Educational Articles

Knowledge Base

Reading time • 6 minute(s)
What Are the US Midterm Elections and Why Do Markets Care?
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital at risk. What Are the US Midterm Elections? The US midterm elections are nationwide elections that take place halfway through a US president’s four-year term — hence “midterm.” The 2026 US midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday 3 November 2026, and could reshape expectations around government spending, taxation, regulation and industrial policy for the remainder of President Trump’s term. Midterm elections occur at the midpoint of a presidential term and usually result in the president’s party losing ground in Congress. Over the past 23 midterm elections, the president’s party has lost an average of 27 seats in the House of Representatives and three in the Senate. The elections are often viewed as a public report card on the sitting administration — a chance for voters to signal approval or disapproval of the president’s performance without removing them from office.
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Reading time • 3 minute(s)
Trading 24/5: how to trade US stocks outside regular market hours
What is Trading 24/5? Trading 24/5 lets XTB clients trade selected US stocks outside regular market hours, from early Monday to late Friday. Instead of waiting for the US market to open at 14:30 UK time, you can react to news, earnings and global events as they happen. Trading 24/5 applies to selected US-listed stocks. It is not switched on automatically: you choose to enable it in the XTB app and accept the terms before you can trade outside regular hours. This guide explains how US trading hours work, what you can trade with Trading 24/5, the risks to consider, and how to switch it on.
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Reading time • 3 minute(s)
The FCA Consumer Duty: What is it?
The financial services industry has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the Consumer Duty. This regulation, enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), came into effect in July 2023 and places a paramount focus on protecting consumer interests and ensuring that firms deliver consistently excellent outcomes. At the heart of the Consumer Duty are four core principles: acting in good faith, avoiding foreseeable harm, being open and transparent, and delivering fair value. These principles demand a fundamental shift in how financial firms operate, prioritising customer needs and well-being above all else. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of the Consumer Duty, exploring its impact on both consumers and financial firms. We will also discuss how XTB is actively working to comply with this landmark regulation, ensuring that our clients benefit from enhanced protection, transparency, and fair value.
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Reading time • 6 minute(s)
Best Stock Broker - How to Choose the Best UK Broker
Many individuals embarking on their trading journey often seek out the best brokerage firms in the UK. In the competitive world of online trading, XTB offers a comprehensive range of services and features designed to cater to traders of various experience levels and trading styles. In this article, we delve into what XTB offers, exploring the tools, platforms, and services that traders can expect to find catering to both beginner and experienced traders.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
Interest Rates FAQs
How do interest rates work and how is the interest rate determined? Is this offering limited in time? Our FAQs on Interest Rates offer in-depth answers to common asked questions, ensuring that you have all the information you need to navigate your investment journey confidently.
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Reading time • 2 minute(s)
Is XTB Regulated?
Yes. In the UK, XTB operates through XTB Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Firm Reference Number (FRN) 522157. You can verify this directly on the FCA register.
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Reading time • 1 minute(s)
Client Money Protection
XTB Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. As such, we treat the protection of Client Money in strict accordance with the FCA's rules and regulations.
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Reading time • 7 minute(s)
Internet Security
Online frauds are becoming a more and more frequent threat. Learn all about the methods used by cyber criminals, how to protect yourself from them and how to act in case you become a victim of cyber crime.
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Reading time • 7 minute(s)
The Best Trading Platform for Beginners
A reliable platform is the basis for both traders and investors. The XTB platform combines all the features of a professional trading platform, which was also built with beginners in mind. In this article you will learn: What is a trading platform? Use cases of best trading platforms Why is the correct choice of platform so important for beginners? Features of best trading platforms for beginners xStation5 - innovative trading platform
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