XM Group vs Hantec Markets: A Detailed Comparison for North Macedonia Traders
Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — North Macedonia Traders
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing between XM Group and Hantec Markets involves weighing global reach against localized service. XM Group, with a stellar 4.7/5 rating, dominates in terms of trading costs, platform variety, and payment flexibility. It supports local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it highly accessible for Macedonian traders. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, offers a more streamlined experience with a focus on regulatory compliance and customer support. Both brokers accept clients from North Macedonia and adhere to international standards, but XM Group’s lower spreads and faster execution give it an edge for active traders. This comparison examines key factors such as costs, platforms, and local payment options to help you decide based on your trading style and preferences.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For North Macedonia traders, trading costs are a critical factor. XM Group offers tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Ultra Low account, while Hantec Markets has spreads from 0.8 pips on standard accounts. Over 100 trades per month, XM Group can save traders $50-$100 in spread costs compared to Hantec Markets. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but XM Group’s volume-based rebates further reduce costs for high-frequency traders in Macedonia.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
Leverage Comparison - North Macedonia Traders
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its own XM WebTrader, all optimized for desktop and mobile. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and a proprietary platform. For North Macedonia traders, XM Group’s broader platform choice and mobile app reliability (available in Macedonian language) give it an advantage. Hantec Markets’ platform is stable but lacks advanced charting tools that active traders need.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with average speeds under 100ms, ideal for scalpers and day traders in North Macedonia. Hantec Markets has dealing desk intervention on standard accounts, causing slower execution. XM Group’s faster fills and minimal slippage make it superior for active trading.
Regulation & Safety for North Macedonia Traders
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA, and ASIC, while Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA and FSA. For North Macedonia traders, both brokers offer protection under international regulatory frameworks, but XM Group’s multiple licenses provide an extra layer of security. The local financial regulator in North Macedonia does not directly oversee these brokers, so traders rely on these international bodies for dispute resolution and fund safety.
Deposits & Withdrawals for North Macedonia
| Payment Method | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
North Macedonia traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. XM Group processes deposits instantly with no fees, while Hantec Markets may charge a small fee for certain methods. Withdrawals at XM Group are typically processed within 24 hours, while Hantec Markets takes 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly popular in Macedonia for their speed and low cost. Minimum deposits are $5 at XM Group and $50 at Hantec Markets, making XM Group more accessible for small retail traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for North Macedonia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both XM Group and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in North Macedonia. XM Group provides these accounts automatically upon request, with no time limit on holding positions. Hantec Markets requires a formal application and may restrict swap-free status to certain account types. XM Group’s more flexible policy is preferable for long-term traders in Macedonia.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Macedonian language support available. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support in English and Chinese, which may be less convenient for North Macedonia traders. XM Group’s faster response times and local language assistance give it an edge.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
XM Group
Hantec Markets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - North Macedonia Guide
Choose XM Group if you...
- Want ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips for active trading.
- Need instant deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20.
- Prefer multiple platforms like MT4, MT5, and WebTrader.
- Value 24/5 customer support in Macedonian language.
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
- Prefer a broker with strong FCA regulation for added security.
- Trade less frequently and can accept slightly wider spreads.
- Want a straightforward platform without advanced features.
- Are comfortable with English-only support and slower withdrawals.
FAQ - XM Group vs Hantec Markets in North Macedonia
Final Verdict - North Macedonia 2026
For most North Macedonia retail traders, XM Group is the clear winner due to its lower trading costs, faster execution, and broader payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its 4.7/5 rating reflects its reliability and trader satisfaction. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, is a viable option for those prioritizing regulatory stability and a conservative trading environment, but it falls short on cost and convenience. Given the local financial regulator’s limited oversight, XM Group’s international licenses and customer-centric features make it the recommended choice for Macedonian traders.