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<p>Chris manages the relationships with our partners to provide our users with the best Forex trading experience possible. Chris has 15+ years of experience in research, editorial and design for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep understanding of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affect them.</p>

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Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Clients can lose more than they deposit. All trading involves risk.

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Best Brokers For Trading VIX Volatility Index for 2025

Edited by
Author
Alison Heyerdahl
Edited by
Alison Heyerdahl
Head of Content
Learn more about Alison Heyerdahl
Chris Cammack
Author
Chris Cammack
Partner Manager and Financial Writer

<p>Chris manages the relationships with our partners to provide our users with the best Forex trading experience possible. Chris has 15+ years of experience in research, editorial and design for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep understanding of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affect them.</p>

Learn more about Chris Cammack

The Volatility 75 Index, or simply the VIX, measures stock-market volatility. Often called the “fear index”, it measures how much volatility professional investors believe the S&P 500 index of leading US shares will experience over the next 30 days. Since the VIX has a strong negative correlation with the stock market, it has become a popular financial instrument among traders, who use it to hedge against falls in stocks and for purely speculative reasons.

Our guide to the VIX will explain what it is, how it is calculated, how traders use it as part of a risk-management strategy, the advantages and disadvantages of trading VIX CFDs, and which brokers are the best for VIX trading. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested over 180 CFD providers to provide the top VIX brokers for traders of all budgets and preferences.

Lowest Cost VIX Broker
Trade VIX on MT4 and MT5
VIX Futures Trading

Best Brokers For Trading VIX Volatility Index for 2025

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Official Site
VIX 75 Index
Max. Leverage
Cost of Trading
Total trading cost at the time of last update, for 1 lot of EUR/USD using the account with the lowest minimum deposit. Includes spread and commission.
Regulators
Compare
4.61
/ 5
Yes
USD 0
30:1
USD 10
FCA Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersDubai Financial Services Authority
Bundesanstalt für FinanzdienstleistungsaufsichtSecurities Commission of the BahamasCapital Markets Authority
4.59
/ 5
Yes
USD 100
30:1
USD 9
ASIC Regulated Forex BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Agency
Central Bank of IrelandFinancial Regulatory Services AuthorityIsrael Securities Authority
4.46
/ 5
Yes
USD 200
30:1
USD 8
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthoritySecurities Commission of the BahamasCapital Markets Authority
4.69
/ 5
Yes
USD 0
30:1
USD 6
FCA Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersMonetary Authority of Singapore
Dubai Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Services AgencyCommodity Futures Trading AssociationSwiss Financial Market Supervisory AuthorityFinancial Markets Authority of New ZealandBundesanstalt für FinanzdienstleistungsaufsichtBermuda Monetary Authority
4.45
/ 5
Yes
USD 5
30:1
USD 6
CySEC Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services AuthorityInternational Financial Services Commission
FSCA Regulated Forex Brokers
4.53
/ 5
Yes
USD 0
2000:1
USD 10
CySEC Regulated BrokersFCA Regulated BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services Authority
Financial Services CommissionThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityCapital Markets Authority
4.14
/ 5
Yes
USD 10
1000:1
USD 17
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Regulatory Services Authority
4.60
/ 5
Yes
AUD 100
30:1
USD 6
ASIC Regulated Forex BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services Authority
Financial Services CommissionCapital Markets Authority
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How Brokers Are Scored

FxScouts’ Broker Score and Trust Rating constantly evolve to reflect the forex market’s dynamics. We ensure transparency by incorporating regulator data and user insights. Our in-depth reviews consider over 200 metrics across seven key categories. The radar chart to the left shows how important each category is when calculating a broker’s final score.

  • Trust Rating: Assessment of broker reliability and reputation
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Learn how we set the standard for broker reviews. Explore our in-depth review process here.

Pepperstone

Lowest Cost VIX Broker

Pepperstone
4.61
75.3% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Min. Spread

0 pips

Regulation

CMA, BaFin, SCB, DFSA, ASIC, FCA, CySEC

Min. Deposit

USD 0

Why Pepperstone Stands Out

  • Best for

    Traders looking for low-deposit, low-cost trading, and fast execution on the VIX.

