The FTSE 100 was little changed on Thursday as investors monitored developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict, oil prices above $103 a barrel and elevated U.S. Treasury yields.
The FTSE 100 was up 0.02% as of 03:22 ET (07:22 GMT). Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX declined 0.22% and France’s CAC 40 fell 0.28%.
Sterling was broadly unchanged against the U.S. dollar at $1.3245, up 0.03%.
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield remained near its highest level since 2007 after stronger-than-expected business activity data contributed to expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer.
European Leaders Welcome Pakistan Mediation Efforts
Investors continued to monitor diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen separately welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts on Thursday.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran had communicated a five-day deadline for U.S. compliance with demands including the lifting of a naval blockade and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. According to Rezaei, the message was delivered through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump made threats against Iran during his own appearance at the gathering.
The United States and Iran also held their first in-person discussions in months through Qatari intermediaries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. pressure campaign was intended to result in either internal political change in Iran or an agreement that Tehran would comply with.
Strait of Hormuz Traffic Remains Below Average
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remained below recent averages.
Preliminary Reuters shipping data showed 10 commodity vessels transited the waterway on Wednesday, compared with a 10-day moving average of approximately 17.
U.S. aviation sanctions against Iran also took effect on Wednesday, resulting in the removal of most Iranian flights to Turkey, the UAE and China. Oman, Azerbaijan and Georgia also barred Iranian carriers.
Brent Trades Above $103 a Barrel
Brent crude was up 0.15% at $103.17 a barrel, while WTI crude increased 0.10% to $92.22.
December gold futures settled 0.01% lower at $4,318.17, while spot gold declined 0.10% to $4,283.
UK Corporate Updates
Halma (LSE:HLMA) raised its FY2027 adjusted EBIT margin guidance following its first-half trading performance and acquisition activity.
CVS Group (LSE:CVSG) reported higher full-year revenue, supported by its Australian operations and improved like-for-like sales, while the company resumed UK acquisition activity.
Mitchells & Butlers (LSE:MAB) reported fourth-quarter like-for-like sales growth and said it expects cost pressures to moderate in FY2027.
Raspberry Pi (LSE:RPI) reported a 90% increase in first-half revenue as unit shipments increased and demand from OEM and reseller customers grew.
Most platforms promise simplicity. Few actually deliver it. eToro built its reputation on letting everyday people invest like the pros, with no jargon, no five-figure minimums, and no unnecessary friction. With 40 million users and an FCA stamp of approval, it’s hard to ignore. But does the reality match the reputation? Here’s the unvarnished verdict.
Founded in 2007 and regulated by the FCA, eToro has grown from a social trading experiment into one of the most widely used multi-asset platforms in the UK. Stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, and 150+ cryptocurrencies are all accessible from a single account. UK accounts are held in GBP, which removes conversion fees on deposits and withdrawals. Eligible investments are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000, though crypto assets sit outside that cover.
Inactivity fee: Approximately £8/month after 12 months without login
Minimum deposit: £50
ISA: No additional fee
Demo account: Free — £80,000 virtual portfolio
Pros
Zero commission on stocks and ETFs removes the most common barrier for new investors
Copy trading lets you mirror verified investors with full fee transparency, with no management or performance fees, only standard spreads
GBP account support eliminates the FX conversion costs that quietly eroded returns for UK users on older account types
Stocks & Shares ISA wrapper available, sheltering gains from capital gains tax
Clean, well-rated mobile app with fast execution and an intuitive layout
Virtual portfolio allows risk-free practice with real market prices before committing capital
Broad asset selection across six asset classes in a single account
Cons
Charting and research tools are basic, which active traders wanting advanced technical analysis will find limiting
No bonds, investment trusts, or mutual funds, restricting traditional diversification strategies
Crypto assets are not covered by FSCS protection, and the 1% flat fee adds up for frequent traders
Inactivity fee catches long-term investors who don’t log in regularly
Customer support response times have improved but are not yet industry-leading
Start Investing Today
Ready to invest? Open your free eToro account and access zero-commission stocks, a Stocks & Shares ISA, and copy trading under one FCA-regulated roof.
