| Updated: The Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index (FTSE 100) is one of the most widely traded equity indices globally, representing 100 of the largest qualifying companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For both traders and investors, the FTSE 100 provides an opportunity to gain exposure to some of the UK’s largest listed companies.
Nonetheless, the complexities of FTSE 100 trading can pose challenges, making it crucial to select a trustworthy and reputable broker. With this in mind, the expert team at RationalFX has identified the best brokers for those intending to trade the FTSE 100 through CFDs, ETFs and similar instruments.
Expert opinion by Christopher Lewis:Below, you can find a list of the best FTSE 100 Index brokers:
Top 8 Brokers for Trading the FTSE 100
-
Fusion Markets
- Australia regulated broker
- MT4, MT5, TradingView, Ctrader
- Leverage up to 500
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
FP Markets
- Australia and CySEC regulated broker
- MT4/MT5, TradingView, Ctrader, Iress
- EUR/USD spread from 0.0 pips
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
BlackBull Markets
- Broker boasting lightning-fast execution speed
- ECN brokers with tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- $0 minimum deposit requirement
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Stock CFDs
-
Plus500
- Multi-Level Regulated Broker
- Proprietary trading platforms
- Easy to use mobile app
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Share CFDs
- Stock CFDs
- US Stock CFDs
-
eToro
- Popular broker for social trading
- Trading is conducted on innovative in-house platform
- Offers both investing and trading products
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- ETF CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Share CFDs
- Stock CFDs
- US Stock CFDs
-
IG
- Offers different account types, including DMA (Direct Market Access) one
- Offers turbo warrants on forex pairs, commodities, indices, and equities
- Supports popular platforms like MT4 and TradingView as well as ProRealTime, L2, and more
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Bond Futures
- Bond Options
- Bond Spread Betting
- Bonds CFDs
- Commodity CFDs
- Commodity Futures
- Commodity Options
- Commodity Spread Betting
- Crypto CFDs
- Crypto Options
- Crypto Spread Betting
- Currency Futures
- Energy CFDs
- Energy Futures
- Energy Options
- Energy Spread Betting
- ETF CFDs
- ETF Options
- ETF Spread Betting
- Forex CFDs
- Forex Options
- Forex Spread Betting
- Index CFDs
- Index Futures
- Index Options
- Index Spread Betting
- Interest Rate Futures
- Metal CFDs
- Metal Futures
- Metal Options
- Metals Spread Betting
- Share CFDs
- Stock CFDs
- Stock Options
- Stock Spread Betting
- US Stock CFDs
- US Stock Options
- US Stock Spread Betting
-
XM Group
- XM provides great trading experiences using MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are improved by personalized features.
- Zero commission accounts are available
- Top-tier regulation from CySEC, ASIC, FSC, and DFSA oversee XM's operations, assuring transparency and client safety.
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Energy CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Metal CFDs
- Share CFDs
- Turbo Stocks
-
Blueberry Markets
- Well-known broker, established in Australia
- Low trading fees
- MT4, MT5, Mobile Trading Platform
Trading InstrumentsDeposit Methods- Commodity CFDs
- Crypto CFDs
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Share CFDs
Our 8-step guide to choosing a forex broker
- Verify regulation and authorisation (e.g., FCA, ASIC).
- Check trading costs: spreads, commissions, swaps.
- Compare execution quality: slippage, fills, order types.
- Check platforms and tools: MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
- Ensure risk controls: stop-loss, guaranteed stops, negative balance protection.
- Review funding and withdrawals: local options, fees, processing times.
- Evaluate research, education, and alerts.
- Prioritise security and support: segregated client funds, two-factor authentication, support hours.