  • Why we like it

    Pepperstone offers fast-execution VIX trading on a wide choice of trading platforms, and two low-cost, low-deposit accounts. It also offers comprehensive and in-depth education and market analysis.

Why Pepperstone Falls Short

  • Drawbacks

    Pepperstone has a complicated commission structure on its ECN account that varies depending on your chosen trading platform.

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Pepperstone | Lowest Cost VIX Broker

Final Verdict: Is Pepperstone right for you?

Trade if:

  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Great platform choice

Consider Alternatives:

  • Limited market analysis
Visit Broker
Accepts Zambian Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5 & cTrader platforms supported. Pepperstone Group is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and the DFSA.

AvaTrade

Trade VIX on MT4 and MT5

AvaTrade
4.59
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Min. Spread

0.9 pips

Regulation

ISA, FRSA, CBI, FSA-Japan, FSCA, ASIC, CySEC

Min. Deposit

USD 100

Why AvaTrade Stands Out

  • Best for

    Traders who want to trade the VIX on the MT4 and MT5 platform

  • Why we like it

    AvaTrade is a great broker for beginners, with some of the best educational support in the industry

Why AvaTrade Falls Short

  • Drawbacks

    The VIX is only available as a Short-Term Futures ETN at AvaTrade and is only available for USD accounts

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AvaTrade | Trade VIX on MT4 and MT5

Final Verdict: Is AvaTrade right for you?

Trade if:

  • Top-tier regulation and security with licenses from ASIC and CBI among others
  • Accessible trading with a low minimum deposit of 100 USD
  • Award-winning mobile trading with the AvaTradeGO app with social trading features

Consider Alternatives:

  • Market analysis could be more extensive
  • Avatrade is a Market Maker and operate a dealing desk which might not align with all trading preferences
Visit Broker
Accepts Zambian Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.90 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. AvaTrade Group regulated by ASIC, FSCA, B.V.I FSC & FSA.

IC Markets

VIX Futures Trading

IC Markets
4.46
70.81% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Min. Spread

0.1 pips

Regulation

CMA, FSA-Seychelles, SCB, CySEC

Min. Deposit

USD 200

Why IC Markets Stands Out

  • Best for

    Traders who understand how to trade futures.

  • Why we like it

    The VIX at IC Markets is priced directly from the underlying market. Commissions, financing charges, and dividend adjustments are built into the spread itself so there are no surprise costs.

Why IC Markets Falls Short

  • Drawbacks

    IC Markets Futures CFDs are set to expire two working days before the contract expires on the underlying market. Futures are complex instruments and traders will need to fully understand how they function before trading them.

youtube-cover

IC Markets | VIX Futures Trading

Final Verdict: Is IC Markets right for you?

Trade if:

  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Wide range of assets

Consider Alternatives:

  • High minimum deposit
  • Limited market analysis
Visit Broker
Accepts Zambian Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.10 pips with 7 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5 & cTrader platforms supported. IC Markets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, the SCB, and the FSA .
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What is the Volatility 75 Index (VIX)?

The VIX is the most watched volatility index in the global markets. It measures expected volatility in the S&P 500 but is also a barometer for confidence in the wider US stock market.

How Volatility Trading Works

Before you trade the VIX, you must understand how volatility trading differs from standard CFD trading. Volatility is a measure of the movement of an asset’s price (in this case, the expected movement of the S&P 500 index over the next 30 days) rather than a measure of the price itself. So, with volatility trading, rather than focusing on the direction of change, you are speculating on how much the market will move and how frequently that movement will occur. As mentioned, the VIX and S&P 500 are strongly negatively correlated. That means that when the VIX increases, the S&P 500 is likely to fall, and when the VIX falls, the S&P 500 is likely to rise. 

Why Trade the VIX?

Unlike indices, such as the S&P 500 or FTSE, which are groups of company shares, the VIX is a volatility index. The VIX is calculated by tracking the underlying price of S&P 500 options, not the stock market itself, allowing it to estimate the 30-day volatility of the S&P 500. The VIX tends to rise with increased market instability. Conversely, if the VIX falls, it signifies stable markets and an increase in the S&P 500. 

