General Information

What is Fortrade？

Fortrade is an online forex market trading service provider founded in 2013 and currently holds a full license from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), a full license from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a full license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), a full license from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), and a retail forex license from the National Bank of Belarus (NBRB).

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Fortrade is a regulated broker that offers a wide range of assets for trading, including forex, indices, commodities, and securities. The broker provides a free demo account with no time restrictions, making it an excellent tool for beginners to practice trading. Fortrade has a powerful MT4 trading platform available on desktop, web, and mobile devices, providing traders with flexibility and convenience.

In terms of fees, Fortrade charges no trading commissions and offers competitive spreads, although overnight rollover fees and inactivity fees may apply. Customer support is available via email and telephone, but the lack of live chat support may be a drawback for some traders. Overall, Fortrade is a solid choice for traders looking for a regulated broker with a user-friendly trading platform and a variety of underlying assets for trading.

Fortrade Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Fortrade depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Hugo's Way - A relatively new broker with competitive spreads, high leverage, and a limited range of trading instruments.

• ICM Capital - A well-regulated broker offering a diverse range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and excellent customer support.

• IFC Markets - An innovative broker with a unique approach to trading, offering a wide range of financial instruments, low minimum deposits, and advanced trading tools.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Fortrade Safe or a Scam？

Regulation by multiple reputable authorities such as ASIC, FCA, CYSEC, IIROC, and NBRB can provide some level of assurance of safety and reliability for traders. However, negative reviews of Fortrade regarding withdrawal issues are concerning, and It is always recommended to carefully read the terms and conditions, including withdrawal policies, before trading with any broker.

Market Instruments

Fortrade provides investors with a range selection of tradable financial instruments, including more than 300 foreign currency, stock index, securities, oil, and precious metals CFD products. This wide range of financial instruments allows traders to have more options to diversify their portfolios and potentially increase their profits.

Accounts

Demo account: A free demo account is available to Fortrade customers. Users can practice their trading strategy with a €10,000 virtual investment, available on either the Fortrader or MetaTrader 4 platforms. Fortrade's demo account seems to be a useful tool for traders to practice their strategies without any pressure, and the lack of time restrictions makes it more convenient for beginners.

Live account: Fortrade only offers a single live account type, where the specific trading conditions vary depending on assets and trading size. The minimum deposit is reasonable at $100, with a suggestion of $500 or currency equivalent.

Swap Free Account

Fortrade offers a specialized Swap Free Islamic Account for clients adhering to the Muslim faith, allowing them to engage in forex & CFD trading without incurring rollover interests on overnight positions, which is in compliance with Islamic finance principles that prohibit the payment and receipt of interest.

How to Open a Swap Free Islamic Account:

1. Account Setup: Open a Fortrade account using desktop, mobile, or tablet.

2. Complete Registration: Finish the registration process and submit necessary ID documents for verification.

3. Request Activation: Email support@fortrade.com to request activation of the Swap Free Islamic Account.

Leverage

Leverage is up to 1:200 for forex products, 1:20, 1:25, 1:50 for stock indices, 1:10 for EU securities, 1:50 for CFDs on agricultural commodities, 1:100 for gold and silver, 1:33 for corn, cotton, and soybeans. It is important to keep in mind that leverage can magnify profits, but it can also lead to greater losses, so traders should use leverage wisely and carefully manage their risk.

Spreads & Commissions

It seems that Fortrade charges mark-ups on spreads instead of trading commissions, which could be beneficial for traders who want to avoid commission fees. However, it is important to note that the mark-up on spreads may fluctuate, and traders should take this into consideration when planning their trades.

The average spread for EURUSD is 2 pips, and the average spread for USDGBP is 3 pips. Indices spread: Canada 60 average spread is 1 pip, US 2000 average spread is 0.6, US 500 average spread is 0.6. The gold average spread is $0.45, and the silver average spread is $0.04.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Trading Platforms

Fortrade offers its users a market-leading and powerful MT4 trading platform, including the mobile MT4, web MT4, and desktop MT4. The platform is renowned for its advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading capabilities, making it suitable for traders of all levels.

The desktop version of MT4 provides traders with access to real-time pricing and trading, advanced charting and analysis tools, and the ability to place orders quickly and easily. The web version of MT4 is accessible from any web browser and offers traders the flexibility to trade from any location, while the mobile version of MT4 enables traders to manage their accounts and access the markets from their smartphones and tablets.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Deposits and withdrawals can be made via credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller. The recommended initial deposit requirement is $/€/£500, however, it is possible to deposit as little as $100 or equivalent currency to get started.

Fortrade minimum deposit vs other brokers

The broker does not charge any deposit fees, while any bank withdrawal fees incurred by Fortrade are passed on to the customer, which is usually around $40.

Processing times will vary by method. Deposits via bank wire transfers can take up to 7 working days for funds to clear. E-wallets offer faster clearance, often within 1 day. All withdrawal requests are processed by Fortrade within 2 business days of being submitted. However, fund clearance can take up to 5 business days for bank transfers and up to 15 business days for credit/debit cards.

