We found 11 online brokers that are appropriate for Trading Investor & Shareholder Platforms.

In finance and investment, two terms often used interchangeably but hold distinct significance are 'investor' and 'shareholder.' These roles play a significant part in the financial workings of corporations and companies. While both involve putting money into a particular company with the potential for profitability, they differ in crucial ways. Understanding these differences is a significant thing in personal finance. Investors, for instance, can invest in various ways, accessing financial records and putting money into many companies, often in the early stages of a company's growth. This article will delve into these differences and help clarify the roles of investors and shareholders in finance.
| Aspect | Investor | Shareholder |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Someone who puts their money into various baskets, hoping those eggs turn into golden ones over time. | That's you and me when we buy bits and pieces of companies, owning a slice of the pie. |
| Type of Investment | We're not picky; we'll play the field with stocks, bonds, or even some bricks and mortar, whatever smells like money. | Here, we're talking about getting our hands on company shares, holding onto that equity like it's our own. |
| Rights | It's a mixed bag. Sometimes we get a say, sometimes we don't. It all depends on where we've parked our cash. | We get to throw our weight around a bit, voting on big decisions, collecting dividends, and if things go south, we're in line to pick over the bones. |
| Duration of Investment | Some days we're in for a quick win, other times we're playing the long game. It's all about the strategy. | As long as we're holding those shares, we're in the game. But hey, we can always cash out if the wind changes. |
| Risk and Return | It's a rollercoaster, my friend. Not every investment is a piece of the company cake, and they sure don't all pay out the same. | It's all about how our company's doing. If it's riding high, so are we. If it's tanking, well, better buckle up. |
| Engagement with Entity | Sometimes we're just spectators, and other times we're in the ring, especially with those smaller, scrappier ventures. | We've got a seat at the table, maybe even a voice at those shareholder meetings, and a line to the bigwigs if we need it. |
Alright, let's cut through the jargon and talk about the real deal between being an investor and a shareholder, especially when you've been around the block like we have:
Ownership Interest: Here's the thing - as an investor, you might throw your money into the ring in various ways - equity, debt, you name it - getting a piece of the action without necessarily holding any shares. It's like betting on the horse without owning it. Shareholders, on the other hand, are the ones holding the reins, with actual shares in their portfolio, giving them a slice of the pie.
Financial Interest: Both investors and shareholders are looking to make their wallets heavier based on how well the company does. But the way they do it can be as different as chalk and cheese. Investors might be in it for the interest on loans or a diverse portfolio return, while shareholders are all about how their stocks perform and the sweet sound of dividend payouts.
Company Decides: As an investor, you might not get much say in the day-to-day; you're more or less watching from the sidelines. But if you're holding shares, you might just get a vote in the big decisions, making your voice heard at those shareholder meetings.
Sue Company Directors: If things go south, shareholders sometimes have the right to take company directors to court over dodgy dealings. Investors? Well, unless they've got a significant stake and a good lawyer, they might not have the same clout.
Private vs. Public Companies: Whether it's a tight-knit private company or a big-league public one, investors can dive into both pools. Shareholders typically play in the public company arena, dealing with stocks that are up for grabs to the public.
Preferred Stock: Some shareholders get the VIP treatment with preferred stock, lining up first for dividends and other perks, unlike your average Joe shareholder. As for investors, getting their hands on these privileges isn't always a given.
So, to boil it down, being an investor is about casting a wide net across different types of financial engagements with a company. Holding shares, though, means you're right in the thick of it, often with a more direct stake and say in the company's journey.
Preferred shareholders and common stockholders have distinct rights and responsibilities within a public company:
Preferred Shareholders:
Priority in Dividends: Preferred shareholders claim more on the company's earnings and assets than common stockholders. They are entitled to receive dividends before common stockholders receive any.
Fixed Dividend Rate: Preferred shareholders often have a fixed dividend rate, which provides predictability in income.
Limited Voting Rights: Preferred shareholders typically have limited or no voting rights. They may only vote on issues that directly affect their rights, such as changes to the terms of their preferred shares.
