Best MT4 Brokers UK | Top 10 MT4 Brokers Rated & Reviewed - EconomyWatch.com

Best MT4 Brokers UK | Top 10 MT4 Brokers Rated & Reviewed - EconomyWatch.com


Best MT4 Brokers UK | Top 10 MT4 Brokers Rated & Reviewed - EconomyWatch.com

Posted: 28 Jun 2021 03:41 AM PDT

Forex brokerage firms are online providers of financial trading services of various financial instruments. These brokers function by offering well-defined trading platforms and trading tools to forex traders so they can buy and sell assets easily.

Today, there are several forex brokers available in the market. To choose one, you must conduct extensive research to check the functionality, reliability, and transparency of the brokers. When it comes to the functionality of trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 is ruling the market at present.

MT4 is not only the most widely used in the UK but also globally. This top-rated platform comes with advanced trading tools and features. So, you can never go wrong by choosing MT4 brokers to start your trading journey. However, each broker comes with unique features. So, make sure to check if it fulfills your requirements before opening an account.

Table of Contents

Best MT4 Broker UK – AvaTrade

What is MT4 and Why Should You Choose It?

MT4

MetaTrader 4 or MT4 is a state-of-the-art trading platform used by numerous traders and brokers around the world. The software was developed by MetaQuotes in 2005. Both traders and investors can use this platform to open, close, and manage market positions. MetaQuotes developed the platform with the purpose of trading in forex, futures markets, and CFDs.

This platform can be used to perform advanced trading operations while analyzing the financial markets.

MT4 offers three execution modes, such as:

  • Instant execution
  • Execution on request
  • Execution by market

The platform also allows traders to place four types of order requests:

  • Market order
  • Pending order
  • Stop loss
  • Take profit

There are many reasons why you should use MT4 and choose an MT4 broker for trading. First, it is a free trading platform that is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. Secondly, it is a widely used trading platform offered by a huge number of forex and CFD brokers. So, even if you change your broker, you do not have to change your trading platform.

Some other benefits of this platform include –

  • Simple, easy to use, and very smartly designed user interface
  • Compatibility with Windows, Android, and iOS
  • Availability of the most versatile trading tools loaded with several indicators
  • The quick and preferred option of one-click trading for scalpers
  • Hedging if the broker allows it
  • Multilingual trading platform to serve traders from all over the world
  • High level of security to ensure the safety of trading transactions
  • Customizable to a great extent to offer a personalized trading experience
  • Unique back-testing functionality

Features of Reliable Brokers

In forex trading, it is essential to choose the right broker if you want to be a successful trader.

Regulation

In the field of trading, it is most important to trade forex with a regulated broker. Proper regulation under top-tier financial bodies offers a certain degree of assurance to forex traders that the broker would be minimizing the risks of trading losses, keep the fund of the traders secure by providing segregated accounts, and carry out fair financial trading dealings in a way that trade positions are executed at prevailing market price.

The only way to have these advantages is to choose a well-regulated broker. To ascertain a broker's regulation status, you need to go through the websites of various regulatory authorities.

Data Security

The process of opening a trading account with a forex broker involves the submission of personal data and information. Most brokers require the personal details of clients, such as photo ID and any kind of bills for identity and address verification. Traders also need to submit their bank account details for payment.

Now, improper data protection and internet security can lead to identity theft and disruption of forex trading activities. So, when you choose a forex broker, make sure that it deals with a reputable and reliable internet security firm, has access to install SSL (Security Socket Layer) that protects data and information my encryption so wrong people cannot intercept financial files and has two-factor authentication. As a trader, you should also check the privacy policy statement of the broker to ensure that your data is kept private.

Trading Style and System

Every forex trade is based on a certain trading style, strategy, and system to obtain success. While selecting a broker, it is essential to work with the firm that meets your trading style and requirements best. For example, if you are a short-term trader that engages in trades by scalp methods to make profits from trading, you need to make sure that the broker you work with offers scalping, low spread, and access to deep liquidity of the forex interbank market.

Similarly, if you are in long-term trading, you should focus on spreads and trade execution speeds. You also need a brokerage firm that offers an overnight interest rate. If you are finding difficulty in conducting forex market analysis and making major decisions, it is better to go for a brokerage that includes automated trading platforms. These platforms can carry out market analysis and trade orders automatically.

