The stock market continues to boom, thus attracting new investors every day. While stocks can help you build wealth, navigating the market is challenging. However, with a reliable platform, such as the best stock brokers UK, your investment activities are simplified, and you are guaranteed an exciting experience. But what are the best stock brokers in May 2023? Well, it all depends on your investment needs. Here are the top 5 stock brokers to consider in May 2023 based on user recommendations and expert analysts’ reviews.
1. eToro
eToro has gained significant popularity for its innovative social trading platform, allowing users to engage in social interactions, copy trades from successful investors, and participate in diverse markets. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced traders. With the broker, not only can you buy stocks and take full ownership, but also trade them as CFDs or indices.
Another element that makes eToro stand out is its commission-free stock trading, which makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious investors. With a vast selection of stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, and other financial instruments, eToro provides a comprehensive trading experience. You can get started with the broker with a minimum deposit of $50.
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive design platform
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Award-winning social and copy-trading services
- Plenty of learning resources
- Access to thousands of global stocks
Cons
- Charges withdrawal fees
- Limited trading tools for professional investors
2. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is renowned for its robust trading platform and extensive range of investment options. The broker caters to both retail and institutional investors, offering advanced trading tools, research capabilities, and access to a wide array of global markets. Interactive Brokers’ platform is known for its sophisticated order execution technology and low-cost pricing structure, making it a preferred choice for active traders.
While the platform may have a steeper learning curve for beginners, its comprehensive features and competitive pricing make it a top contender for experienced investors. The broker offers access to global stocks and additional asset classes for portfolio diversification. Plus, it doesn’t have a minimum deposit requirement, allowing investors to get started with any amount they can afford.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Plenty of learning and research materials
- Low stock trading charges
- Access to global shares
- Highly encrypted platform and regulated by world-renowned authorities
Cons
- Its platform can be challenging for beginner investors to navigate
- Support service is not as reliable as its peers’
3. FP Markets
FP Markets is a well-established CFD broker known for its comprehensive suite of trading platforms and competitive pricing. The other brokers listed here, FP Markets is highly encrypted and regulated by top-tier authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), and more. Moreover, it offers access to over 20,000 financial instruments, including global stocks such as Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, to name a few. If you are into portfolio diversification, you can also trade forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and other instruments.
FP Markets has an Iress platform suitable for stock trading. You can also access MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms with advanced resources. On top of that, FP Markets supports social trading and provides a range of educational resources and research tools for all traders. With competitive spreads and strong customer support, FP Markets is a considerable choice for traders seeking a reliable and feature-rich trading experience. The broker has a minimum deposit requirement of $100.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Thousands of shares to explore
- Advanced trading platforms, including Iress, MT4, MT5, and cTrader
- User-friendly and intuitive design platform
- Social trading supported
Cons
- You only get to trade stocks as derivatives (CFDs and indices)
- No two-step login procedure on its trading app
4. AvaTrade
AvaTrade has garnered a solid reputation for its user-friendly platform and comprehensive range of trading instruments. It is also among the users’ most highly rated trading apps on Google Play and the App Store. Note that AvaTrade is a CFD broker listing thousands of stocks and additional asset classes, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and more.
To get started with AvaTrade, a minimum deposit of $100 is required. The best element about this broker is that all transactions are free, and you get to enjoy an intuitive design platform. Plus, AvaTrade hosts powerful trading tools, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. On top of that, it features social trading, quality educational resources, market analysis tools, and reliable customer support in multiple languages. With competitive spreads and a commitment to regulatory compliance, AvaTrade is a trusted broker in the industry.
Pros
- Award-winning AvaTradeGO app for Android and iOS devices
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Features social and copy trading
- Quality research and learning materials
- Low stock trading fees
Cons
- You can trade shares as CFDs only
- High inactivity fee of $50 per month should your account remain inactive for three months
5. Oanda
Oanda is a reputable broker that has been serving traders for over two decades. The broker stands out for its powerful and user-friendly trading platform, which offers advanced charting tools, customizable interfaces, and a wide range of technical indicators. Oanda provides access to global stocks, including Apple, Vodafone, Netflix, Tesla, and more, which you can trade as CFDs. The best element about trading shares with Oanda is that there are no minimum commissions, and margins start from 5% on major shares.
Besides listing global stocks, Oanda offers forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrency trading services. The broker is recognized for its transparent pricing structure, competitive spreads, and strong regulatory oversight. Note that the broker has no minimum deposit requirement, making it attractive to all types of CFD traders. Oanda mainly focuses on customer satisfaction and a commitment to continuous innovation, so feel free to try it out via its demo account.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Free transactions
- Low stocks trading fees
- An excellent trading app with fast order execution speed
- User-friendly and modern-design trading platform
Cons
- $13 monthly inactivity fees after 12 months of inactivity
- You get to trade stocks as CFD only
While buying or trading stocks through brokers is highly recommended, some investors may wonder if they can directly purchase shares from the company that lists them for sale. Note that certain companies offer direct purchase programs, but this approach can be challenging.
Fortunately, there are stock brokers available, like the ones recommended above, that can assist you in getting started. These brokers not only facilitate the purchase of stocks and the acquisition of ownership but also enable the trading of assets as derivatives. Additionally, the brokers provide comprehensive resources to support your skill development and strategy formulation. Plus, you can assess your skill level by utilizing their demo accounts, allowing you to only risk real money once you gain sufficient confidence.