Preference in Liquidation: In liquidation or bankruptcy, preferred shareholders have a priority claim to the company's assets and are paid before common stockholders.
Less Risk, Lower Potential for Reward: Preferred shares are considered less risky than common shares because of their fixed dividends and higher ranking in case of liquidation. However, they have limited potential for capital appreciation.
Common Stockholders:
Voting Rights: Common stockholders have voting rights in the company, allowing them to participate in decisions related to the board of directors, significant corporate actions, and other matters.
Variable Dividends: Common stockholders may receive dividends, which are not guaranteed and can vary based on the company's financial performance and board decisions.
Higher Risk, Higher Potential for Reward: Common stockholders bear more risk, as they are at the end of the line to receive assets in case of liquidation. However, they can potentially increase capital gains if the company's stock price appreciates.
Influence on Corporate Governance: Common stockholders can actively engage in corporate governance by voting on important matters, proposing resolutions, and attending shareholder meetings.
Ownership Stake in the Company: Common stockholders have an ownership stake in the company and may benefit from the company's success through stock price appreciation.
Preferred shareholders receive certain benefits, such as fixed dividends and priority in liquidation, in exchange for limited voting rights and a lower potential for capital appreciation. Common stockholders have more control over the company's governance and a higher potential for financial rewards. Still, they also face greater risk and uncertainty regarding dividends and asset distribution in case of insolvency. The choice between preferred and common shares depends on an investor's risk tolerance and financial goals.
Access to a company's financial records depends on whether an individual is an investor or a shareholder:
Investors:
Limited Access: Typically, individual investors, such as those who buy publicly traded stocks, have limited access to a company's financial records. They can access publicly available financial statements, such as quarterly and annual reports filed with regulatory authorities like the SEC in the United States.
Transparency:
No Direct Control: Individual investors do not have direct control over a company's financial records or the ability to request confidential financial data.
Shareholders:
Access to Annual Reports: Shareholders, particularly those of public companies, are entitled to receive annual reports, including audited financial statements. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the company's economic health.
Proxy Statements: Shareholders also receive proxy statements, which contain essential financial and governance information. These statements are crucial for voting on matters such as the election of directors.
Confidential Information: Shareholders, especially those with a significant ownership stake or those who serve on the board of directors, may have access to more detailed financial records, including confidential information discussed during board meetings.
Legal Rights: Shareholders have legal rights to request specific financial information or records, especially in cases involving corporate governance issues or suspected misconduct.
Both investors and shareholders can access a company's financial records, but shareholders, especially those of public companies, have more comprehensive access to economic reports and governance-related information. Investors rely on publicly available disclosures, while shareholders, due to their ownership stake and legal rights, have greater access to confidential financial records when necessary. The extent of access varies depending on the type of investment and the investor's ownership and involvement in the company.
The voting rights and management actions of investors and shareholders differ significantly in the context of a company's corporate decision-making:
Investors:
Limited Voting Rights: Individual investors typically have limited or no voting rights in the day-to-day decision-making of a company. Their influence is generally limited to voting on matters that affect all shareholders, such as the election of the board of directors or significant corporate changes like mergers.
Passive Role: Investors are often passive in the management of the company. They invest money expecting a return on investment but do not actively participate in the company's operations or decision-making processes.
Indirect Influence: Investors can indirectly influence a company's decisions by buying or selling shares, which can affect the stock price and, in turn, influence management decisions to meet shareholder expectations.
Shareholders:
Voting Rights: Shareholders, especially those with common stock, typically have voting rights in the company's decision-making. The number of shareholder votes is often proportional to the number of shares they own.
Active Participation: Shareholders can actively participate in the company's management by attending shareholder meetings, voting on crucial matters, and proposing changes or resolutions.
Board Representation: Some large shareholders or institutional investors may seek representation on the company's board of directors. Board members have a direct role in shaping the company's strategies and policies.
Influence on Major Decisions: Shareholders can influence major decisions, including the appointment of executives, dividend payouts, mergers and acquisitions, and changes to the company's bylaws or charter.
