IC Markets slippage policy is pretty clear, although some traders allege that IC Markets unfairly applies it.
IC Markets' slippage has become one of the major pet peeves among the broker's clients in recent years. What is really happening here, and how does IC Markets respond to the issue?
There are two sides to every story. Some traders allege that IC Markets unfairly applies negative slippages only, even during normal market hours.
On the other hand, IC Markets claims that "slippage is an inherent part of financial markets". IC Markets itself remains a reputable and highly regulated broker. Here's the long story.
Trader's Complaints
Several traders have lodged multiple public complaints against IC Markets' slippage on high-profile online forums, such as Forex Factory and Forex Peace Army. Here are some of the most popular complaints.
Pipcruiser spoke in Forex Factory on March 2025, "I am getting grey [sic] hairs over IC Markets. I mean really grey [sic]. I trade standard lots and use pending orders at levels (Udine)."
"I thought IC Markets was supposed [sic] to be a straightforward broker and hence I have been with them [sic] some time trading an ECN account. What I witness day in and day out is that 90% of the time I get slipped real bad (2-3 pips) and (strange enough) always in the favor of IC Markets, meaning 90% of my trades I either lose [sic] more or gain less than I should have."
"I am not talking about news events, high volatile trading, etc. Just normal "slow" markets with pending orders waiting to be filled. A rough calculation shows me that I lose [sic] around 30% of my pips because of IC ripping me off."
Pipcruiser further narrated some examples in which his pending orders were executed at different prices by IC Markets. He emphasized that such things happen every day, even in normal market conditions, and that it has nothing to do with the Expert Advisor he used (Udine).
Some other traders conveyed their grievances on a thread dated back to January 6, 2020, on Forex Peace Army. One of them said:
"For example, Gold market opened with a gap at around 1561, and I had a buy stop at 1562, but they executed it at 1585.61 USD. My other buy stops are also executed at the same level with huge slippage."
Looking at all the dirty details, one might wonder whether IC Markets is a scammer or a trusted entity. A new trader then might run fast, or at least think twice, before joining IC Markets. However, an experienced trader will dig deeper to find the facts first.
Facts about Slippages on IC Markets
All the complaints against IC Markets' slippage have three similarities:
- Traders applied pending orders prior to the slippage.
- The slippages are negative for the traders.
- Slippages occur on "normal trading days".
The three of them, by themselves, could not confirm that IC Markets had cheated. Here's why.
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Pending orders: All traders should understand that pending orders are naturally more susceptible to slippages than market orders. However, it is not common knowledge among traders. Those who know it might avoid pending orders, while those who don't... might file a complaint against their brokers. Some trading platforms carried fair warnings about this matter, and IC Markets probably should show similar notifications for traders who want to place pending orders on all of their trading platforms (if they haven't done it yet).
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Negative slippages: There are negative and positive slippages. A negative slippage means prices are executed at worse prices than traders' initial orders, while a positive slippage gives traders a better price (and potentially, more profits). Traders who criticize IC Markets apparently only received negative slippages. But there are proofs that IC Markets handed out both negative and positive slippages to other traders.
- Slippages and volatility: IC Markets mentioned on their web page, "slippage can increase when markets become volatile, such as over news releases". The sentence might mislead people into thinking that slippages can only occur around scheduled news releases. However, the fact is, volatility may increase unexpectedly any time outside of scheduled news releases —and yes, even during normal trading days. For example, the aforementioned trader's complaints on Forex Peace Army were debunked by other forum members who reminded them that the gold price at the time was driven by events in Iraq (which obviously were not scheduled events).
IC Markets is authorized and regulated by multiple official regulatory bodies across the globe. The company's main office in Australia has also fulfilled Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) requirements—recognized as one of the top-tier regulators in the forex industry. IC Markets AU has been licensed under ASIC since its establishment.
As IC Markets is a highly regulated company, a proper complaint against the broker should be directed toward the regulators. The regulators will then investigate the cases and, if the accusations are proven, sanction IC Markets in accordance with their findings.
Since there has been no official investigation and no sanction for years, it is possible that they are lacking in evidence or that the traders themselves did not submit formal complaints against IC Markets. At this point, the complaints against IC Markets' slippage are losing credibility.
