IBEX 35
IBEX 35 brokers provide access to the stock market index for the Bolsa De Madrid, Spain’s primary stock exchange. Like all key equity indices, the Iberian Index is comprised of the most liquid stocks in the country. Banco Santander, Respol and Arcelor are just some of the 35 companies on the list. These members, plus others, have a total market cap of around £400 billion, making the IBEX 35 a relatively small index in comparison to others, like the FTSE 100, which is valued at over £2 trillion. However, with the total value of IBEX 35 stocks growing almost 7% in the last year, it offers attractive trading opportunities.
In this guide, we explain how to compare IBEX 35 brokers, from commissions and fees to platforms, apps and UK regulatory oversight. Our traders also unpack the history of the index and share investing tips and beginner-friendly strategies.
Best IBEX 35 Brokers
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Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
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Founded in 2002 in Poland, XTB now serves more than 1 million clients. The forex and CFD broker combines a heavily regulated trading environment with an extensive selection of 6400+ assets and a commitment to trader satisfaction, featuring an intuitive in-house platform with superb tools to support aspiring traders.
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Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a respected broker listed on the London Stock Exchange and authorized by several tier-one regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CIRO. More than 1 million traders from around the world have signed up with the multi-award winning brokerage.
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IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
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Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for traders at all levels.
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RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
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eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
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Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
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InstaForex is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2007. The broker offers diverse market coverage to millions of clients, spanning traditional assets like currencies and shares, as well as other interesting opportunities such as IPOs.
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Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.
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Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.
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Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.
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Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.
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Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
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FXCM is a respected forex and CFD broker, established since 1999. The British-headquartered broker has won multiple awards and operates in various jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia. With zero commissions, over 400 assets, and a range of analysis tools, FXCM remains a popular choice for traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, BaFin.
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EagleFX is a forex and CFD broker, established in 2019. The broker uses STP execution on the MT4 platform, offering tight spreads and low commissions. With leverage up to 1:500 and no restrictions on hedging or scalping, EagleFX is an attractive option for short-term traders.
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Founded in 2015, VT Markets maintains its position as a top Australian multi-asset CFD broker. With 1000+ tradeable instruments and support for the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, this broker delivers a wide range of trading opportunities to over 200,000 clients worldwide. VT Markets is regulated by the ASIC, FSCA, and FSC.
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PrimeXBT is a multi-asset platform offering highly leveraged trading in forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The company launched in 2018 and now has over 1 million users from more than 150 countries. With no minimum deposit, copy trading features and low commissions, the broker remains a popular option among crypto trading novices.
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FXTrading.com is global broker offering highly leveraged CFDs on 10,000+ assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Competitive prices with raw spreads and low to zero commissions are available. Traders can use the popular MetaTrader 4 platform and will have access to a suite of additional analytical tools and other resources. The multi-regulated brokerage is authorized by the ASIC and VFSC.
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Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets is a reputable CFD and forex broker with regulation from several top-tier bodies including the FCA and ASIC. The broker provides services to over 450,000 accounts from 11 global offices. Traders can use a bespoke platform, MT4 or MT5 to access a wide variety of assets including 3500+ stocks and ETFs, 46 forex pairs and over 20 cryptocurrencies.
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Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
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Trade.com is a trustworthy online broker with a global presence. The broker offers 2,100+ CFDs in major markets, as well as futures, options and more. The broker offers best-in-class platforms and superior analysis tools for experienced traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA and CySEC.
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Grand Capital is a MetaTrader broker with welcome bonuses, trading competitions and an intuitive copy trading service. Several account types and 400+ assets provide trading opportunities for various types of investors and strategies. New users can also open an account and start trading in a matter of minutes.
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IronFX is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker founded in 2010. This award-winning firm offers 500+ markets to over 1.5 million clients across 180 countries. Traders can access various account types with competitive pricing on the MT4 platform, as well as 24/5 customer support in 30 languages.
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Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
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xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
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GoFX is an unregulated CFD and forex broker that covers instruments from currency, stock, index, commodity and crypto markets. Traders can sign up to a variety of account types with deposits as low as $1 and will trade using the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. Exceptionally high leverage up to 1:3000 is offered on the standard account, while traders with the low-spread account can access leverage up to 1:1000.
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OspreyFX is an ECN broker headquartered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Established in 2019, the firm offers 120+ forex and CFD assets with high leverage up to 1:500, tight spreads from 0.1 pips and round-the-clock customer support. OspreyFX also stands out for its funded trading accounts where traders can keep up to 70% of profits.
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Errante is a Cyprus-based and regulated forex and CFD broker with leveraged trading on multiple assets, tiered accounts including a zero-spread option, and copy trading support. The broker offers leveraged trading up to 1:30 under its CySEC-regulated branch and 1:500 from an offshore branch, and supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Errante's asset list is relatively limited but it does offer fast execution and low latency, and it is a trustworthy brand.
