Category: News

Hormuz Reopening Sends Oil and Dollar Tumbling 

The US dollar followed suit. The Dollar Index (DXY) slipped below the 99 level as lower oil prices eased inflation concerns and reduced the likelihood of a hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve. Higher energy costs had been the single biggest driver of the greenback’s strength since the conflict began; with that pressure now easing, the USD’s appeal as an inflation hedge faded. The DXY was last seen trading around 98.90, having peaked around 100.50 in late March. 

Gold reclaimed its mojo after weeks of uncharacteristic weakness, having been weighed down by a stronger dollar and rising yields. The precious metal surged back towards $4800 today in response to the oil price retreating and the dollar softening. Next resistance levels to watch on the topside include $4850 and $4935, with support at $4635. If oil prices and the Dollar remain on the backfoot during this two-week ceasefire, gold stands a good chance of getting back to the $5k level in the near-term. But any signs that ceasefire is not holding could reignite oil and undo gold’s ambitions to move higher. 

Risk assets broadly joined the party on the ceasefire news. Asian equity indices posted solid gains across the board, while US stock futures climbed in overnight trading, signalling that the relief rally is likely to extend into the New York session. Yet the mood remains one of cautious optimism rather than outright celebration. The ceasefire is only two weeks long, and markets will be watching closely to see whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalises as promised and whether the fragile truce can pave the way for a more durable peace agreement. 

Financial markets staged a sharp reversal today after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire in their conflict. The agreement, brokered with Pakistani mediation and endorsed by both sides, calls for an immediate halt to military strikes, a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and the start of direct talks toward a longer-term deal. The news lifted the immediate threat of escalation and delivered a much-welcomed wave of relief through to risk assets. 

With the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen, oil prices reversed course sharply on the prospect of barrels once again moving freely through the Persian Gulf. This sudden easing of global supply pressures has been a clear boon for stocks, removing a major inflationary headwind and lifting risk sentiment across the board. With roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil passing through the chokepoint, the prospect of normalised tanker flows has rapidly drained the geopolitical risk premium that had kept prices elevated. Oil led the retreat, with Brent crude dropping more than 8% in early Asian trading, while WTI fell sharply also. 

April 2026 – Building on a series of successful cashback campaigns in 2025, leading broker XM has introduced a new global promotion designed to reward trading activity with direct cash returns. 

Running from 7 April to 7 May 2026, the limited-time initiative allows verified XM traders worldwide to earn enhanced cashback rewards of up to $7 per lot traded across selected popular markets. With no cap on total earnings, participants can unlock unlimited cashback as they continue trading. 

The campaign is structured to encourage sustained engagement, with traders becoming eligible for cashback once they reach a minimum of three lots traded on qualifying instruments. These include select markets that are available for trading seven days a week, offering added flexibility. 

This marks XM’s third promotional campaign of 2026, following the earlier $52,000 deposit bonus initiative. The latest offering comes amid heightened market volatility, as the company seeks to provide traders with stable access to global markets alongside added incentives and educational support. 

“We want our traders to feel the tangible value of their partnership with us. By making this cashback unlimited and withdrawable, we’re giving our clients real incentives and opportunities to get involved in the global markets in meaningful ways,” says co-CEO Menelaos Menalaou. 

In a move aimed at reinforcing transparency, XM has confirmed that all cashback earned through the promotion is fully withdrawable, rather than being limited to trading credits. 

Eligible participants can join by opening an account with XM, registering for the promotion, and beginning to trade to accumulate cashback rewards. 

About XM 

XM is an internationally established trading and investment firm, serving more than 20 million clients across over 190 countries. Holding multiple international licenses, the company provides services to retail traders, investors, and affiliates. 

With over 15 years of operational experience, XM has built a reputation for reliability and consistency. Clients can trade more than 1,400 instruments across multiple devices, supported by a broad product offering, customer support, and educational resources. 

Risk Warning: Trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your invested capital. T&Cs apply

Disclaimer: Promotions and bonuses are not available for accounts registered under XM's EU-based entity. Specific regions may be excluded. The XM Group operates globally under various entities, so the products, services, and features listed here vary between XM entities. For further information, please visit the XM website. 

