AdmiralMarkets Review: Is it Good Broker for Scalping & Day Trading?

As a savvy investor navigating the labyrinthine world of forex and CFDs, you’ve undoubtedly encountered Admiral Markets. But is it the key that unlocks your trading aspirations, or just another name on the long list of contenders? This in-depth Admiral Markets review, meticulously crafted for 2024, serves as your indispensable guide.

We embark on a meticulous investigation, dissecting Admiral Markets’ core functionalities to expose its true potential.

This Admiral Markets review isn’t merely a collection of opinions; it’s a data-driven exploration, meticulously crafted to empower you with the knowledge you crave.

Throughout this Admiral Markets review, we’ll leverage a data-driven approach, incorporating insights from user testimonials and industry benchmarks to provide a balanced and transparent perspective.

We’ll delve into the intricacies of Admiral Markets’ proprietary platform alongside their integration with industry-standard offerings. So, ditch the financial FOMO and embark on this journey with us. We’ve meticulously curated the insights you need to make an informed decision about your online trading future.

Regulation & Compliance

Admiral Markets operates under the auspices of various regulatory bodies depending on the entity serving the client. Here’s a breakdown of some key regulations:

• Europe: Admiral Markets Group AS, the Estonian entity, is regulated by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA). This ensures compliance with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), a European Union regulation that sets high standards for investor protection, capital adequacy, and market conduct.
• United Kingdom: Admiral Markets UK Ltd. is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a leading global authority with stringent requirements for financial institutions.
• Cyprus: Admiral Markets Cyprus Ltd. falls under the regulatory umbrella of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). CySEC adheres to MiFID II regulations, providing another layer of investor protection.
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Admiral Markets Pty Ltd is licensed by ASIC, the Australian financial regulator. ASIC’s focus on investor protection aligns with Admiral Markets’ commitment to fair and responsible trading practices.
• Offshore Seychelles regulation: Licensed as a securities dealer by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (SFSA). The Seychelles entity might cater to a different clientele seeking access to specific products or investment strategies.
• Jordanian regulation: Licensed by the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC). The Jordan entity likely caters to investors within Jordan or the surrounding region.

The multi-regulated structure offers several advantages. Firstly, it demonstrates Admiral Markets’ commitment to transparency and accountability across different markets. Secondly, it fosters a sense of security for traders, knowing their activities are subject to well-defined regulations. These regulations often mandate measures like negative balance protection, segregation of client funds, and adherence to best execution practices.

Understanding the specific regulations governing your Admiral Markets entity is crucial. Here’s a closer look at some key implications:

• Capital Adequacy: Regulatory bodies like the FCA and CySEC set minimum capital adequacy requirements for brokers. This ensures they have sufficient financial resources to meet their obligations to clients, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• Investor Protection: MiFID II regulations mandate measures like negative balance protection, which safeguards traders from losses exceeding their deposited funds. Additionally, segregation of client funds ensures that broker assets are separate from client funds, further mitigating risk.
• Market Conduct: Regulations like MiFID II dictate fair and transparent market conduct. This includes best execution practices, meaning brokers have an obligation to secure the best possible outcome for client orders when executing trades.
• Reporting Requirements: Admiral Markets, like other regulated brokers, are subject to stringent reporting requirements. This ensures transparency and allows regulators to monitor broker activities and potential misconduct.

It’s important to note that regulations can evolve over time. Admiral Markets is obligated to stay abreast of these changes and ensure continued compliance.

Popularity

Admiral Markets operates in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. This accessibility suggests they cater to a broad audience across these continents. Their website and potentially customer service might be available in multiple languages, making them more approachable for traders in different regions.

Asset Classes and Instruments

Admiral Markets caters to a wide range of traders by offering a diverse selection of asset classes and instruments. Here, you won’t find lions or tigers, but something far more exhilarating: a diverse landscape of asset classes and instruments waiting to be conquered! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to trade on their platform:

1. Forex Trading:

• Currency Pairs: Admiral Markets offers a vast array of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, allowing you to capitalize on fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.

2. Contracts for Difference (CFDs):

• Stocks: Trade CFDs on stocks of leading companies across various industries and global markets. Speculate on the price movements of a wide range of stocks from prominent global exchanges without the hassle (or cost) of directly owning the underlying asset. With Admiral Markets’ stock CFDs, you can capitalize on the potential rise (or fall) of major companies without needing a boardroom seat. Think of it as a way to own a piece of the action, minus the pesky shareholder meetings and expense reports.
• Indices: Gain exposure to major stock market indices like the S&P 500, DAX 30, or Nikkei 225 through CFDs. These instruments allow you to gain exposure to entire stock market. Think of it as betting on the overall health of a particular market.
• Commodities: Speculate on price movements of commodities like Gold, Oil, or Natural Gas by trading CFDs. Want to hedge against inflation or capitalize on a potential energy crisis? These versatile instruments offer a unique avenue to diversify your portfolio and potentially secure your financial future.