Trading Platforms

Forex trading is carried out through trading platforms. A reliable broker like MT4 forex broker must be able to offer a user-friendly and beginner-friendly trading platform with sophisticated software designed to deliver an easy and exciting trading scenario in the world of forex. Available trading platforms must include all parameters needed to meet the traders' requirements. A reliable trading platform can analyze the forex market perfectly, include trading tools and trading signals, and can execute orders within seconds.

A great example of such great trading platforms is MetaTrader 4 that comes with a multi-terminal feature and a web-based trading platform that provides forex traders with the ability of trading from any reliable browser. MT4 also offers a mobile trading platform, a social trading platform, and forex signals of more experienced forex traders.

Fees and Commissions

The actual cost of trading plays a very crucial role in profitability in forex trading. The difference between a few pips may not make much difference but there is an accumulation that takes place overnight. There is a huge difference between choosing less expensive and expensive brokers.

When you are trading on low-cost forex brokers, you get trade-offs. However, more expensive brokers offer more trading tools, market analysis, research, effective customer services, charting systems, and educational sources. Also, it is recommended to go for brokers that offer tighter spreads because the tighter the spread, the less expensive it would be for you to enter or exit a trade position. Moreover, make sure to check the commission charges. Some brokers do not charge commissions on most trading accounts while others do.

Financial Asset Coverage

The forex market creates a scenario where traders can engage in the trade of multiple financial assets with respective forex brokers. While selecting a forex broker, it is recommended to go for innovative forex brokers that provide access to a wide selection of financial instruments including currencies, stocks, bonds, CFDs, ETFs, precious metals, index, and cryptocurrencies through a single trading account. Reliable forex brokers must have in-depth coverage of products on the different capital markets.

Best MT4 Brokers for Traders Based in the U.K

Since MT4 forex brokers (MetaTrader4) is one of the most used trading platforms due to its user-friendliness and variety of features, there are thousands of brokers who have integrated it into their platform to make it more up-to-date and easy to use for new as well as experienced traders. During our search for the best brokerage companies that offer an MT4 trading platform to its clientele based in the U.K., we found the following 10 reputed providers.

It is important to note that each of the brokers discussed below has different offerings, features, fees, commissions, and account types. We have detailed every single thing to know about the best MT4 brokers UK for those who are interested in opening an account and begin trading their favorite financial instrument.

Based on the points mentioned above, here are some of the best MT4 brokers you can find in the market. You may visit the official websites of the brokers for more information.

1. AvaTrade – Best MT4 Broker for Active Traders and News Traders

AvaTrade

AvaTrade is a popular Irish market maker that offers a fixed spread. This begins from 0.9 pips on forex. It is a great option for all active traders that look for such spread like news traders. However, the broker may not be the best option for all asset-picking traders because of its limited amount of CFDs, which are 200 in total.

The broker has been used by traders for a long time and it is regulated across six jurisdictions, most notably by CySEC within Europe. It shows that AvaTrade is serious about the security of traders' funds, as well as their experience as a trader. This becomes more apparent by the fact that the broker has developed its trading platforms but continues to offer the reliable MT4 platform so the traders can access a wide range of options while choosing a trading platform to use.

AvaTrade is one of the few top brokers to facilitate a great value fixed spread that starts at 1.3pips. Once you open an account with the broker and fund the $100 minimum deposit, you can use the unique AvaProtection service that protects you from losses for a specific period. It is perfect for new traders who are still learning to trade.

At AvaTrade, you can be sure that your funds are always protected by negative balance protection and the use of segregated accounts. These accounts are available in many places across the world, but the services are not currently provided by US traders. Aside from that, the broker is also known for a great range of capabilities, including extensive markets, spread betting, and copy trading.

Pros Cons
Trial on the demo account can be extended Limited crypto assets
Fixed spreads offered on forex trading Spread betting available to UK and Ireland traders only
Spreads starting from 0.5% over-market on CFD trading on crypto
ZuluTrade and DupliTrade available for copy trading
Spread betting with a minimum deposit

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

2. IG – Top MT4 Forex Broker for Trading in the UK

IG

IG is a reliable broker that offers investment services to UK traders since 1974. The broker provides many instruments, including fund dealing, traditional shares, CFDs, and spread betting. Currently, it is one of the top CFD providers worldwide that operates in 17 countries. The retail investors are provided with leveraged access to over 17,000 financial markets by IG through its trading platform and mobile apps.