As the forex market continues to expand and evolve in 2026, traders worldwide are constantly seeking brokers that combine safety, efficiency, and competitive trading conditions. With hundreds of platforms available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. This article presents a comprehensive ranking of the top forex brokers for 2026, highlighting their unique strengths and what distinguishes them. 

Why Ranking Matters for Forex Traders 

A broker ranking is more than just a list. For traders, it reflects a platform’s regulatory compliance, fund safety, trading efficiency, and overall market reputation. In a high-risk environment like forex, selecting a broker with proven reliability and transparency is as important as understanding trading strategies. 

Our ranking evaluates brokers on three core pillars: 

1. Regulatory compliance and fund protection – ensuring client assets are safe. 
    

2. Trading conditions – including spreads, leverage, and execution speed. 
    

3. Global market credibility – reflecting trustworthiness and long-term stability. 
    

2026 Global Forex Broker Ranking – Top Contenders 

1. KCM Trade – Leading with Security and Performance 

KCM Trade has consistently topped international rankings, earning accolades such as the “Best Forex Trading Platform 2026” by FX Daily Info. The broker’s success is built on two major strengths: 

Dual Regulatory Oversight: 

• Operates under Kohle Capital Markets Limited, regulated by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC). 
   

• Its Australian entity, Kohle Capital Markets Pty Ltd, holds a licence from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), one of the strictest regulatory bodies globally. 
   

Independent Fund Auditing: 
KCM Trade ensures all client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks. Annual audits by the international accounting firm BDO confirm full compliance, offering traders peace of mind. 

Trading Conditions: 

• Leverage up to 1:400 
   

• ECN/STP execution models 
   

• Average execution speed of 0.25 seconds 
   

• MT5 account spreads as low as 1.2 pips on EUR/USD 
   

• Access to 200+ assets, including forex, commodities, indices, and stocks 
   

This combination of fund security and high-performance trading establishes KCM Trade as the benchmark for traders prioritising reliability and efficiency. 

2. FXTM (ForexTime) 

FXTM is a strong choice for traders seeking versatility and a wide range of account types. Regulated internationally and offering both STP and ECN accounts, FXTM provides competitive spreads and fast execution, catering to both beginner and professional traders. 

3. XM Group 

XM is renowned for its low entry requirements and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for new traders. The broker offers comprehensive educational resources alongside regulated trading conditions, ensuring a safe and accessible trading environment. 

4. IC Markets 

A favourite among professional traders, IC Markets is a pure ECN broker delivering ultra-fast order execution (average ~43 milliseconds) and extremely tight spreads. Its robust technical infrastructure makes it highly suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading strategies. 

5. AvaTrade 

AvaTrade offers strong global regulation and multiple trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Its broad product range and focus on transparency and fund protection appeal to long-term traders prioritising security. 

What Sets the Top Brokers Apart in 2026 

1. Safety First: Dual-regulated brokers, such as KCM Trade, demonstrate that fund security is non-negotiable. Segregated accounts and independent audits are now essential benchmarks. 
    

2. Cost Efficiency: Low spreads and transparent fees reduce trading costs, directly impacting profitability. 
    

3. Execution Speed: Fast, stable execution ensures orders are filled with minimal slippage, critical in volatile markets. 
    

4. Global Accessibility: A broker’s presence and reputation in multiple markets indicate reliability and long-term stability. 
    

Conclusion: Ranking by Reliability and Performance 

The forex market is filled with opportunities—but also inherent risks. Choosing a broker with proven reliability, robust regulatory compliance, and excellent trading conditions can significantly reduce operational risks and enhance trading outcomes. 

Based on a comprehensive evaluation, KCM Trade leads the 2026 global ranking, followed by FXTM, XM, IC Markets, and AvaTrade. For traders seeking the best combination of security, efficiency, and credibility, these brokers represent the top choices for global markets. 

London, Larnaca, March 20, 2026: HFM, a leading online trading platform, today announces a new multi-year partnership with Arsenal, becoming an Official Global Partner of the club. 

The agreement brings together two international brands defined by performance and ambition, united by a shared commitment to long-term success. As HFM continues to expand its global presence, the partnership provides a platform to elevate its brand presence worldwide and engage with Arsenal supporters across the globe.  

