Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.

Note: Oval X (ETX)s services have now been discontinued.

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.

General Information

What is Oval X？

ETX have completed a re-branding exercise and it is called “Oval X”. Oval X is a trading brand of Monecor (London) Limited, company registration number 00851820. As a member firm of the London Stock Exchange, Monecor (London) Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration Number. 124721), however, it is a suspicious clone.

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

Oval X Alternative Brokers

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

• Z.com Trade - a reputable online broker with a user-friendly platform and competitive trading conditions, making it a good choice for traders of all experience levels.

• AETOS - a trusted broker known for its strong regulatory compliance, extensive product offerings, and comprehensive trading tools, making it a reliable option for traders looking for a diverse range of investment opportunities.

• Hirose Financial - offers a reliable trading environment, competitive spreads, and a wide range of trading instruments, making it a recommended choice for traders seeking a trusted broker with a solid track record.

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

Is Oval X Safe or Scam？

Based on the information available, Oval X is an unregulated broker with a suspicious Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, License No. 124721) license. Furthermore, there are reports of withdrawal issues and scams associated with the company. These factors raise significant concerns about the safety and legitimacy of Oval X as a trading platform.

Traders are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with unregulated brokers, as the risks of financial loss and fraudulent activities are higher in such cases. It is recommended to choose regulated brokers that adhere to industry standards and provide a higher level of investor protection.

Market Instruments

Oval X offers investors a diverse range of tradeable financial instruments across various markets. Traders can access a wide selection of currency pairs in the Forex market, allowing them to participate in global currency trading. Additionally, Oval X provides access to popular stock indices, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of major equity markets.

The platform also offers a range of individual stocks, giving investors the opportunity to trade shares of well-known companies. Furthermore, Oval X provides access to Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets such as commodities and more. With this comprehensive offering of market instruments, Oval X aims to cater to the diverse trading preferences of its clients.

Accounts

Oval X provides two distinct account types that align with the trading platforms it offers. The first account type is the Trader Pro account, which is designed to cater to the needs of traders using Oval X's proprietary trading platform. The second account type is the MT4 account, specifically tailored for traders who prefer the popular MetaTrader4 platform.

One notable advantage of Oval X's account offerings is the relatively low minimum initial deposit requirement of $100. This lower entry barrier makes Oval X an attractive choice for new beginners in the trading industry who may have limited initial capital.

Leverage

Oval X offers traders different leverage options depending on the financial instruments they choose to trade. For currency pairs, Oval X provides leverage of up to 1:200, allowing traders to amplify their trading positions in the foreign exchange market. When it comes to indices, the leverage offered is 1:20, providing traders with increased exposure to a basket of stocks representing a specific market. For individual stocks, Oval X offers leverage of 1:5, enabling traders to potentially magnify their gains or losses based on their trading decisions.

In the case of precious metals like gold, Oval X provides leverage of 1:20, allowing traders to capitalize on price movements in this popular commodity. For silver, copper, and platinum, Oval X offers leverage of 1:10, giving traders the opportunity to participate in the market with enhanced trading power. It's important to note that while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of losses, and traders should exercise caution and proper risk management strategies when utilizing leverage in their trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

Oval X offers competitive spreads on a range of financial instruments. For popular currency pairs such as EUR/USD, the minimum spread is as low as 0.6 pips and the average spread is 0.81 pips, allowing traders to access tight pricing and potentially reduce trading costs. Similarly, for other currency pairs like EUR/JPY, the minimum spread is 0.9 pips, providing traders with favorable pricing conditions. When it comes to indices, Oval X offers spreads of 1 pip for both UK and Wall Street indices, enabling traders to participate in the movements of these key markets with competitive pricing.

For precious metals like gold, the minimum spread is as low as 0.4 pips, offering traders favorable conditions for trading this popular commodity. The spread for silver is even narrower at 0.03 pips, providing traders with tight pricing on this metal. For commodities such as crude oil and natural gas, Oval X offers spreads of 0.03 and 0.02 pips respectively, giving traders access to these markets with low trading costs.

In terms of commissions, Oval X charges 0.1% per deal for UK and European stock trades, 2 cents per share for US major and minor stock trades, and 0.2% per deal for Australian stock trades. These commission rates are competitive and transparent, allowing traders to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with their trades.

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

Note: The information presented in this table may be subject to change and it is always recommended to check with the broker's official website for the latest information on spreads and commissions.

Please note that spreads and commissions may vary based on market conditions and account type. It's always recommended to check with the respective broker for the most up-to-date information.

Trading Platforms

Oval X offers traders a choice between two robust and versatile trading platforms: MetaTrader4 and Oval X Trader Pro. The MetaTrader4 platform is widely recognized and highly regarded in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and a wide range of technical indicators. Traders can access the MetaTrader4 platform on their computers, smartphones, or tablets, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their trades.

On the other hand, Oval X Trader Pro is the broker's own developed trading platform, offering similar features and functionality to MetaTrader4. Traders using Oval X Trader Pro can also enjoy multiple chart types, a comprehensive suite of technical indicators, and customizable tools to suit their trading preferences.

Whether traders prefer the familiarity of MetaTrader4 or the tailored experience of Oval X Trader Pro, both platforms offer a seamless trading experience across different devices, allowing traders to access the markets and execute trades with ease and efficiency.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Oval X provides its clients with a variety of convenient and secure deposit methods. Traders can fund their accounts using bank wire transfers, internet wire transfers, VISA/MasterCard/Maestro, UnionPay, e-wallets including Skrill and NETELLER, with no commissions charged for these transactions. This flexibility allows traders to choose the payment method that suits them best.

Oval X minimum deposit vs other brokers

When it comes to withdrawals, Oval X Capital offers its clients the benefit of 5 free withdrawals per calendar month for amounts over $100, ensuring that traders can access their funds without incurring additional costs. However, it is important to note that Oval X Capital incurs fees from the bank for processing withdrawal requests. As a result, if a client exceeds the 5 monthly free withdrawals, a fee of $25 per withdrawal will be charged. This fee applies to withdrawals made after the fifth withdrawal in a calendar month and ensures the sustainability of the withdrawal process while maintaining the convenience and affordability of withdrawals for most traders.

See the deposit/withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

If potential clients or existing clients encounter some problems during their trading process, they can reach out to this Oval X through the following contact channels:

• Service Time: Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 9 am - UK time

• Telephone: +44 (0)207 392 1434, +44 (0)207 392 1400

• Email: customer.service@ovalx.com

Or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Telegram.

Overall, Oval X's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Oval X's customer service.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of unable to withdraw and scams. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. 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.

Education

Oval X places great emphasis on providing valuable educational resources to its clients. Through regular publication of webinars, blogs, news, and analysis, Oval X aims to empower traders with knowledge and insights to enhance their understanding of the market and refine their investment strategies. These educational materials cover a wide range of topics, including market trends, trading techniques, risk management, and fundamental and technical analysis.

Conclusion

Based on the available information, it is important to approach Oval X with caution. The lack of regulation and reports of withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the platform. Traders are advised to thoroughly assess the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options that offer stronger regulatory oversight. It is crucial to prioritize the security of funds and ensure transparency when choosing a trading platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)