In an earlier section I noted several demo or game platforms and briefly reviewed them in terms of pros and cons. Taking this a step further I would now like to discuss a few of the many trading platforms available.

When I began this series of pages I had intended it primarily for domestic US based traders and since then it has attracted visitors and regular readers from all parts of the globe. Since it is impossible for me to have active real time trading accounts with some (to me) offshore dealers, I have tried several demo versions and investigated a number of UK and European sites and find two that strike me as exceptional.

I will list those for those of you who have inquired as to my opinion of which non-US based trading platforms (and dealers) I thought both reputable and exceptional. I also have communicated with several readers as to their experiences with these dealers and got positive feedback on them. The two platform dealers I would suggest investigating are:

Neither, it is my understanding, will accept US based accounts because of US regulatory concerns. Both are members of regulatory bodies in their country of domicile and offer protection of customer funds. You should do your own due diligence on these firms but their platforms are quite good in my estimation. US (and non-US) based traders should also investigate OANDA.

I also have down loaded software for PFG Forex, a Chicago based futures broker who have initiated FX trading through their BEST online trading interface. It is an interesting option particularly for US based traders who are looking for an NFA registered dealer to trade with. PFG offers the flexibility of trading both FX and US futures contracts through a single platform. They offer small initial balances to open an account and feature tight spreads (typically 3-5 pips), mini-sized trading units and good leverage. You may also enter orders with them via telephone which might be a great security blanket to have in the event of internet problems. Their trading platform is more futures than FX oriented since charts are available only for futures (at least as of this writing) but is very intuitive and easy to use. This would be an excellent choice if the charting and analysis capabilities for futures contracts were made available for FX pairs. You can find them at PFG Forex.

GAIN Capital is a new addition to the platforms i have reviewed Two further suggestions for US traders are MG Financial Group, FXCM. I have comments on OANDA, MG Financial and FXCM that can be found on the following page: New Traders