Brokers With Pre-Market Trading
Brokers with pre-market trading enable their clients to respond early to news and events that can affect a security’s opening price. Pre-market hours are distinct from core trading sessions with fewer investors and high-risk, high-reward opportunities. This guide will discuss what pre-market trading is, how it works, plus the pros and cons of investing in this window. We have also compiled a list of the top UK brokers with pre-market trading.
Brokers With Extended Hours Trading
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Founded in 1974, IG is a part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly listed brokerage (LSE: IGG). The company provides spread betting, CFD, and forex trading, offering access to over 17,000 markets. Its platforms and investing apps are notably user-friendly. Over the past 50 years, IG has consistently been an industry leader, excelling in all essential areas for traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) -
eToro, a leading multi-asset platform, provides access to trading services across thousands of CFDs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Established in 2007, it boasts millions of active traders worldwide and is sanctioned by top-tier regulators such as the FCA and CySEC. It stands out for its extensive social trading feature. Crypto investments are unstable and carry risk. Tax implications might apply. Acknowledge the risks involved. 61% of retail CFD accounts incur losses.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $50 $10 1:30 -
Founded in 1983, City Index is a prestigious broker, now under the Nasdaq-listed StoneX Group. It excels in forex, CFDs, and spread betting. With access to over 13,500 instruments, City Index provides a dynamic Web Trader platform, exceptional educational materials, and round-the-clock support five days a week, ensuring a thorough trading experience.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Futures, Options, Bonds, Interest Rates,ETFs,Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS Web Trader, MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Spreadex, regulated by the FCA, provides spread betting across 10,000+ CFD instruments, including 60 forex pairs. Traders have the option to engage in short-term positions on sporting events as well. With a history exceeding 20 years, the company has earned numerous accolades.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds, Interest Rates, ETFs, Options, Spread Betting FCA Spreadex Platform, TradingView, AutoChartist Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £0 £0.01 1:30 -
Interactive Brokers (IBKR), a leading brokerage, offers access to 150 markets across 33 countries and provides extensive investment services. With more than 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed company complies with strict regulations from the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It is among the most reliable brokers worldwide for traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 $100 1:50 -
Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a reputable broker publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. It holds authorisation from top-tier regulators such as the FCA, ASIC, and CIRO. The brokerage, which has received multiple awards, boasts a global membership exceeding one million traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA Web, MT4, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) -
Firstrade, based in the US, operates as a discount broker-dealer and is authorised by the SEC. The firm is a member of both FINRA and SIPC. Firstrade Securities stands out as a leading online brokerage, offering enticing welcome bonuses, robust tools and apps, and commission-free trading. Opening a new account is straightforward and efficient.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed SEC, FINRA TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 $1
IG Index
eToro
City Index
Spreadex
Interactive Brokers
CMC Markets
FirstradeSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| CMC Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Firstrade | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Spreadex | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| CMC Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Firstrade | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| eToro | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| City Index | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Spreadex | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Interactive Brokers | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| CMC Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Firstrade | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| eToro | ✔ | $50 | $10 | ||
| City Index | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Spreadex | ✘ | £0 | £0.01 | ||
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | $0 | $100 | ||
| CMC Markets | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Firstrade | ✘ | $0 | $1 |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| eToro | Automate your trades via CopyTrader - follow profitable traders. Open and close trades automatically when they do. | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| City Index | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spreadex | ✘ | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interactive Brokers | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✘ | 1:50 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| CMC Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Firstrade | - | ✘ | - | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Brokers With Pre-Market Trading.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Index | |||||||||
| eToro | |||||||||
| City Index | |||||||||
| Spreadex | |||||||||
| Interactive Brokers | |||||||||
| CMC Markets | |||||||||
| Firstrade |
Our Take On IG Index
"IG offers a complete package with an intuitive online platform, top-tier beginner education, advanced charting tools through its TradingView integration, real-time data, and swift execution for seasoned traders."
Pros
- As a seasoned broker, IG adheres to stringent regulatory standards across various regions, ensuring significant trust.
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
- The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.
Cons
- In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
- Based on tests, stock and CFD spreads remain less competitive than the lowest-cost brokers, such as CMC Markets.
- IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
Our Take On eToro
"eToro's social trading platform excels with its outstanding user experience and lively community chat, aiding beginners in spotting opportunities. It offers competitive fees on numerous CFDs and real stocks, alongside exceptional rewards for seasoned strategists."
Pros
- Utilising TradingView, the charts provide robust tools for technical analysis, featuring nine chart types and more than 100 indicators.
- There is an extensive online training academy offering a range of accessible resources, from concise articles to detailed courses.
- In 2025, eToro enhanced its trading experience by incorporating insights from over 10 million Stocktwits users, enabling better assessment of market sentiment.
Cons
- The only significant contact option, besides the in-platform live chat, is limited.
- The absence of extra charting platforms such as MT4 may deter experienced traders who rely on external software.
- There are no assured stop-loss orders, which could be a valuable risk management tool for novice traders.
Our Take On City Index
"City Index suits active traders perfectly, offering rapid execution speeds averaging 20ms and a customisable web platform with over 90 technical indicators. Its educational resources are exceptional. For UK traders interested in spread betting on 8,500+ instruments tax-free, City Index is an excellent option."
Pros
- City Index offers access to over 13,500 markets, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and interest rates. The platform's inclusion of niche markets such as interest rates provides traders with unique opportunities not commonly available on other platforms.
- City Index offers adaptable trading platforms suited to every expertise level. For newcomers, the Web Trader platform is straightforward and user-friendly. For more in-depth analysis and automated features, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView are supported, providing a comprehensive trading experience for all traders.
- City Index is under the regulation of leading authorities, such as the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and MAS in Singapore. Its parent company, StoneX Group Inc., is publicly listed, which enhances its credibility.
Cons
- Although many brokers, such as eToro, have broadened their crypto offerings, City Index restricts its clients to crypto CFDs. This limited selection may not meet the needs of traders seeking a wider variety of altcoins.
- Unlike brokers like AvaTrade and BlackBull, City Index lacks options for passive trading, such as social copy trading or real ownership of stocks and ETFs. This limitation may reduce its appeal to traders seeking a more hands-off approach.
- City Index does not offer an Islamic account with swap-free conditions, making it less attractive to Muslim traders than brokers such as Eightcap and Pepperstone.
Our Take On Spreadex
"Spreadex attracts UK traders keen on spread betting in financial markets and traditional sports wagers. It offers low fees for short trades, and spread bet profits are tax-free. With a robust charting platform and no minimum deposit, it's easy to begin."
Pros
- Spreadex offers UK traders the chance to earn tax-free profits via spread betting.
- There are appealing new account promotions, such as double the odds and matched betting offers.
- Traders can place wagers on sporting events directly through their brokerage accounts.
Cons
- There is no support for expert advisors or trading bots.
- The absence of a demo account may dishearten potential clients wishing to evaluate Spreadex's offerings.
- Third-party e-wallets are not permitted.
Our Take On Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers ranks highly for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, live data, and bespoke layouts via the new IBKR Desktop app. Its competitive pricing and sophisticated order choices appeal to traders, and its wide equity options are industry-leading."
Pros
- While initially targeting seasoned traders, IBKR has recently widened its appeal by eliminating its $10,000 minimum deposit requirement.
- IBKR is a highly respected brokerage, regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring the integrity and security of your trading account.
- Interactive Brokers has been awarded Best US Broker for 2025 by DayTrading.com. This accolade highlights its dedication to traders in the US, offering exceptionally low margin rates and access to global markets at minimal expense.
Cons
- IBKR offers a variety of research tools, but their inconsistent placement across trading platforms and the 'Account Management' webpage creates a confusing experience for users.
- Support can be sluggish and frustrating. Tests reveal that you may face challenges reaching customer service quickly, which could result in delays in issue resolution.
- The learning curve for TWS is quite steep, making it tough for novice traders to navigate and grasp all its features. In contrast, Plus500's web platform is far more accessible for those new to trading.
Our Take On CMC Markets
"Equipped with advanced charts and a broad array of tradable CFDs, including an unmatched selection of currencies and bespoke indices, CMC Markets offers an excellent online platform for traders at any level."
