Best FTSE 100 Stock Index Trading Platform May 2025
Discover investment opportunities in the UK market with FTSE 100 index futures trading. Explore ETFs, stocks, and funds on the best trading platform broker.
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With over 15 years of experience in the trading world, we help our users avoid scam websites and brokers. Our broker rankings are based on several factors, such as ease of starting trading, licenses, and ease of deposits and withdrawals. We provide transparent and unbiased analyses, applying the same approach in broker rankings to ensure accurate and reliable information, enabling you to make safe trading decisions.
Best FTSE Index Trading Brokers 2025
- Pepperstone - Best overall UK's FTSE 100 Index trading broker for beginners. Founded 2010. Multiple regulated licenses. Minimum deposit: $0. 20% discount on deposit.
- FPMarkets - Established 2005. Ideal for trading the FTSE 100 Index with competitive spreads and advanced platforms. Minimum deposit: $100.
- Plus500 - Best licensed broker for investing in UK's FTSE 100 Index (CFDs). Founded 2008. Multiple regulated licenses. Minimum deposit: $100.
- XM - Top UK's FTSE 100 Index trading platform for educational materials and copy trading. Founded 2009. Multiple regulated licenses. Minimum deposit: $5. Periodic competitions and bonuses.
Summary: Best FTSE Index Trading Brokers
| Broker | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone |
4.5/5
|
Best FTSE Index Trading broker offering advanced Trading tools |
| FPMarkets |
4/5
|
Top broker for FTSE 100 trading with low spreads and reliable execution |
| XM |
4/5
|
Best FTSE Index Trading platform especially for trader education and training |
| Plus500 |
3.5/5
|
Best FTSE Index Trading broker with a user-friendly interface |
FTSE holds below the resistance – Analysis – 2-10-2018
FTSE index ended its recent positive rebound by facing solid resistance at 7520.00, to contradict the attempt to settle within the bullish channel again, while the continuous stability of this resistance allows us to keep our negative overview that targets 7355.00 followed by 7215.00 levels.
The stability of the moving average 55 above the price increase the negative pressures to agree with stochastic negativity that crawls below 50 level, which increases the chances of gathering the negative momentum to start recording the mentioned targets.
Expected trading range for today is between 7480.00 and 7355.00
Expected trend for today: Bearish
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Compare the Best FTSE 100 Trading Brokers
| Broker | Trade | Analyst Forecast for FTSE 100 2026 | Special Features | Regulation | Account Types | Leverage for FTSE 100 | Spread for FTSE 100 | Minimum Deposit | Trust Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Trade | 9,000 | Fast execution, tight spreads on FTSE 100 | FCA, DFSA, CMA, ASIC, SCB, BaFIN, CySEC | Standard, Razor | Up to 1:400 | From 0.0 pips | $0 | 9.5/10 |
| FPMarkets | Trade | 9,000 | Tight spreads, fast execution on FTSE 100 CFDs | ASIC, CySEC, CMA, STV, FSCA, FSA | Standard, Raw, Islamic | Up to 1:500 | From 0.0 pips | $100 | 9/10 |
| XM | Trade | 9,000 | Loyalty program, negative balance protection | IFSC, CySEC, ASIC | Micro, Standard, Zero, Ultra | Up to 1:888 | From 0.1 pips | $5 | 9/10 |
| Plus500 | Trade | 9,000 | Commission-free trading, easy-to-use platform | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FMA | Retail, Professional | Up to 1:30 | From 0.6 pips | $100 | 8.5/10 |
How to invest in FTSE 100?
One of the best-known market indicators for investing in British companies was developed in 1984 as a result of a collaboration between the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Times of London.
The FTSE 100, an index that measures the performance of the British stock market, is managed by a newly formed company, the FTSE Group (Financial Times and Stock Exchange Group).
You'll learn about how the FTSE 100 Index works, current FTSE 100 companies and a FTSE 100 trading technique you can use right now in this article.
What is the FTSE 100 Index?
The 100 largest companies by market capitalization listed on the London Stock Exchange make up the FTSE 100 Index, sometimes called the Footsie (LSE). The FTSE Group manages the index and during LSE trading hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. UK time, prices are updated every 15 seconds.
