It provides full platform functionality identical to live accounts and offers access to the complete range of tradable instruments including forex, stock CFDs, commodities, indices and crypto CFDs. AvaTrade is good and not excellent for demo trading because the demo account starts with a fixed virtual balance that users cannot customise directly without contacting support.
AvaTrade delivers a highly realistic demo trading environment with real-time pricing across stocks and crypto CFDs alongside other asset classes, ensuring traders experience genuine market conditions during their practice sessions. The demo account replicates the live trading platform without functional limitations, allowing users to test all features and tools available to real account holders. The broker provides access to its full instrument lineup in the demo environment spanning forex pairs, stock CFDs, commodities, indices and crypto CFDs. However, the demo account has one notable constraint: it starts with a fixed virtual balance of $10,000 that users cannot customise directly without contacting support. The demo account does not expire.
eToro, XTB, IC Markets and XM are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as demo Forex brokers. See the complete best Forex demo accounts guide.
AvaTrade is an excellent broker for algo trading because it provides MT4 with full MQL4 support, MT5 with full MQL5 support, VPS hosting via partners for 24/7 low-latency execution, and connectivity via Equinix hubs such as LD4/NY4 through liquidity provider and VPS partners.
AvaTrade supports algorithmic traders through multiple platforms and infrastructure options. The broker offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 with complete Expert Advisor capabilities, alongside additional algo-capable workflows through AvaOptions for rules-based strategies. Infrastructure includes partnered VPS services that ensure continuous algorithm operation with minimal latency, complemented by connectivity to Equinix data centres in London (LD4) and New York (NY4) through liquidity providers and VPS partners. Traders can implement scalping algorithms, hedging strategies, and short-selling through automated systems. However, AvaTrade prohibits arbitrage trading, high-frequency trading at institutional speeds, and price scraping activities, which limits certain advanced algorithmic approaches.
Pepperstone, FP Markets, IC Markets, and Roboforex are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as algorithmic trading Forex brokers. Explore the best brokers for algo trading.
AvaTrade is excellent for Forex trading. It offers tight spreads around 0.9 pips on EUR/USD, provides access to over 60 currency pairs, is regulated by multiple Tier 1 authorities including ASIC and the Central Bank of Ireland, allows both scalping and hedging strategies, supports automated trading through MT4 and MT5, and offers comprehensive analysis tools including trader sentiment data and economic calendars.
AvaTrade combines competitive trading conditions with extensive platform options for forex traders. The broker offers spreads starting at approximately 0.9 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD and allows trading in micro lot sizes (0.01 lots), making it accessible for both small and large position sizes. Traders can choose between industry-standard platforms MT4 and MT5 or use AvaTrade’s proprietary WebTrader and AvaTradeGO applications. The broker imposes no restrictions on trading strategies, permitting scalping, hedging, and expert advisors with VPS support available for automated systems. AvaTrade holds licences from multiple top-tier regulators, including ASIC in Australia, the Central Bank of Ireland, CySEC, and the FSA in Japan, providing strong client protection across jurisdictions. Analysis tools include drawing tools and technical indicators across all platforms, an economic calendar, and a trader sentiment indicator to help gauge market positioning.
Pepperstone, XM, FP Markets, and IC Markets are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best Forex brokers.
AvaTrade is an excellent broker for CFD stock trading because it offers commission-free stock CFDs across multiple global exchanges, supports fractional position sizing to trade on selected stock CFDs, provides access to US stock CFDs, delivers real-time quotes, and is regulated by tier-1 authorities including ASIC and the Central Bank of Ireland.
AvaTrade provides CFD stock trading across more than 10 exchanges with all costs built into the spread rather than charging separate commissions. The broker supports essential trading freedoms including scalping, hedging, algorithmic trading, and shorting of stock CFDs. Traders can access multiple platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and AvaTrade’s proprietary WebTrader and AvaTradeGO applications. AvaTrade supplies market news, an earnings calendar, and trader sentiment tools for market analysis, yet it does not include a built-in stock screener or downloadable fundamental datasets. Fractional share trading is available for selected instruments, allowing traders to access higher-priced stocks with smaller capital requirements.
IG Markets, Pepperstone, eToro and Trading 212 are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best stock CFD brokers.