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LonghornFX is a forex and CFD broker offering over 150 instruments with leverage up to 1:500. The firm is registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and was launched in 2020. Clients can access a strong selection of cryptos, alongside forex, indices, commodities and stocks. With ECN/STP processing, this offshore broker promises tight spreads and fast execution.
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Anzo Capital is an offshore broker that offers leveraged CFDs on 100+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices and metals. The MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are supported, and traders can choose between an STP account with spreads starting from 1.4 pips and zero commission, or an ECN account with a $4 round-turn commission and spreads from zero. A decent range of payment methods are accepted, including crypto deposits.
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AdroFx is an offshore ECN/STP broker that has offered CFD trading since 2018. The firm supports 100+ tradable assets on the popular MetaTrader 4 platform as well as a web trader, Allpips. Eight live accounts are available with no restrictions on trading strategies.
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RoboMarkets is a Cyprus-based forex, CFD and stock broker aimed at traders from Europe. The broker offers thousands of instruments across six asset classes and provides access to four leading platforms, including MetaTrader 4. With ECN pricing, Cent accounts and algorithmic trading tools, RoboMarkets caters to a range of trading strategies and investing styles.
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ActivTrades is a UK-headquartered CFD and forex broker established in 2001. The award-winning brokerage has secured licenses from trusted bodies, notably the UK’s FCA, and facilitates trading on over 1000 instruments spanning 7 asset classes, with over 93.60% of orders are executed at the requested price.
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SimpleFX is an online broker specializing in CFD and cryptocurrency trading, with multi-currency accounts, STP execution, low pricing and no minimum deposit. Bringing innovation and gaining recognition at numerous industry events since 2014, SimpleFX now caters to retail traders from over 190 countries, boasting a client base exceeding 200,000 active users.
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Established in 2005 in Australia, FP Markets is an ASIC- and CySEC-regulated broker boasting an extensive suite of tradable assets. Its Standard and Raw accounts cater to traders at every level, while it packs a punch in the tooling department, from the MetaTrader suite and intuitive TradingView to actionable trading ideas from Trading Central and AutoChartist.
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Infinox is a UK-based and FCA-regulated broker that offers diverse trading products thanks to its STP and ECN account types and support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and a proprietary platform. Clients can also benefit from a free VPS that can support automated strategies and a social trading platform, catering to both beginner and seasoned traders.
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Admirals is a multi-regulated broker with an excellent range of leveraged instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, cryptos and more. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingCentral platforms. With both spread betting and CFDs available and thousands of instruments, this broker provides more flexibility than most rivals.
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FXTM is a forex and CFD broker established in 2011 and operating across four continents. The company is secure and regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA. Offering 1,000+ markets and three account types, they cater to all levels of trader.
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Capital.com offer CFDs on a range of markets with competitive spreads and zero commissions. The broker also offers the Investmate app, negative balance protection and leveraged trading.
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Trading 212 is a European and UK-regulated CFD broker that also offers stock investing and ISAs. It’s best known for its commission-free trading model and beginner-friendly app, which has helped it attract 2.5 million users and £3.5 billion in client assets.
Choosing IBEX 35 Brokers
- Products – The best brokers with access to IBEX 35 offer derivatives like CFDs. These allow traders to magnify their purchasing power and returns using leverage. FXCM, for example, offers 1:10 leverage on its IBEX CFD. Other popular vehicles include ETFs and spread betting (tax-free in the UK).
- Platforms – IBEX 35 brokers offer different platforms and apps. One of the most popular is MetaTrader 4 (MT4), however, increasingly brokerages are offering their own proprietary platforms. AvaTrade is a good example, providing the highly regarded MT4 & MT5, but also their own software, AvaTradeAct.
- Fees & Commission – The best IBEX 35 brokerages offer tight spreads with low or zero commissions. ThinkMarkets, for instance, targets a 3-point spread on the IBEX. Also look out for deposit and withdrawal charges, overnight holding fees, and inactivity penalties. These costs can all cut into your profits.
- Regulation – In the UK, the top IBEX 35 brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA is the body responsible for overseeing firms that offer trading products to retail clients. Importantly, they also ensure online brokers comply with rules designed to protect retail investors, including limiting leverage, restricting the use of misleading bonuses and advertisements, and providing negative balance protection.
- Payments – Leading brokers with access to the IBEX 35 offer cheap deposit options and immediate transfers. Popular payment methods among UK traders include debit card, PayPal, Skrill and wire transfer.
How To Start Trading IBEX 35
Pick Your Strategy
Firstly, understand your motivation for trading the IBEX 35. Are you looking to build steady, low-risk gains, or are you looking to trade short-term in the pursuit of high-risk, high-rewards?
Warren Buffet famously said that ‘risk comes from not knowing what you are doing’. Once you understand this, you can choose a suitable investing vehicle and develop an approach.
