Where you trade
E8 Markets offers one of the most diverse platform selections in the industry. Traders can choose between MatchTrader, cTrader, MetaTrader 5, and TradeLocker. This variety allows for a customized experience, whether the trader prefers the advanced charting of cTrader or the mobile-first approach of TradeLocker.
Think Capital prioritizes the integration of ThinkTrader, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. The ability to trade directly from TradingView is a significant advantage for technical analysts. Furthermore, ThinkTrader is designed for a proprietary experience with a focus on ease of use and modern interfaces.
Who executes your orders
Execution at E8 Markets is handled through various Liquidity Providers. This setup is typical for firms that act as intermediaries, aiming for competitive spreads across different platforms.
Think Capital has a more direct relationship with the brokerage world, using ThinkMarkets as its primary broker. This usually results in a more stable execution environment and transparent pricing, as the firm is backed by the infrastructure of an established global broker.
Leverage and margin
Risk management is handled differently at a technical level between these two firms:
- E8 Markets: Offers up to 50:1 on Forex for its Signature accounts and 30:1 for One and Pro plans. Its drawdown systems are varied: Signature uses a Trailing drawdown, One uses a 4% Dynamic drawdown, and Pro offers a more robust 8% Static drawdown.
- Think Capital: Provides higher leverage, reaching 100:1 on Nexus accounts. A standout feature is its Dynamic Leverage on ThinkTrader, which automatically adjusts based on position size to protect the trader. Margin call is set at 100%. Drawdown ranges from 6% trailing (Lightning) to 8% static (Nexus).
Markets available
Both firms offer a similar range of assets, covering Forex, Indices, Commodities (Metals and Energies), and Cryptocurrencies. E8 Markets allows crypto trading during weekends, a feature also supported by Think Capital, ensuring that traders can manage volatility in that specific market 24/7.
What the setup lets you do
The rules regarding trading styles are clear indicators of the firm's risk appetite:
- E8 Markets allows EAs and News Trading (with limitations in the Performance phase for the One plan). However, it has a strict scalping rule: you cannot hold more than 50% of your trades for less than one minute. It also enforces consistency rules (35% to 40% daily profit cap).
- Think Capital is more flexible with Copy Trading, allowing it between its own accounts as long as the Think Capital account is the "Master." It limits Stacking to a maximum of 2 simultaneous positions. News trading is allowed by default on Swing accounts but requires an add-on for others.
What the setup costs
The cost of execution is a combination of the challenge fee and the commissions per trade:
- Challenge Prices: For a $10,000 account, E8 Markets charges $88 (Pro/One), while Think Capital charges $99 (Lightning).
- Commissions: E8 Markets charges $5/lot on Forex. Think Capital charges $4/lot on MetaTrader 5 but offers commission-free trading on its ThinkTrader platform.
- Payouts: E8 Markets Pro offers Daily Payouts (with 1% profit), whereas Think Capital standard is Biweekly, with a $50 fee for Rise withdrawals.
Better setup for
E8 Markets is the better setup for traders seeking platform variety and a Static Drawdown (Pro plan) with the fastest possible access to profits through daily payouts.
Think Capital is the better setup for traders who value higher leverage (100:1), the ability to trade via TradingView, and a commission-free environment on the ThinkTrader platform.