AvaTrade is not a good fit for real stocks trading because the broker does not offer real share-dealing services at all. AvaTrade provides stock trading exclusively through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which means clients cannot purchase, own, or hold actual shares of companies. This regulation applies to its CFD offerings rather than real stock brokerage. The broker operates under strong regulatory oversight from Tier-1 authorities including the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC. Traders looking to build a portfolio of real shares, receive dividends as shareholders, or access stock exchanges directly for share purchases will need to use a different broker, since AvaTrade’s platform, tools, and trading infrastructure are designed entirely for derivative trading rather than traditional share dealing.
DEGIRO, eToro, XTB and Trading 212 are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best brokers for stock trading.
AvaTrade is a good broker for CFD crypto trading because it charges zero commissions with all costs incorporated into the spread, provides real-time streaming quotes 24/7 with no delay, and operates under comprehensive regulation from multiple authorities including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA, FSA/FFAJ, BVI FSC, CySEC, and ADGM’s FRSA. AvaTrade is good and not excellent for CFD crypto trading because it offers only approximately 20 crypto CFDs (fewer than 60), the minimum trading size typically starts at 0.01 lots without confirmation that the notional minimum is under $10, and it lacks crypto specific regulatory licensing beyond its general CFD authorisation.
AvaTrade provides CFD crypto trading with a commission-free structure where traders pay only the spread, and the platform delivers real-time cryptocurrency market data with continuous 24/7 streaming quotes. The broker offers approximately 20 cryptocurrency CFDs for trading, which represents a limited selection compared to competitors offering broader crypto asset coverage. The minimum trading size is typically 0.01 lots (equivalent to approximately 0.01 of a coin for many crypto CFDs), though the exact notional value minimum remains unconfirmed as being under $10. AvaTrade operates under regulation from seven major financial authorities across multiple jurisdictions, but it does not hold a crypto specific regulatory licence and it covers crypto CFDs under its general CFD trading licences with certain jurisdictional restrictions in place. Australian retail clients can trade crypto CFDs with a maximum leverage of 2:1.
eToro, NAGA, Pepperstone, and Plus500 are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best brokers for CFD cryptocurrency.
AvaTrade is not a good fit for real crypto trading because the broker does not offer the ability to buy, hold, or sell actual cryptocurrencies. The platform operates exclusively as a CFD (Contract for Difference) provider for cryptocurrency exposure, meaning clients cannot purchase real digital assets, cannot hold crypto in a wallet, and cannot transfer coins to external addresses. AvaTrade does not provide real-time spot crypto market data, does not support crypto-to-crypto or crypto-to-fiat transactions, and does not offer any non-custodial wallet services. It does not operate as a cryptocurrency exchange or custody provider, so it lacks any crypto-specific regulatory oversight for spot trading activities despite maintaining regulatory authorisation from multiple financial authorities including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and CySEC for its CFD trading services.
eToro, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Binance are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best crypto exchanges.
AvaTrade is great for copy trading because it offers a proprietary copy-trading platform (AvaSocial), integrates multiple third-party networks including ZuluTrade and DupliTrade, charges no additional commissions for copy trading, and provides comprehensive risk management tools. AvaTrade is great and not excellent for copy trading because it does not offer the ability to copy pre-built portfolios with a single click.
AvaTrade provides copy trading through its proprietary AvaSocial platform alongside integrations with established third-party networks such as ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and MQL5 signal providers. Clients can automatically replicate trades from other traders and subscribe to strategy providers across these platforms. The broker does not charge any additional commissions specifically for copy trading. Users pay only the standard spreads and overnight financing fees that apply to regular trading. Risk management features include allocation controls, percentage-based position sizing, equity stop limits, ZuluGuard protection, trade-size controls, and manual override options. The main limitation is that AvaTrade’s copy trading functionality focuses exclusively on replicating individual traders and signal providers rather than offering one-click access to diversified, pre-built portfolio strategies.
eToro, ZuluTrade, NAGA and Darwinex are some good alternatives to AvaTrade as best copy trading platforms.
What are the AvaTrade trading conditions?
The AvaTrade trading conditions are listed below.
- Pricing model: Spread-based pricing with no separate commission. Trading costs are embedded in bid-ask spreads, varying by instrument and account type.
- Order size: Minimum 0.01 lots on most retail accounts. No explicit maximum stated; practical limits depend on margin requirements and internal risk controls.
