Vantage has expanded its range by adding support for social trading platforms, incorporating Trading Central-powered content, and launching a custom mobile app alongside its suite of MetaTrader platforms. However, Vantage falls behind industry leaders, particularly in areas crucial for research and education.

Previously known as Vantage FX and founded in 2009 under the name MXT Global, Vantage is now under the umbrella of Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has granted Vantage an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL).

Apart from its Australian entity, the group also operates under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK as Vantage Global Prime LLP. Additionally, Vantage holds regulatory status with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

Trading Instruments

The market variety available at Vantage is determined by the specific entity governing your account. The table below outlines the diverse investment options offered to Vantage clients.

Cryptocurrency trading is available at Vantage through both CFDs and trading the actual asset, such as buying Bitcoin. However, UK residents and retail traders under a UK broker entity are not allowed to trade cryptocurrency CFDs.

Vantage Fees and Account Types

The cost of trading at Vantage depends on the type of account and the overseeing Vantage entity. Account types include the spread-only Standard STP account, commission-based RAW ECN and PRO ECN accounts, and the spread-only Standard STP account. Overall, Vantage’s pricing aligns reasonably with industry standards.

The spread for the EUR/USD pair on Vantage’s spread-only Standard account averaged at 1.22 pips in August 2021, compared to 0.15 pips ($3 per side plus $6 per round turn) for the Raw account during the same period, totaling 0.75 pips.

Vantage’s PRO account offers competitive pricing, charging $2 per-side commission ($4 per round turn) for the PRO level. The criteria for opening a PRO ECN account vary based on the overseeing organization. A minimum funding of $10,000 is required for accounts opened through Vantage’s Cayman Islands entity.

Active traders at Vantage receive rebates ranging from $2 to $8 per standard lot based on their balance and monthly volume. However, this offer is exclusive to the Standard account, which features the highest spreads among available account types.

Apps for Mobile Trading

In addition to the standard MetaTrader mobile app suite, Vantage presents its proprietary trading app. The Vantage App lays a strong foundation for a new mobile trading application.

Vantage offers two mobile apps—MetaTrader platform suite and its proprietary Vantage App—available for iOS and Android devices. However, charting at Vantage is limited to five time frames, one chart type, and a restricted number of indicators and overlays. Nevertheless, the charts open in a full-screen landscape view upon tapping, enhancing the user experience.

Trading Platforms

Distinguishing itself from other MetaTrader-only brokers, Vantage supports additional add-ons and third-party platforms like TradingView. This inclusion earned Vantage recognition among the Best in Class for top MetaTrader brokers in 2023.

Vantage specializes in MetaTrader trading, providing a comprehensive range of desktop and web trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Charting at Vantage encompasses typical charts on MT4 and MT5, along with the fully integrated CHARTS platform from TradingView. Vantage also offers SmartTrader Tools from FX Blue LLP as part of MetaTrader add-ons. Furthermore, it streams forex news headlines directly from FxWire Pro and FxStreet.

Vantage supports three platforms for social copy trading in addition to the MetaTrader Signals market—ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and Myfxbook’s AutoTrade (except in Australia).

Market Research

Vantage’s research primarily relies on external content providers like Trading Central and lacks substantial original work. Its daily market updates on a dedicated YouTube channel, powered by Trading Central, are satisfactory but incorporate pre-recorded templated segments. The client portal also hosts market news and analysis videos from Trading Central.

The Pro Trader Tools, available to clients with a minimum deposit of $1,000, integrates into the client portal and is powered by Trading Central. While the Analyst Views provide automated analysis, the Featured Ideas tool assists traders seeking trading signals and actionable ideas.

Vantage continues to expand its research resources, but there’s room for enhancement, especially in offering more diverse internal content such as webinars and written material.

Education

Vantage’s Learn Forex Trading section contains 37 educational points, which, though informative, might seem basic. Additionally, it offers over 130 videos produced by Trading Central as part of its Pro Trader series and platform tutorials catering to beginners and covering advanced forex and CFD concepts across various markets, including cryptocurrencies.

The YouTube channels at Vantage contain a plethora of videos organized into specific playlists, including weekly webinars and “Masterclass” videos covering diverse trading-related topics.

Conclusion on Vantage

With competitive pricing on its commission-based Raw ECN account and support for additional platforms like Zulutrade and DupliTrade, Vantage stands out among MetaTrader brokers. Its exclusive Vantage app shows promise, despite in-app advertisements.

While Vantage continues to expand its research and educational offerings, it’s still a step behind the leading brokers in these areas.