Your capital is at risk. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. Crypto assets are unregulated and not covered by FSCS. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
eToro: Copy Trading Explained
Copy trading is the feature that put eToro on the map, and it remains the most genuinely distinctive thing the platform does. CopyTrader lets you browse thousands of verified investors, filter by asset class, risk score, drawdown history, and performance over multiple timeframes, then allocate capital to replicate their trades automatically.
The cost structure is refreshingly clean. eToro charges no management fee, no performance fee, and no subscription. You pay only the standard market spreads on the underlying assets, exactly the same as any other trade on the platform. Each copied trader’s portfolio is fully visible, and a stop-loss at the portfolio level lets you cap potential losses from any single copy relationship. For a first-time investor who wants market exposure without building a portfolio from scratch, eToro’s copy trading sits in a category of its own among FCA-regulated platforms.
eToro: Fees and Charges Breakdown
Zero commission on stocks is the headline, and it holds up. No dealing fee on UK or international equities. The spread is eToro’s primary revenue mechanism: from 1.0 pip on major forex pairs, 2 pips on commodities, and a flat 1% on all crypto trades. For buy-and-hold stock investors, the all-in cost is genuinely competitive.
The traps are in the fine print. GBP account holders now withdraw for free with no minimum, a meaningful step forward from the USD-only model that used to apply. Let an account go dormant for 12 months, though, and the $10 monthly inactivity fee kicks in. It won’t affect active users, but it’s the kind of detail worth knowing before you step away for an extended stretch.
eToro: Is It Safe for UK Investors?
Safety credentials are solid. eToro is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, meaning client money is segregated from the firm’s own funds under FCA client asset rules. In the unlikely event the firm fails, eligible investment business is covered by the FSCS up to £85,000.
The NASDAQ listing (ticker: ETOR) adds a layer of financial transparency that most private brokers don’t offer. eToro publishes quarterly reports, has $17.5 billion in assets under administration, and has operated continuously since 2007. For a retail investor assessing platform risk, that track record matters.
Crypto is the exception. Cryptoassets on eToro are unregulated, sit outside FSCS protection, and carry no consumer protection guarantees. Any allocation to crypto should reflect that explicitly.
eToro: Stocks & Shares ISA for UK Investors
The eToro ISA is a genuinely useful addition for UK investors. Holding stocks and ETFs inside an ISA wrapper means gains are sheltered from capital gains tax and dividends from income tax, within the standard annual allowance. For a long-term investor building a portfolio over years rather than trading actively, that tax efficiency compounds meaningfully over time.
The ISA integrates directly with the broader eToro account, so ISA and non-ISA assets sit side by side without the need for separate platforms. Crypto and CFDs are excluded, which is consistent with UK ISA rules.
eToro: Is It Good for Beginners?
For new investors, the barriers on eToro are unusually low. Zero-commission stock trading, a $100,000 demo account with real market prices, and a social feed where experienced investors share their reasoning combine to create a learning environment as much as a trading one. The mobile app is rated highly across both iOS and Android, and the interface is laid out to guide rather than overwhelm.
Copy trading means a complete beginner can gain diversified market exposure by mirroring an experienced investor while building their own knowledge in parallel. It’s not a substitute for financial education, but as an entry point into investing, few platforms in the UK market make the first step feel this manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro regulated in the UK? Yes. eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and eligible investments are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000.
Does eToro charge commission on stocks? No. eToro charges zero commission on stock and ETF trades. Revenue is generated through spreads, and a flat 1% fee applies on cryptocurrency trades.
Can I open a Stocks & Shares ISA with eToro? Yes. eToro offers a Stocks & Shares ISA for UK residents, allowing tax-efficient investment in stocks and ETFs within the annual ISA allowance.
