XM Summary

XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker. They combine user-friendly platforms, and multilingual support tailored to indices traders of all experience levels. This has made them a leading name in the industry. Regulated across several jurisdictions, XM has built a reputation for transparency, educational outreach, and extremely solid client protection policies. XM is also regulated locally by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)

Traders at XM can access over 1,000 instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, with the flexibility to trade on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or the XM App. With account types targeted for both beginners and advanced traders, XM’s appeal lies in its reliable spreads and very low minimum deposits. Whether you’re starting out with a demo or diving straight into live markets, XM gives you a balanced mix of accessibility, regulation, and trading power—making it a reliable option for serious indices traders and the #1 option on our list for the best indices brokers.

Why trade indices with XM?

XM shines as a solid choice for index traders valuing high leverage, a broad selection of stock and thematic indices, and strong educational support. While it doesn’t lead in pricing, its thoughtful mix of flexibility, platform reliability, and client protection still makes it a broker worth considering—particularly if you’re looking for multilingual learning tools and local UAE support in English and Arabic.

XM offers access to approximately 20+ equity indices spanning the US, UK, EU, and Asia. XM also offers thematic indices, including instruments like the Crypto 10 index, China Internet Giants index, AI index, and more. All indices trading is done via CFDs. This is where traders speculate on the price of an index without actually owning the underlying asset physically. For those seeking higher exposure, with XM, you can get leverage up to 1:500 on stock indices, and 1:50 on thematic indices. Though availability may vary depending on your jurisdiction.

Where XM earns extra points is its dedicated focus on trader education. Their in-house team of analysts and over 70 instructors provide in-depth market analysis, webinars, and tutorials—creating a trading environment centered around learning. This commitment to indices trading education makes XM appealing to traders who want to improve their understanding of the indices markets while trading in real time.

Indices trading with XM: Pros and cons

✅ High leverage available. Indices traders can access leverage up to 1:500

✅ Broad selection of indices pairs. Around 20 stock indices and 6 thematic indices.

✅ Strong educational resources. In-depth market analysis, webinars, and over 70 instructors focused on forex learning.

✅ Local support for UAE traders. English and Arabic-speaking support available 24/5.

✅ Swap-free accounts. No swap account available for indices traders who want Sharia-compliant solutions.

✅ Regulated in multiple jurisdictions. Licensed by top-tier regulators including the DFSA, FCA, ASIC, IFSC, and CySEC.

❌ Leverage varies by region. 1:500 maximum leverage not available across all indices and all jurisdictions.

❌ Inactivity fee: $15 fee imposed after 1 year of inactivity, then a $5 monthly fee if the account stays inactive.

❌ No proprietary desktop platform. XM does not have a proprietary trading platform for desktop.

❌ No crypto deposits. You cannot deposit via cryptocurrency with XM.

AvaTrade Summary

AvaTrade is a globally-trusted and recognized broker known for its robust and regulated trading environment. AvaTrade has built a comprehensive suite of instruments from forex to commodities and indices to ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. AvaTrade caters to both novice and experienced traders. Their intuitive platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaSocial, Capitalise.ai, the AvaTrade App, and others ensure top-tier trading features along with fast and reliable execution. Combined with extensive educational resources through the AvaAcademy, AvaTrade offers an engaging indices trading experience that empowers clients to trade confidently and navigate the markets.

Why trade indices with AvaTrade?

AvaTrade earns our #2 best indices broker spot thanks to its balanced offering of reliability, platform variety, and trader-focused tools. Regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including by the FSRA in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, AvaTrade maintains a secure environment for trading over 35 indices from around the world.

Traders can access the indices market 24/5 using platforms like MetaTrader 4/5, the browser-based WebTrader, and the mobile-friendly AvaTradeGO app. For social traders, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and AvaSocial provide easy access to copy trading and community learning if you’re looking for some indices trading inspiration.

AvaTrade’s commission-free model, risk management features like AvaProtect, and Trading Central signals offer solid value for traders focused on indices, especially for those seeking solid education and ease of use. Plus, a free demo account will help new indices traders build confidence risk-free.

Indices trading with AvaTrade: Pros and cons

✅ Regulated in the UAE. AvaTrade is licensed by Abu Dhabi’s FSRA 

✅Strong global regulation. AvaTrade is regulated by multiple Tier-1 regulators worldwide.

