What is MT4
There are two versions of the MetaTrader trading platform:
- MetaTrader 4 – Available on desktop, mobile, web & mac trading
- MetaTrader 5 – The newest version of MT4
Either platform you choose, one can run multiple platforms where you will not experience a lagging effect on your server or computer. The software is light and will not overload the systems in place, making for fast trading and immediate executions, a must when trading on the volatile markets.
Why trade with the MetaTrader Platform?
Besides being easy to download and install, MetaTrader has many trading capabilities and features which other platforms lack. Follow instrument price fluctuations and examine the charts and graphs, while plotting the trends to locate your planned trades. The platform showcases and supports the following graphs: Candlestick, Heikin Ashi as well as Renko charts. Setting up your trading orders is simple and predefined stop losses and targets are executed immediately. The trailing stop loss and pending orders are just as easily accessed.
Expert advisors (EA’s) South Africa can automate your trading by using scripts that are uploaded to the platform and the instructions of the scripts are easily carried out. Saving you the hassle of being close to your computer or missing out on a trading opportunity. Learn from your trading mistakes, the platform offers a functionality of convenience to view your trade history:
- Download your historical trading data per currency pair
- Create / request detailed reports on the positions you take
- Track past charts and graphs to keep a summary of trends per instrument
With these features the Metatrader 4 is really enough for forex trading however for more advance strategies the MetaTrader 5 would be the alternative option.
MetaTrader 4 in forex trading
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is the world’s most popular trading platform that offers all you need for online trading on one interface. On the single platform you will find a powerful combination of analytical technologies and leading trading tools that allow traders to implement even the most complex trading strategies.
The MQL Language:
Developed by MetaQuotes Software Corp. the MetaQuotes Language is a script that is built-in for programming specific trading strategies. The purpose of the way these scripts are written is to easily facilitate automated trading as well as customize technical indicators, libraries and scripts. One can also analyze large amounts of information and assists users in orientating themselves easily in the expert systems. Each program (pertaining to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5) has different features and purposes:
MQL4 and 5
Expert Advisors:
An algorithmic trading system that links directly to the internal charting. Allowing the system to run when an event happens in real time, or remind you of a planned event.Guardian angel
An algorithmic trading system that links directly to the internal charting. Allowing the system to run when an event happens in real time, or remind you of a planned event.Custom Indicators:
In addition to technical indicators already written into the system, you can write your own technical indicators independently.Scripts:
Scripts are imposed when traders want a single execution in an action. They are only acceptable for the start of an event and cannot process any other trade actions.Library:
This is a set of custom functions that is intended to store and distribute the same used parts of the program.
MetaTrader 4 vs MetaTrader 5
The relatively recently launched MetaTrader5, is not that much different from its prototype MT4, even though it is advertised as substantially more advanced. The features you will find are: more advanced charting systems as well as deep analytical tools. Even though the MT4 is more than enough of a platform for the forex trader, if these two functions will improve your trading skills then MT5 would be the way to trade. MT4 is still the most widely used and downloaded platform and traders are satisfied with its current abilities, hence not feeling a need to change / upgrade.
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 |
| Availability to brokers | Very popular | Very popular |
| User-friendly and easy to navigate | Extremely easy | Extremely easy |
| Roll-over and Hedging | Possible | Possible |
| Programming Language used | MQL4 | MQL5 |
| Number of order execution types | 3 | 4 |
| Number of Pending Order Types | 4 | 6 |
| Depth of Market | No | Yes, but not available from beginning |
| Technical Indicators | 30 | 38 |
| Timeframes | 9 | 21 |
| Economic Calendar | Not Available | Available in MT5 apps |
| Reports | Tables only | Tables + Charts Everything can be exported to Excel |
| Open Trades View | Lots only | Lots, Quantity + Milliseconds |
| Docked Charts | Not available | Available |
| Market Watch | Less detailed | More details + easy navigation |
| Partial Order Filling | Not available | Available |
| Email System | No attachments | With attachments |
| Strategy Tester | Single threaded | Multi-threaded + Multi-currency + Agent manager |
| Netting | Not supported | Not supported |
| Exchange Trading | Not supported | Not supported |
| Funds Transfer between Accounts | Not supported | Supported |
Why trade with AvaTrade and MT4:
There are a number of reasons that thousands of traders have chosen to trade with AvaTrade, offering the MT4 is very well one of them among others:
- High Leverage and Bonuses
High leverage up to and up to 100% in welcome bonuses are offered to all new traders that register with us. The leverage is one of the highest in the industry that a regulated broker can offer - Regulated Broker
With multiple awards being won, amongst the 2015 and 2016 Best broker, we also boast over 10 years of industry experience and have a presence in over 150 countries - More Markets
Over 250 assets to trade on. Variety of the most popular instruments including forex, commodities, indices & individual stocks - Deep Analysis
Enjoy more than 30 advanced charting & analytical tools, including trading strategy back-testing on the MT4 - Automated Trading
EA compatible, giving you free access to thousands of auto trading strategies. Additionally, there’s an option to upload your developed or purchased trading robots to take your trades automation to the next level. - Flexible Trading Conditions
Fixed & competitive spreads. The best in the market. Tailored trading conditions available on request - Mobile Trading
Trade MT4 on your tablet or mobile phone with our free Android & iOS trading apps - Full Support
Get free daily market analysis, quality trading education materials and live multilingual support 24/5 when the markets are at their best.
What is Metatrader 4 main FAQs
- How do I open an MT4 trading account with AvaTrade?
Getting your own MT4 demo or live account is quite easy at AvaTrade. Simply register for an account in under two minutes, then head over to the MetaTrader 4 page on our website, where you can download the MT4 platform. When you launch MT4 you can enter either your demo or real account credentials (these are sent to you via email when you register) and log into the platform. From there you can access all the powerful features MT4 has to offer.
- Can I use the MT4 platform on my smartphone?
MT4 is a cross platform application that can be downloaded for desktop use, accessed as a web trader in an internet browser, or installed as an application on your mobile device. There are mobile versions for both iOS and Android operating systems, so you can have the power of MT4 in your pocket no matter which device you use. Plus, the versions will all synch with each other, so when you place an order on your PC version of MT4 in the morning you can go in and modify it later in the day on your smartphone.
- Is the newer MT5 version better than the MT4 version?
Both MT4 and MT5 are the official versions created and distributed by MetaQuotes Software. The new MT5 version is considered to be superior for stock trading and order management, while the older MT4 platform is considered to be superior for forex trading. As a matter of fact, most retail traders will notice little difference between the two platforms. They both provide the basic trading functions and features needed to trade successfully.