When the VIX reading is above 30, it implies high expected volatility and investor fear about the market’s direction. By contrast, a reading below 30 suggests investors are generally confident about the market outlook. In March 2020, amid concern about the impact of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, the VIX jumped to 82.69, its highest level ever, as stock markets crashed around the world. 

During highly volatile periods, investors dump stocks and buy “haven” assets considered more stable in times of uncertainty, such as US Treasury bonds or gold. Traders often use the VIX to hedge their portfolios against market downturns. For example, you would buy the VIX if you go long on shares in a US company but want to offset potential losses if the market takes a downturn. Taking a long position on the VIX could balance out drawdowns you may experience and hedge your market exposure. Because the VIX negatively correlates with other asset classes, it can reduce overall risk and increase returns.

Some traders also speculate on the direction of the VIX itself rather than using it as a hedge. Depending on their outlook for market volatility, they may take long or short positions in VIX futures or options CFDs.

Going Long or Going Short on the VIX

When you open a position on the VIX, you can either take a long or a short position. If you take a long position, you believe that volatility will increase; if you take a short position, you believe it will decrease. Although there is a strong negative correlation between the VIX and the S&P 500, volatility traders are not interested in whether the price of the S&P 500 will rise or fall, as they can profit from both price movements.

Going long on the VIX

Traders often choose a long position on the VIX during times of financial instability, when there is a lot of uncertainty and fear in the market. For example, you would have made a substantial profit if you had taken a long (buy) position on the VIX at the beginning of the Covid pandemic when it hit 82.7 per cent volatility.

Going short on the VIX

Traders take short positions during times of low volatility and generally when they expect the S&P500 to rise in value. Low interest rates and economic growth usually result in the steady growth of the S&P500’s share prices, so traders short-sell the VIX, expecting that volatility will remain low during these conditions. However, it can be risky to short-sell the VIX, as losses can be significant if volatility spikes.

Using the VIX 75 as a Risk Management Tool

The VIX can also be used as a risk management tool. Because the VIX provides information on levels of implied volatility, it can help determine trade sizes. During periods of higher volatility (high VIX levels), it is prudent to reduce your lot sizes, whereas, during periods of lower volatility (lower VIX levels), you can increase your lot sizes. 

"Traders often use the VIX to hedge their portfolios against market downturns."

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The Benefits and Risks of trading VIX CFDs

Like all CFDs, there are advantages and drawbacks to trading these risky assets.

Benefits of Trading VIX CFDs

Trading the VIX allows traders to generate profits from the expected volatility of the S&P 500 index. It also has many other benefits:

Easy Access and Flexibility: Traders can open an account with a broker and trade on a VIX CFD with a relatively small amount of capital. They can open or close positions anytime during the trading day and choose their trade size. 

Go long or short: You can speculate on VIX price movements in both directions. Traders generally buy (go long on) the index when uncertainty rises in the markets since uncertainty will likely result in heightened fear and greater volatility. Equally, when investors feel confident, volatility will likely decrease, so traders that sell (or go short on) the index may profit.

Leverage: VIX CFD brokers allow traders to use leverage, which means they can trade with a smaller initial investment than they would need to trade VIX futures or options directly. This can magnify potential returns but also magnify potential losses, so it’s important to use leverage judiciously and manage risk carefully.

Lower costs: Trading VIX CFDs can be cheaper than trading VIX futures or options, as there are lower transaction fees and no need to pay for margin financing. However, traders should be aware that other costs may be associated with CFD trading, such as overnight swap fees.

Diverse trading strategies: VIX CFDs can be used in various trading strategies, such as speculating on volatility spikes, hedging against market downturns, or taking advantage of market inefficiencies.

Disadvantages and risks of trading the VIX 75 via CFDs

While there are significant benefits to using CFDs to trade the VIX 75, there are also considerable risks that any trader should be aware of before trading these complex financial products.

Leverage: When you trade with leverage, you are essentially borrowing money from your broker to increase the size of your position. While this can potentially increase your profits, it also increases your risk of loss. If the market moves against you, your losses can be significantly magnified.

Constant monitoring: You must always be alert to possible changes in your position. News announcements and other economic events can increase volatility significantly. This may cause rapid price changes that cause the balance of your account to change quickly. This is especially true if you have taken a short position on the VIX.