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones 30 indices on the U.S. stock exchange are comparable to the FTSE 100 index in the U.K. The total market value of the companies that make up the index is used to determine its price. When the index rises, it means that more companies are gaining value - but not necessarily all.
Trading the FTSE 100 Index: A Guide
- Create a new account.
With Plus500, you can build an income-generating portfolio by investing in UK companies that are part of the FTSE 100 Index and earning dividends. ETFs (exchange traded funds) that track the performance of the FTSE 100 index are another investment option. You should be aware that there are some risks involved too.
You can also trade CFDs (Contracts for Difference) on the FTSE 100 Index and UK stocks using this broker. Through the use of leverage, this product allows you to trade long and short and possibly take advantage of rising and falling markets.
- Choose an instrument.
Trade CFDs on the FTSE 100 index and over 200 of the UK's leading companies. Over 4,000 different products are available for CFD trading, including stocks, currencies, commodities and global stock market indices.
- Make a trade!
With Plus500, you can use a variety of free premium analytical tools to trade and invest on the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms for desktop, online and mobile.
FTSE 100 Companies: Who are they?
Since the FTSE100 was introduced in 1984, the list of companies that make up the FTSE100 has changed due to growth and decline in market capitalization, mergers and acquisitions, and other factors. Many people also believe that all companies in the index must be British, when this is not true - it is sufficient that the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In reality, many companies are internationally based and derive the majority of their revenues from abroad.
Investors around the world are familiar with several companies, such as HSBC, Barclays, BP, GlaxoSmithKline, etc. Compass Group, a company that specializes in food services only in the UK and Ireland, may not be as well known to investors outside the UK.
So which companies make up the FTSE 100? Shell, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, BP, British American Tobacco, Rio Tinto and Glencore are now among the top ten companies in the FTSE 100 by market capitalization. The full list is available on the FTSE 100 webpage on the London Stock Exchange website.
What influences the price of the FTSE 100?
- Economic developments, such as the Brexit, can significantly affect the price of an index. The FTSE 100 has tended to move against the pound since the 2016 vote.
- Changes in exchange rates can impact the price of the FTSE 100, as many of its participants derive a significant portion of their revenue from overseas.
- Press Releases - Depending on the press release, the market will often experience volatility. The price of the index may change if the news affects any of the sectors or components that make up the FTSE 100.
- Earnings reports - Depending on the weight of the company, adjustments to the values of the FTSE constituents can have a significant effect on the index price.
- Commodity prices - Approximately 15% of the companies in the FTSE 100 trade in commodities, so changes in their prices can have a significant impact on the index price.
Strategies for Trading the FTSE 100
- Choose your trading approach: Scalping, day trading, swing trading and position trading are the four basic types of trading. Each trading strategy defines how often you trade and how long you keep your trades open.
- Analyze charts and price movements: Price action can help you get an idea of what the market might do next, while daily and weekly charts can help you gauge the mood of the market.
- Use technical analysis and indicators: Using technical analysis and trading indicators as part of your trading strategy can help you spot certain market signals and trends.
- Find FTSE trading signals: You should be able to determine if the FTSE 100 is in a trend by looking at the chart. With momentum indicators like the Stochastic Oscillator or RSI, you can check for trading signals.
- Set up trading alerts: Trading alerts allow you to specify requirements for the FTSE 100 price and be alerted immediately when these requirements are met.
- Read the news: Stock prices can change when company news, such as earnings, is announced. To help you trade based on the most recent events, keep a close eye on the economic calendar.
FTSE 100 Calculation and Trading Hours
The FTSE 100 index represents the top 100 companies listed on the UK stock exchange and is a popular method of understanding the UK stock market and tracking the state of the UK economy.
How the FTSE 100 is Calculated
Dividing the market capitalization of all stocks listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) by 100 gives the FTSE 100. The index includes the top 100 companies by market capitalization. Higher weighted stocks have a greater impact on the price of the FTSE 100 than lower weighted stocks. Companies with a larger market capitalization will have a higher weight in the index.
What Time is the FTSE 100 Traded?
The FTSE 100 is traded from 4pm to 12am (UTC +8) 5 days a week.