Although IG offers several trading instruments, the top-rated MT4 broker stands out when it comes to forex trading. On this platform, you can access more than 80 currency pairs or all shapes and sizes. Not only all major and minor pairs are covered but you can also trade exotic currencies with IG.

Traders can trade all forex markets on the IG platform through MetaTrader 4 24/7. It is very useful if you want to enter and exit positions outside of standard hours. The broker offers leverage up to 1:30 on all major forex markets, and 1:20 on minors and exotics to all UK traders.

The broker also offers competitive trading fees. For instance, you can trade all forex pairs on a commission-free basis where all fees are built into the spread. Traders can get the spread down to just 0.6 pips on EURUSD and AUDUSD during standard trading hours.

Pros Cons
Stocks available from just £3 No e-wallet deposits
Spreads from just 0.6 pips with no commissions A high minimum deposit of £250
Regulated by ASIC and FCA
Easy funding into account with bank transfer or debit card

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

2. IC Markets – MT4 Brokers UK with True ECN Connectivity

IC Markets

IC Markets remains at the top of the established brokers that use MetaTrader 4. The broker offers MT4 to traders who trade on a standard account or a MetaTrader True ECN account. IC Markets attempts to offer true ECN connectivity through its MT4 platform. It also means that there are no restrictions on trading which makes it a great broker for scalping. You can trade more than 60 currency pairs on this MT4 forex broker with spreads as low as 0 pips.

IC Markets is also a very popular choice for beginners because it does not impose a minimum deposit. At the same time, experienced traders also prefer the broker for its renowned high-speed order execution for every forex trader.

Pros Cons
Regulated by ASIC and CySEC ZuluTrade partnership only for EU traders
No minimum deposit required A conversion fee may apply
Fast execution of CFD and forex
Unlimited trial on a demo account
Low spreads and commissions on ECN account
All trading features of other accounts available on swap-free account as well
Copytrading through external services

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

4. Pepperstone – Best MT4 Forex Broker

Pepperstone equities available

Pepperstone is one of the best MT4 brokers in the UK for raw spread accounts. By opening an account with this trader, you can trade a wide collection of financial instruments without paying any spreads. It can be compared to an ECN broker account because financial instruments can be bought and sold directly with your market peers. The raw spread account is also available at a very small commission of £2.29, which you can pay at both ends of the trade.

You may already know that the raw spread account is most suitable for advanced traders who stake larger amounts. So, Pepperstone also provides a standard account. It comes alongside spreads, but traders do not pay any trading commissions. Traders are provided with a huge number of tradable markets by this top-rated MT4 broker either way.

The broker covers forex, bonds, stocks, commodities, and indices through CFDs. It also offers a spread betting facility for traders that wish to trade on a tax-free basis. You can pay by using debit cards, bank wire transfers, and Paypal on Pepperstone.

Pros Cons
Compatibility with numerous platforms ETFs are not offered
Raw accounts for zero spreads No proprietary platform
0% commission accounts
Licensed by FCA
Paypal is accepted

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

5. FXTM – Top MT4 Broker for Instant Execution and Market Execution

FXTM

FXTM is one of the biggest CFD providers that offers accessibility to MT4 trading platform to traders through six types of accounts, including ECN types, and standard accounts. Since its establishment, it has been a MetaTrader-only broker. Copy traders also prefer this broker, due to its built-in service.

Thanks to six account types, any kind of trader can find one suitable for them. Beginners can start with Cent accounts that require a minimum deposit of $10. You can also go for ECN accounts with $200 of minimum deposit. Both instant execution and market execution are conducted on ECN and non-ECN accounts.

Pros Cons
Minimum deposit starting from $10 only High fees on withdrawals
Low spreads on CFDs Real stocks not available for UK and EU clients
Spreads from 0 pips for over 60 forex pairs
Low commissions on real stocks
Copytrading is allowed
Very low risk on cent account
Ideal spreads and commissions for scalping with a good range of indicators

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

6. CMC Markets – Top choice as an MT4 Brokers UK to diversify your portfolio

CMC Markets

Traders most often are looking for ways to maximise their chances of making a considerable amount of profit. Per experts, it is better to invest a little in many different financial markets to gain maximum exposure and have a chance to gain more and lose less of your hard-earned capital. CMC Markets is one of the perfect brokers where users can easily diversify their portfolios without having to open and manage multiple trading accounts.