Regardless of the accusations, IC Markets remains one of the most popular brokerages to this day. One of the reasons is their raw account which is said to offer incredibly low spreads. It's even comparable to other Australian-based brokers like FP Markets. To explore both brokers' raw accounts, check out FP Markets Vs IC Markets Raw Account Comparison.
32 Comments
Apr 11 2023
Considering that IC Markets is a highly regulated company, I understand the importance of proper channels for addressing any complaints or issues that may arise during my trading journey. In the event that I encounter a problem or have a complaint against IC Markets, I want to ensure that I take the appropriate steps to have my concerns addressed and resolved.
I've heard that when dealing with regulated brokers like IC Markets, it's best to direct complaints towards the regulatory authorities. Can you please provide guidance on how I should go about filing a complaint with the relevant regulators?
Additionally, as a trader located outside of Australia, am I eligible to file a complaint with ASIC?
May 19 2023
If you have a complaint or encounter an issue with IC Markets, it's important to go through the proper channels to get it resolved. Since IC Markets is a regulated company, you should direct your complaint to the regulatory authorities.
To file a complaint, follow these steps:
As for filing a complaint with ASIC as a trader located outside Australia, it's important to note that ASIC primarily regulates Australian entities. However, you can complaint to the other regulator because IC MArket regulate with many regulators beside ASIC.
Apr 30 2023
The article I read highlighted the cases of slippage policy that were found to be inaccurate when it comes to IC Markets. It explained that the instances of slippage were actually a result of high market volatility. This information made me curious about the characteristics of false slippage that can occur with brokers in general. It's quite uncommon for me to come across brokers who intentionally deceive traders with slippage, but I believe it's important to be informed about the signs of fake slippage in order to protect my trading interests. Could you please provide more insights into the specific characteristics of fake slippage that I should watch out for? Understanding these traits would greatly help me in avoiding any potential manipulations and ensuring a fair trading environment.
May 19 2023
Fake slippage occurs when brokers intentionally manipulate prices to their advantage, which is certainly not in the best interest of traders. One characteristic to look out for is consistent slippage that occurs in one direction, especially if it consistently works against you. This may indicate that the broker is deliberately adjusting the prices to your disadvantage.
Additionally, pay attention to any unusual price movements that don't align with the broader market conditions. If you notice significant deviations or sudden price spikes that are not in line with the prevailing market trends, it could be a warning sign of potential fraudulent practices.
By being vigilant and familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you can better protect yourself and your trading activities. It's essential to choose reputable brokers, like IC Markets, that prioritize transparency and fair trading conditions.
May 23 2023
Another tip, in my opinion, that can be highly valuable is to consider the broker's customer support and responsiveness. A broker with efficient and responsive customer support can play a crucial role in addressing any concerns or issues, including those related to slippage. Look for brokers that offer multiple channels of communication, such as live chat, phone support, or email, and ensure that their support team is prompt and knowledgeable in addressing trader inquiries.
Furthermore, it can be beneficial to explore online trading communities, forums, or social media groups where traders share their experiences and discuss various brokers. Engaging in conversations with fellow traders can provide you with valuable insights and firsthand experiences related to slippage or any other concerns you may have.
May 1 2023
Hey there! I just read an article that introduced me to positive slippage and how it can significantly increase profits. It was very informative. However, I have some questions about slippage in general. Is it difficult to avoid? Can slippage be completely eliminated from trading?
I am also curious about how pending orders work to prevent slippage. Are they a faster alternative to placing stop-loss orders? I have so many questions on this topic, so if anyone could explain it to me, I would greatly appreciate it.
May 2 2023
Hey mate, great to hear that you found out about positive slippage and how it can increase your profits! As for your question about slippage, it can be tough to avoid it completely because it's simply the difference between the expected price of a trade and the actual price at which the trade is executed. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the impact of slippage, such as using limit orders and avoiding trading during times of high volatility.
As for pending orders, they work by allowing you to set specific price levels at which you want to enter or exit a trade. This can be helpful in avoiding slippage because the trade will only execute if the market reaches the price level you set, rather than at a potentially unfavorable price due to slippage. It's important to note that pending orders are not necessarily faster than using a stop loss, but they can be a useful tool in managing your trades and reducing the impact of slippage.
