Broker News: August 2019 Round Up

Here’s our essential round-up for traders, bringing you the latest developments from the brokers and the wider industry this month.

Regulation

Australian financial regulator, ASIC, has released a consultation paper setting out proposals to tackle binary options and CFD products in order to protect retail traders. The consultation paper follows on from the ESMA regulations put in force in 2018. It provides a snapshot of the binary options and CFD market and describes the harm to consumers that ASIC has observed. Read the full story here.

Markets

CMC Markets is now offering its customers three new commodity indices: the Energy Index, Agricultural Index and Precious Metals Index. These new indices give clients the opportunity to invest in multiple raw materials simultaneously and cost efficiently, with just one transaction. In addition, the broker is continuing to roll out  a series of platform upgrades, which include an updated watchlist view on both mobile and desktop, new topical watchlists, mobile chart upgrades, a desktop multi-interval chart tool, fixed layouts, window tabs, an alternative light theme and updated mobile navigation..

Meanwhile, eToro has launched a range of new market company portfolios, including genres such as DroneTech and Driverless.

Technology

FTSE listed broker, Plus 500, is reporting a range of new charting tools for its iOS platform, according to the latest update in the App Store. GUI improvements are also cited.

Also on the App Store, Pepperstone is reporting that its new cTrader platform has introduced fresh functionality. This includes the ability to amend stops & limits using ‘drag and drop’ from the full screen chart mode. See our Pepperstone review.

Trading industry software developer Devexperts, have introduced an intelligent assistant for traders called Devexa. The technology understands natural language through smart speakers and popular messengers enabling traders to request real-time quotes, charts and fundamentals, set up alerts for custom market conditions and get instant support. Devexperts are working with brokers to integrate the Devexa assistant into existing technologies.

Other news

Finally, TigerWit is in the process of establishing partner networks in other jurisdictions around the world, designed to service clients in countries where they do not yet have a physical presence. The broker is focused on expanding their innovative products and educational services and see global partnerships as a better way to grow than branching out organically from its base in London.