Over the years, CMC Markets has won many awards because it allows traders to trade no with just a few hundred instruments but over 10,000 asset classes. Potential investors based in the U.K. can easily sign up with this MT4 broker to choose one of their desired instruments to trade on a regular basis.

Pros Cons
This specific MT4 broker is best known for being regulated by top-tier FCA. As CMC Markets trading conditions encourage high-risk trades, it is not suitable for novice traders.
In the case of stocks, CMC Markets users have access to some of the top global share CFDs. The broker also offers a customized collection of such shares (usually centers on markets in the U.S. and U.K.) like UK Banks, Gaming, Big Tech, etc.
Besides shares, there are other asset classes available on their MT4 trading platforms like exchange-traded funds, commodities, bonds, and even US treasuries.
Every single asset on CMC Markets can be traded with leverage but there are certain limits to U.K-based retail clients.
While there is no minimum deposit required by this broker to start trading, the spreads start at 0.7 pips with an overall 0% commission.

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

7. Forex.com – Best Choice of every Veteran Trader

Forex.com

Forex.com is not a new name in the industry as it has been operating in the market for 20 long years. This particular MT4 forex broker has made quite a name for itself after gaining popularity for offering high leveraged trades. This broker is a part of a multinational company which is based in the United States. This one is authorized by both the National Futures Association and the CFTC (commodities futures trading commission).

If you are a veteran in terms of online trading using versatile asset classes and if you can handle staking large sums as an investment then Forex.com's high leveraged trading opportunity is not something you should miss out on. The professional account offered by this STP-type broker comes with an innovative one-swipe trading and fast execution of orders.

No minimum deposit is not asked of users if they opt for bank wire. Forex traders like to trade with the exotic currency pairs available on forex.com as they tend to be strong. Highly useful forex charts are offered for free to users through eSignal.

Pros Cons
As a household name for high leveraged trading, forex.com is a professional trader's favorite. Educational content to guide users is absent on this broker platform.
Authentic regulations make this MT4 broker a safe place to try out CFD trading if one has prior knowledge about it.
The MT4 trading platform from forex.com is available to clients for free through their website. It can also be downloaded for desktop or mobile (both Android and iOS).
More than 30 different pairs of CFDs including 45 forex trading pairs are available through this MT4 broker.
High-frequency trading and automated robot usage are allowed on Forex.com.

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

8. OANDA – Top MT4 broker with the lowest spreads and trading costs

OANDA

Due to the growing popularity of the MT4 trading platform, investors around the world see forex as a rewarding opportunity. To delve deeper into the world of forex, people need a reliable broker. OANDA is one worthy candidate which is commended in the global forex industry as one of the pioneering brokerage company that has secured millions of loyal clients over the years.

In addition to a large user base, OANDA is known for its technical developments such as highly advanced tools for analysis as well as trading. The best thing about OANDA's technical features is that these are seamlessly integrated into the broker's MT4 trading platform for easy and constant use.

This particular MT4 forex broker is known for offering its low-cost trading experience to clients from 196 countries around the world. With a solid background and unspoiled reputation since 1996, many traders in the U.K. trust OANDA as their guide into the world of forex trading.

Pros Cons
This broker is regulated by some of the most renowned regulators in the world including CFTC, FCA, ASIC, etc. This broker only has forex and CFDs to offer.
The maximum leverage allowed on the MT4-powered trading platform is up to 1:50. Customer support is unreliable at times.
This broker is headquartered in Canada and operates as part market maker and part ECN hybrid.
Users of this broker's trading platform are given access to forex charts from TradingView, real-time news from Dow Jones Select, pro technical analyses from Autochartist.
When a user chooses the MT4 premium upgrade, they are offered OANDA's Connect App.

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

9. Plus500 – Best MT4 Brokers UK 2021

Plus500

Another worthy multi-asset MT4 forex broker platform that supports and accepts users from the U.K. and that is Plus500. This one is headquartered in the U.K. and also listed on the London Stock Exchange. Plus500 is a reputed global entity for CFD trading that offers tight spreads without commissions. Various tools and advanced order types make this platform, a favorite of professional traders.