What is copy trading on eToro? Copy trading lets you automatically replicate the trades of verified investors on the platform. There are no additional management or performance fees; you pay only the same spreads that apply to any trade on eToro.
Is my crypto protected on eToro? No. Crypto assets on eToro are unregulated and not covered by the FSCS or any consumer protection scheme. They are high-risk, volatile investments and their value can fall as well as rise.
What is the eToro inactivity fee? eToro charges $10 per month on accounts that have not been logged into for 12 consecutive months. Logging back in stops the fee from accruing.
What is the minimum deposit on eToro in the UK? The minimum deposit for UK users is $50 (or GBP equivalent). GBP accounts avoid currency conversion charges on deposits and withdrawals.
Brazil’s stock exchange is the B3 (Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão). Latin America’s largest financial market infrastructure, offering trading in equities, derivatives, commodities. The market is regulated by the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best forex brokers in Brazil for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Forex trading in Brazil is regulated by the National Monetary Council (CMN), ensuring a transparent and fair environment for investors.
Key features include:
No Domestic Brokers: The CVM doesn’t authorize local forex brokers, so Brazilian traders access the market via international brokers.
Reliance on Foreign Regulation: Traders use foreign brokers, ideally regulated by strong international bodies (FCA, CySEC, ASIC) for security.
Strict Leverage Limits: The CVM imposes caps on leverage to protect retail traders.
Always verify a broker’s license before opening an account.
Platforms: Proprietary app, Meta Trader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView
Key Features:
Quick and easy account opening.
Minimum deposit: US$ 100.
Trading platforms engineered for speed and performance.
Why choose VT Markets? Ideal for forex traders looking for competitive spreads and sophisticated risk management tools.
Trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The use of leverage can significantly magnify gains and losses and may result in losses exceeding your initial investment.
Why choose Moneta Markets? Ideal for traders wanting easy access to the forex market.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Trading derivatives is risky. It isn’t suitable for everyone; you could lose substantially more than your initial investment.
Why choose Axi? Ideal for Ideal for investors and CFD traders looking for a great trading platform and excellent customer service.
CFDs and Margin FX are leveraged products that carry a high level of risk to your capital. Trading is not suitable for everyone and may result in you losing substantially more than your initial investment.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The UK stock market is one of the most influential in Europe. As well as equities, traders and investors are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies. But there are risks, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned the ale of CFDs, futures and other derivatives involving crypto.
Most crypto trading in the UK operates without regulatory oversight and is not protected by Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You could lose all the money you invest. Ensure you use an FCA-registered platform, which has to comply with AML rules, but this does not provide consumer protection if the platform fails.
With such a risky asset, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best brokers in the UK for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Always verify a broker’s FCA license before opening an account.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The UK stock market is one of the most influential in Europe. One of the ways investors and traders can speculate is by spread betting, betting on price movements without owning the actual asset, using a broker to agree on a “spread” (buy/sell difference) for a specific point value. Spread betting can be done with shares, forex, commodities and other assets.
Traders in the UK enjoy a secure and transparent environment because of strict regulations under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best brokers in the UK for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Spread betting in the UK is regulated by the FCA, ensuring brokers comply with stringent standards. Key protections include:
Leverage Cap: Retail traders are limited to 1:30 leverage under ESMA rules.
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s FCA license before opening an account.
Why choose IC Markets? Ideal for forex and traders who value easy account opening and free deposit/withdrawal options.
Trading Derivatives carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Derivatives may not be suitable for all investors.
The UK offers one of the safest environments for spread betting thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The UK stock market is one of the most influential in Europe. Centred on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), it is a global marketplace for buying/selling shares, featuring the large-cap FTSE 100 (100 biggest firms) and the growth-focused AIM (Alternative Investment Market) for smaller companies.