Pros
- The CMC web platform offers an exceptional user experience with sophisticated charting tools for trading and customisable options, suitable for both novice and seasoned traders. It supports MT4 but not MT5, and TradingView will be available from 2025.
- We've upgraded the 'Assets & Markets' rating due to frequent product enhancements in early 2025. These include extended trading hours for US stocks and the introduction of new share CFDs.
- CMC provides competitive pricing with narrow spreads and low trading fees, except for stock CFDs. The Alpha and Price+ programmes offer additional benefits for active traders, including discounts on spreads of up to 40%.
Cons
- Trading stock CFDs comes with a relatively high commission, particularly when compared to low-cost brokers such as IC Markets.
- Although there have been improvements, the online platform still needs further refinement to match the user-friendly trading experience offered by competitors such as IG.
- CMC provides a robust range of assets; however, it does not support trading actual stocks, and UK clients are unable to trade cryptocurrencies.
Our Take On Firstrade
"Firstrade suits novice traders in US stocks, offering zero commissions. It provides abundant free education, top-tier research with FirstradeGPT, and trading insights from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks, and Benzinga."
Pros
- Among the initial brokers to integrate AI-driven analysis via FirstradeGPT.
- Ideal broker for cost-aware traders, offering competitive low fees on OTC trades.
- A reputable US-regulated broker and SIPC member
Cons
- Firstrade prioritises stocks over forex, restricting opportunities for portfolio diversification.
- Customer support requires improvement after testing revealed the absence of 24/7 assistance.
- Over 90% of the options assessed lack a demo trading account.
Pre-Market Trading Explained
The majority of trades take place during regular sessions which are known as the core trading hours. The start times for these trading windows vary between exchanges and markets. For example, the New York Stock Exchange opens at 13:30 AM (GMT) while the London Stock Exchange opens at 07:00 AM (GMT). Forex pairs can be traded 24 hours a day midweek and typically start on Sunday evening. On the other hand, cryptocurrency exchanges such as Kucoin, are open 24/7.
Clients of brokers with pre-market trading can access these markets before the core trading sessions begin. Typically, there are fewer traders and less liquidity meaning wider spreads. This period of the day is often used by traders to gauge market sentiment to help plan trades for when the core session starts. With that said, other traders aim to generate profit directly from the pre-market trading window.
Note, pre-market trading is generally restricted to futures and limit orders for stocks and shares. Certain derivatives such as stock options are also not usually sold during this time.
How Pre-Market Trading Works
Market makers do not typically start until the core trading hours, so when using UK brokers with pre-market trading, you are normally buying and selling via electronic communication networks (ECNs). ECNs are used to connect buyers and sellers directly to fulfil orders. And because there are fewer traders online during pre-market hours, there is a chance that your order won’t be processed.
For example, you place a buy order for 100 shares of Amazon stock at $124 per share. However, if there are no compatible sell orders, then your buy order will not be completed. At this point, you must either change your limit order price or wait until there is a counterparty to your trade.
Keep in mind that the order is only valid during the pre-market session. Once the core session begins, you will likely need to place the order again.
Importantly, brokers with pre-market trading do not necessarily open trading at the same time as exchanges. Just because the NYSE pre-market starts at 13:30 GMT, for example, not every broker will start accepting orders at this time.
Benefits Of Brokers With Pre-Market Trading
- React sooner to after-market news from the day before or over the weekend
- Access to international markets at a more convenient time. NYSE pre-market opens at 04:00 AM ET, which is 08:00 AM GMT, making it a popular option for traders based in the UK and Europe
Drawbacks Of Brokers With Pre-Market Trading
- Less liquidity
- Wider bid-ask spreads
- Only available on certain trading platforms
- Trading is often processed via ECNs so orders may not be fulfilled
Pre-Market Trading Strategies
Follow The News
One of the key benefits of investing with brokers with pre-market trading is being able to react to overnight or weekend news before other traders. Positive news could mean the asset will increase in price with traders wanting to invest and vice versa for negative news.
Always consider the time of the week, month or even year for upcoming announcements or press releases, for example, quarterly earning reports which can impact a stock’s price.