May 2 2023
The article has good point! I mean, slippage is a common occurrence in forex trading where the price of a currency pair moves quickly and a trade is executed at a different price than expected. Positive slippage occurs when the trade is executed at a better price than expected, leading to increased profits. While it's not always possible to avoid slippage entirely, there are steps traders can take to reduce its impact. One way is to use limit orders, which allow traders to specify the maximum price they are willing to pay for a currency pair or the minimum price they are willing to sell it for. Another way is to use stop loss orders, which can help limit losses if the trade goes against the trader. Additionally, the most important that need to watch is the traders should be aware of news events and market conditions that could cause sudden price movements and adjust their trading accordingly.
May 3 2023
Based on the article, it seems that traders should not solely rely on their broker's slippage policy. Some comments suggest that it is impossible to completely avoid slippage, as the forex market is affected by news events which can cause sudden movements in prices. To minimize the impact of slippage, traders should stay informed about news developments and adjust their trading accordingly.
And by the way, is itrue that slippage maight be feel it more by the traders who trade with hold position longer such as swing trading and long term trading?
May 3 2023
Let me answer! Yes, it is true that traders who hold positions for longer periods of time, such as swing traders and long-term traders, may be more affected by slippage. This is because they are more likely to enter their trades at specific price levels and hold their positions for a longer period of time, giving the market more time to move against them. However, slippage can affect all types of traders, regardless of their trading style or holding period. It's important to have a solid risk management strategy in place to manage potential slippage and to stay up-to-date with market news and events that can impact the market.
May 5 2023
So, some people are saying that slippage is pretty normal in trading, but others are saying that it's strange for slippage to happen all the time, even when the market isn't volatile.
According to the article, slippage is linked to volatility, right? Like, if there's no volatility, then there can't be any slippage. But I don't think it's just about volatility, you know? The market can be unstable for other reasons too, like low liquidity, surprising news, or other unexpected events. So, do you think there might be other factors besides volatility that cause slippage?
May 6 2023
Yes! There are several factors that may make slippage occur. Basically, Slippage is when the price of an asset moves quickly in a direction that causes your order to be filled at a different price than what you intended. It's true that slippage is more likely to happen when the market is really volatile, like during big news events or sudden market shifts. But it's not just volatility that can cause slippage - low liquidity, or when there's not a lot of buyers and sellers in the market, can also lead to slippage. Basically, slippage happens when there's not enough liquidity or when the market moves really quickly, which can cause your order to be filled at a different price than you wanted. So, while volatility is one of the main factors that can cause slippage, it's not the only thing you need to watch out for.
May 7 2023
Hey there! I just want to add some information here. So, in addition to low liquidity and sudden market shifts, there are also other factors that can contribute to slippage. For example, the size of your order can play a role - larger orders are often more difficult to fill at a specific price, which can increase the likelihood of slippage. Another factor is the type of order you use - certain order types, like market orders, are more prone to slippage than limit orders.
It's important to keep in mind that slippage can happen to anyone, even experienced traders. The key is to manage your risk and be prepared for unexpected market movements. This includes setting stop loss orders to limit your potential losses, and using caution when trading during highly volatile periods. So, I hope it can clarify your thoughts about the slippage! Good day!
May 6 2023
Hey there! Just new at here. And just see the slippage problem in this article. And the testimonies about the IC Market slippage, I can conclude that maybe they trade with some currency pairs and getting slippage during the trading. I mean, if we trade with more liquid products, we will not get too many slipapge outside the event that shock the market, right?
SO, I just want to know, can currency pairs be a factor that causes slippage in trading? And how does slippage differ from requotes? Thank you!
May 7 2023
Hey there! Welcome to the trading world! I'm glad to see that you're doing your research and trying to understand slippage. Based on the article you read and the testimonials about IC Market slippage, it seems like currency pairs could be a factor that causes slippage during trading. I think you're right that more liquid products may have less slippage outside of major market events.
To answer your question, currency pairs can definitely be a factor that causes slippage. This is because different currency pairs have different levels of liquidity and volatility, which can affect how quickly the price moves and how easily your order can be filled. For example, major currency pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD are generally more liquid and have lower spreads, which means you may experience less slippage when trading them.