3. Additional Offerings (depending on your Admiral Markets entity):

• Shares (Stock Ownership): In some jurisdictions, Admiral Markets might allow you to directly purchase and own shares of companies, not just trade CFDs on them.
• ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Potentially gain exposure to a basket of assets by trading CFDs on ETFs (availability may vary).
• Cryptocurrencies (limited offering): A select few Admiral Markets entities might offer CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum (subject to specific regulations).

Spreads and Fees

Think of spreads as the admission fee you pay to enter the trading arena. Admiral Markets offers a variety of competitive spreads, meaning the difference between the buy and sell prices of an asset isn’t some exorbitant tollbooth fee. Remember, tighter spreads translate to more potential profit for you, the valiant trader!

Just like any colosseum needs upkeep, Admiral Markets has fees to ensure the smooth operation of their trading platform. These fees can include:

• Commissions: Think of commissions as the coliseum’s maintenance crew. Admiral Markets offers competitive commission structures depending on the asset you’re trading.
• Overnight Financing: If you decide to hold onto your trading positions overnight, you might incur overnight financing fees. Think of it as the coliseum’s nightly cleaning service – someone’s gotta keep things tidy! (But don’t worry, Admiral Markets offers options to avoid these fees if you prefer a more “day-tripping” trading style).
• Inactive Account Fees: The colosseum needs active participants! If your trading account remains dormant for an extended period, you might encounter inactive account fees. Think of it as a gentle nudge to get back into the game!

Swap Rates

Admiral Markets offers a variety of accounts with competitive swap rates. The exact swap rate for a specific instrument will depend on the:

• Asset Class: Forex swaps will differ from stock CFD swaps, for example.
• Currency Pair: The interest rate differential between the two currencies in a forex pair will determine the swap rate.
• Position Direction: Long positions (buying) and short positions (selling) can have different swap rates.

Admiral Markets Swap-Free Accounts: Fight Another Day (Without Overnight Fees!)

The good news is that Admiral Markets offers Swap-Free accounts for eligible traders. These accounts allow you to hold leveraged positions overnight without incurring swap fees. Think of it as a special dispensation from the coliseum guards to keep your positions open past closing time without penalty.

Remember: Swap-Free accounts might have specific conditions or restrictions, so be sure to check the details before opening one.

Transparency is Key!

Admiral Markets, unlike some shady coliseum operators, prides itself on transparency. They clearly outline their spreads and fees on their website, allowing you to make informed decisions before entering the trading arena. No hidden costs, no surprises – just pure financial gladiatorial competition!

Leverage & Margin Requirements

Imagine wielding a mighty sword, but then being granted the power to magically multiply its effectiveness in combat. That’s the essence of leverage! Admiral Markets offers competitive leverage options, essentially allowing you to control a larger position size with a smaller initial investment. In simpler terms, it’s like borrowing a weapon from the coliseum armory to amplify your potential gains.

Maximum Leverage by Asset Class

• Forex Majors (EUR/USD, USD/JPY, etc.): Up to 1:1000 leverage
• Forex Minors (USD/MXN, AUD/NZD, etc.): Up to 1:1000 leverage
• Indices (S&P 500, DAX 30, etc.): Up to 1:500 leverage
• Gold: Up to 1:500 leverage
• Silver: Up to 1:100 leverage
• Crude Oil: Up to 1:500 leverage
• Cryptocurrencies: Up to 1:500 leverage

Margin Requirements

The flip side of the leverage coin is the margin requirement. This represents the minimum amount of your own capital (equity) you need to maintain in your account relative to the position size you control with leverage. Think of it as the financial safety net that prevents you from getting crushed by debt in the coliseum.

The exact margin requirements will vary depending on the instrument you’re trading and the chosen leverage level. However, with the information above on maximum leverage, you can calculate the minimum required margin using this formula:

Margin Requirement (%) = 100 / Leverage

For example, if you choose the maximum leverage of 1:1000 for a EUR/USD position, the margin requirement would be:

Margin Requirement (%) = 100 / 1000 = 0.1%

This means you would need to have at least 0.1% of the total position value in your account equity to maintain the position.

Margin call & Stop out Levels

Imagine yourself locked in an intense trading battle. Suddenly, the coliseum guards (aka Admiral Markets) sound the alarm! This is a Margin Call. It signifies that the equity (your own money) in your trading account has fallen below a certain threshold, relative to the total value of your open positions.

