This week’s financial world saw a dynamic shift, with MetaTrader 5 overtaking its predecessor in trading volume, new expansions from top brokers like IC Markets and eToro, and renewed moves in the US market from prop trading firms. Here’s a breakdown of the major developments that shaped the retail trading and fintech space this week.
MetaTrader 5 Surges Ahead of MT4 in Trading Volume
According to early data from the upcoming Q1 Finance Magnates Intelligence Report, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) has officially surpassed MetaTrader 4 (MT4) in trading volume. MT5 now controls 54.2% of combined trading activity on the MetaQuotes platforms, while MT4 trails behind with a 45.8% share.
The shift is being credited to advancements in trading technology, evolving global regulatory frameworks, and traders’ growing appetite for a broader range of trading instruments advantages that MT5 has steadily capitalized on.
IC Markets Moves Toward UAE Expansion
Australia-based brokerage IC Markets is preparing to solidify its presence in the Middle East by applying for regulatory approval in the United Arab Emirates. This expansion comes as part of the firm’s broader push into emerging markets.
The broker recently named Jason Hughes as its General Manager for the region. Hughes brings years of experience from industry names like eToro, ADSS, Exinity, and CMC Markets, signaling IC Markets’ strong intention to make a major impact in the Gulf region.
eToro Expands Global Reach with HKEX Listings
Fintech heavyweight eToro has announced that it will soon offer full access to all securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The move will unfold gradually and aims to provide eToro users with exposure to one of Asia’s most influential financial markets.
The rollout will include a broad array of products from HKEX-listed stocks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and leveraged instruments. Real-time market data from HKEX will also be available, enhancing transparency for retail investors.
Yossi Brandes, eToro’s VP of Execution Services, stated the expansion reaffirms eToro’s mission to open access to global markets for everyday investors.
XTB’s Share Buyback Sparks Record Stock Surge
Poland-based XTB (WSE: XTB) experienced a sharp uptick in its stock price, reaching an all-time high of 78.74 PLN after unveiling a 10 million zloty share repurchase plan. The announcement was well-received by investors, pushing shares up over 4% during Tuesday’s trading session on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Meanwhile, Hantec Markets Limited, the UK division of the Hantec Group, also made headlines by turning a profit of £72,000 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. This marked a turnaround from a £55,000 loss the previous year.
Forex Participation Booms in Poland and the US
Retail trading continues to grow globally, with Poland emerging as a standout market. Active forex traders in the country increased by 40% over the past year, climbing from 83,000 in 2023 to nearly 117,000 in 2024.
In the United States, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reported that retail forex brokers held approximately $527 million in client funds as of February 2025 an increase of 2.9% from the previous month.
StoneX Acquires R.J. O’Brien for $900 Million
In a major industry shake-up, StoneX Group has announced its acquisition of R.J. O’Brien & Associates, one of the oldest futures brokerages in the US. The deal, valued at roughly $900 million, is set to conclude by the end of this year.
Once completed, the acquisition will integrate R.J. O’Brien’s 75,000 client accounts into StoneX’s operations, strengthening the latter’s position as a leading futures commission merchant in the American market.
FundedNext Returns to US Market with Futures Focus
After stepping back from the US last year in the wake of the MetaQuotes-related crackdown, FundedNext is back this time with a futures-based proprietary trading model. Launched globally, the firm’s new offering is available to US clients as well.
However, FundedNext has clarified that its previous CFD-based products remain off-limits to traders in the United States. The company’s pivot highlights the growing divergence between traditional CFD brokers and the rapidly evolving prop trading scene.
According to Charles Finkelstein, founder and CEO of Upside Funding, the growth in prop firm challenges rising around 30% per year suggests traders are drawn to the rule-based structures of prop firms versus the more open framework of CFDs.
Nvidia Feels the Burn from New US Tariffs
Tech giant Nvidia is facing a financial blow of $5.5 billion due to new tariffs introduced under the Trump administration. These tariffs are impacting the rollout of Nvidia’s H20 chips in China, a region originally targeted for the product.
The chips, developed to comply with US export restrictions, now face an uncertain future as inventories pile up amid geopolitical and trade tensions.
Mantra’s OM Token Crashes Before a Wild Recovery
Blockchain project Mantra (OM) faced one of the week’s most dramatic market episodes. The native OM token plunged over 90% in value, triggering widespread panic across the crypto space. Speculations about insider dumping and centralized exchange issues surfaced almost immediately.
Yet, in a twist, OM rebounded nearly 50% within 24 hours. Amid investor concerns and comparisons to past collapses like Terra LUNA, co-founder JP Mullin issued a public reassurance that the project remains operational and is not at risk of dissolution.
