Second quarter 2013 US Forex profitability and account figures are out. During the quarter, brokers reported that 35% of US retail forex traders made money, with 65% experiencing losses. The 35% figure was slightly below Q1 data, as weighted averages were lower by 0.3%. Also reported was an increase of 1,336 total active retail accounts in the US to 100,543, the second straight quarter of overall customer growth.
While the overall results showed only slight changes, in individual names there was greater variance, as brokers reported between 28% to 46.5% profitability rates (see below). Once again, InteractiveBrokers reported the most profitable traders, with clients profitability rising 3.2% to 46.5% during the second quarter. On the other end of the spectrum, at 28%, FXCM had the least profitable traders, despite reporting record trading activity during the quarter. Also notable was the advancement of MB Trading, which was last quarter had the most unprofitable clients at 26.9%, but improved 5.1% to 32% in the second quarter. Overall, figures were mixed as Volatility swings appeared to be both a blessing and curse to traders.
US Forex Broker Profitability and Account Figures
In regards to total accounts, the 1.3% increase in US customers was mainly the result of InteractiveBrokers reporting a rise of 2474 accounts. The 12.6% growth to 22,140 total forex customers nearly put InteractiveBrokers as the top US forex broker, only slightly below FXCM’s 22,196 figure. The gains from Interactive contrasted to notable US contraction taking place at GAIN Capital, FXDD, OANDA, and IBFX/Tradestation.
Among surprises, ILQ increased its account base 40.3% to 1432. The performance was eluded to earlier this week when we reported that the firm looks poised to enter the futures market with an equity stake acquisition of Velocity Futures.
Previous Reports: Q1 2013, Q4 2012, Q3 2012, Q2 2012, Q1 2012