4 Best Brokers for Trading FTSE 100
- Pepperstone - Best Overall Broker for FTSE 100 Trading.
Pepperstone provides an excellent trading environment for the FTSE 100 with tight spreads and rapid execution speeds. Known for its advanced trading tools and reliable platform, Pepperstone is a top choice for both experienced and new traders focusing on FTSE 100 trading.
- FPMarkets - Top Choice for FTSE 100 Index Trading.
FPMarkets delivers advanced trading solutions for the FTSE 100, offering ultra-low spreads, high-speed execution, and professional-level charting tools. Perfect for traders seeking exposure to the UK’s top companies.
- Plus500 - Best Broker with Multiple Licenses, including Dubai.
Plus500 offers a secure and user-friendly platform for trading the FTSE 100 (CFDs). With strong regulatory licenses and robust investor protection measures, Plus500 is ideal for traders looking for a reliable platform to trade this key financial index.
- XM - Best Platform and Excellent Brokerage for Beginners.
XM excels by offering extensive educational resources and practical online workshops to support traders in mastering FTSE 100 trading. The platform's user-friendly interface and comprehensive support make it a great choice for beginners.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone offers forex and FTSE 100 trading with competitive leverage and advanced trading platforms. Their focus on tight spreads and fast execution makes it an excellent choice for trading the FTSE 100.
| Licenses | CySEC, BaFin, FCA, SCB, CMA |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Asset Coverage | Forex, FTSE 100, Commodities, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, Indices |
| Customer Support | 24/5 |
| Account Types | Standard, Razor, Swap-free |
Cons
- Limited support for lesser-known indices
Pros
- Low spreads for cost-effective trading
- High-speed execution to capitalize on market movements
- Advanced analytical tools for strategic planning
FPMarkets
Trade the FTSE 100 Index with Multi-Regulated Broker FPMarkets. Enjoy tight spreads, fast execution, and access to advanced technical analysis tools. Explore award-winning platforms, flexible leverage options, and dedicated support for seamless trading.
| Licenses | ASIC, CySEC, CMA, STV, FSCA, FSA |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Instruments | FTSE 100, Dollar Index, Nikkei 225, Forex, Commodities, Stocks |
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, WebTrader |
| Leverage | Up to 1:500 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 (Multilingual) |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw, Islamic |
Cons
- Not regulated by UK authorities
Pros
- Ultra-low spreads on FTSE 100
- High-speed execution and analysis tools
- Flexible leverage options
- Regulated and trusted broker
Plus500
Plus500 is a trading platform focused on providing investment services in the FTSE 100 and other assets. It features an easy-to-use interface and powerful trading tools, and is fully licensed and regulated, offering a secure trading environment for investors.
| Licenses | FCA, CySEC, ASIC |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Trading Platforms | WebTrader, Windows 10, Mobile Apps |
| Asset Coverage | CFDs on: Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Indices |
| Customer Support | 24/7 |
| Account Types | Standard, Professional |
Cons
- Restrictions in some countries
- No social trading features
Pros
- Protected and secure accounts
- Established since 2008
- Licensed by authorities in Dubai
XM
XM is a global trading platform focused on providing investment services in the FTSE 100 and other assets. XM is renowned for offering advanced educational materials for traders and provides a flexible and reliable trading environment with 24/7 customer support.
| Licenses | CySEC, ASIC, IFSC |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, WebTrader |
| Asset Coverage | FTSE 100, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs, Stocks, Commodities, Indices |
| Customer Support | 24/7 |
| Account Types | Various, including Islamic accounts |
Cons
- Service restrictions in some countries
Pros
- Wide range of financial instruments
- Transparent deposit and withdrawal policies
- Excellent customer support and comprehensive educational materials
FAQs
What trading options are available for the FTSE 100?
CFDs, a type of financial derivative that mirrors the underlying market price of the FTSE 100 index, can be used to trade the index. Using Plus500 CFDs, you can take a long position and speculate on the price of the FTSE 100 going up or a short position and place an order on the price going down.
What information is important to have before trading the FTSE 100?
Ensure you have a solid understanding of trading concepts and consider using a demo account to practice.
How can companies join the FTSE 100?
To be included in the FTSE 100, a company must be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and rank among the top 100 in market capitalization.