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Trading discussions How to Change the Leverage on MT4 Leveraged trading has become immensely popular amid the wave of new investors over the last two years. The investment strategy also referred to as margin trading, lets the trader borrow funds to initiate a larger position than his or her own capital. Put simply, it is essentially a loan to invest greater sums on stocks, forex, and commodities. This tactic allows the investor to potentially increase returns with a higher leverage ratio. Unfortunately, the wrong move can also trigger steep losses. If you are using the MT4 trading platform, how do you modify leverage anyway? We have compiled a brief step-by-step breakdown to help you get started with MetaTrader4 leverage. How Does MT4 Determine Leverage? On the MT4 trading platform, leverage is determined differently from share dealing. The formula for financial leverage works as total company debt divided by shareholder's equity, which is also identified as the debt-to-equity ratio. Now, how does the leverage work for retail and institutional investors? If there is a 100:1 leverage, this means that for every $1 in account equity, the investor can control up to $100. Or, if the leverage ratio is 500:1, this means investors can work with up to $500 for every buck. How to Alter Leverage Settings on MT4 Whether you want to increase or decrease leverage on MT4, it is simple enough to do with a few clicks. Here's how: Start by visiting the "Accounts" section of your "Secure Area" profile.hit "Select" next to the MT4 account numberChoose "Change Leverage." The maximum leverage ratio might depend on the securities being traded. Some may utilize a fixed leverage system based on the position traders established on the MT4 trading platform. Conclusion: What Leverage Should You Use for MT4? When first-time investors are experimenting with leverage, they should always start with the smallest amount available. Since leverage is enormously risky for all traders, you do not want to potentially ruin your finances by making the wrong trade with a 250:1 leverage ratio. Or, if you want to work with greater leverage, you can always participate in demo trading and ensure you know how the process works. In the end, as every finance expert recommends, only invest what you can afford to lose.

Trading discussions Forex Standard Account vs. Raw Spread: What’s the Difference?Standard account vs raw spread? Trade mini lots or trade standard lots? Raw spread vs zero spread? As you navigate the various forex account types throughout this vast ecosystem, it can be difficult to determine what is the best forex account type for beginners. Indeed, there are many types of forex trading accounts catered to all kinds of traders. But what is the best one for you? Let's explore! What is a Standard Account in Forex? It is true that forex brokers and trading platforms will use different names for their forex account types. In other words, a classic account will likely be the same as a standard account. This means that a standard account will maintain a minimum deposit level of $100 and let you trade mini-lots. Put simply, while forex accounts may have alternative names, they generally share the same features and tools. What Is Raw Spread in Forex? The age old debate in foreign exchange market: Raw spread vs zero spread. But what is the difference between the standard account vs raw spread? A raw spread is when you have the best possible forex conditions the market has to offer traders. It is great because it offers you the genuine underlying price of the instrument without a mark-up price. For example, if you are trading the USD/CAD currency pair, and it is trading at 1.2768, you will get this price rather than the mark-up. This is different from, let's say, a standard account because it will give you the best conditions your broker can offer. So, you may have spreads that are at zero for much of the trading session, but you will contend with brokerage fees. That said, the normal and perhaps best raw spread among forex brokers is between one and five pips. Conclusion: Which Account Type is Best for Trading? Whether you are searching for the best forex account type for beginners or a top-notch account for seasoned traders that offer leverage and flexible lots, it can be hard to determine which account is best for you. When you are starting out, you perhaps want a micro / mini forex trading accounts since they maintain a low minimum deposit limit and let you trade standard micro and nano lots. Now, it is safe to say that most forex traders have at least two trading accounts. This is done mainly so one account is utilized to execute a trade and the other is used to hedge your first trade. It is a good idea, however, to be familiar with forex trading before moving forward with this tactic. Unless you become a full-time forex trader, it is not necessary to upgrade your trading account. While there are advantages to upgrading to, let's say an intermediate account, it is not critical. Plus, as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Trading discussions The Fundamentals of Forex Currency Exchange Trading What is Forex Trading? Becoming a widespread practice in recent years, the term forex is a combination of the words foreign currency and exchange. In simpler terms, foreign exchange is the process of converting one currency into another for any purpose, most commonly for trade, tourism, or business. Nowadays, the term forex gets thrown around vaguely, so it's normal that many people ask themselves, "what is forex trading?" How The Forex Market Works Currency trading takes place in the foreign exchange market. Since the dawn of business, currencies have been essential, allowing people to buy goods and services both locally and globally. To undertake worldwide commerce and trade, international currencies must be exchanged. If you live in the United States and wish to buy a product from France, you or the business must convert the currency. This is the entire premise on how the forex market was built, although foreign currency trading is primarily online now. 2 Main Types of Forex Markets As we've mentioned before, the forex market is the place where currencies are exchanged. It is the world's first entirely uninterrupted and continuous trading market, being predominantly online forex trading. Before the days of the internet, institutional businesses and major banks dominated the forex market acting on behalf of their clients. As a result, there are multiple types of trading forex. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Spot Market Since trades are primarily made in real-time, forex trading in the spot market has traditionally been the most popular. The forex spot market is a way of exchanging currencies at an immediate rate, also known as the spot rate. With the introduction of computerized trading and the rapid increase in brokerages, trading volumes for forex spot markets have massively increased. When beginners talk about the forex market, they almost always mean the spot market. 2. Forwards and Futures Markets In the over-the-counter/electronic (OTC) markets, a forward contract is a private agreement between two parties to buy a currency at a specific price at a future date. A futures contract is a standardized agreement between two parties, namely the client and the brokerage, to provide a currency at a set price and a future date. The forwards and futures markets, unlike the spot markets, do not deal with real money in real-time. Instead, they work using contracts that reflect claims to a particular currency type, a specified unit price, and a future settlement date. These contracts are purchased and sold OTC on the forwards market between two parties who define the agreement's terms. Futures contracts are bought and sold on public commodities markets, like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, based on a predefined size and settlement date. How Forex Traders Make Money Traders and speculators can buy and sell currencies on the foreign exchange market based on whether they believe the currency will rise or lose in value. Although being massive and potentially profitable, the foreign currency market is relatively risky for beginners, with more than $5 trillion exchanged every day. To execute transactions, traders must use an intermediary like a forex broker, although many start purchasing assets even before they learn forex trading. Unlike traders, forex brokers profit through commissions and fees often regardless of whether the trader earns profits or losses. Terminologies in Forex Trading You Need to Know The bid and ask prices are included in all currency quotations, so most beginners wonder what they mean. However, attentive forex readers have noticed that the bid price is almost always less than the ask price. So, what is a bid, ask and spread? Bid: The price at which your broker will purchase the base currency in return for the quotation currency. If you want to sell something, the broker will buy it from you at the bid price. Ask: Your broker's ask price is the price at which the base currency will be sold in exchange for the quotation currency. Spread: The spread is the difference between the bid and the ask price. Usually, a lower spread indicates low market volatility and relatively high liquidity. How To Start Forex Trading Forex trading is comparable to stock trading. Here are some guidelines to help you get started with FX trading: Study the basics and learn forex trading For beginners, there are thousands of courses on the internet that teach the fundamentals of online forex trading. Starting to learn at a reliable website like Fortrade is a step in the right direction. Set up a brokerage account Setting up a brokerage account with the best fx rates is crucial for becoming a successful forex trader. When you open a forex trading account at a reliable brokerage, the vast world of foreign currency trading is available at your hand's reach. Develop a trading strategy A solid trading strategy when doing online currency trading is a necessary step. Unfortunately, many beginners start spending money before they learn forex trading, leading them down a path of losses. Stay up-to-date with your numbers Before purchasing more assets, ensure that you don't have any open positions that need to be filled out. Moreover, research the market and be confident that you have enough money in your account to trade in the future. Using Leverage For Trading Forex Using borrowed capital to multiply returns is known as leverage and is a common practice in online forex trading. The forex market offers customers enormous leverage, allowing traders to effectively utilize it to enhance their positions. Conclusion After learning all the basics about the forex market, you can rest assured that foreign currency exchanges are within your hand's reach. While many question themselves on how to trade forex for beginners, the truth is that you don't have to be an expert to get started. After finding an excellent online broker with the best fx rates, you can join the world of online forex trading and have a profitable journey along the way. One of the best brokerages you can consider opening a forex trading account at is Fortrade. Putting it simply, this broker offers more than enough, providing you with the best fx rates for beginners and experts alike. So, consider opening a forex currency trading account at Fortrade and give the market a chance.

