MetaTrader 4 Features and Functionality Explained

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MetaTrader 4 is a powerful trading platform that offers a wide range of features and functionality to help traders make informed decisions.

One of the key features of MetaTrader 4 is its ability to execute trades with a single click, making it a fast and efficient way to trade.

MetaTrader 4 also allows traders to use technical indicators and chart analysis to identify trends and patterns in the market.

With over 50 built-in technical indicators, traders can gain valuable insights into market movements and make more informed trading decisions.

The platform's charting capabilities are also highly customizable, allowing traders to tailor their charts to suit their individual needs.

MetaTrader 4's backtesting feature allows traders to test their strategies on historical data, reducing the risk of a strategy failing in live trading.

This feature is particularly useful for traders who want to refine their strategies and improve their chances of success.

For another approach, see: Banking as a Service

What is MetaTrader 4?

MetaTrader 4, or MT4, is a trading platform developed by MetaQuotes in 2005. It's commonly associated with forex trading, but it can also be used to trade indices and commodities via CFDs.

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MT4 is highly customisable to your individual trading needs and preferences. This means you can tailor the platform to suit your trading style.

It can automate your trading by implementing algorithms that open and close positions according to pre-set parameters. This feature is particularly useful for traders who want to reduce their workload and focus on other aspects of their business.

Features and Functionality

MetaTrader 4 has a built-in editor and compiler with access to a user contributed free library of software, articles and help, enabling traders to develop Expert Advisors, custom indicators and scripts.

The software uses a proprietary scripting language, MQL4/MQL5, which supports algorithmic trading and is a key factor in its popularity.

MetaTrader 4 provides two types of trading orders, Pending Orders and Market Orders, with Pending orders being executed only when the price reaches a predefined level.

Market orders can be executed in one of four modes, including Instant execution, Request execution, Market execution, and Exchange execution, each with its own advantages and trade-offs.

Functionality

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MetaTrader's functionality is impressive, and its built-in editor and compiler make it a powerful tool for traders. The software uses a proprietary scripting language, MQL4/MQL5, which enables traders to develop Expert Advisors, custom indicators, and scripts.

MetaTrader's support of algorithmic trading is a major reason for its popularity. The software allows traders to develop and execute trading strategies using a variety of tools and features.

One of the key features of MetaTrader is its ability to execute trades in different modes. These modes include Instant execution, Request execution, Market execution, and Exchange execution. Instant execution is particularly useful for traders who want to execute trades quickly, but it can also result in missed opportunities if the price is volatile.

Here are the four execution modes available in MetaTrader:

MetaTrader also offers two types of trading orders: Pending Orders and Market Orders. Pending orders are executed only when the price reaches a predefined level, while Market orders can be executed in one of the four modes mentioned earlier.

Easy-to-Edit Charts

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MetaTrader 4's charting package is incredibly powerful and easy to use.

You can view open orders and positions directly on your Metatrader 4 app charts. This feature is particularly useful for traders who want to stay on top of their trades at all times.

MT4's charts are easy to edit, allowing you to customise and adjust them to suit your trading needs. You can do this by using the 'objects list' feature, which displays a list of all the active objects shown on the chart.

To draw on charts, you can select from a range of 'objects' including a cursor, crosshair, and trendline. Simply click on the chart to start drawing, and use your mouse to adjust the width and positioning of the object.

MT4 includes a wide range of tools for customising charts, including adding indicators and changing timeframes. You can add indicators such as RSI, stochastic oscillator, and Bollinger bands to charts by dragging them from the 'navigator' window and dropping them on top of a chart.

Here are some of the timeframe options available in MT4:

  • M1 (1 minute)
  • M5 (5 minutes)
  • M15 (15 minutes)
  • M30 (30 minutes)
  • H1 (1 hour)
  • H4 (4 hours)
  • D1 (1 day)
  • W1 (1 week)
  • MN (1 month)

To change the timeframe of a price chart, simply right click on the chart and select 'timeframe' from the menu.

Download Reports

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To download reports, you can navigate to the 'terminal' window and select one of the options: Save as report or Save as detailed report. Both options will produce a report detailing individual trades and an account summary.

The detailed report includes additional metrics such as drawdown and profit factor, which can be useful for in-depth analysis. The reports can be saved for future reference.

To produce a detailed report, you'll need to right-click within the 'terminal' window and select the Save as detailed report option. This will give you a more comprehensive view of your trades and account activity.