Fees

Apart from spreads, commissions, deposit and withdrawal fees that we have mentioned above, Fortrade also charges an overnight rollover fee and inactivity fee of $/€/£10 on accounts left dormant for 6 months.

Overnight rollover fees are a common practice in the forex and CFD industry, as positions left open overnight incur a cost for the broker. As for the inactivity fee, it is also a common practice among brokers to charge a fee on dormant accounts to cover administrative and maintenance costs.

See the fee comparison table below:

Educational Resources and Tools

Fortrade is highly accommodating for novice traders, offering a comprehensive Online Academy that includes webinars, Beginner's Trading Courses, Trading Videos, Forex & CFD eBooks, and more. Additionally, Fortrade provides a suite of trading tools such as a Currency Converter Tool, Pip Value Calculator, Swap Rates Calculator, and Margin Percentage Calculator.

With its rich array of educational resources and tools, Fortrade is suitable for both beginners and seasoned traders alike, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their trading skills and knowledge.

Customer Service

Clients with any inquiries or trading-related issues can get in touch with Fortrade through the email and telephone. Here are some contact details:

• Telephone: +375-17-2240625

• Email: support.by@fortrade.by

• FAQ section is also available.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported unable to withdraw. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

All things considered, Fortrade is a reputable broker with multiple regulatory licenses, offering a wide range of assets for trading and a powerful MT4 platform. The broker charges no commissions and has competitive spreads, making it an attractive option for traders. However, there have been some negative user reviews concerning withdrawal issues and the overnight rollover fee. Additionally, the lack of alternative trading platforms and the inactivity fee may be a drawback for some traders who prefer more flexibility. Overall, Fortrade is a good option for traders looking for a reliable and regulated broker with a comprehensive trading platform and competitive trading conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

What is GSI Markets？

GSI Markets is a Forex trading broker operated by Media Force Limited, founded in 2013 and registered in the Marshall Islands. It claims to specialize in online Forex trading, converting on a leading FX and CFD broker for clients in more than 120 countries worldwide. Providing services through MetaTrader 4, It offers a demo account. The maximum leverage available is 1:100, and the minimum deposit required is $250, with margin requirements ranging from 0.20% to 5%. Notably, GSI Markets operates without any regulations.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Diverse Market Instruments: GSI Markets offers a wide range of market instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities, providing traders with various options for diversification.

Demo Account Availability: Traders can access a demo account, allowing them to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money.

Multiple Contact Channels: The broker provides multiple contact channels, including seven telephone numbers, email, and other social platforms, making it easier for traders to reach customer support when needed.

Cons:

No Regulation: GSI Markets operates without any regulatory oversight, which is a huge red flag for the safety of funds and the reliability of the broker.

Exposure Labeled as Unable to Withdraw: There are five pieces of exposure labeled as unable to withdraw, which indicates a risk that traders face issues with withdrawing their funds.

Is GIS Markets Safe or Scam？

The most glaring red flag is the complete lack of regulation. This raises significant concerns about the safety of your funds, the fairness of their trading practices, and the potential for scams or manipulative activities.

Furthermore, the existence of exposures labeled as “unable to withdraw” is incredibly alarming. This suggests that some users have encountered difficulties withdrawing their funds, raising the possibility of encountering similar issues yourself.

Market Instruments

GSI Markets offers a wide array of market instruments for traders to engage with, catering to the varying trading preferences and strategies of its clients.

Stocks: You can access shares of publicly traded companies, enabling them to invest in the performance of individual companies.

Cryptocurrencies: The platform offers trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, allowing traders to participate in the dynamic and evolving cryptocurrency market.

Indices: GSI Markets provides access to major stock market indices, offering exposure to broader market performance.

Forex: The broker facilitates trading in the foreign exchange market, allowing traders to trade currency pairs and take advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Commodities: You can also trade in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products, providing diversification opportunities beyond traditional asset classes.

Account Types

GSI Markets offers traders three different live account types: Silver ECN, Gold ECN, and Platinum ECN accounts.

The Silver ECN account requires a minimum deposit of 250 USD and has a withdrawal time of 7 days. To acquire a Silver Account, traders must either trade 300 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $1,000 to $10,000. To maintain the Silver Account, traders must continue to trade 150 lots quarterly.

The Gold ECN account offers a first deposit bonus of 10% up to 1,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Gold Account, traders must either trade 2,000 aggregated lots or reach total account equity of $10,000 to $75,000. Gold account holders must trade a minimum of 600 lots quarterly to keep the account in good standing.

The Platinum ECN account provides a first deposit bonus of 15% up to 2,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Platinum Account, traders must either trade 10,000 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $75,000 and above. The Platinum Account is targeted at traders with higher trading volumes and account sizes.

How to Open a GSI Markets Account？

Step 1: Open an account by going to the broker's website: https://www.gsimarkets.com/.

Step 2: All you have to do is fill in the information in the box that says QUICK START. Once this is done, click on OPEN A REAL ACCOUNT which will take you to a page that says REGISTER ACCOUNT.

Step 3: Fill in your details, create a password, check the terms and conditions box and all other related boxes then click on CREATE MY ACCOUNT.

