MetaTrader
The most widely used retail trading platform, available as MT4 and MT5, supporting charting, indicators, and automated trading.
MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) is the trading platform from MetaQuotes that most brokers offer by default, with charts, indicators, and Expert Advisors for automation.
MetaTrader is a trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software, offered in two versions: MT4 and MT5. It provides charting tools, technical indicators, and automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). Most retail forex brokers offer MetaTrader, making it the industry standard. MT4 remains dominant for forex, while MT5 adds multi-asset support and an improved strategy tester. MT4 remains the standard for forex and CFDs, while MT5 adds more asset classes, a hedging system, and a faster engine. Most brokers offer one or both, which makes platform familiarity a real factor when you compare brokers.
How It Works
- Traders download MetaTrader from their broker and log in with account credentials
- Displays live price charts, order entry panel, and account management dashboard
- Built-in indicators (moving averages, RSI, MACD) can be applied directly to charts
- Expert Advisors (EAs) automate trading based on coded rules in MQL4/MQL5
- Strategy Tester allows backtesting EAs against historical data before live deployment
Trading Tips
Learn keyboard shortcuts. One-click trading saves time in fast markets.
Test any EA thoroughly in the Strategy Tester and on a demo account before live trading
Choose MT4 for pure forex and MT5 if you need access to stocks or futures
Related Terms
Sources
- MetaQuotesPlatform developer
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