Mobile trading: Is it better than desktop trading? What does the statistics say?

The internet has not only made trading more accessible, but it has also founded one of today’s most used financial technologies – Mobile trading.

The smartphone revolution transformed how we go about with our daily endeavors, manage our finances, and organize our tasks. Today, most investors check out their mobile when striking financial news is spread.

Some might say that desktop trading is obsolete, but many argue that the mobile app experience is limited, and most providers equip their web versions with all the features. Is it true? Let’s put that to the test!

Why Has Mobile Trading Become Popular?

Trading through mobile has gained massive popularity due to its accessibility and convenience, allowing users to trade on the go. This aligns with today’s lifestyles, as everything moves fast, and people juggle multiple tasks at once with little time dedicated to sitting in front of the desktop.

According to App Developer Magazine, mobile stock trading was estimated at $42 billion in 2024, with an approximate CAGR of 23%. This means this segment can reach a $100 billion valuation by 2029.

While we wait for 2024 reports, 2023 was a significant year for investment and financial applications. Fintech app installs rose by 42%, with sessions up by 24% compared to the previous year.

Top Characteristics to Look For

When looking for the right mobile trading app, you must have comprehensive research and charting tools to view markets and orders.

The transformation to a mobile-first trading experience has been crucial for many brokerage firms and technology providers. A well-designed trading app should provide a smooth and efficient interface, user-friendly layouts, and helpful widgets. Here are our top three characteristics:

Account Management

A good mobile trading application must offer easy and efficient account management that supports portfolio monitoring, transaction history details, and customizable dashboards.

It must also ensure top-level security protocols like two-factor authentication and biometric logins to ensure safe access to funds.

Seamless Payments

Smooth deposit and withdrawal processes are crucial for a hassle-free trading experience. Most of today’s mobile banking apps, digital wallets, and crypto applications focus on one-click transactions, accurate processing times, and low fees, optimizing user experience.

Real-Time Newsfeed

One of the most useful traits of mobile apps is providing updates and sending notifications so that users can check wherever they are.

A top-tier trading app should provide real-time news, alerts, and analysis to help traders make informed decisions. This is as important as providing access to financial news, price charts, and expert insights to give traders a competitive edge.

Case Study: B2CORE Mobile Trading App

B2CORE is a comprehensive CRM system that allows brokers to organize their client base, streamline regulatory compliance procedures, and oversee trading activities done by end-users.

On the other hand, B2CORE offers traders a personal cabinet to access trading accounts on different platforms (cTrader, MetaTrader, and more) to manage orders, transactions, and financial reports.

B2CORE successfully managed the transition to mobile trading, allowing users to access similar functions and features between the desktop and mobile app versions. When checking the B2CORE mobile trading app, we found the following features that traders prefer.

• Registration and Onboarding: Clients can directly register and verify their account through the app without having to login from the desktop to upload documents or follow external links.
• QR Code Login: Mobile users can switch from desktop to mobile by scanning a QR code for faster access without storing passwords on the smartphone.
• Flexible Deposits and Withdrawals: Desktop traders usually prefer the web version because some trading apps have limited payment methods. However, B2CORE’s offers similar payment capabilities between the mobile and desktop. 
• Multiple Platform Support: Users can access their trading accounts on different software, such as MetaTrader and cTrader, without limiting their access to the web trader’s version.
• Customer Support Portal: Traders can send inquiries and get help directly from the mobile without having to login through the desktop version.

Verdict: Mobile vs Desktop Trading

Mobile and desktop trading platforms serve different needs, making the choice highly dependent on individual trading styles. While many are used to focusing on their trading session desktop platform, mobile trading provides unmatched convenience.

With real-time notifications, seamless execution, and user-friendly interfaces, mobile trading apps empower traders to stay ahead without being tied to a desk and make informed decisions on the go.