IC Markets 2025 In-Depth Evaluation Report: Raw Spreads, Execution Speed, and Automated Trading Performance

1. Brokerage Firm Background and Regulatory Framework

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, IC Markets has rapidly expanded into global markets over the years and is now one of the most popular platforms among high-volume retail forex traders.

Regulatory situation

IC Markets is regulated by the following regulatory bodies:

• ASIC (Australia)

• CySEC (Cyprus)

• FSA (Seychelles)

In particular, ASIC regulation is considered a sign of high credibility , and its requirements include:

• Customer Fund Segregation

• Strict operational control

• Regular compliance audits

📌Important Note : IC Markets also offers offshore entities to support higher leverage, but traders need to confirm the chosen regulatory body before opening an account, as there are significant differences in fund protection across different jurisdictions.

👉 For more information, please visit the BrokerHiveX regulatory database.

2. Account Type Analysis: RAW vs. Standard

IC Markets' account structure is simple and clear, with the core difference being the two types of accounts:

RAW (Raw Spread Account)

• Near 0 pips spread (EUR/USD is usually 0.0 pips)

• Fixed commission per transaction (varies depending on the platform)

• Suitable for scalpers, algorithmic traders, and cost-sensitive traders

Standard Account

• No commission

• The spread has been increased (EUR/USD is now approximately 0.8–1.2 pips).

• Suitable for manual traders who prefer simplicity

📌Key takeaway : RAW accounts are IC Markets' true core competitive advantage, and professional traders almost always choose this account type.

3. Spreads and transaction costs (realistic expectations)

IC Markets is widely touted as a "low-spread broker," and this is largely true in practice.

Typical RAW account average spread (major currency pairs):

📌Note : Even including commissions, the total transaction cost for major currency pairs is typically less than 0.7 pips – placing IC Markets among the most cost-efficient brokers globally .

Other expenses:

• No deposit fees (broker's side)

• Withdrawal fees vary depending on the payment method.

• No account idle fee

📌Cost Transparency : IC Markets' pricing structure is clear and transparent, making it suitable for users who are good at calculating transaction costs.

4. Trading Platform and Technology Stack

IC Markets supports multiple professional-grade platforms, making it especially suitable for traders who rely on custom or automated strategies .

MetaTrader 4 & 5

• Fully supports EA

• Multiple advanced order types

• Strategy testing and optimization functions

MT4 is suitable for using traditional Expert Advisors (EAs), while MT5 offers more powerful backtesting and multi-asset capabilities.

cTrader platform

IC Markets stands out among advanced traders for its cTrader:

• Market Depth (DOM) Visualization

• More advanced order control

• Faster execution feedback

• Native support for cAlgo algorithmic trading

📌 Many scalpers prefer to use cTrader because of its superior transparency and user interface.

👉 For more market information and educational content, please visit the BrokerHiveX News Center.

5. Execution speed and liquidity access

Execution speed is one of IC Markets' biggest selling points.

Execution Model

• True ECN style execution

• Multiple Tier 1 liquidity providers

• No trader intervention

Under normal market conditions:

• Execution time is usually less than 40 milliseconds

Applicable to:

• scalp peeling strategy

• News trading

• High-frequency automated trading system

📌Real -world tip : Although the speed is extremely fast, slippage may still occur during periods of high market volatility. The source of slippage is usually the market rather than platform manipulation.

6. Automated Trading and VPS Architecture

IC Markets is one of the industry's most automation-friendly platforms.

EA Support

• No restrictions on EA usage

• Supports scalping and hedging

• No minimum holding time

VPS service

Using a third-party VPS service for low-latency connections to trading servers offers advantages including:

• Reduce execution latency

• Supports EA running 24/7

• Enhance strategy stability

📌 Especially suitable for users who run multiple EAs or rely on low-latency strategies.

7. High-frequency and scalp-peeling scenarios

IC Markets performs exceptionally well in fast-paced markets.

Example of scalping in a EUR/USD RAW account:

• Average spread: 0.1 points

• Total cost including commission: approximately 0.6 points

• Execution latency: ~30 milliseconds

• Very rarely quotes

📌 Under strict risk control, these trading conditions are very suitable for short-term strategies.

8. Risk control tools and leverage considerations

Leverage depends on the account opening regulator:

• ASIC-regulated accounts have more conservative leverage.

• Offshore accounts offer higher leverage but also carry greater risks.

Risk control tools:

• Stop loss/take profit

• Trailing stop

• Margin Warning

📌The platform provides the tools, but the real responsibility for risk control still lies with the trader , especially when using high leverage.

👉 For more risk information, please see the BrokerHiveX Risk Warning Page.

9. Which type of trader is it suitable for?

Best suited for:

• Scalping and Day Traders

• Automation strategies and EA users

• High-volume, cost-sensitive traders

• Professional traders who manage multiple strategies

Not suitable for:

• Complete beginner

• Users who rely on educational resources

• Seeking speculative users for bonuses and promotions

10. Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Advantages ✅

• Ultra-low original spread

• Fast order execution

• Excellent Automated Trading Support

• Multiple professional-grade platforms

Disadvantages ❌

• The learning curve for beginners is steep.

• Limited educational resources

• Offshore high leverage is accompanied by higher risks

✅ Overall Evaluation

IC Markets has gained market recognition by focusing on performance as its core positioning .
In 2025, IC Markets will remain the ideal choice for traders who prioritize transaction costs, execution speed, and the flexibility of automated trading .

However, the platform requires users to have mastered basic risk control and strategy design capabilities. IC Markets does not simplify the trading process, but rather provides robust infrastructure, leaving the final performance to the traders themselves.

📌 When comparing brokers focused on execution or evaluating RAW spreads, many traders refer to platforms like BrokerHiveX, using real trading data for comparison rather than just relying on marketing claims.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will IC Markets be safe in 2025?
Security. The platform is regulated by multiple parties, but security depends on the regulatory body chosen by the user when opening an account.

2. What is the difference between a RAW and a Standard account?
RAW offers near-zero spreads but charges commission; Standard accounts offer no commission but have higher spreads.

3. Does it support automated trading?
Yes. The platform is ideal for automated trading, supporting Expert Advisors (EAs), VPS, and low-latency execution.

4. Can beginners trade IC Markets?
Yes, but it's more suitable for experienced traders who understand execution mechanisms and risk control.

5. Does it support scalping?
It fully supports scalping and high-frequency trading.

⚠️Risk Warning and Disclaimer :
BrokerHivex is a platform for displaying publicly available information and does not constitute a recommendation for any trading platform or financial instrument. It assumes no responsibility for any trading losses resulting from the use of its information. Platform information may be delayed; users are advised to verify information independently.