Step 4: You are now on your home page and can make a deposit online using your credit card. All you need to do is complete the DEPOSIT INFORMATION and click on the DEPOSIT NOW button.

Leverage

GSI Markets offers leverage of up to 1:100 for you. Leverage allows you to control a larger position size with a relatively small amount of capital. For example, with a 1:100 leverage, you can control a position of $10,000 with a deposit of only $100. While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses, as losses are also magnified in proportion to the leverage used.

Spreads & Commissions

GSI Markets distinguishes itself by offering trading with zero commissions. This means that you will not incur additional charges for each trade placed through the platform. However, while there are no commissions, you should consider the impact of spreads on the trading costs, which is not present on the official website.

Trading Platforms

GSI Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and customizable features. It also offers automated trading capabilities through Expert Advisors (EAs) and a wide range of technical indicators.

Additionally, the GSI Markets mobile app provides traders with access to the mobile version of MT4. While the mobile version may lack some of the features found in the desktop version, it offers several benefits, including increased flexibility and the ability to trade on the go. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS systems, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade from their smartphones or tablets.

Trading Tools

GSI Markets provides traders with a comprehensive set of trading signals and tools designed to enhance their trading experience and improve decision-making.

• Indicators

Impulse MACD: This indicator combines three moving averages to visually represent market momentum on a chart. It helps traders identify potential buy or sell signals based on the convergence or divergence of these moving averages.

SHI Channel True: This indicator displays dynamic moving channels on a chart. It identifies fractal points in price history, connects them with lines, and draws parallel lines to create channels. You can use these channels to identify potential support and resistance levels.

Stretch Breakout Channel: This indicator helps you identify breakout opportunities by plotting channels based on recent price action. Breakouts above or below these channels may signal potential trading opportunities.

Variation Index: This indicator measures the variation in price movements over a specified period. It helps you gauge the volatility of an asset and can be used to identify potential trend changes.

ZeroLag MACD: This indicator is a modified version of the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator that aims to reduce lag and provide more timely signals. It can help you identify trend reversals and momentum shifts.

• Economic Calendar

This tool provides you with a schedule of important economic events and announcements that may impact financial markets. It includes key indicators such as GDP releases, interest rate decisions, and employment reports, helping you make informed trading decisions based on fundamental analysis.

• Technical Signals

These signals are generated by technical analysis tools and indicators, such as those mentioned above. They provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities based on price movements, trends, and other technical factors.

• Calculators

Profit Calculator: This tool helps you calculate potential profits or losses based on their trading position size, entry price, and exit price.

Margin and Pip Calculator: These calculators help you determine the margin required for a trade and calculate the value of a pip, which is the smallest price movement in a currency pair.

• BTC Signals

These signals are specific to Bitcoin (BTC) trading and provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities in the Bitcoin market. You can use these signals to make informed decisions when trading Bitcoin.

Deposits & Withdrawals

To deposit money into your GSI Markets trading account, you can log in to your account using the email and password you provided during registration. Once logged in, navigate to the Members Area and click on the “Deposit” tab. From the dropdown menu, select your preferred deposit method, which can include Credit Cards, e-Wallets, or Wire Transfers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit process.

Withdrawing money from your GSI Markets account is also straightforward. Log in to your account and navigate to the Members Area. Click on the “Withdraw” tab to access the withdrawal section. Fill out the withdrawal form with the required information, ensuring that all your verification documentation is in order. Withdrawals will be returned to the credit cards from which the charge was made, and profits above the invested amount will be transferred to your personal bank account. Wire transfers will take up to 7 business days due to intermediary financial processors.

Customer Service

The broker provides multiple contact options, including telephone support with dedicated numbers for various regions.

• +(44) 203 150 1767 (United Kingdom)

• +(55) 213 50 01808 (Brazil)

• +(56) 229 381 559 (Chile)

• +(57) 601 5141319 (Colombia)

• +(502) 237 84653 (Guatemala)

• +(52) 558 421 0153 (Mexico)

• +(507) 833 7744 (Panama)

In addition to telephone support, traders can also contact the customer support team via email at info@gsimarkets.com.

For traders who prefer real-time assistance, GSI Markets offers a live chat feature on their website.

GSI Markets also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Telegram. These platforms serve as additional channels for traders to interact with the customer support team, stay updated on news and announcements from the broker, and engage with other traders in the community.

Conclusion

GSI Markets provides a range of trading instruments and account options, but there are significant issues that impact your trading experience. The lack of regulatory oversight and reports of exposure labeled as “unable to withdraw” are both red flags that jeopardize your financial security. We advise against using GSI Markets and it is better to choose a broker with a clear track record and regulation from a reputable financial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is GSI Markets regulated？

A: No.

Q: What trading platforms does GSI Markets offer？

A: GSI Markets offers MetaTrader 4, including a desktop version, a web-based version, and a mobile trading app.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with GSI Markets？

A: $250.

Q: Does GSI Markets offer a demo account？

A: Yes.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by GSI Markets？

A: 1:100.

Q: What are the available methods for deposit and withdrawal？

A: GSI Markets offers various methods for deposit and withdrawal, including Credit Cards, e-Wallets, and Wire Transfers.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.