As for the difference between slippage and requotes, slippage occurs when the price of an asset moves quickly in a direction that causes your order to be filled at a different price than what you intended. Requotes, on the other hand, happen when your broker is unable to fill your order at the requested price and asks if you want to execute the order at a new price. While both slippage and requotes can be frustrating for traders, they are caused by different factors and have different implications for your trading.
Jun 8 2023
Hey there! I've been doing some research on trading and came across the concept of slippage. It's intriguing to learn about the different types, particularly 'negative slippage' and 'positive slippage.' Negative slippage seems a bit concerning as it means executing orders at worse prices than the initial ones. I understand that slippage is a natural occurrence in trading due to market volatility and liquidity conditions, but I'm curious about the frequency and potential impact of negative slippage on traders' account balances. How often does negative slippage occur in practice, and how likely is it to result in a negative account balance? I want to have a clearer understanding of the potential risks involved and how to effectively manage them. If you have any insights or tips on dealing with slippage, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Jun 15 2023
@Windy: Hey, it's awesome that you're diving into trading concepts like slippage! Slippage can be a real headache, especially when it goes negative. Basically, it means your order gets filled at a worse price than you wanted. The frequency of negative slippage can vary, depending on factors like market volatility and liquidity. During crazy times, like high volatility or low liquidity, negative slippage is more likely to rear its ugly head.
As for the impact, it depends on how big the slippage is and how your trades perform overall. If negative slippage happens often and messes with your profits, it can eat into your gains or even push your account into the red.
To tackle slippage, you can use limit orders instead of market orders. They let you set a specific price range for your trade execution. Also, keep an eye on market conditions, use risk management tools like stop-loss orders, and choose a reliable broker who's transparent about their slippage policy.
Jun 23 2023
What are the key factors that contribute to slippage, particularly in the case of IC Markets where it has become a significant concern for their clients? Can you shed some light on the underlying reasons behind slippage and how it affects traders' experiences with the broker? Additionally, I'm curious to know how IC Markets addresses this issue and what measures they have taken to respond to the concerns raised by traders. On another note, there have been claims from some traders that IC Markets applies negative slippage unfairly, even during regular market hours. Could you provide insights into this aspect and the counterarguments that may exist regarding the allegations?
Jun 27 2023
@Justin: Dude, Slippage, especially with IC Markets, can be a pain for traders. It happens when the execution price differs from the expected price, and there are a few reasons behind it. One is market volatility. When things get crazy, like during big news or events, prices can move fast, causing slippage.
Another factor is order execution speed. If there's a or tons of trading going on, you might experience slippage too. But hey, IC Markets knows it's a concern for their clients. They've stepped up their game by using fancy technology and infrastructure to speed up execution and reduce slippage. They've got low-latency connections and nifty algorithms to make things smoother.
Now, about those claims of unfair negative slippage... Here's the deal: Negative slippage happens when the executed price is worse than what you wanted. Some folks say IC Markets does it unfairly, even during regular market hours. But here's the thing, slippage is a natural part of fast-moving markets, and it can happen with any broker. IC Markets has tried to be transparent by sharing execution stats on their website, so you can keep an eye on things.
Jun 30 2023
Can pending orders serve as evidence that a broker is not engaged in cheating or unfair practices? I came across a scenario where three traders were unable to confirm whether IC Markets had cheated them. It was mentioned that pending orders are more susceptible to slippages compared to market orders, but this may not be common knowledge among all traders. Traders who are aware of this may choose to avoid pending orders, while those who are unaware might raise complaints against their brokers.
In light of this information, I'm curious to know if the presence of fair warnings and notifications regarding the susceptibility of pending orders to slippages can be considered as proof that a broker is not involved in dishonest activities. Are there specific guidelines or industry standards that brokers should adhere to in order to inform traders about the risks associated with pending orders? How significant is the impact of slippages on pending orders, and how can traders protect themselves against potential losses when using this order type?
Jul 23 2023
So, I read there's this thing called slippage in forex trading, and it comes in two flavors - negative and positive. Negative slippage is when the prices get executed at worse prices than what traders initially ordered, and that can be a real bummer, right?