It is easy to take on too much risk: Because the cost of trading the VIX is low due to leverage, it is easy for traders to be lulled into a false sense of security and take on higher trading positions than is prudent. 

Limited liquidity: VIX CFDs are less liquid than other financial instruments, such as major currency pairs or stock indices. This can lead to wider bid-ask spreads, slippage, and difficulty executing trades at the desired prices.

"The VIX measures expected volatility in the S&P 500 but is also a barometer for confidence in the wider US stock market."

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The role of CFD brokers in trading the Volatility 75 index

Brokers facilitate trading on the VIX. They act as intermediaries between traders and the exchange, executing trades on behalf of their clients.

Important considerations when choosing a broker for trading the VIX

When choosing a broker to trade the VIX, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

Regulation: You must ensure that the broker is legitimate and trustworthy. Reputable brokers are regulated by financial authorities such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Check whether your broker has a regulatory licence, and then check with the regulator that the licence is valid.

Trading Platforms: Traders should choose brokers that offer a variety of stable and user-friendly trading platforms. Trading platforms should provide useful features such as technical indicators, risk management tools, and various charting tools. Third-party platforms, such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, are popular among traders because they are available at most brokers, and traders can customise and save their settings should they migrate to another broker. 

Trading Fees: Trading fees include spreads, commissions, and overnight swap fees. Brokers must publish their trading fees on their websites, and traders should choose brokers with competitive spreads and commissions, as these fees can significantly impact profitability.

Leverage: The broker should offer flexible leverage options for trading the Volatility 75 index. Leverage can magnify profits and increase risks, so traders should choose a leverage level that matches their risk appetite and trading strategy.

Customer Support: The broker should provide excellent customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and telephone. Traders should be able to contact the broker at any time and receive prompt and helpful assistance.

Education and Research: The broker should provide educational resources and research materials to help traders improve their skills and stay informed about market developments. This can include webinars, tutorials, market analysis, and trading signals.

Deposit and Withdrawals: The broker should offer convenient and secure deposit and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Traders should also check the broker’s withdrawal policy and processing times.

"Because the cost of trading the VIX is low, it is easy for traders to be lulled into a false sense of security and take on higher trading positions than is prudent."

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Chris Cammack

Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris Cammack

Chris Cammack is partner manager and senior financial writer at FxScouts, specialising in broker relations and forex market analysis. As the former Head of Content (2019–2024), he set editorial standards for all content published at FxScouts, including broker reviews, broker comparison pages and education.


With over a decade of experience in editorial management and partner relations, Chris builds and maintains our relationships with our partners to provide the best Forex trading experience for our users.


He also co-hosts the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast with Alison Heyerdahl, where he explores trading strategies, industry news, and macroeconomic trends to help traders navigate the markets with confidence.

Alison Heyerdahl

Head of Content

Alison Heyerdahl

Alison joined the team as a writer in 2021. She is the Head of Content for FxScouts. She has a medical degree with a focus on physiotherapy and a bachelor's in psychology. However, her interest in Forex trading and her love for writing led her to switch careers. She has a passion for Forex trading and over a decade of editorial experience researching Forex and the financial services industry, producing high-quality content. She hosts a weekly podcast, "Let's Talk Forex", alongside Chris and has produced over 100 Forex educational videos for the FxScouts YouTube channel. She also writes weekly technical analyses and has tested and reviewed over 120 Forex brokers.

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Financial Writer

Ida Hermansen

Ida is a financial writer with a degree in Digital Marketing and a strong background in content writing and SEO. Her expertise extends beyond marketing and writing, with a keen interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks. Ida's passion for crypto trading sparked a deeper fascination with Forex technical analysis and price movement. She is continually expanding her knowledge in Forex trading, staying informed about the latest trends and identifying the best trading environments for new traders.

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Financial Writer

Stefan de Clerk
The newest member of our team, Stefan has a degree in Marketing and more than a decade of experience writing quality content in both finance and tech. Stefan's deep fascination with how factors like geopolitical events, big data and market sentiment influence the financial markets drives his passion for Forex trading. He believes that if you want to feel the pulse of the world economy, trade Forex, and if you want to trade Forex, you need well-researched, unbiased and objective information.

                

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