Brokers Compared by Spread
FX Brokers Deposit Method Comparison
| Brand | Minimum deposit | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets |  |
$0 |
| FP Markets | |
$50 (AU$100) |
| BlackBull Markets |  |
$0 (Standard)$0 (Prime)$20,000 (Institutional) |
| Plus500 | |
$10 |
| eToro | |
$50 or $100 based on country ($10 for the UK) |
| IG | |
$50 |
| XM Group | |
$5 |
| Blueberry Markets | |
$100 |
Brokers by Regulator
| Brand | Maximum leverage | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets | |
1:500 (ASIC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (VFSC | Retail Account) |
| FP Markets | |
1:500 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:500 (FSAS | Retail Account) |
| BlackBull Markets | |
1:500 (FMA), 1:500 (FSAS) |
| Plus500 | |
1:300 (Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account), 1:30 (FMA | Retail Account), 1:30 (DFSA), 1:300 (FSAS), 1:20 (MAS), 1:300 (SCB) |
| eToro | |
1:400 (CySEC | Pro Account), 1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:400 (FSAS | Retail Account) |
| IG | |
1:222 (BaFin | Pro Account), 1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:30 (BaFin | Retail Account), 1:200 (BMA | Retail Account), 1:30 (FCA | Retail Account) |
| XM Group | |
1:30 (CySEC | Retail Account), 1:1000 (IFSC | Retail Account) |
| Blueberry Markets | |
1:30 (ASIC | Retail Account), 1:500 (FSCM), 1:500 (VFSC) |
Forex Brokers Platform Availability
| Brand | FX pairs to trade | |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| FP Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| BlackBull Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
| Plus500 | |
Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web |
| eToro | |
Proprietary |
| IG | |
MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web, TradingView |
| XM Group | |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 4 MultiTerminal, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web |
| Blueberry Markets | |
cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView |
Comprehensive Comparison of the Best CFD Brokers for Trading the FTSE 100
| Brand | Min. Deposit | Trading Platforms | Spread | Regulation | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$0 |
|
AVG 0.91 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 (AU$100) |
|
AVG 1.29 pips |
|
|
 |
$0 (Standard)$0 (Prime)$20,000 (Institutional) |
|
AVG 0.1 pips |
|
|
 |
$10 |
|
AVG 0.8 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 or $100 based on country ($10 for the UK) |
|
AVG 1.1 pips |
|
|
 |
$50 |
|
AVG 0.86 pips |
|
|
 |
$5 |
|
MIN 1.6 pips |
|
|
 |
$100 |
|
AVG 1.1 pips |
|
This page provides a detailed guide to FTSE 100 brokers, offering an overview of the index and its components. We also examine various ways to trade the FTSE 100 index, including CFDs, ETFs, index futures, index options and mutual funds. Furthermore, we discuss the factors influencing the FTSE 100 index’s performance and offer guidance on selecting a trustworthy FTSE 100 broker. Additionally, we highlight the importance of trading hours, spreads, leverage and regulation, and address frequently asked questions about FTSE 100 trading.
What Is the FTSE 100?
The FTSE 100 index was introduced on 3 January 1984. It is a market-capitalisation-weighted index, meaning that the largest companies in the index have the greatest impact on its overall performance. The index comprises 100 of the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The FTSE 100 index is reviewed and updated quarterly by FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider. The review process involves a thorough analysis of the eligibility criteria, as well as a review of each company’s financial performance and market capitalisation.
Here are some additional details about the selection criteria:
- Market capitalisation: A company’s market capitalisation is calculated by multiplying the total number of shares in issue by the current market price per share.
- Liquidity: Liquidity is measured by the average daily trading volume of a company’s shares over a six-month period.
- Free float: Free float is calculated by subtracting the number of shares held by insiders, institutional investors and other non-public shareholders from the total number of shares in issue.
- Listing: A company must be listed on the LSE’s Main Market or the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) to be eligible for inclusion in the FTSE 100 index.
- Domicile: A company is considered domiciled in the UK if it is incorporated in the UK or has its principal place of business there.
- Trading history: A company must have a minimum trading history of six months to be eligible for inclusion in the FTSE 100 index. This ensures that the company has an established record of trading and financial performance.
- Financial health: A company’s financial health is assessed by reviewing its profitability, cash flow and debt levels over a three-year period.
- Industry representation: The FTSE 100 index aims to represent a broad range of industries and sectors, so companies from various industries are considered for inclusion. This helps ensure that the index is diversified and representative of the UK economy as a whole.
Ways to Trade the FTSE 100 Index
There are several ways to trade the FTSE 100 index, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include:
- CFDs on the FTSE 100: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) allow traders to speculate on the price movements of the FTSE 100 index without owning the underlying assets.
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): ETFs are investment funds that track the performance of the FTSE 100 index, offering a diversified portfolio of stocks through a single trade.
- Index futures contracts: Index futures contracts allow traders to buy or sell the FTSE 100 index at a predetermined price on a specific date in the future.
- Index options: Index options give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the FTSE 100 index at a predetermined price on or before a specific date.
- Mutual funds: Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, including those in the FTSE 100 index.
Trading Hours for the FTSE 100 Index
The FTSE 100’s constituent shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange, where trading hours are typically between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. GMT, Monday to Friday. During this period, traders can actively trade FTSE 100 constituents and monitor real-time price fluctuations.
Factors Impacting the Performance of the FTSE 100 Index
The performance of the FTSE 100 index is influenced by a range of factors, including:
-
Economic indicators
Economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation and unemployment rates can affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index. For example, strong GDP growth can lead to an increase in the index, while high inflation can cause a decline.