✅ Diverse index instruments. Trade 35+ indices spanning the US, UK, EU and Asia.

✅ Swap-free accounts. Zero swap account available for indices traders seeking Sharia-compliant solutions.

✅ Built-in trading signals. Real-time indices insights on US500, US 100, US 30 and more available directly in the platforms.

❌ Spreads are good but not the tightest. While predictable, they may not suit cost-sensitive or high-frequency index traders.

❌ Limited customizability. WebTrader and AvaTradeGO are simpler compared to MT4/MT5.

❌ Limited AvaAcademy access. Great courses but accessible only for registered clients.

❌ Inactivity fee charged. Indices traders will incur a fee after a period of account inactivity.

Plus500 Summary

Plus500 was founded in 2008 and is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, part of the FTSE 250 index. The platform gives traders access to over 2,800 instruments across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, options and ETFs. It offers a user-friendly platform designed internally by Plus500 with commission-free trading available. Plus500 is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UAE under both the SCA and DFSA.

Why trade indices with Plus500?

Trading indices with Plus500 means access to a wide range of over 40 global indices spanning the US, Europe, Asia and beyond, giving traders plenty of opportunities to diversify and find the markets that suit their strategies. Plus500 also offers some interesting extras that caught our eye, including the VIX Volatility Index and an AI Index. With competitive leverage of up to 1:150, you can amplify your positions while maintaining full control through built-in risk management tools such as stop orders and negative balance protection.

Beyond the breadth of index CFDs, Plus500 also stands out for its user-friendly, multi-device platform, real-time quotes, and transparent pricing with no hidden commissions.

Indices trading with Plus500: Pros and cons

✅ High leverage. Access leverage up to 1:150

✅ 40+ indices. Plus500 offers a wide range of over 40 indices to trade.

✅ Trading academy. Gain access to Plus500’s academy focused on forex learning.

✅ Regulated in UAE. Plus500 is regulated by the SCA and DFSA.

❌ Deposit and withdrawals. Plus500’s deposit and withdrawal options are limited.

❌ No phone support. Plus500 cannot be reached via telephone support.

Exness Summary

Exness is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for having tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and remarkably transparent trading conditions. Founded in 2008, Exness has earned the trust of millions of traders through its offering of robust platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, and its own proprietary trading platform. Exness is also well-known for having almost-instant withdrawals, 24/7 customer support, and no hidden fees.

What sets Exness apart is its dynamic and unlimited leverage, low minimum deposit, and commission-free trading options, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. They have multiple regulatory licenses—including CySEC and the FSCA, promising a secure and compliant trading environment.

Why trade indices with Exness?

We rate Exness highly for indices trading. While many brokers claim tight spreads and fast execution, Exness consistently delivers all these across a wide range of global indices, platforms and market conditions.

Exness provides market access to 10 global indices, spanning the US, UK, EU and Asia. This selection offers index traders flexibility to choose the markets that suit their strategies, no matter whether they’re looking for popular US markets or diversification across other regions.

Spreads with Exness remain low and stable, even during high-impact news events like NFP, CPI or FOMC. As the indices market is known for volatility, this high level of consistency adds a layer of predictability that traders appreciate. Combine this with lightning-fast millisecond execution speeds, it ensures that traders can react quickly to market moves without a delay.

Another feature that’s worth highlighting is Stop Out Protection—a mechanism designed to protect index traders from unnecessary stop outs during brief volatility in the currency markets. For those navigating leveraged indices trades, this protection can be the difference between maintaining or losing a position prematurely.

Traders also have access to swap-free indices trading options, making Exness a viable choice for index traders who follow Islamic finance principles. Additionally, we found that funds are accessible without long hold-ups, allowing for smooth, delay-free withdrawals.

Indices trading with Exness: Pros and cons

✅ Ultra-tight, stable spreads. Competitive spreads even during volatile news events.

✅ Fast execution speeds. Orders are filled in milliseconds, crucial for scalpers.

✅ High leverage. Indices traders can access leverage up to 1:400.

✅ Stop out protection. Helps protect against premature index position closures.

✅ Almost instant withdrawals. Traders can access their profits quickly.

❌ Limited educational resources. Not as strong as other brokers when it comes to beginner training or in-depth trading guides.

❌ Less markets than most. Exness does not offer as many markets as other brokers.

❌ High cost for social trading. Minimum of $500 to copy-trade, $2,000 to be a strategy provider.