- Trading approaches: Hedging, scalping, and algorithmic trading are allowed, including Expert Advisors on supported platforms. Subject to standard account controls with no additional restrictions.
- Risk management: Negative balance protection ensures retail client losses do not exceed account equity. Optional AvaProtect™ feature available for trade insurance with fee-based loss reimbursement within covered timeframe.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | Market Maker | Hybrid | Market Maker |
| Max. FX leverage | 1:30 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Min. FX trade size | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots |
| Hedging allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scalping allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AvaTrade applies a market-maker execution model. AvaTrade acts as the sole execution venue for most CFD orders, making AvaTrade the principal counterparty to each trade. AvaTrade sets bid and ask prices on its platforms with reference to underlying market data and liquidity-provider inputs. AvaTrade executes orders on automated systems and fills orders through bilateral transactions rather than through external exchanges for standard CFDs. AvaTrade applies best-execution rules in its order execution policy and discloses how pricing and execution factors are prioritised. AvaTrade keeps the execution model consistent across accounts and varies conditions mainly through product scope and client categorisation.
AvaTrade’s trade execution is serviceable in normal conditions and weaker in fast markets. AvaTrade operates as a dealing-desk market maker, and internalises flow to provide continuous quoting and fast acceptance in calm markets. AvaTrade does not publish standardised customer-facing execution-speed statistics, so any specific latency figures should be presented only as third-party estimates, not as official broker data. AvaTrade can lag during high-impact releases and is not ideal for scalping strategies that rely on tight fills during extreme volatility.
Australian clients open their accounts with Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, regulated by ASIC, and trade within the ASIC leverage limits for retail clients.
AvaTrade max leverage in Australia under ASIC rules is up to 1:30 for retail clients and higher for wholesale clients (where eligible). Leverage depends on client classification and instrument type, with predefined levels set during onboarding. AvaTrade applies margin requirements and a stop-out mechanism that closes positions when equity falls to defined thresholds, which are typically stricter for retail accounts.
The max leverage with AvaTrade for each asset class is listed below.
- Forex: 1:30 majors; 1:20 non-majors.
- Indices: 1:20 major; 1:10 non-major.
- Commodities: 1:20 gold; 1:10 other commodities.
- Shares (equities): 1:5 retail.
- ETFs: 1:5 retail.
- Cryptocurrencies: 1:2 retail.
Explore Forex brokers with high leverage.
The smallest trade size at AvaTrade for forex is 0.01 lots, which corresponds to 1,000 units of the base currency in a standard contract. A common published maximum lot size for forex at AvaTrade is 100 lots, which applies in certain account-type reports. The broker applies position limits and maximum exposure rules rather than a single rigid “per-lot” cap, meaning that order sizing may be constrained by margin, regulatory leverage limits, or instrument-specific maximum position size.
The types of trading orders you can use with AvaTrade are listed below.
- Market order
- Limit order
- Stop order
- Trailing stop order
- One-cancels-the-other order
AvaTrade does not offer guaranteed stop-loss orders.
AvaTrade has low slippage in normal conditions and can show higher slippage during major news. AvaTrade has published slippage figures in some test-style reporting and does not consistently provide broad slippage statistics for all instruments in a single standardised public feed.
Order execution speed with AvaTrade is average at around 190 milliseconds, and market orders execute in about 145 milliseconds while limit orders execute in about 235 milliseconds. AvaTrade executes limit orders at the specified rate or the next available market price, as set out in its order execution policy.
AvaTrade does not publish standardised customer-facing execution-speed statistics, so any specific latency figures should be presented only as third-party estimates, not as official broker data. A public breakdown of execution latency by instrument, asset class, or order type is not provided by AvaTrade.
What are AvaTrade account types?
The account types offered by AvaTrade are listed below.
- Retail (Standard) Account: For everyday traders with limited experience. Fixed spreads, negative balance protection, and regulatory leverage caps (up to 1:30). Access to forex, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs. Modest minimum deposit with no special eligibility requirements.
- Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: For traders requiring Sharia-compliant conditions. Same asset access and trading conditions as Standard, but removes overnight swap/interest charges on qualifying instruments. Cryptocurrency trading may be excluded.
