What is copy trading?
The very first place to start if you are copy trading, is to answer the question of, what is copy trading?
Well, copy trading is essentially a type of automated trading. With this sort of exchanging you can naturally duplicate different dealers. This implies that as these different brokers bring in or lose cash with their exchanges, you will do likewise.
Copy trading is ideal for many types of trader regardless of whether you need to duplicate exchange forex, or different business sectors. In case you are simply beginning in exchanging, or you would rather not commit a tremendous measure of time, then, at that point, duplicate exchanging might be the ideal response for you.
Anyone can start copy trading as in any broker can decide to duplicate exchanges. Assuming you need to be replicated by others however, this is typically restricted to the best traders.
MetaTrader 4
When it comes to copy trading, MetaTrader 4 is one of the most used, also, perceived exchanging stages this region to duplicate forex signals, however across different business sectors as well. With MT4, the base store required will rely upon the representative you select.
Just like trading forex or other markets with your broker, MT4 is one of the most robust trading platforms available. It very well may be downloaded as a work area stage, utilized in your program as online, or on your versatile and shrewd gadgets with next to no deficiency of usefulness.
Copy trading History
Since you have gotten the opportunity to check out a portion of the top duplicate exchanging intermediaries decisions available which can assist you with doing everything from duplicate forex signals, to duplicate stock merchants, how about we investigate the set of experiences behind copy trading.
In fact, copy trading is a relatively new thing. Before this, only reflect exchanging was accessible. You will take note of that this type of exchanging is as yet accessible through Tradency. With reflect exchanging, you are exchanging through pre-assembled systems which have been detailed by calculations.
Copy trading is similar in many ways, also, utilizes a great deal of similar establishments. The distinction with duplicate exchanging is that rather than simply replicating a pre-characterized exchanging technique, you can choose the best forex merchants to follow and duplicate. In this manner it is much more adaptable, and easy to use. Duplicate exchanging basically gives you significantly more command over your choices of when to duplicate forex signs and others, and furthermore from whom.
How Copy Trading Works
Of course when you start copy trading, one of the first, and most important things to understand about is of course the process of copy trading. So here, this is a look inside how it happens:
In copy trading, the trader (the person you will copy), opens a trade. The investor (you), then copies that trader. This usually happens automatically and without the need for any difficult interventions.
You will then win or lose along with the trader you have copied. If their positions grow, so will yours, and vice versa. One of the important points to note is that everything is proportionate, so you can invest whatever amount you like depending on the broker rules, and through copy trading, you will gain or lose proportionately.
One point here is that when choosing the traders to copy, you should take note of the position sizes they usually open, as this can impact your investment.
Let’s take a look at an example: If a trader opens trades on multiple assets where the average profit/loss is already at +10%, then you decide to invest $100. Finally the profit/loss moves to +15% so you close out your position. Of course you have only earned +5% because you started copying when the trader was already at +10% profit.
Why is copy trading so popular?
Copy trading has grown in popularity a lot in recent years. There are a few key reasons as to why it has become so popular.
First off, it is cheaper to engage in copy trading than mirror trading. It also gives you the chance to copy expert traders. Some of the best copy trade broker choices feature top traders from around the world. This can add great diversity to your portfolio.
Convenience is another factor. Copy trading does not require you to directly trade. This does not mean it is easier or simpler, it just means you leave the actual trading to someone else. You still need to know the markets and choose the best traders to follow.
Copy trading does give you the chance to copy some hugely successful traders too. This may seem like the best idea to always choose the most profitable. For example if you are a forex trader, you may think these are the best forex traders to follow. In reality, they may engage a high-risk trading strategy which does not fit your style or needs. This is always something to look out for. You need a keen eye to distinguish these “lucky” traders from real experts who employ a sound money management and risk strategy.
Is Copy Trading Legal
As things stand, copy trading is absolutely legal. It is offered in full compliance with laws and regulations by most of the best and well-regulated brokers around. This does not mean that regulations and laws will not change over time, but at the moment, copy trading is completely legal.
Copy Trading Regulation
When it comes to regulation too, copy trading is well-regulated by most of the top regulatory bodies around the world. The approach from many of the best copy trade broker names has changed a lot since the introduction of MiFID II regulations.
With these regulations copy trading platforms now can approach brokers to be connected with them. Instead, the approach must come from the broker.
