IG Index vs NinjaTrader

IG Index or NinjaTrader – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare IG Index and NinjaTrader in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

IG Index vs NinjaTrader Comparison Table 2025
IG Index NinjaTrader
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4.7
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4.5
IG Index is ranked #7 among CFD brokers. NinjaTrader is ranked #29 among UK brokers.
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. NinjaTrader, based in the US and overseen by regulatory authorities, specialises in futures trading. It provides three distinct pricing plans to cater to various budgets and requirements, alongside exceptionally low margins on popular contracts. The platform's renowned charting software allows extensive customization and offers outstanding technical analysis tools.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Pros
  • IG stands out with its extensive range of instruments, offering stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it has recently introduced US-listed futures and options, along with an AI Index. These options enhance opportunities for diversification in trading.
  • 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.
  • The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.
  • As a seasoned broker, IG adheres to stringent regulatory standards across various regions, ensuring significant trust.
  • IG provides a wide range of professional and engaging educational materials, such as webinars, articles, and analyses, tailored for traders.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
  • NinjaTrader consistently provides advanced charting software for active traders, featuring customised technical indicators and tools.
  • NinjaTrader is a reputable and award-winning futures broker, fully regulated by both the NFA and CFTC.
  • Low fees are provided, featuring £50 trading margins and commissions starting at £0.09 per micro contract.
  • Traders receive complimentary platform access and can simulate trades indefinitely with the unlimited demo.
  • You can access thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in over 150 countries.
Cons
  • Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
  • In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
  • IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
  • Based on tests, stock and CFD spreads remain less competitive than the lowest-cost brokers, such as CMC Markets.
  • IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.
  • Certain funding methods incur a withdrawal fee.
  • The premium platform features incur an additional fee.
  • Engaging in trading, aside from forex and futures, necessitates registering with affiliated brokers.
Awards
  • Best Customer Service 2022 - Online Money Awards
  • Best Spread Betting Provider 2022 - Online Money Awards
  • Best Platform for the Active Trader 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • Best Multi Platform Provider 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • Best Finance App 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • 2023 Benzinga Global Fintech Awards
FCA Regulated
Yes No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$0 $0
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM NFA, CFTC
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App
IG provides an excellent trading app. As a mobile trading pioneer, it has evolved over the years into a top-tier app. Expect swift responses, an intuitive interface, comprehensive charting, and dependable performance. Additionally, it includes guaranteed stops, a crucial risk management feature absent in many apps we've evaluated.
iOS App Rating
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4.6
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3
Android App Rating
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4
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3.2
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
Margin Rate
2.5%
MetaTrader 4
Yes No
MetaTrader 5
No No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes No
Autochartist
Yes No
eSignal
No Yes
Trading Central
Yes No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
No No
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
Yes No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes No
Market Maker
Yes No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface
Copy Trading
No No
Social Trading
No No
Trade Signals
Yes Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Yes No
Inactivity Fee
$12 $25
Islamic Account
No No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • SEK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Copper
  • Oil
  • Palladium
  • Silver
  • Sugar
  • Coffee
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Soybeans
  • Orange Juice
  • Nickel
  • Steel
  • Iron
  • Precious Metals
  • Aluminium
  • Lithium
  • Cannabis
  • Lean Hogs
  • Cattle
  • Oil
CFD
IG provides over 17,000 CFDs, giving traders more opportunities than most brokers. Investors can trade long or short on key markets such as equities, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, customised price alerts and the IG Academy enrich the trading experience.
Leverage
1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) 1:50
FTSE Spread
1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
0.9
Oil Spread
2.8
Stocks Spread
0.02
Forex
IG provides an extensive selection of over 80 currency pairs through its own web platform, mobile app, or MetaTrader 4. For advanced charting and forex analysis, the ProRealTime software is available. Testing shows forex spreads are competitive, beginning at 0.1 pips on major pairs such as EUR/USD. NinjaTraders facilitates trading in major currencies such as EUR/USD. The platform provides advanced tools to enhance the trading process, featuring sophisticated order types like Market If Touched (MIT) and One Cancels Other (OCO).
Assets
80+ 50+
GBPUSD Spread
0.9 1.6
EURUSD Spread
0.8 1.3
EURGBP Spread
0.9 1.6
Currency Indices
  • USD
Cryptocurrency
IG offers a limited range of 11 crypto CFDs, lagging behind leading brokers such as Vantage, which provides access to over 40 tokens. Nonetheless, IG distinguishes itself with its crypto index, tracking the top 10 digital currencies by market capitalisation. This index offers traders a comprehensive method to speculate on the overall value of the crypto market. Gain access to micro Bitcoin futures via the CME Group's centralised exchange, under the strict oversight of the US CFTC. Micro contracts enable trading at a fraction of a Bitcoin, offering enhanced risk management and flexible order options.
Spread
Variable Floating
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • ADA
  • DOT
  • DOGE
  • LINK
  • UNI
  • XLM
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
IG Index NinjaTrader
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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