- Professional Account: For experienced, high-volume traders who qualify as wholesale clients under the Corporations Act 2001. Higher leverage, tighter spreads, lower margin requirements. Standard retail protections may not apply.
- Demo Account: Practice account with virtual funds for testing platforms, tools, and strategies. Mimics live market conditions using the same trading platforms. Available with no expiry date.
Learn more about AvaTrade account types.

AvaTrade’s most popular account is the Standard (Retail) Account, used by most non-professional traders. AvaTrade doesn’t publish usage statistics, but broker reviews widely note it’s “the account most traders will use.” It provides broad instrument access (FX, CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, crypto), typically with a US$70 minimum deposit, standard regulatory protections, commission-free pricing, and spreads from ~0.9 pips on major FX pairs. Retail leverage is capped by regulation (e.g., 1:30 on major forex pairs). The Professional Account is reserved for clients who qualify as wholesale clients under the Corporations Act 2001, so far fewer clients use it.
Yes, AvaTrade offers a demo account. The demo account provides access to the full range of instruments available on the live platform, including forex, stock CFDs, commodities, indices, and crypto CFDs, with real-time market data that mirrors live FX and CFD prices. The demo is designed to simulate live trading conditions with the same platforms, functionality, and pricing as live accounts, though slippage and certain live-market execution effects cannot be fully reproduced. The account starts with a fixed virtual balance of $10,000, and users cannot set a custom starting amount, although support can be contacted to reset or extend the balance. The demo account does not expire. Learn more about the AvaTrade demo account.
Yes, AvaTrade offers an Islamic (swap-free) account for traders complying with Sharia law. Eligible clients must open a standard live account, verify and fund it, then request Islamic status conversion. Overnight swaps/interest are removed, but certain instruments (e.g., cryptocurrencies) become unavailable, and AvaTrade may apply slightly higher spreads or administrative charges to replace swap fees. Learn more about Forex brokers with Islamic account.
Yes, AvaTrade offers a professional account (Professional Trader status). In Australia, professional clients are classified as wholesale clients under the Corporations Act 2001. Compared to retail accounts, professional accounts provide higher leverage, tighter spreads, and lower margin requirements, but with fewer regulatory protections. Learn more about Forex brokers for professional traders.
Yes, AvaTrade offers a corporate trading account for businesses and legal entities trading under a company name. It provides the same platforms, instruments, and liquidity as retail/professional accounts. The key difference is that verification requires company registration documents and proof of corporate ownership; funding/withdrawals must use corporate bank accounts matching the registered company name.
Yes. The broker offers premium-type features under a “VIP” or “Premium Membership” program with enhanced services. These features include interest earned on free margin, access to advanced trading tools (such as webinars, real-time volatility alerts, and market insights), priority support (including dedicated account managers, faster withdrawals and deposits), and preferential trading conditions (such as reduced fees or special terms). Eligibility for the premium / VIP status is automatic once the client meets certain thresholds of annual deposit or trading volume; tiers are defined (for example, “Gold”, “Platinum”, “Diamond”), and once a tier is reached it remains active for the next calendar year. There is a separate “Professional Trader” designation which has its own benefits (including higher leverage and tighter spreads) and this requires qualifying as a wholesale client under the Corporations Act 2001.
How to open an account with AvaTrade?
The steps to open an account with AvaTrade are listed below.
- Start the registration: Open the registration page, enter an email address, set a password, confirm the country of residence, and submit the initial application.
- Complete the client profile: Provide personal details such as full name, date of birth, residential address, and phone number, and provide employment and financial information requested during onboarding.
- Complete the experience assessment: Answer questions about trading experience and knowledge of trading risks.
- Choose the account settings: Select the account type and select the base currency for the trading account (AUD, EUR or USD).
- Submit verification documents: Upload a valid photo identity document such as a passport or driving licence and upload proof of address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement that matches the registered details.
- Fund the trading account: Deposit funds using an available method such as bank transfer or payment card and meet any applicable minimum deposit requirement.
- Start trading: Log in to the trading platform after verification and funding are confirmed and place the first trade.