But wait, here's the exciting part - positive slippage! It's like a little gift from the market. It happens when traders get executed at even better prices than they expected, and that means potentially more profits! How cool is that?
Now, there's been some talk about traders criticizing IC Markets for only getting negative slippages. But hey, here's the twist - there are actually proofs out there that IC Markets has handed out both negative AND positive slippages to other traders!
So, spill the beans! Have you ever experienced this positive slippage magic with IC Markets or any other broker? How do you feel about the whole slippage game in forex trading? Share your thoughts, my friend! Let's unravel the mystery of slippage together!
Jul 25 2023
Positive slippage is indeed a thing in forex trading, even with IC Markets. It's like a balancing act - where there's negative slippage, there's positive slippage too! So, while I can't remember my personal experiences, I can assure you that positive slippage is possible.
Here's how it works: Imagine you place a buy order at a specific price, but suddenly, the market moves in your favor, and your order gets filled at an even better, lower price than you asked for. Voilà, that's positive slippage right there! For example, if you intended to buy at $100, but thanks to positive slippage, you get filled at $98. That's a pleasant surprise, right? It means you get to enter the trade with a better deal, which might lead to more profits.
Positive slippage is like a lucky charm for traders in the forex world! Just remember, it's essential to have a good trading strategy and stay informed about market conditions. That way, you can make the most of any slippage, whether it's positive or negative. Happy trading, and may positive slippage be on your side!
Jul 23 2023
Have some questions here about the orders things again! First off, can you explain the differences between pending orders, market orders, and instant execution in forex trading, especially when it comes to dealing with slippage? I've heard that slippage can be a real headache for traders, but why is it particularly concerning for pending orders? And why do traders need to be warned about it?
Now, when it comes to managing slippage, what are some strategies that traders can use when using different order types? And what precautions should they take when placing pending orders on trading platforms to minimize the impact of slippage?
I'm also curious about how slippage can affect traders who might not be aware of the differences between these order types. It sounds like it could catch some traders off guard if they're not careful. And you mentioned IC Markets - why do you think brokers like them should provide fair warnings about slippage when placing pending orders on their trading platforms? Is there something specific that traders should watch out for in such cases?
Jul 24 2023
Slippage happens when the price changes between placing the order and it actually getting executed. And you know what? Pending orders are like slippage's favorite playground! They're more likely to get hit by slippage compared to market orders and instant execution.
That's why traders need a heads up about it. You wouldn't want to be surprised by slippage messing up your plans, right? When it comes to dealing with this sneaky slippage, traders gotta be smart. They can use different order types and manage their trades like a boss to minimize the impact. And if you're into placing pending orders, be cautious! Take some precautions when you're doing that on trading platforms to avoid slippage's surprise attacks.
For some traders who ain't aware of these order types and slippage, it can be a total buzzkill! Slippage can mess up their trades and leave them scratching their heads. That's why brokers like IC Markets should give fair warnings. They need to keep their traders in the loop about the risks of slippage, especially when they're placing pending orders. Nobody wants nasty surprises when it comes to trading, right?
Jul 25 2023
You know why the pending order always become slippage plyaground? Picture this - you're about to place a pending order, right? It's like telling the market, "Hey, if the price hits this level, I wanna buy or sell." But here's where things get a bit wonky.
When the price gets close to your pending order level, it might start moving fast, like a rollercoaster on steroids! That sudden price movement can mess with your order execution. So, by the time your pending order is triggered, the actual execution might happen at a slightly different price - that's the infamous slippage!
See, with market orders, you're just like, "Boom! Execute my order at the best available price right now!" But with pending orders, you're kinda playing the waiting game, hoping the market cooperates. If it goes wild, well, slippage happens.
Aug 21 2023
Appreciate the insights. I'm a newcomer in the forex market and don't fully comprehend how the ordering process functions. I conduct my trades via my smartphone, where I input the lot size and value manually, and then I patiently wait. I'm inquiring about the outcome if my order doesn't get executed. Will it be retained until the following day, or will it close automatically?
