Foreign exchange (forex) trading is a rapidly-growing in popularity with individual investors. The aim is simple: to make money by exchanging one currency for another at an agreed price. However, it is also recognised as being a highly risky marketplace for beginners. This makes it vital to know which is the best forex trading software with which to manually enter and execute forex trades. Selecting a reputable online forex broker is hard but fortunately resources like Compare Forex Brokers make it easier to find one.
Here is a breakdown of the more common forex trading software types and their differences.
Trading Platforms: allow for the manual management and execution of forex trades.
Technical Analysis Software: provide charts of historical exchange rates and technical indicators.
Trading Signal Generators: provide recommended levels at which forex traders can initiate and close out positions.
Automated Forex Trading Software: also known as forex robots – these execute trades automatically based on pre-programmed trading algorithms.
Some of the more advanced platforms may include: algorithmic trading support with back-testing capabilities, charting functionality, and the ability to manage multiple trading accounts
Basically, trading software helps forex traders improve their trading skills and get better results. Here are some of the most popular pieces of forex software on the market, including mobile apps:
MetaTrader 4: The most popular trading platform. It is easy to use and manage. Users generally experience less glitches with this platform than browser-based platforms.
MetaTrader 5: This is easier to program and may be a better framework for users and developers of trading robots. It is the best choice for traders who have to comply with US regulations, want to do a great deal of back testing using the platform offline, or want access to stock and commodities exchanges that are hard to reach through Metatrader 4.
cTrader: A great platform with a growing reputation amongst brokers because the cTrader interface is more smooth-running, neater and easier to navigate than the MetaTrader platform. It was made to meet the unique requirements of no-dealing desk brokers and provides plenty of tools that greatly increase the efficiency of transparent and direct executions.
NetDania Forex and Stocks: This iOS and Android app is popular for its versatility. In addition to up-to-the-minute forex interbank rates and access to real-time price quotes, this app offers live streaming charts and the latest market news from FxWirePro and Market News International. It also allows traders to set price or trendline alerts on specific currency pairs, stocks or commodities, and to customise the menu for specific news and price quotes.
Trade Interceptor: A very popular iOS and Android trading app that allows users to trade currency pairs, binary options and commodity futures through a choice of forex brokers. Traders can set alerts for price levels or news releases, and the app provides access to the daily economic news calendar and real-time market news. There is also a feature that allows traders to do simulated trading and back-test trading strategies using historical price data.
FXCM Trading Station Mobile: This service offers a wide range of trading tools in addition and easy access to forex markets. The app grants access to more than 56 currency pairs, and users can place and manage forex trades through it. A free in-app demo is offered to new users who would like to try the platform risk-free before they decide to sign up and fund accounts for real FX trading.
Personal investors who decide to begin forex mobile trading should consider the best devices to use, and other general basics.
Regardless of the type of software that traders choose to use, it is vital to fully evaluate its features, design, and ease-of-use, and take advantage of demonstration accounts, before beginning to trade.
It cannot be stressed enough that forex trading is both complex and risky. Before starting to trade in this market visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website (www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/complex-investments/foreign-exchange-trading) for more details on how it works, the risks a trader faces and the potential to lose large sums of money, particularly if a person doesn’t know what they are doing.