The Margin Call Threshold:

Admiral Markets operates with a 100% margin call level. In simpler terms, if the value of your account equity falls below 30% of the total value of your open positions (including leverage), you’ll receive a margin call notification.

What Happens During a Margin Call?

A margin call is a warning. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost the battle, but it’s a wake-up call to take action. Admiral Markets will likely contact you (via email, SMS, or phone) to inform you of the situation.

Your Options After a Margin Call:

• Deposit Additional Funds: The most straightforward solution is to add more money to your account, bringing your equity level back above the 30% threshold.
• Reduce Your Position Size: You can close some of your open positions, reducing the overall leverage and freeing up equity in your account.
• Do Nothing (Not Recommended!): Ignoring a margin call can have severe consequences. If your account equity continues to decline and falls below the Stop Out Level (explained next), Admiral Markets will automatically close your positions to minimize their risk.

The Stop Out Level is the absolute red line. If your account equity falls below this level (which is also 30% at Admiral Markets), Admiral Markets will automatically close all or some of your open positions to prevent further losses and protect themselves from financial risk.

Think of it as the coliseum guards stepping in to prevent a total catastrophe. While it might seem harsh, it’s a necessary safety measure to ensure the stability of the trading platform.

Negative Balance Protection

Remember, even the bravest gladiators face the possibility of defeat. The financial markets are inherently volatile, and unexpected losses are a part of the game. Without proper safeguards, these losses could potentially leave your account balance in negative territory. Thankfully, Admiral Markets offers Negative Balance Protection (NBP) for eligible retail clients. Think of it as a safety net in the coliseum arena. If your trading activities result in a negative account balance, NBP can prevent you from owing Admiral Markets any additional funds beyond the initial investment in your account. NBP might not apply to all Admiral Markets account types. Always check the specific terms and conditions for your account.

Account Types

Admiral Markets offers a unique ecosystem, teeming with various account types to accommodate the diverse needs of its traders. Whether you are an investor, trader, or institution, Admiral Markets provides a diverse range of account types to suit your specific needs and preferences. From passive investing to active trading, Admiral Markets strive to deliver excellence in trading services, empowering traders to achieve their financial goals with confidence and reliability. .

• Trade account: This account offers commission-free trading on a wide range of assets, including Forex, CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, and bonds. It also offers tight spreads and leverage of up to 1:500 with 25 USD minimum deposit.
• Invest account: allows you to invest in a massive selection of stocks and ETFs (over 4500 and 400 respectively) from around the world with a tiny starting amount of just $1. This account is perfect for beginners or cautious investors because it avoids the risks of margin trading (no leverage) and offers a commission-free first trade daily, with competitive rates for subsequent trades.
• Zero account: This account offers commission-free trading on Forex and CFDs on indices and commodities. It has zero spreads than the Trade account, but it does charge commissions.

Account opening

Admiral Markets offers a fast and efficient account opening process that can be completed in around 30 minutes., allowing you to be up and trading in minimal time. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

1. Initial Registration: Begin by visiting the Admiral Markets website and navigating to the “Start Trading” section. There, you’ll find a registration form requiring your email address and country of residence.

2. Verification and Information: Once you submit your initial details, Admiral Markets will send a verification email to confirm your address. After verification, you’ll provide further personal information, including your date of birth and address. Verification typically takes less than a day, allowing for a swift transition to live trading.

3. Account Selection and Funding: Following verification, you can choose your preferred account type. Admiral Markets offers various accounts tailored to different trading styles and risk tolerances. You’ll also be prompted to select your trading platform, either MetaTrader 4 or 5, or the web-based MetaTrader WebTrader.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Admiral Markets provides a flexible and user-friendly approach to funding your trading account and withdrawing your profits.

• The availability of deposit methods may vary depending on your location and the Admiral Markets entity you’re registered with.
• AdmiralMarkets generally processes withdrawals within one business day. The funds will then arrive in your account depending on the chosen withdrawal method (e.g., bank transfers might take additional processing time).

Here’s a breakdown of their deposit and withdrawal methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard): This offers instant deposits, allowing you to begin trading immediately. Admiral Markets does not charge any fees for credit/debit card deposits.
• Bank Transfers: This method typically takes 1-3 business days for the funds to reflect in your account. While generally free, some banks may impose their own transfer fees.
• E-wallets: Admiral Markets supports various e-wallets, including Skrill and Klarna. Deposits are usually instant, with Admiral Markets again not charging any fees.

AdmiralMarkets typically does not charge fees for withdrawals. However, some payment processors or your bank may impose their own fees. It’s recommended to check with your chosen withdrawal method provider for any associated charges.

