Hirose Tsusho (LION FX) Review: A Detailed Look at Features, Fees, and Fit

Kenji, 28, lives in Tokyo and is considering opening his first FX account. He's seen online that Hirose Tusyo (LION FX) is praised for tight spreads and no trading fees, but he's also come across negative reviews that make him uneasy. He wants to know if it's truly the right fit for him and how to evaluate it. To help Kenji, this article provides a neutral, in-depth look at Hirose Tusyo (LION FX).

What it is

Hirose Tsusho, operating as LION FX, is a Japanese forex broker that has been around for years. Its biggest feature is one of the largest selections of currency pairs in Japan—54 pairs (per the official site)—and free trading fees. It's also known for its advanced trading tools and high swap points, and it's popular with a wide range of traders, from beginners to veterans. The broker also runs unique gourmet campaigns, drawing attention beyond just FX trading.

Who it suits / who it does NOT

Who it suits

• Swap point investors: If you're looking to earn swap points by holding positions overnight, LION FX is often highlighted for its high swap rates (FX comparison guide). This could be a good fit if you're patient and prefer a longer-term approach.
• Traders wanting a wide range of currency pairs: With 54 pairs (per the official site), you can trade major, minor, and exotic currencies like Norwegian Krone or South African Rand that are less commonly offered elsewhere. This is beneficial if you want to diversify or trade less common pairs.
• Cost-conscious traders: The trading fee is free (per the official site). This can reduce costs for frequent traders or those starting with a small amount.

Who it does NOT suit

• Beginners who prioritize support: While the broker offers plenty of informational content, you'll need to compare its phone and chat support with other brokers to see if it meets your needs.
• Those who only trade major pairs: If you only trade pairs like USD/JPY or EUR/JPY, other brokers may offer similar conditions, so there may be no particular reason to choose LION FX.

Features & strengths

One of the largest currency pair selections in Japan (54 pairs)

LION FX's greatest strength is its 54 currency pairs (per the official site). This allows you to invest in emerging market or Nordic currencies that are less commonly available at other brokers. For long-term investors targeting swap points, this wide selection is a major advantage.

No Trading Fees

The trading fee is free, which is a major draw for cost-conscious traders (per the official site). Spreads are considered among the tightest in the industry, and the broker has a solid reputation for order execution (My Choice). Even with no fees, if spreads were wide, the real cost would be higher, but LION FX is said to strike a good balance.

High Swap Points

High swap points are a key reason for its popularity among swap investors (FX Comparison Navi). For long-term investors looking to benefit from interest rate differentials, this is a major attraction. Swap points fluctuate daily, but LION FX actively offers high swaps on high-yielding currencies.

How it compares

Note: Some exceptions apply, such as for Norwegian Krone/JPY (official).

Things to watch

First, the minimum trade size is 1,000 units, but there are exceptions for some currency pairs, so you should check in advance (per the official site). Also, FX trading is not guaranteed to preserve your principal, and there is a risk of loss due to exchange rate fluctuations. Swap points also fluctuate, so they don't guarantee a stable income. Furthermore, opening an account requires identity verification documents and involves a screening process. Even though it's free, registration can take time, so plan accordingly.

How to apply / what to check

1. Apply for an account on the official website.
2. Submit the required documents (such as identification).
3. Once the screening is complete, your account will be opened.
4. Download and log in to the trading platform.
5. Make your first deposit and start trading.

Before applying, check whether the currency pairs you want to trade are available and whether the minimum trade size fits your budget. It's also a good idea to see if a demo account is available.

FAQ

Q: What is the minimum trade size?

A: The basic minimum is 1,000 units, but there are exceptions for some pairs like Norwegian Krone/JPY (official).

Q: Are there trading fees?

A: No, trading fees are free (official).

Q: How tight are the spreads?

A: They are said to be among the tightest in the industry (My Choice). You can check the exact figures on the official website.

Q: Are swap points high?

A: Yes, they are high and popular with swap investors (FX Comparison Navi). However, note that they fluctuate.

Q: Can beginners use it?

A: Yes. There is plenty of informational content, but you should compare the support system with other brokers to see if it suits you.

Bottom line

Hirose Tsusho (LION FX) is best suited for traders who want a wide variety of currency pairs, no trading fees, and high swap points, especially those interested in minor currencies or swap investing. On the other hand, if you're a beginner who needs strong support, it's worth comparing with other brokers. The next step is to open a free account and see for yourself whether the trading tools and content meet your needs. Since registration is free, you can easily close the account later if you change your mind.

Check the latest terms on the official site

Check the latest campaigns, terms and how to apply for Hirose Tsusho on the official site.

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