Vantage trading review: An Expert Analysis
This Vantage trading review provides an in-depth look at the broker’s offerings, helping potential traders make informed decisions.
Vantage Investment Products
The range of available markets at Vantage largely depends on the regulatory entity governing your account. For example, Vantage’s Australian entity provides access to 257 instruments, while its Cayman Islands brand offers 201.
Vantage offers a diverse array of investment products. Traders can access various markets, including:
- Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs)
- Cryptocurrency (CFDs and physical for some jurisdictions)
- Indices
- Commodities
- Shares (CFDs)
For those interested in Vantage cryptocurrency trading, it is available through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and, in some regions, by trading the underlying asset directly.
Vantage Fees Comparison
Trading costs at Vantage are influenced by the account type you choose and the specific Vantage entity holding your account. Vantage offers three primary account options:
- Standard STP Account: This is a spread-only account.
- RAW ECN Account: A commission-based account with tighter spreads.
- PRO ECN Account: Another commission-based option, offering highly competitive pricing.
Overall, Vantage’s pricing is generally in line with industry averages. However, it may not compete with pricing leaders such as Saxo Bank, IG, and CMC Markets.
Standard vs. Raw Accounts
For its Standard account, Vantage lists typical EUR/USD spreads of 1.22 pips. The Raw account offers average spreads of 0.15 pips, with an additional commission of $3 per side ($6 per round turn), resulting in an all-in cost of 0.75 pips for EUR/USD.
PRO Account Details
The PRO account boasts competitive pricing with a commission of just $2 per side ($4 per round turn). Requirements for opening a PRO ECN account vary by regulatory entity. For instance, Vantage’s Australian entity requires clients to qualify as wholesale clients, while the Cayman Islands entity mandates a minimum deposit of $20,000.
Active Trader Program
The active trader program at Vantage provides rebates ranging from $2 to $8 per standard lot, contingent on your balance and monthly trading volume. This program is exclusively available on the Standard account, which has higher spreads compared to other account types.
Here’s a quick overview of key financial features:
- Minimum Initial Deposit: $50
- Average Spread EUR/USD – Standard: 1.22 (August 2021)
- All-in Cost EUR/USD – Active: 0.75 (August 2021)
- Active Trader or VIP Discounts: Yes
This Vantage trading review highlights that while pricing is competitive, it’s essential to consider your trading volume and capital to choose the most cost-effective account.
Vantage Account Types
As discussed, Vantage offers several account types tailored to different trading needs and experiences. Understanding these Vantage account types is crucial for optimizing your trading strategy.
- Standard STP Account: Ideal for beginners or those who prefer a simpler pricing structure without commissions.
- RAW ECN Account: Suited for more experienced traders seeking tighter spreads and are comfortable with commission-based trading.
- PRO ECN Account: Designed for high-volume traders or institutional clients, offering the most competitive pricing.
Vantage CFD Offerings
Vantage provides extensive Vantage CFD offerings across various asset classes. These include:
- Forex CFDs
- Index CFDs
- Commodity CFDs
- Share CFDs
- Cryptocurrency CFDs (Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders in the U.K. or through U.K. entities, except for professional clients.)
This comprehensive range allows traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
Mobile Trading Apps
Vantage offers its proprietary mobile trading application, the Vantage App, in addition to the standard MetaTrader suite (MT4 and MT5). The Vantage App is available for both iOS on the Apple App Store and Android on Google Play.
While the Vantage App has a solid foundation, some users may find the integrated advertisements distracting. Despite this, it integrates useful research tools, including newsletter updates, trading signals, and content powered by Trading Central.
Verdict
In conclusion, this Vantage trading review finds that Vantage offers a robust trading environment with a good range of investment products and competitive pricing, especially for active traders and those qualifying for PRO ECN accounts. While its mobile app has room for improvement, the availability of MetaTrader platforms provides a reliable alternative. When considering Vantage, evaluate your trading style, capital, and regulatory jurisdiction to select the most suitable account and leverage its offerings effectively. This Vantage trading review suggests it’s a strong contender for various types of traders.