Choose A Product
One of the most popular products among day traders is the CFD, or Contract for Difference. CFDs are exactly as described, rather than purchasing the underlying asset, you are entering into a contract for the difference in settlement price between the opening and closing position.
IBEX 35 brokers offering CFDs tend to have lower fees and are quick to process, making them suitable for short-term trading. With that said, they are less suitable for holding overnight positions due to the charges imposed.
ETFs, or exchange-traded funds are another option. They can be bought and sold on a stock exchange or broker, just like the shares that the IBEX 35 is comprised of. ETFs are touted as a safer way to trade than picking individual stocks as they are diversified across multiple sectors.
Strategy Tips
The IBEX 35 is a relatively volatile index, meaning there is potential for profit with short-term strategies. However, analysing the historical prices of the IBEX 35 shows that the index has not outperformed its rivals in recent years, partially due to its exposure to the tourism industry during the pandemic. This has not been great for long-term positions opened pre-2020.
With that said, analysis shows that Spain’s economy is shifting, with a heavier focus on technology, making the European nation more resilient to this type of challenge in the future.
Make A Trade
Once you have registered with one of the best IBEX 35 brokers and opened a live account, make a starting deposit. You can then download the broker’s platform and search for the instrument. For example, on AvaTrade’s MT4, you can find IBEX under the symbol ‘SPAIN35’.
Next, open an order. You will likely need to choose between an instant or pending order, enter the position size, plus any stop loss and take profit levels.
Once opened, monitor your position and exit in line with your IBEX 35 trading strategy.
Live Price Chart
How The IBEX 35 Works
The IBEX is formed of the 35 most liquid stocks traded on the Bolsa De Madrid. It is the chief stock market index in the country and is home to big names, including Telefónica (TEF), Banco Santander (SAN), and Siemens Gamesa (REE).
The IBEX 35 is a market capitalisation-weighted index (the number of shares x price per share). This means not all the stocks listed carry the same weight. For example, large-cap firms have a higher weighting, thus their rises and falls have a bigger impact on the value of the index as a whole. Iberdrola and Santander have the largest weighting (10%>).
Importantly, the IBEX 35 is often used as a benchmark for the Spanish economy, attracting traders looking to speculate on the country’s short-term, medium-term, and long-term prospects.
History
Having turned just 30 years old in 2022, the IBEX 35 has a relatively short trading history. It was founded in 1992, just before the infamous dot com boom.
It has performed strongly over the years, particularly between 2000 and 2007 when strengthening Spanish economics saw stock prices rise well in comparison to competing European indices. In particular, when Spain joined the Euro in 2002, IBEX 35 companies experienced a boost, which in turn, led to growth in the products offered, including ETFs, futures, options and other financial derivatives.
However, Spain’s economy struggled hugely during the pandemic because of its reliance on tourism, so trading IBEX 35 was tough for those holding long positions. On the infamous ‘Black Monday’, global markets dived and the IBEX 35 fell 8.1%, one of the largest in history.
More recently, the IBEX 35 has become diversified, with increasing representation from technology and renewable energy companies. This makes it an attractive investment opportunity for long-term traders.
Opening Hours
Most IBEX 35 index brokers offer trading hours in line with the underlying exchange. This means online investing is typically available between 07:00 and 19:00 GMT with no break.
Bottom Line On IBEX 35 Brokers
IBEX 35 brokers offer access to the principle stock market index in Spain. Retail investors can go long or short on the Spanish economy using a variety of investing products, including leveraged CFDs.
Several leading UK platforms offer the IBEX 35. Use our ranking of the best IBEX 35 brokers to get started.
FAQ
What Is The IBEX 35?
The IBEX 35 is an index from Bolsa De Madrid which is home to the largest and most liquid stocks in Spain. The index is primarily composed of publicly-traded companies operating in financial services, utilities and communications sectors.
Importantly, it is used to gauge the overall health of the country and the Spanish economy. The IBEX 35 is also known as the Spain 35 index.
Which Companies Are In The IBEX 35?
While the list has changed over the years (more than 100 have made the ranks), some of the big players, such as BBVA (financial services), Acerinox (steel), and Telefonica (telecommunications), remain static. Others have sadly ceased trading, like Reyal Urbis (construction), which went bust in 2018. Other popular stocks include Ferrovial (transport), Naturgy (energy), and IAG (airlines).
Which Brokers Offer Access To The IBEX 35?
Among the best UK brokers with access to the Spain 35 index are AvaTrade and IG Group. Both firms are regulated by the FCA and offer retail-friendly derivatives, plus market-leading platforms, apps and tools. AvaTrade also offers copy trading.
Alternatively, see our full list of IBEX 35 brokers.
How Can I Trade The IBEX 35?
To start investing in the IBEX 35, you first need to choose an online brokerage. You can then pick a trading vehicle, such as CFDs or ETFs, depending on whether you are seeking short-term profits or long-term gains. Finally, register for a investing account and open a position in line with your chosen strategy.