Trading and Automation

You can build your own automated trading programs, known as expert advisors (EAs), or purchase third-party developed ones.

With MT4's EAs, you can automate your trading strategies, saving you time and effort.

MT4 provides over 50 technical tools, including 32 overlay indicators, 11 drawing tools, and 9 charts, allowing you to trade through them.

To get started with trading on MT4, you can follow these steps:

  1. Create an account and download MT4
  2. Open a position using the order window
  3. Monitor and close your positions and pending orders
  4. Modify stops and limits on open positions
  5. Customise MT4 charts
  6. Set up a price alert
  7. View your trade history
  8. Download trade reports

Automated Trading

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Automated trading allows you to build strategies to execute automatically using your algorithms or MT4’s own, called Expert Advisors.

The MT4 trading platform provides automated trading programs known as expert advisors (EAs), which you can build yourself or purchase from third-party developers.

With EAs, you can automate your trading and save time by building and using analytical and trading programs.

You can get access to more than 50 technical tools, including 32 overlay indicators, 11 drawing tools, and 9 charts, which allow you to trade through them.

MT4 offers a range of features to help you get started with automated trading, including virtual funds to practice with and master MT4’s algorithms to automate your trading.

To access and use MT4, you can follow a step-by-step guide, which includes creating an account, downloading MT4, and customising charts.

Here's a summary of the steps to access and use MT4:

If you already have an MT4 account, you can easily trade with a new broker by creating a live IG account and following a few simple steps.

Consider reading: 4 Saving Account

Smaller Minimums

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Smaller Minimums can be a game-changer for traders.

With smaller minimums, you can trade in sizes as small as 0.01 lots, helping you manage the risks of high-volume trading.

This means you can start with smaller positions and gradually increase them as you become more comfortable with the market.

Trading in smaller lots also allows you to take advantage of smaller price movements, which can be beneficial in volatile markets.

By doing so, you can make the most of your trading opportunities without exposing yourself to excessive risk.

Via Cfds

Trading via CFDs offers a range of benefits, including the ability to hedge your portfolio. This means you can offset losses against profits for tax purposes.

CFDs allow you to trade on MetaTrader 4, which can be a convenient option for many traders.

Platforms and Tools

You can access MetaTrader 4 through various platforms, including web platforms, trading apps, and specialized software like TradingView and MetaTrader 4 itself.

IG International Limited offers CFD Accounts, which are licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. This means you can trust their services with your investments.

You can trade with MetaTrader 4 and access important information on the go, thanks to its powerful platform.

Trading Platforms

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Trading platforms come in various forms, including web platforms and mobile trading apps.

TradingView and MetaTrader 4 are two popular trading platforms that offer a range of features for traders.

MetaTrader 5 is another platform that builds upon the success of its predecessor, MetaTrader 4.

ProRealTime is a trading platform that can be used for technical analysis and charting.

CFD Accounts are provided by IG International Limited, a company licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Free Mobile App

The free MetaTrader 4 mobile app is a game-changer for traders on the go. It allows you to trade Forex from your smartphone or tablet.

You can download the app to enjoy the broadest Forex trading opportunities, including mobile trading. With this app, you can trade in financial markets via any browser on any operating system.

One of the key benefits of the free MT4 mobile app is that it gives your algorithms the best conditions to operate in. This means you can automate your trading and let an Expert Advisor analyze markets and trade for you.

Expand your knowledge: Is Thinkorswim Free

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The app also provides access to a signal to copy trades of an experienced trader. This can be a great way to learn from others and improve your trading skills.

Here are some of the key features of the free MT4 mobile app:

  • Mobile Trading
  • Automated Trading
  • Web Trading
  • MetaTrader Market
  • Trading Signals
  • Community of Traders

Smarter with Oanda

Being smarter with your trading can make all the difference. You can trade smarter with Metatrader 4 and OANDA.

The powerful MT4 trading platform allows you to stay ahead and access important information on the go. This means you can stay informed and make timely decisions to optimize your trades.

OANDA's integration with MT4 gives you a seamless trading experience, with all the tools you need to succeed at your fingertips.

Two Ways, TradingView

TradingView is a powerful tool that allows you to trade with ease. It's a platform that's available to OANDA clients, providing a range of features to help you make informed trading decisions.

