IG
£50 minimum deposit via bank transfer
Award winning investment platform with over 47 years of experience.
*The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you can get back less than you originally invested.
Platform Details
All investment platforms are made differently. It's important to understand what features are on offer and the features that best align with your needs.
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1. Cost & Fees
IG offers a variety of trading and investment services, and the costs associated with using their platform vary depending on the specific services you utilise.
Account Charges:
- Opening an account with IG is free, and you don't have to fund your account until you are ready to trade.
Trading Commissions and Spreads:
Share Dealing:
- UK Shares: £8 per trade for the first two trades in a month, reduced to £3 per trade if you make three or more trades in the previous month.
- US Shares: £10 per trade for the first two trades in a month, with zero commission if you make three or more trades in the previous month.
- European Shares: 0.1% of the trade value.
CFDs and Spread Betting:
- Indices: Spreads from 0.8 points on major indices.
- Forex: Spreads from 0.6 points on key forex pairs.
- Commodities: Spreads from 0.1 points.
Other Potential Charges:
- Overnight Funding: Charges for keeping positions open past the daily cutoff time, which includes an interest adjustment plus a small admin fee.
- Guaranteed Stop Premiums: A fee if a guaranteed stop is triggered, for example, 0.3% of the underlying transaction value for share CFDs.
Extra Services:
- Inactivity Fee: A £12 fee per month if your account is inactive for two years or more.
Investment Accounts:
- IG Smart Portfolio: The average estimated total cost is 0.72% up to £50,000, with costs capped at £250 for investments above this amount.
Stocks and Shares ISA: Free to set up with similar commission rates as regular share dealing accounts.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
2. Minimum amount needed to invest
To invest with IG in the UK, the minimum amount required varies based on the method of deposit and the type of account:
Deposit Requirements:
- Card Deposit: Minimum £250
- Bank Transfer: Minimum £50
IG Smart Portfolio: Requires an initial balance of at least £500 to start investing. If you don't have £500 upfront, you can contribute over time until the minimum is reached.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.ig.com/uk
3. Number of funds and stocks available
IG offers a substantial range of investment options, including over 13,000 shares and ETFs.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
4. Types of securities available
IG offers a wide range of securities and financial instruments for trading and investment, including:
- Shares
- ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
- Indices
- Commodities
- Forex (Foreign Exchange)
- Bonds
- Interest Rate Derivatives
- Options
- Cryptocurrencies
- Smart Portfolios
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
5. Does the platform offer individual stocks?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
6. Types of investment accounts available
IG offers several types of investment accounts to cater to different trading and investment needs, including:
- Share Dealing Account
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
- IG Smart Portfolios
- CFD and Spread Betting Accounts
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
7. Does the platform offer automatic portfolio rebalancing?
Yes, IG offers automatic portfolio rebalancing through its IG Smart Portfolios. These portfolios are managed by IG's experts, who periodically rebalance the asset allocations to maintain the appropriate risk levels and investment objectives. This rebalancing is done automatically at no additional cost to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and can take advantage of changing market conditions.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
8. Does the platform offer a mobile app?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
9. Is the platform authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.home.ig.com/uk
10. How to pick an investment platform
Key factors to consider when choosing an investment platform:
- Fees and commissions
- Available investment options
- User interface and ease of use
- Customer support options
- Security measures in place
- Research and analysis tools available
- The platforms reputation and track record
- A platform that aligns with your investment goals
- A platform that aligns with your risk tolerance
*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.
11. How to pick an investment fund
Key factors to consider when choosing an investment fund:
Investment Objectives: Clearly define your investment goals and time horizon. Different funds cater to various objectives, such as growth, income, or a balanced approach.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance. Some funds are more conservative, while others are more aggressive. Choose a fund that aligns with your comfort level for risk.
Diversification: Look for funds that provide a diversified portfolio. Diversification helps spread risk across different asset classes, reducing the impact of poor performance in any single investment.
