What is MetaTrader 4? [Expert Advisors, Backtesting, and Copy Trading]

Article Level:
Intermediate

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is an advanced trading platform developed and launched in 2005 by a Russian company called "MetaQuotes".

Logo and Introduction to MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
A complete review of the MetaTrader 4 trading platform

This platform is designed for traders in financial markets such as Forex, precious metals, indices, and energy. 

It provides various features for analysis, risk management, and the execution of trading strategies.

Key Features of MetaTrader 4

Here are the most practical features of MT4:

Advanced Analytical Tools

MetaTrader 4 offers 30 built-in technical indicators and 24 charting tools, such as Fibonacci, trendlines, and channels for market analysis.

Traders can add custom MetaTrader 4 indicators from third-party providers and extend this list.

Automated Trading with Expert Advisors (EAs)

One of the most appealing features of this platform is the ability to use Expert advisors.

These trading robots are developed using the MQL4 programming language and can execute trading strategies automatically. You can check out TradingFinder MQL4 page for the most up-to-date EAs.

Expert Advisors in MetaTrader 4
Expert Advisors is one of the unique features of the MetaTrader 4 trading platform

Strategy Backtesting

The MetaTrader 4 platform allows users to test their trading strategies using historical data.

Backtesting is a feature for improving trading strategies before applying them to real trades.

Backtesting in MetaTrader 4
Backtesting trading strategies in MetaTrader 4

Access Across Various Devices

This software is available in desktop, mobile, and web versions. Users can access financial markets anytime, anywhere.

Precise Order Management

This platform supports various types of orders, including market orders, pending orders, stop loss, take profit, and trailing stop.

Order Placement in MT4
Order placement process in MetaTrader 4 trading platform

Types of Orders in MetaTrader 4

MT4 supports 4 order types which allows traders to manage their risk effectively. MT4 order types:

  • Buy Limit: An order to buy at or below the current market price
  • Buy Stop: An order to buy above the current market price
  • Sell Limit: An order to sell above the current market price
  • Sell Stop: An order to sell at or below the current market price

MetaTrader 4's Internal Market

The MT4 platform includes an internal market for purchasing ready-made indicators (such as Volume Weighted Moving Average Indicator  and RSI), experts, and scripts.

In addition to this market, users have access to an extensive library of free tools.

Internal Market of MetaTrader 4
Various TradingFinder tools are available in the MetaTrader 4 Internal Market

Alert and Notification System

MetaTrader 4 allows setting alerts for specific market conditions, enabling traders to receive mobile notifications about significant market changes.

Price Alert in MetaTrader 4
Traders can use MetaTrader 4 price alerts to get notified when the asset price changes

Copy Trading

This well-known trading platform enables copying the trades of professional traders. Users can leverage trading signals and automatically replicate the trades of others.

Copy Trading in MetaTrader 4
List of copy trading masters on the MetaTrader 4 (MQL4) website

Trading History

The MetaTrader 4 platform stores all past trades. Users can view them in the trading report section and clearly see entry and exit points.

MetaTrader 4 History section
Trade history tab in MT4 trading platform

Trading Statement

MetaTrader 4 records trades and position results, providing performance metrics like winrate, average profit and loss, etc.

MetaTrader 4 trade statement
An example of trading statement in MetaTrader 4

Templates

Templates are a collection of parameters that can be saved and applied to any chart without extra costs. You can create a custom template and quickly use it in future trades.

MT4 template
Bollinger Bands template in MetaTrader 4 trading platform

Advantages and Disadvantages of MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 remains a favorite among brokers due to its intuitive interface and robust features.

 However, its limitations in advanced analysis tools and lack of support for newer markets can pose challenges.

MT4 pros and cons:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Simple user interface: Easy access to tools and quick trade execution

Limited support for new tools: Like options trading

High security: Uses 128-bit encryption to protect user information

Low processing power in some conditions: When using numerous indicators or experts

Multi-language support: Allows software use in various languages

Limitations compared to MetaTrader 5: Advanced tools are available in the newer version

Multi-account management: Suitable for professional traders with diverse strategies

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Conclusion

The MetaTrader 4 trading platform offers 30 built-in indicators and 24 charting tools by default for market analysis.

Additionally, this platform provides essential features such as using Expert Advisors (EAs) and strategy backtesting, which are tools for precise trade management.

FAQs

What is MetaTrader 4?

MetaTrader 4 is an advanced trading platform developed in 2005 by "MetaQuotes." It is used for market analysis and trading in financial markets like Forex, precious metals, indices, and energy.

How can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) in MetaTrader 4?

Expert Advisors (EAs) are tools that allow you to execute trading strategies automatically. To use them, purchase or download the desired EA from the internal market and add it to the chart.

What types of orders can be used in MetaTrader 4?

MetaTrader 4 supports various order types, including market orders, pending orders, stop loss, take profit, and trailing stop.

How can I use backtesting in MetaTrader 4?

To use backtesting, select your trading strategy and use the Strategy Tester tool under "View”. This allows you to test strategies based on historical data.

How can I receive trading signals in MetaTrader 4?

In MetaTrader 4, use the "Signals" section. Professional traders share trading signals for free or at a specific cost. You can subscribe to these signals and copy trades.

Can I use MetaTrader 4 on mobile?

Yes, MetaTrader 4 has a mobile version available for iOS and Android. Use this version for online market analysis and trading.

How can I set trading alerts in MetaTrader 4?

Right-click on the chart or "Terminal" section and select "Alert." You can set alerts based on price levels, indicators, or other specific conditions.

How can I view trading history in MetaTrader 4?

To view trading history, go to the "Account History" tab in the "Terminal" window. All previous trades and their details are displayed there.

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