A Look at AC-Markets

In terms of the essentials, this broker doesn't fall short. It gives you complete set of basic tools that are sufficient for the foundations of your trading activities. This isn't the most sophisticated or streamlined program available, but it does the job reasonably well. It's perfect for those people who just want to carry out a transaction and do nothing else.

You'll get to choose any one of four different trading setups; all of them are browser-based, so you don't have to download or install anything on your computer. It's designed in such a way that you're allowed a trading base that's related directly to your portfolio. While going through the testing stage, we were also informed that this broker is being regulated by a body in Switzerland. In terms of spread, the broker collects an average to above average rate for almost all currency pairs.

Basic Program Features:

Demo Trading: Yes; no time limits, expiration dates or restrictions Rating:

Initial Investment: At least 1% of new transactions (e.g. $100 for a $10,000 transaction); no minimum initial deposit defined Rating:

Deposit/Withdrawal Options: Credit cards or PayPal via the on-site interface, or bank to bank transfer Rating:

Spread: 0.5 pips on EUR-GBP currency pair; all others principal pairs, ranging from 1.8 pips to 5 pips Rating:

Leverage: Up to 1:100 Rating:

Stop Point: Broker-assured for all market conditions

Interest: Varies

Regulation: Regulated under the Federal Department of Switzerland Rating:

User Tools:

Customer/Technical Support: Customer support available 24/7

Literature and Learning Materials: Professionally made guide literature, online tutorials, financial updates and news items available on website

Range of Tradable Currencies: 22 currency pairs (average to above average) available

Language Support: Full support for 14 major languages

Software Platform: Compatible on any web browser

Others: Features trading alerts that give estimates on a situation before opening a position; has a mobile phone platform for trading on the go

User-Friendliness Rating:

This program gives you just about enough tools that you'll need to get some trading done, but doesn't give you all that you might want. Don't be surprised if it will feel clunky or mediocre at times because it doesn't have one or another feature that you saw on another platform. Bells and whistles are not this platform's strong point. A little background knowledge will also be a good idea when using this platform, especially since it has very few crutches to offer for beginners.

In terms of software design, it seems that this platform is still a bit underdeveloped. It takes more than a few clicks and key pressed to get to most places, especially if you're the technical kind of trader. If speed is an issue for you, you might find it difficult to work with this platform because it does take a little longer to do a lot of tasks with all the clicks required. It puts this program at a disadvantage, as many other platforms are able to do the same tasks with fewer clicks or commands.

This platform, however, will be sure to please you if all you're after is enough features and enough tools. It has a reasonable set of features that should enable you to trade in the medium- to long-term without having too much trouble. Experienced traders should have less qualms about the platform, as the clunky interface won't prove to be too much of a hindrance.

Advantages

Beginners will be sure to appreciate this platform because it lets you try trading out for real without exposing yourself to the temptation of positions that are less than favorable. Whereas most other platforms give you the whole range of options right away, this program gives you an easier entrance to trading thanks to its regulations. It's a great place to practice and gain a bit of experience before moving on to more challenging platforms in the future, if ever.

Other factors like the regulation and the guaranteed stop point also help make this platform a very good option for beginners. Regulation means that some larger organization or body is keeping tabs on the broker, and that shady deals are highly unlikely. At the same time, the guaranteed stop point ensures that you don't lose too much whenever there are drastic changes in the market. Registration is also a very straightforward affair, and the broker is very accommodating when you have any questions about positions.

Disadvantages

Although the EUR-GBP currency pair is tied to a spread of 0.5 pips, you get a slightly worse (as compared to the industry standard) spread for all the other currency pairs. Hence you'll either have to deal with just Euros and Pounds, or face a slight loss compared to other platforms because of this program's spread. In terms of spread, it's far from the best option available.

In the same vein, this platform doesn't give you that many additional tools on top of the bare essentials. And while the effort from the broker to address users' questions is to be appreciated, the online trader resources posted on their site is sorely lacking, especially for beginners. Rookie traders who want to try this platform may want to prepare a separate guide for their reference once they begin trading.

Important Reminder: Please note that brokers are likely to change their trading platforms, programs, software and offers on a regular basis and without prior notice. As such, the platform version and program you eventually use may differ greatly from the one that we reviewed. Please check with the broker before signing up with any program to determine any inaccuracies in this review.