Trading discussions Solved - The Answers to eToro's Trading Knowledge Assessment Do you want to hop on the eToro train? If so, do you think you can answer basic questions about the financial markets and pinpoint elementary functions of trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, CFDs, and ETFs? With retail investors becoming interested in various markets, from stocks to cryptocurrencies, many folks are getting involved in eToro. But it is an exclusive club for those who understand the difference between a mutual fund and an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Suffice it to say, in order to open an account on eToro—one of the top social trading signal providers—you need to pass a knowledge test. The team at eToro put together its knowledge assessment by using information established by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and U.S. regulatory authorities. Are you taking part in eToro's Trading Knowledge Assessment? Here is the cheat sheet for the current 2022 version, with answers and explanations, for your use. Still deciding if eToro is the right broker for you? Read our eToro review to help you decide, or else see the best online stock trading platforms for beginners. Table of Contents eToro’s Trading Knowledge Assessment by CountryeToro UK - FCA RegulationeToro Europe - CySEC RegulationeToro Australia - ASIC RegulationeToro US - FinCEN Regulation eToro’s Trading Knowledge Assessment by Country In order to find the correct answers for the regulation used by the country you live in, browse the countries below to learn which regulation you belong to. If you can't find your country, then eToro isn't allowed where you live, or see the full list of countries where eToro is available. FCA Regulation AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGibraltarGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaThe NetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenUK CySEC Regulation ArgentinaAustraliaBahrainChileColombiaKuwaitMexicoMalaysiaNigeriaOmanPeruQatarSingaporeSwitzerlandThailandUnited Arab EmiratesUruguay ASIC Regulation Australia FinCEN Regulation USA eToro UK - FCA Regulation 1. Please mark the correct statements a. Opening a trade with $100 and 20x leverage will equate to a $2000 investment. - Correct Answerb. If the equity in your account falls below the required margin, a "margin call" will not liquidate your trades.c. If the price of Google stock on NASDAQ goes up, the price of your CFD in Google will go down. d. My open positions will remain open when the stop loss is triggered.e. If the market moves rapidly and gaps through the stop loss price, the trade will not be closed Why? Also known as an investment multiplier, a $100 investment can allow the trader to take a large position with a 20x leverage, meaning that the individual account can achieve massive gains or steep losses. eToro Europe - CySEC Regulation 1. Please mark the correct statements a. I deposit and invest $1,000 to open a position with $12,000 (using leverage of 20x). If the market moves 5% against my position, I’ll lose my investment.b. If the price of Google’s stock rises on NASDAQ, the price of my Google contract for difference (CFD) will go down.c. If the total equity (i.e., the combined value of positions and available cash) in my account falls below the required margin, a “margin call” with liquidate my positions. - Correct Answerd. My open positions will remain open even when a stop loss is triggered.e. If the market gaps through my stop loss, my position will close at the exact stop loss level. Why? If the equity in your trading account declines below a predetermined level, the broker will do one of two things: request more capital be deposited into the account or run a margin call and liquidate the investment position. eToro Australia - ASIC Regulation 1. Which of the following best describes "gapping?" a. A trading strategy designed to profit from falling markets.b. A movement in price from one level to another is usually caused by a market event that leaves a gap in the chart. - Correct Answerc. A term used to describe a type of order.d. A new event is released each month with information regarding a countries trade deficit. Why? Gapping happens when the price of a stock or some other type of investment opens above or below the previous session's close without any trading activity in between. There are four types of gaps that send signals to traders: common (uneventful), breakaway (high volumes), runaway (frenzy or panic state of investors), and exhausting (the end of an uptrend or downtrend). 2. To reduce the risk of trading leveraged products, which of the following is important? a. Understanding how the market operates.b. Keeping up with global news events which impact financial markets.c. Monitoring your open positions.d. All of the above. - Correct Answer Why? Whether you are a new trader or a seasoned investor, it is critical to understand the risks of trading on leverage (borrowed funds to increase your trading position). The best way to mitigate your risks is by attaining as much information and knowledge as possible. Knowing the basics of how the market functions, keeping an eye on your investments, and watching global news events are just some of the measures to employ to limit your risks. 3. What best describes going "long" (buy position)? a. You make money if the price moves either up or down.b. If the price decreases in value, your position makes a profit.c. If the price increases in value, your position makes a profit. - Correct Answerd. None of the above. Why? A long buy position means that you are purchasing the security with the intent of it going up and then turning a profit when it goes above your entry price. 4. When markets are volatile, which of the following best describes trading leverages products? a. Safeb. Highly risky - Correct Answerc. Dangerous for inexperienced traders.d. Both 'A' and 'C'. Why? Leverage consists of borrowing capital from your broker to acquire a greater stake in a stock. When volatility comes to the financial markets, resulting in immense gains and sharp losses, your investment becomes highly risky since you could experience a tremendous decline. 