| IG Index is the oldest spread betting firm, being | | | | Perhaps unusually, IG Index does not offer a trial |
| established more than a decade before the | | | | "demo" account, which is a pity if users want to try |
| emergence of City Index or CMC Markets. It was | | | | out the browser based "PureDeal" platform before |
| originally established in 1974, and maintains a healthy | | | | committing to an account. It is easy to open an |
| client base and large range of markets. In recent | | | | account however, and IG Index offers a |
| years there have been some company changes, and | | | | "TradeSense" programme which allows trading for 10 |
| it is now listed in the London Stock Exchange and | | | | pence per point. It also offers a free six week |
| included in the FTSE 250. In addition to the UK | | | | course for beginners to learn spread betting. |
| presence, and regulation under the FSA, it has an | | | | If you want access to a large number of markets, |
| Australian branch which comes under the Australian | | | | you will find that IG Index is one of the best spread |
| Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | | | | betting providers. It lists more than 3750 shares in |
| regulations. | | | | the global marketplace, and the total number of |
| Review of IG Index | | | | markets is more than 7500. |
| There are two types of account on offer from IG | | | | IG Index offers a variety of charting methods, |
| Index, one of which is designed for beginners by | | | | culminating with an automatic analytical tool it has |
| automatically limiting the risk - a form of guaranteed | | | | named 'Autochartist'. This can be set to analyse the |
| stop loss - but this is paid for by having larger | | | | charts for a wide range of patterns that fit in with |
| spreads, and therefore not recommended for | | | | your trading system. Autochartist will send an alert to |
| anyone who knows what they are doing. The | | | | you when your pre-selected patterns appear, and |
| standard 'Plus' account has competitive tight spreads, | | | | this facility is included with your account. The pattern |
| perhaps not the best in the industry but certainly | | | | recognition software comes with default settings |
| worth considering. | | | | which can be modified as required, and patterns can |
| The trading platform is browser based, which has the | | | | be screened for their quality and uniformity so that |
| advantage that you do not need to download any | | | | chart patterns that are not clear are filtered out. |
| software and can access your account from any | | | | As the granddaddy of the industry, IG Index is |
| internet connected computer. Against that, users | | | | certainly a spread betting provider that can be on |
| have suggested that there may be some delays at | | | | your short list. The extensive range of products is a |
| busy times. The industry offers both methods, which | | | | positive, the long established reputation a plus, and |
| suggests that there is no clear better option, but you | | | | the selection may come down to personal choice on |
| should be aware of the advantages and | | | | whether you like the trading platform and find the |
| disadvantages of each choice. | | | | spreads acceptable in your chosen markets. In view |
| No Demo Account at IGIndex | | | | of all the factors, we rate IG Index as good value. |