The form-filling steps can typically be completed within minutes, while verification and final approval commonly take around one business day when documents are clear and complete. The account-opening flow is generally easy to complete, as it is fully online and follows a guided sequence of prompts and uploads. The requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, meeting eligibility conditions based on residency and service availability, providing accurate personal and financial details, and funding the account before trading with real money. A Know Your Customer process is required, and it typically includes identity verification, proof of address, and checks linked to anti-money laundering controls before the account is activated for live trading.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit in Australia | US$70 | $0 | $0 |
| Demo trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment methods | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets |
| Islamic account availability | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account base currencies | AUD, EUR, USD | AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, USD | AUD, CAD, CHF, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, USD, ZAR |
AvaTrade’s minimum deposit is US$70. The same minimum applies to initial and subsequent deposits across account types, and to all payment methods (card, bank wire, e-wallets). Deposits are accepted in AUD, EUR, and USD, matching your account’s base currency. No platform perks are tied to higher deposits, though AvaTrade recommends USD 1,000 to 2,000 for full product access and trading flexibility. Learn more about the minimum deposit with AvaTrade.
AvaTrade offers 3 account base currencies: AUD, EUR, and USD. The account base currencies offered at AvaTrade cover major currencies, including the Australian dollar, and help many traders limit conversion fees when they fund in the same currency.
The deposit methods supported by AvaTrade are listed below.
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
The withdrawal methods supported by AvaTrade are listed below.
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
Deposits and withdrawals with AvaTrade are reasonably safe. Australian client funds are held in segregated client trust accounts by Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, regulated by ASIC, which enforces client money rules. Australia has no investor compensation scheme. Payments are secured with 256-bit SSL encryption, and account access can be protected with two-factor authentication (2FA). Withdrawals require KYC verification and must return to the original payment method to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. Processing typically takes 24 to 48 hours, while bank wire transfers can take up to 10 business days.
What trading platforms does AvaTrade offer?
The trading platforms offered by AvaTrade are listed below.
- AvaTrade WebTrader: Multi-asset CFD platform covering forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies with intuitive layout and tutorial support. Available on web browsers (Windows/macOS/Linux) and mobile browsers (with no dedicated app).
- MT4: Forex/CFD trading with technical analysis tools, multiple timeframes, and Expert Advisors (EAs). Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- MT5: Multi-asset CFD platform with more timeframes and order types than MT4, covering forex, stocks, commodities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- AvaOptions: Dedicated options trading platform for vanilla options on 40+ currency pairs and gold, with 13 built-in strategy templates for spreads, straddles, and risk reversals. Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (AvaOptions app).
- AvaSocial: Social and copy-trading platform with social feed interface for following/copying traders across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Available on iOS/Android only (not on desktop or web platforms).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | Yes | No |
| TradingView | No | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy trading platform | Yes | Yes | No |

The charting tools available at AvaTrade are listed below.
- Technical indicators: 90 built-in indicators in WebTrader, 38 in MetaTrader 5, 30 in MetaTrader 4. Custom indicators and scripts supported via MQL4/MQL5.
- Drawing tools: 13 drawing tools in WebTrader (Fibonacci retracements, standard shapes); 44 graphical objects in MT5 (geometric shapes, channels, Gann tools, Fibonacci tools, Elliott tools); 23 analytical objects in MT4.
- Chart timeframes: 21 timeframes in MT5, 9 in MT4, 10 in WebTrader. Intervals typically range from one minute to one month.
- Platforms & usability: WebTrader (browser-based, no download), MetaTrader 4/5 (desktop/web/mobile), and AvaTradeGO mobile app with interactive charts, one-tap execution, alerts, and account management. Available on live and demo accounts. Supported chart types include line, bar, and candlestick (MT4/MT5), plus three chart types in WebTrader. One-click trading in MT4/MT5, depth of market in MT5, up to four charts per WebTrader window with six layouts, multiple simultaneous charts in MT5.
- Pricing: Charting tools included with no separate subscription fees or usage caps.
AvaTrade offers trading tools for order execution, risk management, analysis, automation, and monitoring.
- Order types & risk controls: Market, limit, stop, and OCO orders. AvaProtect™ hedges individual trades for a set period (premium-based) with loss reimbursement.
- One-click trading: One-click order entry on supported interfaces.
- Pattern recognition: Trading Central integration for automated pattern detection and signal generation.
- Market analytics widgets: Trading Central research modules and market-data utilities for chart-led analysis.
- Copy/social trading: AvaSocial for discovering/copying traders; DupliTrade and ZuluTrade for trade replication.