5. Which of the following statements best describes high volatility? a. When the price fluctuates in a very wide range within a short period of time. - Correct Answerb. When the price fluctuates in a very narrow range within a long period of time.c. A term used to describe a price decrease.d. None of the above. Why? Volatility is best described as an immense movement in investment prices within a short period. There are various signals to monitor volatility: a stock hits new highs and lows quickly, moves up and down erratically, and records fast gains and steep falls. For swing traders, this can yield short-term profits, but it can also force novice investors to become too emotional. 6. Which of the following statements are true? a. Forex and CFD contracts are over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. - Correct Answerb. Forex and CFD's are traded on an exchange.c. Forex and CFD contracts are not over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives.d. Forex and CFD's are standardized financial products with rules set by exchanges. Why? The foreign exchange market is the most popular international over-the-counter market where currencies are purchased and sold through a network of banks. Contract for Differences (CFDs) also trade OTC through a network of brokers that maintain the market's supply and demand and adjust prices accordingly (they are not found on a major exchange like the New York Stock Exchange). 7. Where would you place a stop loss (SL) for a buy (long) trade? a. Above your entry price.b. Below your entry price. - Correct Answerc. At the same rate as the take profit. d. Not placing at all. Why? If you are going long on a trade, it is best to place a stop-loss below the market price. You will want a higher percentage distance away. At the same time, if you are going short, you should place a stop-loss above the market price. This is helpful if you cannot keep watching the CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, or MarketWatch tickers all day. 8. It is important to place a stop loss on a trade because? a. It can limit your loss. - Correct Answerb. I can increase your gain.c. It guarantees you will make lots of money.d. None of the above. Why? The most significant benefit of employing a stop-loss on a trade is that it helps manage your losses, which can be critical for investors who are trading on leverage. It also mitigates loss aversion by automatically exiting a trade instead of holding onto your losing positions. eToro US - FinCEN Regulation According to regulations produced by the United States Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), there is no trading knowledge assessment. The primary reason is that there are limitations on the assets, namely cryptocurrencies, that you can trade. Conclusion By learning the questions and answers above, you will be sure to ace your eToro trading assessment and improve on your trading foundation.

Trading discussions All You Need to Know About the Over 25k Day-Trading Rule A day trade is a deal that is entered and exited on the same calendar day. Pre-market, regular market and after-hours trading sessions are all included. Because the word has become commonplace and is widely used, many people mistakenly believe that day trading means maintaining a position for a couple of days or even a week. When actually, it stands for the purchasing and selling of calls on the same day in terms of options trading. What Is The 25k Day Trading Rule? The Pattern Day Trader Rule mandates that pattern day traders must maintain a minimum balance of $25,000 in their margin accounts at all times. If the margin account goes below the required 25k entity, the trader will be unable to purchase or sell assets until the account is restored to the minimum necessary amount. Thanks to modern online brokers, the 25k doesn't have to be in cash anymore. It might consist of a mix of cash and qualifying securities. How Does The Rule Work? When a trader's margin account has more than $25,000 in equity, the trader can purchase and sell assets as many times as they like. If a trader's account balance is under $25,000, they're limited on making a maximum of 4 margined day trades. Several things might influence account equity. Therefore, knowing the precise amount in your account balance before day trading is critical. This is where many traders unintentionally violate the rule, as they're not informed about it. In Conclusion: Workarounds Nowadays, many online brokers offer workarounds for the 25k rule, but it's still a relatively strict protocol that needs to be respected.

Trading discussions What Is the Ideal Amount of Shares a Beginner Trader With Little Money Should Have?Investing in the stock market can be a highly profitable endeavor, but it can also be quite intimidating for beginners. In this article, we will examine one of the key issues for beginners to consider, which is the ideal amount of shares that they should purchase initially. Firstly, it's important to note that every investor’s circumstances are different, but if you have a small amount of money to invest, you should pay heed to the following factors. Costs The costs involved are naturally critical in deciding on the number of shares to purchase. Beginners may not realize that you pay commission on stocks, particularly at brokers online, so you should calculate this before entering any purchasing decision. Usually, the figures involved are fractions of 1%, but this can still make a difference to your overall investment position. Price The number of shares that you choose to purchase should also depend on the stock price you wish to buy. Pricing can vary wildly, with some stock worth thousands of dollars for one unit and others worth mere cents. Diversifying If possible, it is usually advisable to diversify into several different stocks, so this can form part of your decision as well. By diversifying, a trader lessens the risk associated with a particular stock diminishing in value, which is certainly advisable for beginners. Savings Finally, the amount of money that you have to invest as an initial deposit is also important. If you have thousands of dollars, you can opt for one of the more expensive stocks, whereas smaller amounts of investment would tend to be better suited to some of the lower value equities. Testing Finally, many sites offer test accounts, which are certainly worth using before entering real-world investing. As a general rule, beginners to trading should start with a small amount of stock and get used to the general processes involved.