Aug 23 2023
What do you mean by 'order not executed'? In both scenarios, actual execution occurs almost instantly with minimal variation. Market execution is also completed instantly, typically within a few seconds after you hit the buy or sell button. On the other hand, instant execution refers to an order being executed immediately upon clicking the buy or sell button.
Now, when it comes to pending orders, the situation is a bit different, as you mentioned. Here, you establish the price you desire and simply press the buy/sell button. Subsequently, you must wait for the market to reach your specified pending order level, at which point it will be automatically executed. However, it's crucial to keep an eye on the time frame because you can't maintain the setting for 10 minutes. In simpler terms, if your pending order doesn't touch the market price within 10 minutes, it will be automatically canceled.
Aug 26 2023
You are partially correct and partially mistaken. It's true that pending orders can be canceled due to a time limit. However, it's not accurate to claim that all pending orders share the same time limit. In other words, you have the option to set the time limit for your pending order, and if you don't specify it, the trading platform will automatically assign a 10-minute time limit.
Several scenarios can unfold before your pending order reaches your desired price:
1. Order Cancellation
If you manually cancel a pending order, it will be removed from the market and won't be executed.
2. Order Expiry
Pending orders come with an expiration time, usually determined by the trader when placing the order. If the order isn't executed before the specified expiry time, the trading platform will automatically cancel it.
3. Market Reaching the Order Level
When the market finally reaches the price level you set for your pending order, it will be executed automatically.
I hope this clarifies things for you!
Nov 20 2023
Hey, so here's the deal: I stumbled upon a situation where three traders were questioning if IC Markets played fair with them. And it is mentioned in the picture of this article. The thing is, pending orders, unlike market orders, can be more prone to slippages. Not everyone might know this, though. Some savvy traders might steer clear of pending orders, while others might be in the dark and end up grumbling about their brokers.
Now, I'm curious—do you think if brokers give clear warnings about the slippage risk with pending orders, it's a sign they're playing fair? Are there like rules or standards brokers should follow to keep traders in the loop about these risks? And seriously, how much do slippages mess with pending orders, and what's the lowdown on protecting yourself from losses when you're throwing these orders around?
Nov 23 2023
Simple dude, If brokers are straight-up and drop clear warnings about the slippage risk with pending orders, that's a good sign they're not pulling a fast one and with this article can be evident that IC Market actually give traders warning about the slippage risk. There aren't strict rules, but brokers who keep traders clued in on these risks are usually doing right by their clients.
And the slippage drama? It's like unexpected plot twists for pending orders, messing with prices when you least expect it. To dodge potential losses, traders gotta stay sharp, set real expectations, and maybe reconsider their game plan with pending orders. It's all about being savvy and staying one step ahead in the wild world of trading! Remember, slippage commonly happened in Trading World! About slippage, you can learn more in this article : Guide to Forex Brokers Slippage.
Mar 23 2024
Hello! When it comes to slippage, I think it's quite common in trading. Blaming brokers entirely isn't fair since they also try to reduce slippage. Yet, events like the NFP can impact candlestick patterns. I'm curious about how brokers can help lessen slippage. Even though it's unavoidable, I'm interested in what actions they can take to minimize the risks and losses tied to it.
Mar 27 2024
Let me answer your question! So, slippage in trading? Yeah, it happens all the time, especially when the market goes bonkers, like during the NFP circus. Can't just point fingers at brokers though; they're hustling to manage this stuff too. But hey, they've got a few tricks up their sleeves to ease the pain. Like, they offer different order types—ever heard of limit orders or stop orders? Those can help you control where your trade gets executed and maybe dodge some slippage bullets. Plus, they've got these fancy systems to execute trades lightning-fast, trying to beat the clock and minimize slippage. Some even promise to improve your price at the last second, which could be sweet. Oh, and they pool together liquidity from different places, hoping to get you the best deal possible. And hey, transparency is key—they gotta be upfront about how things work and the risks involved. So yeah, while they can't make slippage disappear completely, brokers are doing their best to keep it in check, and it pays to know what they're up to.
Extra details: Brokers are striving to minimize the chances of slippage, but as traders, we can also educate ourselves to steer clear of trading in such conditions. For more insights on this topic, you can find further information here : Guide to Forex Brokers Slippage