Strathos

The spread on Strathos depends on the account type. For the Standard account, it starts from 1.2 pips, which is a bit wider than I prefer, but it’s not uncommon for this type of account. If I want tighter spreads, the ECN accounts offer a spread starting from 1.0 pips, and for the Prime accounts, it can be as low as 0 pips. However, these accounts do charge a commission, so I have to balance the cost of commissions with the tighter spreads.

I can trade a variety of instruments on Strathos, including stocks, commodities, metals, forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies, which I find appealing for diversifying my trades. However, I noticed that they do not offer bonds, options, or ETFs, which are instruments I occasionally use to hedge my positions. This is something I personally miss, as I like to have access to all asset classes.

Strathos offers leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients. Personally, I prefer higher leverage, as it allows me to maximize my trades, but I understand the need for lower leverage for retail clients to manage risks. While 1:30 is the limit for retail traders, I think it’s still enough for most people, especially for those just starting out in the market. For professional traders, higher leverage options are available, but I always weigh the potential risks that come with using high leverage.

In my view, Strathos is legit in the sense that it was once regulated by ASIC, but the “Exceeded” status of its license leaves me feeling uncertain. For me, this status is crucial because it suggests that the broker might not currently meet all regulatory standards. I still consider it a risk to trade with a broker in this situation, and I’d recommend caution if you’re thinking about depositing significant funds.