Legal Rights: Shareholders have legal rights to challenge management actions they deem harmful to the company or shareholders' interests. They can sue the company or its directors for wrongful actions.
While investors generally have limited voting rights and a passive role in a company's management, shareholders, especially those with common stock, have more active involvement, voting power, and legal rights. Shareholders can directly influence critical decisions, whereas investors primarily focus on their financial returns and do not participate in the company's management to the same extent. The level of involvement varies based on the type of ownership and the size of the ownership stake.
Being an equity owner, whether as an investor or a shareholder, comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:
Investor:
Benefits:
Diversification: Investors can spread their investments across various companies, industries, and asset classes, reducing the risk associated with a single investment.
Passive Income: Investors may receive passive income through dividends, interest, or rental income, depending on the investment.
Limited Liability: In most cases, investors have limited liability, which means their assets are protected from business debts and losses.
Drawbacks:
Limited Control: Investors typically have limited control over the day-to-day operations and management decisions of the companies they invest in.
Lower Influence: Investors have fewer voting rights and influence than shareholders, making it challenging to impact company decisions.
Limited Access: Depending on their investment size, investors may need more access to company information and financial records.
Shareholder:
Benefits:
Voting Rights: Shareholders, especially those with common stock, have voting rights and can actively participate in company decision-making.
Profit Potential: Shareholders have the potential to benefit from a company's growth in the form of capital appreciation and dividends.
Influence: Shareholders can seek board representation and actively engage with the company's management.
Drawbacks:
Risk of Losses: Shareholders risk losing their investment if the company performs poorly or goes bankrupt.
Liability: Depending on the business structure, shareholders may have limited or unlimited liability for the company's debts and legal obligations.
Active Involvement: While shareholders have more control and influence, they may be required to actively engage in the company's affairs, attend meetings, and make crucial decisions.
Market Volatility:
Investors benefit from diversification and passive income but have limited control and influence. The choice between being an investor or shareholder depends on individual preferences, risk tolerance, and investment goals. Some individuals prefer a more hands-off approach as investors, while others seek an active role as shareholders in specific companies.
The distinction between an investor and a shareholder is a crucial one in the world of finance. While both play significant roles in the financial workings of companies, they differ in terms of access to financial records, private company investments, and their influence on a company's profits. Investors are often equity owners who actively invest money in various companies, aiming for potential profitability. They are not limited to a single entity and may be part of the general public who buys shares to start investing. They may have the privilege to influence certain corporate decisions, including the company's constitution and the distribution of dividends. Understanding these distinctions is vital for those considering investing and equity ownership, whether as an investor or a shareholder in a sole proprietorship or a publicly traded corporation.
We have conducted extensive research and analysis on over multiple data points on Investor Vs Shareholder to present you with a comprehensive guide that can help you find the most suitable Investor Vs Shareholder. Below we shortlist what we think are the best Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms after careful consideration and evaluation. We hope this list will assist you in making an informed decision when researching Investor Vs Shareholder.
Selecting a reliable and reputable online Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms trading brokerage involves assessing their track record, regulatory status, customer support, processing times, international presence, and language capabilities. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and trade Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms more confidently.
Selecting the right online Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms trading brokerage requires careful consideration of several critical factors. Here are some essential points to keep in mind:
Our team have listed brokers that match your criteria for you below. All brokerage data has been summarised into a comparison table. Scroll down.
When choosing a broker for Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms trading, it's essential to compare the different options available to you. Our Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms brokerage comparison table below allows you to compare several important features side by side, making it easier to make an informed choice.
By comparing these essential features, you can choose a Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms broker that best suits your needs and preferences for Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms. Our Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms broker comparison table simplifies the process, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
Here are the top Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms.
Compare Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms brokers for min deposits, funding, used by, benefits, account types, platforms, and support levels. When searching for a Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms broker, it's crucial to compare several factors to choose the right one for your Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms needs. Our comparison tool allows you to compare the essential features side by side.
All brokers below are Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms. Learn more about what they offer below.