Plus500 has secured a number of licenses to operate since 2008 from top regulatory agencies like CySEC, FCA, FMA, FSB, etc. The Israeli company behind this CFD broker is listed as FTSE 250 brokerage. It functions as a market maker that has developed its unique proprietary platform along with a web-based platform for users.

Pros Cons
Through this CFD broker, traders interested in high leveraged trading can get access to more than 2000 different ETFs, commodities, metals, stocks, gold, indices, and oil. Products available for trading are limited to CFD format only.
As one of the highly regulated brokers available in the market, clients of Plus500 have the advantage of dealing with a secure brokerage company. Research tools offered by Plus500 are mediocre at best.
The fee structure implemented throughout the Plus500 platform is not the highest or the lowest in the industry. All the information regarding costs remains fully transparent on their website.
Account-wise, this CFD broker has two different accounts available (standard for common and professional for experienced traders) with varying leverages starting from 1:30 reaching up to 1:300.
24/7 customer support is a great advantage of being a Plus500 user. Their knowledgeable executives can help you deal with any kind of issue.

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

10. XTB – Largest Exchange Listed MT4 Broker in the world

XTB

Stock trading enthusiasts are familiar with XTB's trading experience which it has been providing to its clients for more than 15 years along with dependable customer support and a useful educational resource. XTB has a solid claim to being known as one of the largest publicly-listed brokers that offers not only stocks but also 2000 assets on its MT4 platform and proprietary platform called xStation 5.

This broker has gathered hundreds of thousands of international traders who trade frequently using up to 1:500 maximum leverage. The trading environment of XTB is quite competitive as compared to other market makers which are perfect for those who are looking to gain serious trading expertise.

XTB operates through licenses granted by KNF, FCA, CySEC, and IFSC and therefore is capable of providing safe and just trading conditions. As its headquarters is located in the U.K, clients living in the country have protection against fund mishandling and several other issues.

Pros Cons
On this market maker platform, U.S. clients are not allowed but investors based in the U.K. can get the advantage of trading with XTB without any problems. Limited fundamental data is available to clients.
There are 3 types of trading accounts offered by this broker, one is standard, the second is pro, and the third is Islamic account. To make it easy for new clients to comprehend the trading experience, there is also a demo account available with no risks.
A minimum deposit of around $250 is required to utilize XTB functionalities fully. XTB handles segregated accounts so that clients invested capital is safe from market risks.

67% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

How To Begin Trading with an MT4 Broker in the U.K?

If you have only heard of the industry-favorite MT4 trading platform but never tried it then it could be difficult to delve into live trading right away. One should utilize the option of opening a demo account with their MT4 broker of choice to comprehend the basics as starters. The following steps will guide you on your trading journey with the best MT4 brokers in the U.K.

Step 1. Sign up for a Trading Account

Open an Online Trading Account

Your trading experience cannot start unless you have a registered trading account with an MT4 broker you trust. In order to do that simply visit their official website and click on sign up or register. In case you wish to learn more about the broker's trading environment and have a first-hand experience of their MT4 trading platform then you can also opt for a free demo account.

Note: To open a registered trading account, a broker might ask for your personal details so make sure to choose a highly regulated and trustworthy MT4 broker.

Step 2. Submitting ID and Documents

This step is very crucial to begin trading with any broker because unless you have verified your trading account during this step, you cannot withdraw funds from the trading platform. Some MT4 brokers have the policy that in case of any troubles, users can ask for a refund only if they have a verified account.

Step 3. Deposit Funds to Start Trading

Deposit Funds

Various new MT4 brokers have different minimum deposits available on their platform. The first step in trading your chosen asset class with a reliable MT4 broker is to deposit a minimum yet sufficient amount. Make sure to note which of the payment gateways does your broker supports to load funds into your trading account.

Usually, MT4 brokers are compatible with a wide range of payment options such as bank wires, debit/credit cards, Skrill and such e-wallets, etc.

Step. 4 Logging into MT4 to Start Trading

Logging into MT4 to Start trading

Traders who wish to utilize the MT4 trading platform have the option to either download the desktop applicable through a secure web server provided by their broker or, proceed directly with their broker's website.

In case you choose to download, press "accept" when a download prompt is visible on your screen. After the download process is finished, you will find a shortcut to access the MT4 terminal where you can log in to trade conveniently.

Alternatively, traders who do not wish to download can simply log in to their web browser without having to install an MT4 desktop application on their workstation.