Capitalise On Dips & Rips
During pre-market trading hours, you may find that certain assets have wider price fluctuations. One indication of this could be securities valued outside of resistance levels from previous days and weeks. These big swings can provide an opportunity to buy or sell assets with the intention of selling to or buying from investors who may be more impulsive once core trading begins.
Ambitious Limit Orders
Take advantage of the high volatility during pre-market by placing limits on desirable assets but at better prices than what they are currently trading at. A limit order will only carry out the purchase or sell action at a specific price or better. Meaning, that if you open a buy limit order, you will only purchase the shares at the chosen price or less.
There is a chance that they are not fulfilled, but even so, brokers with pre-market trading provide an opportunity to execute trades at better prices than what you would normally expect.
Tips For Pre-Market Trading
Follow Level 2 Market Data
When using brokers with pre-market trading, it is helpful to view level 2 market data as it shows you the live bids and asks for an asset. This is the best way to see how an asset is valued in real time which can guide the limit orders you place.
Comparing the bid-ask spreads with price history charts can be a good way to see if you should buy, sell, hold or avoid an asset altogether.
Risk Management Techniques
Trading at brokers with pre-market hours carries a greater level of risk so it is important to protect your capital. Volatility and fewer traders can mean it is more difficult to predict stock price changes accurately.
Risk management techniques include spreading your trades out across several different assets and limiting individual trades to 1% or 2% of your total capital.
Prepare
Just because there is limited time for pre-market trading, does not mean you should rush into a trade. Stay disciplined and take time to research potential entry and exit positions.
For this, you can use technical analysis and set your own risk tolerance to guide your investments.
How To Identify Trades
Complete Analysis
As with trading during core hours, you should do plenty of technical and fundamental research. It is key that you stay in the loop on news as certain events that have taken place overnight can impact market sentiment and therefore influence if a stock price will rise or decline.
Additionally, you can use indicators such as pivot points and Fibonacci lines to help identify price movement patterns as well as support and resistance levels.
Use Screeners
Screeners are useful tools to filter markets to find the biggest gainers or most traded assets during pre-market trading sessions. Brokers with pre-market trading that offer screeners essentially help you to see what other traders are investing in and where there is likely to be liquidity. As these assets have more volume, there is a better chance of a limit order being fulfilled because more investors are trading.
Compare Industries
Looking at wider sectors and industries can be a good way to find assets that you should focus on during pre-market hours. You may find that certain sectors see greater gains than others. For example, if you find that the energy industry is out-growing the finance sector, you may want to focus on stocks such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil and Shell.
Are Brokers With Pre-Market Trading Good Or Bad?
Trading during pre-market hours carries more risk due to the increased volatility and lower liquidity, however, there are still opportunities to earn returns. Beginners and experienced traders alike should take the time to understand how markets work before core trading hours and develop a suitable strategy.
Use our list of the top UK brokers with pre-market trading to get started.
FAQs
Do Brokers With Pre-Market Trading Charge Fees?
This depends on the broker as many provide the service at no extra cost to users who have registered an account. For example, Interactive Brokers allow pre-market trading for both Lite and Pro accounts, however, Pro accounts can place orders three hours earlier than Lite accounts.
What Are The Best Brokers With Pre-Market Trading?
Make a list of factors that are most important to you to help identify the best brokers with pre-market trading. Consider aspects such as spreads and commission, regulations, mobile stock trading app compatibility and trading platforms. Additionally, look for market screeners and sentiment indicators.
Do All Brokers Provide Pre-Market Trading?
Not all online brokers offer pre-market trading. Use our list of the best brokers with pre-market trading to compare popular platforms.
When Can I Start Investing At Brokers With Pre-Market Trading?
This depends on the brokerage. Certain brokers with pre-market trading start accepting orders very early, for example, ETrade allows clients to trade from 07:00 AM daily during midweek. On the other hand, on Robinhood, pre-market hours begin at 09:00 AM.
What Are The Pros Of Pre-Market Trading?
Registering at brokers with pre-market trading gives you early access to stock exchanges before the core trading hours. This means you can react to overnight news before the vast majority of traders start buying and selling securities. Some investors formulate strategies specifically to capitalise on the early morning trading window.