Traders in the UK enjoy a secure and transparent environment because of strict regulations under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best brokers in the UK for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Trading in the UK is regulated by the FCA, ensuring brokers comply with stringent standards. Key protections include:
Leverage Cap: Retail traders are limited to 1:30 leverage under FCA rules.
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s FCA license before opening an account.
Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free (other fees may apply).
Quick and easy account opening.
Great trading platforms.
Why choose Trading212? Ideal for equity investors looking for easy-to-use trading platforms.
Investing for 5+ years increases your chances of positive returns compared to cash savings. But investments rise and fall in value, so you could get back less than you put in. You’re responsible for your investment decisions.
The UK offers one of the safest environments for trading thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The UK stock market is one of the most influential in Europe. One of the ways investors and traders can speculate is with a Contract for Difference, a financial derivative in which the difference between the opening and closing prices of the market is settled in cash. They are popular among traders in foreign exchange and commodities because they are tax-efficient.
Traders in the UK enjoy a secure and transparent environment because of strict regulations under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best CFD brokers in the UK for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
CFD trading in the UK is regulated by the FCA, ensuring brokers comply with stringent standards. Key protections include:
Leverage Cap: Retail traders are limited to 1:30 leverage under FCA rules.
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s FCA license before opening an account.
Why choose IC Markets? Ideal for forex and CFD traders who value easy account opening and free deposit/withdrawal options.
Trading Derivatives carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Derivatives may not be suitable for all investors.
The UK offers one of the safest environments for CFD trading thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The Australian stock market, often referred to as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy and offers a wealth of opportunities for investors. The ASX is the primary stock exchange in Australia, headquartered in Sydney. It offers trading in equities, derivatives, fixed-income securities, and other financial instruments. The ASX is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best forex brokers in Australia for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Forex trading in Australia is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring a transparent and fair environment for investors.
Key protections include:
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s ASIC license before opening an account.
Why choose IC Markets? Ideal for forex and CFD traders who value easy account opening and free deposit/withdrawal options.
Trading Derivatives carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Derivatives may not be suitable for all investors.
Australia offers a safe trading environments thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The Mexican stock market is primarily centered around the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), the country’s main securities exchange. It is the second-largest stock exchange in Latin America by market capitalization and offers a range of financial instruments including stocks, bonds, and derivatives. The market is regulated by the National Banking and Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores – CNBV).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best forex brokers in Mexico for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Forex trading in Mexico is regulated by the National Banking and Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores – CNBV), ensuring a transparent and fair environment for investors.
Key protections include:
Leverage Cap: Retail traders are limited to 1:30 leverage under ESMA rules.
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s CNBV license before opening an account.
Regulations: National Banking and Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores – CNBV)
Platforms: Mobile app
Key Features:
Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free (other fees may apply).
Quick and easy account opening.
Great trading platforms.
Why choose Trading 212? Ideal for equity investors looking for easy-to-use trading platforms
Investing for 5+ years increases your chances of positive returns compared to cash savings. But investments rise and fall in value, so you could get back less than you put in. You’re responsible for your investment decisions.
Mexico offers a safe trading environments thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
The UK stock market is one of the most influential in Europe, and forex trading has become increasingly popular among retail and institutional investors. Traders in the UK enjoy a secure and transparent environment because of strict regulations under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
However, choosing the right broker is critical for success. This comprehensive guide explores the best forex brokers in the UK for 2026, their features, and what makes them stand out.
Forex trading in the UK is regulated by the FCA, ensuring brokers comply with stringent standards. Key protections include:
Leverage Cap: Retail traders are limited to 1:30 leverage under FCA rules.
Negative Balance Protection: You cannot lose more than your deposit.
Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from broker funds.
Transparency: Brokers must provide clear pricing and risk disclosures.
Always verify a broker’s FCA license before opening an account.
The UK offers one of the safest environments for forex trading thanks to strict regulations and robust investor protections.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or a professional seeking advanced tools, the brokers listed above provide excellent options for 2026.