Trading discussions Should Beginners Start With Trading or Investing In Stock on the Market?Increasing numbers of people are entering the stock market to provide a second income. However, there are always question marks for beginners who are uninitiated to the ins and outs of investing. One of the key questions to address is whether they should begin trading or investing in stock when they enter the market for the first time. The Difference Between Trading and Investing It is first important to understand the difference between the two. Trading effectively means buying and selling stocks and equities over a relatively short timeframe to take advantage of fluctuations in the market. Day trading has become particularly popular and is often depicted in films and television programs. Conversely, investing involves benefiting from what an investor deems to be market fundamentals. An investor will plough their money into a certain stock, equity, or commodity and then leave it there for a considerable period of time. Those engaging in investing believe that a certain market position will unfold over a period of time. Deciding on Your Approach As you can see, these are significantly different approaches to making money from stock. To decide which approach to take, beginners need to ask themselves a few questions first. Most notably, it is important to ascertain whether you are investing in providing a long-term nest egg or if you wish to make a profit immediately. If you really believe in short-term gain, you should naturally opt for trading. However, as a general rule it would be more prudent for beginners to invest in a stock. This requires less technical knowledge, less market monitoring, and less interaction with the market. If beginners are going to attempt trading, they should begin with small amounts, or ideally with one of the many free demonstration accounts provided by online brokers.

Trading discussions How to Open a Stock Market Account for My Child Opening a stock market account for a child can be an excellent way of getting them started with investment. It can also assist with the process of ensuring that your child becomes financially independent. Below we will explain how you can open a specialist account for a young person. Firstly, it should be noted that a child cannot possess their own brokerage account, but it is possible if a parent or guardian is present and involved in the process. Guardian Account The first way to do this is to open what is referred to as a guardian account. This is an account in the parent's name, with all liabilities effectively assumed by the guardian. This means that the parent or guardian assumes ownership of the account while attaching the child's name to it. Custodial Account Another option for young people in the stock market is to open a custodial account. This is slightly different from a guardian account in that the child involved will own all of the assets. Nonetheless, there are naturally some restrictions, and the parent or guardian involved effectively controls all the investment decisions and withdrawals from the account. In addition, liabilities are actually taxed in the name of the child with this type of account. This can be considered an advantage in comparison to a guardian account, as children obviously rarely pay any taxes anyway. However, it does come with legal ramifications. IRA Account A final option is to open an IRA account, but this is only an option if a child has filed taxes on a previous occasion and has been active for over one year. These accounts are widely available in the United States, although there can be restrictions from state to state.

Trading discussions How a Stock Watching App Can Help You Keep Track of the Market The stock market has become an excellent way for people worldwide to make money, but it is also a time-consuming activity. This means that stock-watching apps have become hugely popular, taking the weight of the work of the individual investor. User-Friendly One of the advantages of stock-watching apps is that they tend to be very easy to use. The stock market can be a baffling place for the beginner, with a huge amount of available data, much of which can be impenetrable. Stock market apps cut out understanding all of this information and instead explain the market to you in simple terms. Convenience Another advantage of stock watching apps is that they make investing in the stock market considerably more convenient. Instead of needing to constantly monitor market movements, a stock watching app will conduct this process for you, and then explain what is occurring in simple terms. Better Decisions A stock market app can also help you make better decisions about which companies and stock to invest in. You will receive valuable and sophisticated data, along with information on why the performance of certain equities is particularly impressive. 24/7 Access Stock watching apps also make it possible to trade in the market at any time and indeed anywhere. All you require is a continual Internet connection, and you can trade on the go, safe in the knowledge that you're using sophisticated information to do so. Testing the Water The final reason that stock watching apps are so valuable is that they provide an excellent way for beginners to dip their toes into the stock market pool. The information and insight they provide make it possible for investors to try out stock investing without making a huge commitment.