You can scroll left and right on the comparison table below to see more Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms that accept Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms clients.
| Broker |
IC Markets
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Roboforex
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eToro
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XTB
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XM
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Pepperstone
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AvaTrade
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FP Markets
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EasyMarkets
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SpreadEx
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FXPro
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| Regulation | International Capital Markets Pty Ltd (Australia) (ASIC) Australian Securities & Investments Commission Licence No. 335692, Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) (SD018), IC Markets (EU) Ltd (CySEC) Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with License No. 362/18, Capital Markets Authority(CMA) Kenya IC Markets (KE) Ltd, Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) IC Markets (Bahamas) Ltd | RoboForex Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize under licence No. 000138/32, under the Securities Industry Act 2021, RoboForex Ltd is an (A category) member of The Financial Commission, also RoboForex Ltd is a participant of the Financial Commission Compensation Fund | FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) eToro (UK) Ltd (FCA reference 583263), eToro (Europe) Ltd CySEC (Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) eToro AUS Capital Limited ASIC license 491139, CySec (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission under the license 109/10), FSAS (Financial Services Authority Seychelles) eToro (Seychelles) Ltd license SD076, eToro (ME) Limited (ADGM) Abu Dhabi (UAE) number 220073, eToro (Europe) Ltd (AMF) Autorité des marchés financiers as a digital assets provider France | FCA (Financial Conduct Authority reference 522157) XTB Limited, CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reference 169/12), DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority XTB MENA Limited licensed 8 July 2021), FSA (Financial Services Authority Seychelles license number SD148), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority XTB Africa (Pty) Ltd licensed 10 August 2021), KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego Polish Financial Supervision Authority) | Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) (49976) XM ZA (Pty) Ltd, Financial Services Commission (FSC) (000261/27) XM Global Limited, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) (license 120/10) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) (number 443670) Trading Point of Financial Instruments Pty Ltd | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA), Pepperstone Markets Limited is incorporated in The Bahamas (number 177174 B), Licensed by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) number SIA-F217 | Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd (406684), South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd (45984), Financial Services Agency (Japan FSA) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1662), Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) Ava Trade Japan K.K. (1574), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) / Financial Regulatory Services Authority (FRSA) Ava Trade Middle East Ltd (190018), Central Bank of Ireland (C53877) AVA Trade EU Ltd, Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) AVA Trade EU Ltd (branch authorisation), British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVI) Ava Trade Markets Ltd (SIBA/L/13/1049), Israel Securities Authority (ISA) ATrade Ltd (514666577) | CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (371/18), ASIC AFS (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) (286354), FSP (Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa) (50926), Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) (SD 130) | Easy Forex Trading Ltd is regulated by CySEC (License Number 079/07). Easy Forex Trading Ltd is the only entity that onboards EU clients, easyMarkets Pty Ltd is regulated by ASIC (AFS License No. 246566), EF Worldwide Ltd in Seychelles is regulated by FSA (License Number SD056), EF Worldwide Ltd in the British Virgin Islands is regulated by FSC (License Number SIBA/L/20/1135) | FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (190941), Gambling Commission (Great Britain) (8835), licence in Ireland as remote bookmaker for fixed odds betting licence number 1016176 | FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) (509956), CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) (078/07), FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) (45052), SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) (SIA-F184), FSA (Financial Services Authority of Seychelles) (SD120) |