Signing Ceremony at Emirates Stadium with (from left to right): Efthymios Mesis, Chief Marketing Officer at HFM; Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal.  

As an Official Partner, HFM will benefit from an extensive global rights package, including matchday branding at Emirates Stadium and visibility on Arsenal’s digital platforms, including the recently launched The Arsenal.  The partnership will also provide access to club marketing assets and players to create engaging new content and experiences for supporters, launching later this season.  

“This partnership marks an exciting milestone for HFM as we align with one of football’s most iconic clubs,” Efthymios Mesis, Chief Marketing Officer at HFM, said. “Trading and elite sporting performance are both driven by strategic thinking, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Through this collaboration, we look forward to creating meaningful global engagement opportunities that reflect our shared commitment to excellence and long-term growth.” 

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal, said: “We’re delighted to welcome HFM as an Official Partner of Arsenal. They are a market leader in their field with a strong focus on innovation and long-term success, and support our ambition to win major trophies. Partnerships built on shared values help us deliver the best experiences for our supporters around the world. We look forward to working together.” 

Contact: 

HFM – jkeimalis@hfm.com 

Arsenal – communications@arsenal.co.uk 

A new entrant has appeared in the retail forex brokerage sector. 

TabTrade, operated by TabTrade Ltd (company number 2025-00919), has launched with a trading model that places significant emphasis on average spreads rather than minimum spreads. 

The company reports an average spread of 0.0 pips on major currency pairs, including EURUSD. 

Average Spreads vs Minimum Spreads 

In broker marketing, minimum spreads often receive the most attention. However, these figures typically reflect ideal market conditions and may appear only briefly during periods of high liquidity. 

Benjamin Boulter, founder of TabTrade, said the company chose to highlight average spreads because they better reflect real trading conditions. 

“Average spreads provide a broader view of pricing across multiple trading sessions and market environments,” Boulter said. 

TabTrade appears to be building its positioning around this metric. 

Execution Targets on Account Tiers 

Alongside spreads, the broker has published execution targets for its trading accounts. 

Three account types are currently available: 

Standard Account and Edge Account 
• Target execution speed: under 30 milliseconds 

VIP Account 
• Target execution speed: under 20 milliseconds 

Execution speed is particularly relevant for traders using automated strategies or short-duration trading systems. 

Infrastructure 

According to the company, the trading environment is connected through Equinix LD4 and LD5 data centers in London, utilizing a VPS solution to provide 1 millisecond latency and 100% uptime. 

“These facilities host a significant portion of global electronic trading infrastructure and are commonly used by financial institutions and liquidity providers,” Boulter said. 

The broker also supports FIX API connectivity, allowing external trading systems to connect directly to the platform. 

Platforms and Roadmap 

TabTrade launches on MetaTrader 5. 

The company has also indicated that TradingView and cTrader integrations are planned as part of a multi-platform expansion. 

Regulation 

TabTrade is led by fintech entrepreneur Benjamin Boulter and operates under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Saint Lucia. 

The company states that client funds are held in segregated accounts. 

About TabTrade 

TabTrade is a global forex and CFD broker founded by Benjamin Boulter. Operated by TabTrade Ltd (company number 2025-00919), TabTrade offers 0.0 pips average spreads on major FX pairs, commission-based pricing, MT5 trading, execution targets under 30ms (Edge) and under 20ms (VIP), plus FIX API and Equinix LD4/LD5 connectivity. TabTrade is regulated in Saint Lucia with segregated client funds. 

Media Contact 

Benjamin Boulter 

ben@tabtrade.com 

Tabtrade.com 

The oil market in 2026 is characterized by a tug-of-war between structural oversupply driven by robust growth in non-OPEC countries and geopolitical flashpoints that can result in significant volatility. On the one hand, the market is bearish due to oversupply, with inventories expected to build up. However, unexpected developments in key regions can result in significant price swings in both directions. This is a good market for traders who can trade frequently with tight risk management.

The transition following Maduro’s departure is still producing short-term uncertainty regarding the resumption of exports and the functionality of PDVSA (Venezuela’s state-owned oil company). A brief supply squeeze remains a possibility if the resumption of exports is postponed due to logistical or political issues. In the medium to long term, however, the influx of foreign investment and expertise is expected to increase production levels, adding to the existing oversupply situation and further pressuring prices lower.