Important Considerations While Choosing Best MT4 Brokers

Each day millions of traders and potential investors search for a trustworthy companion in the form of an MT4 broker but most of them are stuck with scam brokers. To make a sensible decision and avoiding MT4 rip-offs in the market, the following things should be considered:

Investor Protection

This is perhaps the most significant consideration of all for individuals interested in trading MT4 brokers. Trading in a volatile financial market without any type of investor protection in place is another form of self-destruction. Investor protection is decided mostly before trading to ensure that traders' capital would be kept safe to some extent in a segregated account. The advantage of having protected funds is that if your broker gets hacked or bankrupt then risks for investors would be limited.

Trading Conditions

Trading conditions are not easily revealed to potential clients without having a registered live trading account with any kind of broker. But there is an option to open a "Demo Account" which is basically a no-risk and free virtual trading account. The money involved in a demo account is also virtual so that traders can practice trading various asset classes using the MT4 trading platform. Seeing all the features and trading condition comes as a bonus with a demo account. Trading conditions include minimum deposit, maximum leverage, types of financial instruments supported, spreads, and commissions.

Background Information

Any brokerage company found online is as good as the company behind it so when investors are making up their mind regarding which MT4 brokers UK to proceed with, they should also review its parent/founding company. A background check will not only reveal the company's true standings in the market but also if there is anything amiss about the broker. Usually, the "About" page has all the information any potential user requires before signing up with the platform. It is a necessary prerequisite that an MT4 remains transparent about its history.

Historical Performance

It is crucial that any broker that traders choose to utilize and eventually profit from has a proper record of its performance. A faultless track record behind any MT4 broker means that they are more than worthy of new clients' trust and funds. Traders should also take a closer look at trusted reviews written by actual users of the same broker. These online reviews are most of the time a reliable source of information regarding what users have experienced in the past.

Best MT4 Broker UK – AvaTrade

FAQs

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What is Forex? • Forex Trading & How it Works • Benzinga - Benzinga

Posted: 28 Jun 2021 01:01 PM PDT

Want to jump straight to the answer? The best forex broker for most people is definitely FOREX.com or IG.

If you've traveled abroad, chances are you had to buy the local currency. In essence, you have traded forex, also known as foreign exchange.

As old as the money itself, foreign exchange has been the tool enabling foreign trade. This, in turn, created product and service specialization, allowing for much faster prosperity.

While trading forex is essential for businesses, it is also a lucrative market to speculate in. Read on to learn the basics of forex — why, how and where to trade it.

Defining Forex

The foreign exchange market (forex) is a global, decentralized market for currency trading. It operates through a network of international banks around the world.

This allows for 24-hour coverage, 5 days a week, with the Australian market opening the first and the U.S. market closing the last.

Forex doesn't trade in absolute value but in a ratio — pitting the value of one currency against another. This creates currency pairs, like the U.S. dollar vs. Canadian dollar, conveniently labeled as USD/CAD.

The modern foreign exchange market formed during the 1970s as countries gradually switched to floating exchange rates. Due to rising globalization, this market quickly became the largest globally, and nowadays, daily volume exceeds $6 trillion.

The rise of the IT sector through the 1990s saw the expansion of the retail trading market. Software development allowed for better charting, faster feeds and lower costs. The estimates show that only 5.5% of the market accounts for retail traders, but that is still around $300 billion in daily volume.

How to Make Money on Forex

From trading currencies on the move to setting realistic goals. The important things to consider while trading forex are multiple:

