News feeds provide critical market information needed to execute trades more effectively. On the other hand, trading platforms attract more users, depending on the variety of features and functionality they provide. Therefore, traders need to compare the available options to achieve specific trading objectives.
There are similarities and differences between leading platforms such as Metatrader 4 (MT4) and cTrader. Similarities include native support for netting and hedging. Key features to consider when comparing include backtesting capabilities, trading tools, charting packages, and other crucial features. It’s important to match the set of features offered by the platform with your trading needs.
Here’s a glimpse of what Metatrader 4 and cTrader offer.
Metatrader 4
This platform stands out from the rest thanks to its user-friendliness, simple interface, and feature bouquet. It’s no surprise that many analysts consider it an industry standard. The platform’s popularity is still high despite introducing a newer version in the form of Metatrader 5. Developed by Cyprus-based software company Metaquotes, the platform is a staple for most brokerage firms.
MT4 is downloadable through a metatrader 4 download PC link on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iOS. Only the customized version can run on iOS devices. With MT4, you can do margin trading, which is vital for taking advantage of leveraged exposure to currency markets. The best part is that it’s possible to execute orders automatically. To do this, you need to use a device with programs written in the MQL4 language – a proprietary language.
One of the key benefits of using MT4 is flexibility. This benefit allows you to enjoy a customized experience based on your trading needs and preferences.
- Additional Metatrader 4 benefits include:
- Advanced platform security
- Brokerage availability
- Chat features
- Good chart selection
- Access to robotic expert advisors (EAs)
- Multilingual
- Enhanced customization
- Exceptional mobile device compatibility
Regarding security, MT4 hardens security using 128-bit encryption. That way, your trading data doesn’t get intercepted by bad actors. It moves securely between your device and the platform’s servers.
cTrader
Award-winning fintech company Spotware Systems Ltd. developed this trading platform to provide an alternative to the available options. It comes with wide-ranging benefits that you should consider when choosing the ideal trading platform for you. ECN (Electronic Communication Network) brokers find the platform more attractive.
It has two main functionalities: charting and order execution. Key things you’ll notice about cTrader include the streamlined interface that makes it easy to use, even for novice traders. You can access three chart modes: free-, single-, and multi-chart. These chart modes are useful when you want multiple market trend visualizations.
Another thing you’ll like about this platform is that it has advanced tools to help you evaluate market depth. There are three viewpoints, including VWAP, standard, and price depths. By taking advantage of these tools, it’s easier to track market events more closely. As a result, you make informed decisions regarding entry and exit points.
cTrader has a proprietary algorithmic trading tool – cAlgo. With it, you’ll find it easier to create custom indicators, backtest your trades, and execute specific strategies. cAlgo is compatible with the .NET framework and the C# language. The platform also comes with several indicators and timeframes. Bollinger, moving averages, and MACD are examples of the indicators offered by cTrader. They help you analyze data effectively.
Although both MT4 and cTrader allow you to tweak email alerts. The latter offers a wider range of alerts. On another level, cTrader comes with a volume tooltip that shows commission cost, pip value, and the applicable margin when you select a trade order volume.
Another useful feature is the built-in economic calendar that lets you stay ahead of critical events like central bank announcements.
Summary
cTrader and Metatrader 4 have useful features that allow you to track and analyze markets. However, there are important differences that you should familiarize yourself with. MT4 is the best option, thanks to its range of integrated tools like robotic expert advisors.
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