| Min Deposit | 200 | 10 | 50 | No minimum deposit | 5 | No minimum deposit | 100 | 100 | 25 | No minimum deposit | 100 |
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| Used By | 200,000+ | 730,000+ | 40,000,000+ | 1,000,000+ | 10,000,000+ | 400,000+ | 400,000+ | 200,000+ | 250,000+ | 60,000+ | 7,800,000+ |
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| Platforms | MT5, MT4, MetaTrader WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), MetaTrader iPhone/iPad, MetaTrader Android Google Play, MetaTrader Mac, cTrader, cTrader Web, cTrader iPhone/iPad, cTrader iMac, cTrader Android Google Play, cTrader Automate, cTrader Copy Trading, TradingView, Virtual Private Server, Trading Servers, MT4 Advanced Trading Tools, IC Insights, Trading Central | MT4, MT5, R Mobile Trader, R StocksTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Windows | eToro Trading App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), CopyTrading, Web | MT4, Mirror Trader, Web Trader, Tablet, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) | MT5, MT5 WebTrader, XM Apple App for iPhone, XM App for Android Google Play, Tablet: MT5 for iPad, MT5 for Android Google Play, XM App for iPad, XM App for iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Mobile Apps | MT4, MT5, cTrader,WebTrader, TradingView, Windows, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) | MT4, MT5, Web Trading, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, Mac Trading, AvaSocial, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile Trader, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) | easyMarkets App, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), Web Platform, TradingView, MT4, MT5 | Web, Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), iPad App, iPhone App, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader, FxPro Mobile Apps, iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play) |
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| Learn More |
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Up with icmarkets |
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Up with pepperstone |
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Up with avatrade |
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Up with fpmarkets |
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Up with spreadex |
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Up with fxpro |
| Risk Warning | Losses can exceed deposits | Losses can exceed deposits | 46% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | 69% - 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75.99% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. | 72-95 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs | 57% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider | Losses can exceed deposits | Your capital is at risk | 62% of retail CFD accounts lose money | 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Betting with this provider |
| Demo |
IC Markets Demo |
Roboforex Demo |
eToro Demo |
XTB Demo |
XM Demo |
Pepperstone Demo |
AvaTrade Demo |
FP Markets Demo |
easyMarkets Demo |
SpreadEx Demo |
FxPro Demo |
| Excluded Countries | US, IR, CA, NZ, JP | AU, BE, BQ, BR, CA, CW, CZ, DE, ES, EE, EU, FM, FR, FI, GW, ID, IR, JP, LR, MP, NL, PF, PL, RU, SE, SJ, SS, SL, SI, TL, TR, DO, US, IT, AT, PT, BG, HR, CY, DK, FL, GR, IE, LV, LT, MT, RO, SK, CH | ZA, ID, IR, KP, BE, CA, JP, SY, TR, IL, BY, AL, MD, MK, RS, GN, CD, SD, SA, ZW, ET, GH, TZ, LY, UG, ZM, BW, RW, TN, SO, NA, TG, SL, LR, GM, DJ, CI, PK, BN, TW, WS, NP, SG, VI, TM, TJ, UZ, LK, TT, HT, MM, BT, MH, MV, MG, MK, KZ, GD, FJ, PT, BB, BM, BS, AG, AI, AW, AX, LB, SV, PY, HN, GT, PR, NI, VG, AN, CN, BZ, DZ, MY, KH, PH, VN, EG, MN, MO, UA, JO, KR, AO, BR, HR, GL, IS, IM, JM, FM, MC, NG, SI, | US, IN, PK, BD, NG , ID, BE, AU | US, CA, IL, IR | AF, AS, AQ, AM, AZ, BY, BE, BZ, BT, BA, BI, CM, CA, CF, TD, CG, CI, ER, GF, PF, GP, GU, GN, GW, GY, HT, VA, IR, IQ, JP, KZ, LB, LR, LY, ML, MQ, YT, MZ, MM, NZ, NI, KP, PS, PR, RE, KN, LC, VC, WS, SO, GS, KR, SS, SD, SR, SY, TJ, TN, TM, TC, US, VU, VG, EH, ES, YE, ZW, ET | BE, BR, KP, NZ, TR, US, CA, SG | US, JP, NZ | US, IL, BC, MB, QC, ON, AF, BY, BI, KH, KY, TD, KM, CG, CU, CD, GQ, ER, FJ, GN, GW, HT, IR, IQ, LA, LY, MZ, MM, NI, KP, PW, PA, RU, SO, SS, SD, SY, TT, TM, VU, VE, YE | US, TR | US, CA, IR |
You can compare Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms ratings, min deposits what the the broker offers, funding methods, platforms, spread types, customer support options, regulation and account types side by side.
We also have an indepth Top Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms for 2026 article further below. You can see it now by clicking here
We have listed top Investor & Shareholder Trading Platforms below.
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 46% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.
Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.
Losses can exceed deposits