Escalations of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, whether in the form of infrastructure attacks or increased sanctions from the West, could further reduce Russian energy exports, leading to rapid price surges. Conversely, a genuine peace agreement that reduces sanctions will enable Russian exports to resume freely in the global market. This will inject a large amount of additional supply into an already well-supplied market, accelerating bearish momentum and presenting lucrative short opportunities.

OPEC+ has chosen to maintain production levels in the early part of 2026 to resist growing bearish forces stemming from non-OPEC sources. However, the internal unity of OPEC+ is far from assured, and disputes, if further complicated by crises within individual countries such as Venezuela or Iran, could lead to surprise changes in OPEC+ quotas. Unexpected reductions would offer temporary bullish momentum, but loss of internal cohesion and consequent overproduction would further cloud the downside outlook, offering tradable volatility in the wake of OPEC+ ministerial meetings.

Renewed sanctions, internal strife, or a government crackdown in Iran remain persistent. Any material disruption in Iranian exports would likely risk the market. The disruption could result in significant price moves. In the absence of such escalation, however, the market continues to price relatively stable Iranian supplies.

Geopolitics will continue to be the primary influence on market movements in 2026, with the ability to override fundamentals and create quick 5-10%+ moves based on market-sensitive headlines. Although the underlying structural imbalance suggests a bearish outlook for the year, traders utilizing CFDs on Brent or WTI crude can look to profit from both the bullish and bearish scenarios. Remaining agile, utilizing sound risk management, and paying close attention to market-moving events such as peace negotiations, sanction announcements, OPEC+ statements, and Venezuelan export updates will be crucial in converting 2026’s market volatility into a trading opportunity.

For more information, visit here.

HFM is kicking off 2026 with a reinforced commitment to trader empowerment by launching a brand-new series of Trading Courses and an accompanying eBook. Designed to support everyone from novices to seasoned professionals, these professional learning tools are now accessible through HFM’s various platforms. 

Master the Markets with Expert Courses 

The latest curriculum focuses on the core pillars of successful trading: 

• Core Concepts: Mastery of essential market fundamentals. 

• Practical Strategies: Actionable techniques for real-world trading. 

• Risk Management: Critical methods for protecting capital. 

The primary goal of these courses is to help students navigate fast-moving markets with sharper decision-making skills and increased confidence. 

New Essential Reading 

To supplement the video courses, HFM has released a practical reference guide titled "A Trader’s Guide to Economics and Fundamental Analysis". This eBook allows traders to study complex economic concepts at their own pace. 

By continuing to invest in these relevant and accessible resources, HFM provides its community with the tools needed to expand their skill sets and trade more effectively. 

For further details on these educational offerings, please visit the official HFM website. 

January 2026 – Global multi-asset broker HFM has officially announced the launch of its new Loyalty Program. This initiative offers all clients—both new and existing—the opportunity to earn extraordinary rewards simply by trading. 

The Road to Legend: Participants in the program begin at the Rookie level and can advance through the ranks of Rising Star and Pro, ultimately aiming for Legend status. As traders progress along this "Road to Legend," they accumulate Trophy Road Points (TRP) on eligible trades, which can be exchanged for a wide variety of exciting prizes. 

Unlocking Rewards and Features: The rewards available are extensive, ranging from cash prizes and high-end electronics to luxury vacations and even a supercar. To welcome participants, HFM grants the first 100 TRP immediately upon joining the Loyalty Program. 

Beyond standard trading rewards, the program introduces an engaging new experience featuring: 

• Missions: Users can complete specific tasks with both trading and non-trading requirements. 

• Crystal Boosters: These allow traders to maximize their TRP earnings on trades involving specific instruments. 

Traders can join the program today via the HFM website. 

Disclaimer: The provision of the Loyalty program shall not be considered as advice and/or recommendation to deposit and/or trade any trading instrument offered by the Company. 

About HFM 

HFM is a global multi-asset broker trusted by over 4 million clients worldwide, offering a broad spectrum of financial instruments. Committed to security and regulation, HFM delivers an unparalleled trading experience, equipping clients with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the complex world of online trading.