Finding the right broker means understanding the trading instruments they offer. As a beginner, knowing what you can trade will help you make better decisions. In 2025, brokers provide access to many assets, like forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs. This article compares the trading instruments available from discount brokers, full-service brokers, forex brokers, crypto brokers, stock brokers, and ETF brokers.
Discount Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
Discount brokers are affordable and focus on making trading simple. Here are five discount brokers to consider in 2025:
- Robinhood (USA)
- Offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
- Ideal for beginners interested in popular U.S. trading options.
- Interactive Brokers (Global)
- Provides access to global markets with stocks, ETFs, options, forex, and futures.
- Great for traders looking for a wide variety of instruments.
- Zerodha (India)
- Focuses on Indian markets, offering stocks, derivatives, and commodities.
- Easy for beginners with low fees and simple tools.
- CommSec (Australia)
- Provides access to Australian stocks, ETFs, and bonds.
- Includes options for investing internationally.
- Degiro (Europe)
- Covers European and U.S. markets with stocks, ETFs, options, and futures.
- Affordable and perfect for international investors.
Full-Service Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
Full-service brokers offer more support and a wider variety of instruments. Here are five top full-service brokers:
- Merrill Lynch (USA)
- Includes stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and mutual funds.
- Offers access to hedge funds and structured products.
- Charles Schwab (Global)
- Provides stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and futures.
- Also offers international market access.
- ICICI Direct (India)
- Focuses on Indian stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, and bonds.
- Great for beginners looking for personalized support.
- CMC Markets (UK)
- Macquarie (Australia)
- Covers Australian stocks, ETFs, fixed-income products, and funds.
- Tailored options for Australian investors.
Forex Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
Forex brokers specialize in currency trading and often include other instruments. Here are five trusted forex brokers:
- OANDA (Global)
- Focuses on forex trading with over 70 currency pairs.
- Also offers indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Exness (Global)
- Offers forex pairs, metals, energies, and indices.
- Known for low spreads and reliable service.
- Pepperstone (Australia)
- Specializes in forex with over 60 currency pairs.
- Includes CFDs for indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- HotForex (South Africa)
- Features forex pairs, metals, energies, and indices.
- Offers flexible trading options for all levels.
- FXCM (UK)
- Provides forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Great for traders using automated tools.
Crypto Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
Crypto brokers focus on digital currencies but may include other assets. Here are five popular crypto brokers in 2025:
- Coinbase (USA)
- Binance (Global)
- Features hundreds of cryptocurrencies, futures, and margin trading.
- Includes DeFi options and liquidity farming.
- Kraken (USA)
- Provides cryptocurrencies, futures, and margin trading.
- Known for high security and competitive fees.
- Bitstamp (Europe)
- Focuses on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin.
- Offers a simple and secure trading platform.
- eToro (Global)
- Includes cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and forex.
- Features social trading for following experienced traders.
Stocks Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
Stock brokers focus on equities and related products. Here are five top stock brokers:
- Fidelity Investments (USA)
- Offers U.S. stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
- Includes advanced tools for managing stock portfolios.
- Questrade (Canada)
- Focuses on Canadian and U.S. stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
- Provides access to international equities.
- Hargreaves Lansdown (UK)
- Offers UK stocks, ETFs, funds, and investment trusts.
- Provides access to European and U.S. stock markets.
- Angel One (India)
- Specializes in Indian stocks, derivatives, and IPOs.
- Beginner-friendly with an easy-to-use platform.
- CommSec (Australia)
- Covers Australian stocks and international equities.
- Offers options and managed funds for long-term investing.
ETFs Brokers Trading Instruments Comparison
ETF brokers focus on exchange-traded funds and often offer other instruments. Here are five ETF brokers for 2025:
- Vanguard (USA)
- Specializes in low-cost ETFs for stocks, bonds, and sectors.
- Trusted for its simple and reliable services.
- Wealthsimple Trade (Canada)
- Offers commission-free ETF trading in Canada.
- Focuses on easy access to a wide variety of ETFs.
- iShares (Global)
- Provides a wide range of ETFs, including equity and bond ETFs.
- Offers options for global markets.
- eToro (Global)
- Includes ETFs, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and forex.
- Features social trading and easy-to-use platforms.
- Saxo Bank (Europe)
- Offers ETFs for global markets, including sector-based ETFs.
- Provides advanced trading tools for professionals.
Conclusion
In 2025, understanding the trading instruments offered by brokers is key to success. Whether you’re interested in forex, crypto, stocks, or ETFs, choosing a broker with the right instruments will make your trading journey easier. By selecting a broker that fits your needs, you can start trading confidently and build a solid foundation for the future.