Quote from forex-forex:
Good to see FXCM didn't make the list. They are my broker, plus I also have a frozen account with RefcoFX.
Quote from Hoi:
Try one of the ECN-Forex-models:
1) IB
2) Hotspot
3) CoesFX
4) MBtrading
5) Lava
6) Currenex.
{If you need more info about the differences between the two models, and/or want to know when it might be better to select FX-Futures instead of FX-cash, then download and read the document: ForexTrading_V01.zip at:
http://www.buttontrader.com/content.asp?lang=en&page=8}
Quote from andrey_tech:
But these models only support 1 lot (100 K contract) as minimum. Right ? If so, this explains why small traders choice bucketshops for their trading activities. Because bucketshops so attractive about mini-lots 0.1 lot (10 K contract size every pip means $1) even offer micro-mini lots 0.01 lot (1 K contract size every pip means $0.1). It is unpractical and sometimes impossible for ECN models. Even 1 lot (100 K contract size equal to $10 per pip) is small for this models. Am I right ?
Quote from Hoi:
Not completely correct (although I agree that this is why bucketshops are popular)...For instance the IB minimum size is 25K Dollar or 20K Euro (and then 1 unit increases from these levels)...
A $25K trade is equal to a Margin-need of about $500 Dollar...so quite possible to trade with a small account-size....
{I would not advise real-trading when you don't have at least "some breath" of $5,000...then it's better to paper-trade as long as possible and in the meantime save up}.
Quote from andrey_tech:
But what if MM is a sister company of ECN model broker). Our brokers must be win while we are winning. ....... But I do not exactly know how IB's fairness.
Quote from andrey_tech:
I heard on some bad things about "Market makers choose not to fill orders as with IB" on http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61974&perpage=6&pagenumber=9 02-18-06 10:56 PM.
Quote from andrey_tech:
Another important point is, order cancellation penalties is foolish on IB. They are charging huge fees on order cancellation on stocks and options. If it is same on fx orders, it is not so good.