Fund Type: Understand the type of fund you're considering. Common types include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, and actively managed funds. Each has its own characteristics and management styles.
Performance History: Review the fund's historical performance. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, it can give you insights into how the fund has performed in various market conditions.
Expense Ratio: Consider the fund's expense ratio, which represents the annual fees and operating expenses as a percentage of the fund's assets. Lower expense ratios generally translate to lower costs for investors.
Manager's Track Record: For actively managed funds, assess the track record and experience of the fund manager. Consistent and experienced management can be an indicator of the fund's potential.
Benchmark Comparison: Compare the fund's performance against a relevant benchmark index. This helps you evaluate whether the fund is outperforming or underperforming its peers.
Distribution History: For income-focused funds, check the fund's distribution history. Understand how often and how much income the fund has distributed in the past.
Size of the Fund: Consider the size of the fund. While a large fund may offer stability, it could also face challenges in deploying capital efficiently. Conversely, a small fund might be more nimble but could face liquidity issues.
Redemption Fees and Liquidity: Be aware of any redemption fees or liquidity constraints. Some funds may charge fees for early withdrawals, and illiquid funds may have limitations on how quickly you can access your money.
Tax Efficiency: Assess the fund's tax efficiency, especially if you're investing in a taxable account. Funds with low turnover and tax-efficient strategies can help minimise tax implications.
Distribution Method: Determine whether the fund distributes income and capital gains periodically or reinvests them. Your preference might depend on your financial goals and tax situation.
Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from reputable sources, such as Morningstar or Lipper. These sources provide independent assessments of funds based on various criteria.
Exit Strategy: Understand the fund's exit strategy. If your investment goals change, ensure that the fund allows for a smooth exit without excessive penalties.
*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.
4. Understanding Fees
Understanding investing fees is essential for investors to make informed decisions and maximise their investment returns.
Here are some common investing fees you should be aware of:
Management Fees: These fees are charged by investment managers or advisors for managing your investment portfolio. Management fees are typically charged annually as a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). They cover the cost of research, analysis, and portfolio management services provided by the investment professional.
Expense Ratios: Expense ratios represent the annual operating expenses of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other investment funds as a percentage of the fund's average net assets. These expenses include management fees, administrative costs, and other operational expenses. Expense ratios are deducted from the fund's returns and directly impact investors' net returns.
Front-End Loads: Front-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when purchasing mutual fund shares. Front-end loads are deducted from the initial investment amount before the remaining funds are invested in the fund. These fees are typically expressed as a percentage of the investment amount and are paid to the investment advisor or broker who sold the fund.
Back-End Loads (Deferred Sales Charges): Back-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when redeeming or selling mutual fund shares within a specified period after purchase, typically within a few years. Unlike front-end loads, back-end loads are not deducted at the time of purchase but are applied when investors sell their fund shares. These fees often decline over time and eventually reach zero after the specified holding period.
Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are charged by brokerage firms or trading platforms for buying or selling securities, such as stocks, bonds, options, or mutual funds. These fees can vary depending on the type of transaction, the size of the trade, and the brokerage firm's fee structure. Transaction fees can significantly impact the overall cost of trading and should be considered when executing investment transactions.
Advisor Fees: Advisor fees are charges levied by financial advisors or investment professionals for providing investment advice and financial planning services. Advisor fees can be charged as a flat fee, hourly rate, or as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). These fees compensate advisors for their expertise and guidance in managing clients' investment portfolios and financial affairs.
Account Maintenance Fees: Some brokerage firms or investment platforms may charge account maintenance fees for managing or maintaining investment accounts. These fees are typically assessed on an annual or quarterly basis and cover administrative expenses associated with account management, record-keeping, and customer service.
*Understanding and minimising investing fees is crucial for maximising investment returns over the long term. Investors should carefully review fee disclosures, compare fee structures across different investment options, and consider the impact of fees on their investment performance and overall financial goals.
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