- Algorithmic trading: Expert Advisors on supported platforms; Capitalise.ai for code-free rule-based automation with alerts and actions.
- VPS hosting: VPS support for continuous algorithmic execution with low-latency connectivity.
- Trading calculators: Margin, pip value, and swap/rollover calculators for trade planning.
- Market research: Integrated economic calendar; Trading Central embedded research commentary.
- Alerts & signals: Trading signals with entry direction, stop-loss, and take-profit levels; custom alerts via mobile apps.
- Performance analytics: Trade-history views and account overviews within trading applications.
- Mobile utilities: AvaTradeGO with real-time pricing, interactive charts, one-tap execution, and account management.
- Access conditions: Most tools included with account. AvaProtect™ requires premium; fees may apply to premium signal features.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| API support | No | FIX API, cTrader API | REST API, Streaming API, FIX API |
| EAs support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coding languages supported | MQL4, MQL5 | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo, Pinescript | MQL4 |
| VPS support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, AvaTrade offers a VPS service. The broker provides access to a Virtual Private Server for use with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
The VPS service is provided through external third-party hosting companies and is not managed directly by AvaTrade. The broker’s trading servers are located in data centres in London, Amsterdam, and Virginia, which reduces latency for clients connecting from nearby regions.
AvaTrade does not include a free VPS as part of its standard account offering. Access to the VPS requires a separate paid subscription arranged through the external provider. The broker does not specify any minimum deposit or trading-volume requirements that qualify clients for complimentary use. The recurring cost depends on the selected VPS plan and is billed by the hosting company rather than by AvaTrade.
In summary, AvaTrade gives clients the option to connect to a VPS, but the service is paid and managed by third-party providers without a free-use eligibility scheme. Learn more about Forex brokers with free VPS.
Yes. AvaTrade offers support for the tool Autochartist. The broker integrates Autochartist for its clients as part of its trading tools and analysis services.
The integration is available through AvaTrade’s trading tools and platforms, although the broker also provides other technical-analysis tools such as Trading Central within its MetaTrader 4 platform.
Access to Autochartist may depend on account type or deposit amount. Free access is usually available for clients who meet a minimum deposit requirement, typically around 500 USD, while higher-tier accounts may include it by default.
The specific platforms that support Autochartist at this broker are not fully detailed in publicly available documentation. The broker confirms general support but does not publish platform-specific installation instructions.
In summary, AvaTrade provides Autochartist support. The service is included under certain account or deposit conditions, and its availability across all platforms may vary by account type. Explore the best brokers with Autochartist.
No, AvaTrade does not currently offer native integration with TradingView. The broker does not support an AvaTrade account directly within the TradingView trading panel, and the connection feature is not available. Traders use the broker’s own platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or its WebTrader version. Direct TradingView integration is unsupported across all account types. Workarounds exist through third-party bridges or webhook services that connect TradingView alerts to a MetaTrader account. AvaTrade does not provide standard TradingView platform access, extra features, or special pricing for this purpose. See the best brokers with TradingView guide.
Yes, the broker allows algorithmic trading. Clients can run automated strategies via MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), deploying Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom scripts built with MQL4 and MQL5. The broker also supports copy and social trading through DupliTrade and AvaSocial for signal following and automation.
A VPS solution is available to maintain connectivity and uptime for MT4/MT5 algo strategies. However, the broker does not publicly disclose REST API, FIX gateway, or WebSocket API access for retail clients.
How good is AvaTrade for mobile trading?
AvaTrade is great for mobile trading because it offers multiple platforms (AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, and MetaTrader 4/5) across both Android and iOS, supports trading more than 1,000 instruments, provides robust account management, and integrates over 90 technical indicators as well as comprehensive in-app market analysis tools. The mobile apps currently lack manual chart drawing tools and do not indicate support for futures trading within the mobile feature set, which means AvaTrade is great and not excellent for mobile trading.
AvaTrade’s mobile solutions enable trading of forex, stocks (as CFDs), commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and FX options from practically any smartphone or tablet. Proprietary apps (AvaTradeGO and AvaOptions) and third-party MetaTrader apps are available for free, with support for real-time pricing, one-tap order placement, portfolio tracking, and integrated research extras such as Trading Central, economic calendars, sentiment data, and news feeds. Users can perform complete account management functions like deposits and withdrawals directly from the mobile apps. The platform does not include drawing tools for chart annotation or manual trendline analysis while mobile charting is powerful, which may limit detailed technical work for advanced users on mobile.