  1. Trade volatile currencies. It is hard to make money if the price doesn't move. Naturally, you'll be looking to trade markets that move a lot because it would be easier to capture a part of that move. The easiest way to do this is to use the Average True Range (ATR) indicator. It shows the average volatility over the set period (usually 14).
  2. Set realistic profit expectations. You are only making money once you have exited the trade. Yet, profit expectations have to be realistic. Situations where you capture twice the average daily range are unlikely to happen. While the profit target will depend on the market structure, a reasonable expectation is 25%-30% of the ATR.
  3. Use the optimal stop-loss size. Trading without a stop-loss is like playing with matches on a petrol station. Too many things can go wrong. Even before you enter the trade, you should have a general idea of where to place a stop-loss. This is usually based on the market structure, but a rule of thumb uses at least 10% of ATR.
  4. Trade what you see, not what you think. It might sound counterintuitive but avoid anticipating price movements. At any time, the price might do 1 of 3 things: go up, stay put or go down. Every time a candle closes, it is new information telling a story on what price might do next. Interpreting this information correctly and acting upon it when it happens (not before) is the cornerstone of profitable trading.
  5. Stick with your ideas. Losses are inevitable in trading. Understanding them will be essential for your learning process. Reading and following someone else's ideas is the easiest way to sabotage this. Regardless of the method, another trader will always have a different perspective. If you follow their suggestion, you will not be sure if you were wrong or just unlucky.
  6. Do not abuse the leverage. Leverage is a double-edged sword. It can make you money, but it can also destroy months of work momentarily. Leverage doesn't change the odds; it instead amplifies them. While some offshore brokers allow leverage as high as 1:1,000, U.S. regulators keep them moderate, up to 1:50.
  7. Keep track of the fundamentals. Just like earnings announcements on the stock market, the forex market has its calendar. Major reoccurring news includes bank interest rate decisions, employment data, inflation reports and gross domestic product projections. Following this data for at least a few most significant currencies will help to form the big picture.
  8. Avoid trading high-impact news. High impact news can make or break a trade. Even if your research is correct, the market can still overreact and go in the "wrong" direction before reversing. The only thing worse than being wrong is being right, but too early.
  9. Find a trading style that suits you. There are many ways to trade. From taking the intraday trades that last minutes to swing trades that cover days or even weeks. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. To get the best results, you will have to find what fits your personality the best.

Why Invest in Currencies?

  • Easy to understand: Exchanging currencies is as old as the money itself. You are simply selling one to buy the other — because you believe it will gain in value.
  • Highly liquid: The forex market is the largest in the world. The daily volume totals over $6 trillion, with the global market of $2 quadrillion (2,000 trillion). Because of the liquidity, this market can absorb trade of (almost) any size without consequences — a significant advantage over an asset class like penny stocks. If you find a good strategy and achieve consistency, you will replicate your results even on a large scale.
  • Cheaper to trade: Due to the high liquidity, forex is one of the more affordable assets to trade. With high supply and demand at all times, spreads are tighter and commissions lower. Eventually, this adds up over time as it allows you to take on larger trades while keeping the relative risk on the same level.
  • Available 24/5: Except for the weekends, the forex market is always open. Due to its decentralized nature, there is always an open exchange worldwide — an advantage it holds over a stock market that trades in a single daily session.

Benzinga's Best Forex Trading Platforms

The first step toward successful forex trading is finding a good broker. Check out our broker offer in the comparison table below.

One Market to Rule them All

Often overlooked by the retail traders, forex is the only market available around the clock. Conveniently it is also the largest market by far.This means that achieving consistency, even while working with a small portfolio, will be fully scalable to hundreds of thousands, if not millions.

Yet, this sounds easier in theory than it is in practice. The forex market requires patience and planning. You will have to resist the temptation of entering a trade for the sake of simply being in the market.

While slower-paced than other asset classes (like stocks or commodities), forex is not without perils. Violent crashes (like the Swiss Franc in January 2015) do happen, and you must remain vigilant when investing. Using a regulated broker is the first step in the right direction, but ultimately, success in forex comes down to discipline and dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forex trading illegal?

Forex trading is legal. Yet, brokers need to have proper licenses for each market they serve. Since the US regulations are relatively strict, this cultivated a myth that forex trading is banned over the years.

Some of these regulations include limiting maximum leverage to 50:1 for major or 20:1 for minor currencies, eliminating the hedging capabilities (no simultaneous buying and selling) and holding a $20 million deposit as reserves in qualifying institutions.

What is forex and how does it work?

Forex is an exchange of currency from one to another. It is the largest market in the world, and it is essential for foreign trade.

Forex works through a network of buyers and sellers. This network consists of both institutions and individuals who exchange currencies for both practical and speculative purposes. While a company will buy foreign currency to pay a foreign supplier, an individual might buy it to speculate on the movement in the short term.

Forex market runs through a global banking network and it runs 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Whilst companies will buy or sell currencies through their banks, individual speculators are likely to operate through brokers.

FOREX.com, registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), lets you trade a wide range of forex markets plus spot metals with low pricing and fast, quality execution on every trade. 

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