Trading Platforms

AdmiralMarkets caters to a variety of trading preferences by offering multiple platforms for users to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of their main trading platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4) & MT4 Supreme Edition
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5) & MetaTrader 5 Supreme Edition
• MetaTrader WebTrader
• StereoTrader
• Trading App
• Admirals Platform for TradingView Charts

The optimal platform selection depends on your individual trading experience and preferences. Here’s a quick guide:

• For Beginners: MT4’s user-friendly interface and extensive educational resources make it a good starting point.
• For Experienced Traders: MT5’s advanced features and wider asset coverage cater well to seasoned traders with more complex strategies.
• For Mobile Trading: WebTrader provides a convenient option for managing trades from anywhere with an internet connection.

Admiral Markets also offers a free demo account with each platform, allowing you to explore their functionalities and test your trading strategies before committing real capital.

Education and Research

Admiral Markets recognizes the importance of equipping traders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the financial markets effectively. They offer a comprehensive suite of educational resources and research tools to empower traders of all experience levels:

Educational Resources:

• Zero to Hero Course: This structured course provides a step-by-step introduction to the forex market, covering fundamental concepts, technical analysis, and risk management.
• Webinars: Admiral Markets regularly hosts live and recorded webinars led by experienced market analysts, delving into current market trends, trading strategies, and platform functionalities.
• Articles & Tutorials: Their website offers a vast library of articles and tutorials covering a wide range of topics, from basic trading concepts to advanced technical analysis techniques.
• Trading Glossary: A comprehensive glossary defines key financial terms and concepts, ensuring you have a solid understanding of the trading terminology.
• E-books: Admiral Markets provides downloadable e-books that offer in-depth exploration of specific trading topics.

Research Tools:

• Technical Analysis powered by Trading Central: Admiral Markets integrates analysis from Trading Central, a leading research provider, offering insights, market forecasts, and trading ideas based on technical indicators.
• Forex Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming economic events that can impact market volatility and price movements.
• Trading News: Access a real-time feed of market news and analysis from trusted sources, keeping you abreast of market developments.
• Global Market Updates: Receive regular updates on the performance of various asset classes, enabling you to make informed trading decisions.

Benefits of Admiral Markets’ Education and Research:

• Free and Accessible: The majority of Admiral Markets’ educational resources are entirely free, making them a valuable source of knowledge for traders of all backgrounds.
• Beginner-Friendly: Their structured courses and introductory materials are well-suited for those new to the world of trading.
• Advanced Insights: The integration of Trading Central analysis and access to in-depth research tools cater to experienced traders seeking a comprehensive edge.

Overall, Admiral Markets’ commitment to education and research empowers traders to make informed decisions and develop successful trading strategies.

Customer Support

Admiral Markets prioritizes providing exceptional customer support to ensure a smooth trading experience. Here’s a breakdown of their various support channels:

Contact Methods:

• Live Chat: For immediate assistance, Admiral Markets offers live chat support during business hours (5:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern European Time [EET]). This allows you to connect with a customer service representative in real-time for quick resolution to your inquiries.
• Email: You can submit your questions or concerns via email to their dedicated support address (support@admiralmarkets.com for European clients). While response times may vary, email is a suitable option for non-urgent inquiries that require detailed explanations.
• Phone: For specific situations where phone contact is preferred, Admiral Markets provides phone numbers for various regions. These can be found on their contact page

Promotions and Bonuses

Admiral Markets offers a few promotions and bonuses to incentivize new and existing traders. Here’s a breakdown of what they currently have available:

100% Welcome Bonus:

• This promotion grants you a bonus equal to your initial deposit, essentially doubling your trading capital. There’s a maximum bonus amount however, typically around $5,000 USD.
• This bonus is generally available to new clients opening a live trading account. Be sure to check the current terms and conditions for any specific requirements.
• Bonus funds typically come with trading volume requirements before they can be withdrawn. This means you’ll need to trade a certain amount before being able to access the bonus money as real capital. Admiral Markets’ specific requirements can be found in their bonus terms and conditions.

Rebates & Cashback

Admiral Markets offers a cashback program rather than traditional rebates on spreads. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Admiral Markets Cashback:

• Reduced Trading Costs: Admiral Markets offers a cashback program that essentially reduces your trading costs. For every million USD of notional trading volume on eligible accounts, you receive a rebate of 1 USD.
• Eligible Accounts: The cashback program applies to live accounts such as Trade.MT4, Trade.MT5, Zero.MT4, and Zero.MT5.
• Automatic Calculation & Payment: Admiral Markets automatically calculates your cashback based on your monthly trading volume and credits it to your trading account within the first 5 business days of the following month.
• The cashback amount might seem small initially, but it can add up over time, especially for active traders with high trading volumes. Admiral Markets’ cashback program is a straightforward way to partially offset your trading expenses.