AvaTrade, XTB, IG Markets, and Pepperstone are some of the best mobile trading apps and are good alternatives to AvaTrade. Explore the best apps for Forex trading.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 mobile | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader mobile | No | Yes | No |
| Proprietary mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AvaTrade’s mobile app differs from desktop primarily in feature depth, automation, and analytics. The mobile app covers core trading functions (deposits, withdrawals, live pricing, interactive charts, one-tap execution) optimised for on-the-go access via Android or iOS. The desktop platforms (MetaTrader 4/5) add custom indicators, Expert Advisors, script automation, deeper charting, and algorithmic trading. Mobile limits full automation and custom scripting compared to desktop. Desktop also provides more complex order types and in-depth technical analysis tools. Both sync to the same trading account and infrastructure, so positions and balances update across devices in real time. The key difference is depth versus convenience: mobile prioritises accessibility, while desktop offers extensive analytical and automation features for active traders.
How good is AvaTrade to learn trading?
AvaTrade is decent for learning trading because it offers a comprehensive educational section, well-structured training articles, high-quality tutorials, regular market outlooks, daily analysis, and live educational events such as webinars. AvaTrade is decent and not excellent for learning trading because the broker does not provide cent or nano accounts for low-risk live practice.
AvaTrade’s educational resources are robust, including the AvaTrade Academy with step-by-step courses, articles, and platform tutorials relevant for beginners and intermediate traders. The broker offers frequent live webinars on trading strategies and market analysis in addition to daily written analysis and integrated market research tools. There are no podcasts, and beginners are limited to standard account types with a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots. The demo environment closely replicates live trading and does not expire. AvaTrade balances strong educational offerings with moderately supportive beginner tools, making it a solid, though not top-tier, platform for those starting to learn to trade. Learn more about what is trading and how it works.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tutorials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | No | Yes |
| Live analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |

How good is AvaTrade customer care?
AvaTrade has excellent customer care because it offers support via email, phone, and live chat channels, provides its website and support in over 14 languages, maintains extensive local and toll-free numbers worldwide, includes account-tier perks like dedicated account managers for VIP clients, and does not charge any fees for customer assistance.
AvaTrade’s customer care features cover all major contact methods. Live chat is available for instant help. Email support offers a typical reply time of one business day. Phone hotlines operate 24 hours on trading days (Monday to Friday). The broker’s multilingual support team serves clients in more than 14 languages. The website is available in over 20 languages to accommodate users around the globe. Advanced account holders benefit from enhanced service, such as priority access and a dedicated account manager. All support channels are complimentary, since AvaTrade does not impose any support-related fees on its clients.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Support languages | English, Dutch, Hungarian, Swedish, Thai, Indonesian, German, French, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, Mongolian, Russian | English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Indonesian, Italian, French, Thai, German, Polish | English, Chinese |
| Phone support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support hours | Mon-Fri (05:00-21:00 GMT) | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Sat-Fri (08:00-22:00 GMT) |
What are the best alternatives to AvaTrade?
The best alternatives to AvaTrade are easyMarkets, Forex.com, and eToro.
- easyMarkets: Fixed spreads from 0.9 pips on VIP accounts; pioneered negative balance protection and guaranteed stop-loss. It also offers a proprietary platform and MT4 with dealCancellation, Freeze Rate, and easyTrade risk tools.
- Forex.com: Tier-one regulation with client fund protection up to $85,000; negative balance protection; 90 currency pairs and 4,500+ stocks; TradingView-integrated platform.
- eToro: Social trading with CopyTrader; zero-commission stock investing; strict regulation with segregated funds and leverage caps.
Explore the alternatives to AvaTrade.
AvaTrade is best suited to Australian active CFD traders who want broad platform choice, especially for forex, copy trading and mobile use. Its main strengths are a wide CFD range, MT4/MT5 plus proprietary platforms, strong support for automation and social trading, and a decent education offer for less experienced users. Australian clients are served by Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd, regulated by ASIC (AFSL 406684). It is less suitable for long-term investors and traders who want the tightest pricing or pure agency-style execution.