-
Company earnings
The earnings of companies included in the FTSE 100 index can also influence its performance. For example, if several companies in the index report strong earnings, the index may increase, while weak earnings can lead to a decline.
-
Geopolitical events
Geopolitical events such as wars, natural disasters and changes in government policies can also affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index. For example, a war in a major oil-producing country can lead to an increase in oil prices, which can affect the performance of oil companies in the index.
-
Interest rates
Changes in interest rates can also affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index. For example, a decrease in interest rates can lead to an increase in the index, as lower rates can make borrowing cheaper and encourage consumer spending.
-
Currency fluctuations
Fluctuations in the value of the British pound can also affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index. For example, a strong pound can make exports more expensive and reduce the competitiveness of UK companies, potentially leading to a decline in the index.
-
Market sentiment
Market sentiment, which refers to investors’ overall attitude towards the market, can also affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index. For example, if investors are bullish, the index may increase, while bearish sentiment can lead to a decline.
-
Technical analysis
Technical analysis involves studying charts and patterns to anticipate future price movements. Traders may use identified trends or patterns to inform buy or sell decisions, which can affect activity in the index.
What to Look for When Choosing FTSE Brokers
When choosing an FTSE 100 broker, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Spreads: Look for brokers offering competitive spreads, which can help reduce trading costs.
- Maximum leverage and margin requirements: Check the broker’s maximum leverage and margin requirements to understand the risks and capital requirements involved.
- Trading platforms: Choose a broker that offers reliable and user-friendly trading platforms with a range of technical and fundamental analysis tools.
- Regulation: Ensure that the broker is regulated by a reputable regulatory body, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Order execution speed: Look for brokers that offer fast and reliable order execution, which can help minimise slippage.
- Payment methods: Check the payment methods offered by the broker. These should include a range of convenient and secure options, such as bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and e-wallets.
Tips for Trading the FTSE 100 Index
To trade the FTSE 100 index effectively, it is essential to develop a viable trading strategy, manage risk properly and stay up to date with the latest market news and analysis. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Use stop-loss orders: Stop-loss orders can help limit losses and protect trading capital.
- Develop a trading strategy: Create a trading strategy that takes into account your investment goals, risk tolerance and market analysis.
- Manage risk properly: Manage risk by setting realistic trading goals, using stop-loss orders and diversifying your portfolio.
- Keep a trading journal: Maintain a trading journal to track your performance, identify areas for improvement and refine your trading strategy.
- Compare spreads: Compare the spreads offered by different brokers to find the most competitive rates.
FAQs
What are some of the companies that make up the FTSE 100 index?
Below are a few popular companies that have been among the constituents of the FTSE 100 index for over 10 years, along with their respective sectors:
- Unilever (consumer goods)
- BT Group (telecommunications)
- BP (energy)
How can I trade the FTSE 100 index?
You can trade the FTSE 100 index using CFDs, ETFs, index futures contracts, index options and mutual funds.
What are the trading hours for the FTSE 100 index?
The FTSE 100’s constituent shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange, where trading hours are typically between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. GMT, Monday to Friday.
What factors affect the performance of the FTSE 100 index?
The performance of the FTSE 100 index is influenced by a range of factors, including economic indicators, company earnings and geopolitical events.
How are the FTSE 100 constituents selected?
FTSE 100 constituents must be listed on the London Stock Exchange. They are selected based on their full market capitalisation and are subject to quarterly reviews. During each review, some companies exit while others enter, potentially affecting share prices and resulting in a busy trading day. Reviews are usually held on the Wednesday after the first Friday in March, June, September and December.
Why You Should Trust RationalFX
When it comes to making informed decisions about forex brokers, it's essential to rely on trustworthy sources. RationalFX, a company with over 20 years of experience since its founding in 2005, has established itself as a credible authority in the industry. With an impressive collection of over 2500 reviews on Trustpilot, boasting a score of 4.2, it's clear that Rational FX has built a reputation for providing reliable and unbiased information.
What sets Rational FX apart is its rigorous evaluation process, which considers over 30 different criteria when selecting forex brokers. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of a broker's service is taken in consideration, including regulation, forex spreads, trading platforms, deposit methods, and reputation. With its wealth of experience, transparent review process, and outstanding customer feedback, Rational FX is a trusted source for anyone seeking reliable information on forex brokers. You can reach us via e-mail at feedback@rationalfx.com or contact us through our social media accounts here: Facebook, YouTube, or leave a feedback here.