One of the key benefits of TradingView is its ability to provide real-time market data, giving you the information you need to make trades. This data can be accessed from anywhere, using your mobile device or tablet.

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TradingView is also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the platform to your specific needs. You can choose from a range of charts and tools to help you analyze the markets.

MetaTrader 4 is another platform that's available to OANDA clients, offering a range of advanced features for experienced traders.

Getting Started

To use MT4, you'll first need to create an account and download the software. You can do this by following a step-by-step guide, which includes creating a live IG account, funding your account, and adding an MT4 CFD account.

To access MT4, you'll need to log in to the platform with your MT4 ID and password, and choose the IG-Live server to start trading on a live MT4 account. This will keep all your chart data and analysis intact.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to get started with MT4:

  1. Create a live IG account
  2. After account activation, log in to MY IG to fund your account
  3. Log in to MY IG and click on ‘add an account’. Select ‘MT4 CFD’. If you need help, click here
  4. Check your email for your MT4 password
  5. Download MT4 in our platform or get a step-by-step breakdown of how to do it
  6. Log in to the MT4 platform with MT4 ID and password and choose IG-Live server to start trading on a live MT4 account

How to Use It

Get comfortable with the MT4 platform using virtual funds. This will help you practice trading without risking any real money.

Smartphone Displaying Stock Trading App Screen
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Master MT4's algorithms to help automate your trading. This will save you time and make trading easier.

To access and use MT4, follow these simple steps:

  1. Create an account and download MT4
  2. Open a position using the order window
  3. Monitor and close your positions and pending orders
  4. Modify stops and limits on open positions
  5. Customise MT4 charts
  6. Set up a price alert
  7. View your trade history
  8. Download trade reports

If you already have an MT4 account, you can easily trade with us as your MT4 broker. This involves creating a live IG account, funding it, and linking it to your MT4 account.

Here are the steps to link your existing MT4 account to IG:

  1. Create a live IG account
  2. After account activation, log in to MY IG to fund your account
  3. Log in to MY IG and click on “Add an account” – Choose MetaTrader CFD
  4. Log in to the MT4 platform with MT4 ID and password and choose IG-Live server

Alternatively, you can get a step-by-step breakdown of how to download MT4 in our platform.

How to Download

To download the MT4 platform, you'll need to log in to the MY IG platform and click on 'add an account'. Select 'MT4 CFD' if needed, and then check your email for your MT4 password.

You can download the MT4 platform in two ways: by downloading it from our platform directly, or by following a step-by-step breakdown of how to do it.

To start trading on a live MT4 account, you'll need to log in to the MT4 platform with your MT4 ID and password, and choose the IG-Live2 server.

Check this out: Ibkr Llc Account

I Don't Have

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If you don't have MT4, don't worry, it's easy to get started. You can create a live IG account to access the platform.

To download MT4, you'll need to log in to MY IG and fund your account. After that, you can click on 'add an account' and select 'MT4 CFD'. If you need help, IG provides a link to assist you.

You'll receive an email with your MT4 password, which you can then use to download MT4 in the IG platform or get a step-by-step breakdown of how to do it.

To start trading on a live MT4 account, log in to the MT4 platform with your MT4 ID and password, and choose the IG-Live2 server.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Choose Thousands of Indicators and Add-ons

You can access thousands of indicators and add-ons with a MetaTrader 4 account.

Indicators are technical analysis tools designed to help you make informed decisions when trading. With our MT4 account, you'll have access to pivot points, order history, and the Renko indicator – among many others.

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Add-ons, on the other hand, are designed to help you customize the MT4 platform to better suit your individual trading style and goals. The add-ons we provide for free include mini terminal, stealth orders, and alarm manager.

Here are some examples of indicators and add-ons you can access:

  • Pivot points
  • Order history
  • Renko indicator
  • Mini terminal
  • Stealth orders
  • Alarm manager

You can download thousands more indicators and add-ons inside the MetaTrader 4 platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trade with $1 on MT4?

Most MT4 brokers require a minimum deposit of $100 or $200 to trade, but some may offer lower minimums or Cent accounts starting at 50 cents. However, $1 is not a common minimum deposit for MT4 trading.

Miriam Wisozk

Writer

Miriam Wisozk is a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring the complex world of finance and technology. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her writing has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics including cyber insurance, Tokio Marine, and financial services companies based in the City of London.

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