There are also much stricter requirements around which traders can be copied. This is to stop the presence of “lucky” traders without real expertise and knowledge. Money protection also has become tighter. The copy trading platforms can impose minimum amounts required for investment in a trader, and also limit investment in large positions depending on the equity of an account. The amount of control which the copy trader had over the copier is also now limited to the amount which is invested and no other controls beyond that point.
Does Copy Trading Actually Work?
The all important question which you will inevitably ask is, does copy trading work? The answer is the same as with many forms of trading, it does work, but it is not a fool proof system. There is always the possibility of losing money as with every trading technique. It is important then that, more than just thinking of it as a forex trading copy and paste system, that you actually study both the broker, and traders you will follow to give yourself the tools you need to succeed.
How to start Copy Trading
Whether it’s how to copy forex signals, or others like copy stock traders, and everything in between, then there are a few simple steps you can follow to get started.
First, you should choose the best copy trade broker you can who meets your needs. You can check out our top 10 featuring the best forex signals apps, which comprehends the best copytrading brokers as well as the best copy-trading communities. From there you can open a demo account to practice, or deposit on a real money account. The next step is to choose the best copy trader you want to follow and copy.
With that it is as simple as starting to copy the trader, and stopping once you are satisfied with the profit or loss. It is not just as simple as choosing any trader though.
How to find the best trader to copy
Here are a few tips to follow when choosing the best trader for you:
- Find the right moment to copy a trader
You have to monitor a traders performance over time before deciding to copy them. It is usually best to avoid copying during a strong positive streak or just after they have reached an earnings peak. This could indicate their positions have already reached maximum potential.
It may be best to start copying a trader once they open new trades or are on a slight downturn after long periods in positive territory.
Risk management is always a key area. Even though each broker will provide an algorithm to show whether a trader is risky or not, you still need to be able to determine it by your own scale.
This trader risk strategy scale will be from 1-10 and determine whether a strategy is risky or not to follow for investors. A risky trading strategy may have bigger returns, but can also lead to losses in the longer term. In this case you need to decide what is best for you and keep in mind the risk/reward ratio and balance. Risking a lot to gain a little is a dangerous strategy which is often unbalanced, so try to find a trader who offers a good balance of risk vs reward.
You may see copy traders who have pristine records of no losing trades on their account. These should be avoided. Even the most successful traders suffer losses. A non-losing record is a warning sign that something is too good to be true. You should use your best judgement here to decide when selecting a trader.
Consistency in copy trading is key. Try to stay away from those with huge earning peaks or great losses. Consistent returns will always add up to a better return over time.
- Keeping too many opened positions
The last point to note is that you do not want to hold too many open positions at once. Particularly if you are losing, it is best to limit your copy trading positions to just a few. This way, you can keep a good track on them, and you account equity. Having a stop-loss in place is also always a wise move. This keeps you from holding on endlessly to losing positions.
Sometimes it is also good to keep some cash on the side. This is unused money in your account that you can use to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
For more information and detail on these points, feel free to check out our comprehensive copy trading guide.
Risks of copy trading
Like all other forms of trading, of course there are risks when it comes to copy trading. The risk here is losing your money. This can happen in a variety of ways if you do not carefully manage your copy trading investments.
The trader you have followed may have made a mistake on the investments they have made. This is possible, just as it is also possible they could correct the mistake. This could also be due to an unexpected market trend that nobody could have anticipated in a volatile market.
If losses are mounting up though, it also may be possible that you have followed the wrong trader. At this point you should make attempts to change the trader you are investing with.
Advantages and disadvantages – Pros and Cons
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages we have found when it comes to copy trading.
Pros
- Copy trading is very efficient in that it does not take up a lot of your time. Perfect if you are too busy to monitor each and every market move yourself.
- You also have expert traders who are skilled to trade for you. This is ideal for all traders but particularly if you are a newer trader.
- Copy trading is both cheaper, and more flexible than mirror trading.
Cons
- Because you are relying on another trader, you have almost no control over the trading strategy which they are implementing.
Our final thoughts about Copy Trading
Rounding up our thoughts on copy trading. We have answered the question of, does copy trading work, with a resounding yes. It can be a great trading technique if you use your knowledge and control in applying it.
Copy trading is perfect if you are a busy person with little time to invest in trading yourself. You can practically recruit the best traders to trade on your behalf. If you are a beginner too, you can have the benefit of copying experienced, expert traders which can lead to good results, and developing your own knowledge and skills.
Not only that, but if you are an expert trader who is copied by investors, you can also earn commissions from the trades you make. It is clear then, that is applied in the right way, copy trading can be a win win situation for all involved.