Trading Guide - Start Here
Table of Contents
Foundations
Understand market sessions, order types (market/limit/stop/stop-limit), and how spreads/commissions/swaps affect total cost. Start with smaller timeframes only if your schedule and discipline allow it; otherwise practice structure on higher timeframes.
Platforms
MetaTrader 4/5
Industry standards with EAs and custom indicators. Great for forex/CFDs.
cTrader
Modern UI, DoM, cBots for automation; popular with scalpers.
R StocksTrader
Web platform focused on stocks/CFDs and portfolio simulation.
Proprietary Platforms
Broker-specific; weigh convenience vs. tooling depth.
Choosing a Broker
Compare regulation, instrument coverage, platforms, costs, and funding methods. Always validate with demo: measure slippage and execution in your preferred hours.
- Regulation & entity protections (segregation, NBP, compensation schemes)
- Costs: spread + commission + swaps; all-in by instrument
- Execution quality and platform stability
Risk Management
- Risk 1–2% per trade maximum
- Hard stop-loss on every position
- Daily loss cap (e.g., 3–5%) and stop trading rule
Strategy & Testing
Define setups, markets, sessions, entry/exit rules, and risk. Backtest to understand ranges; then forward-test on demo with fixed size. Only scale after consistent metrics.
Journaling
Record intent vs. fill, context, and rationale. Review weekly to refine rules.
90-Day Practice Roadmap
- Days 1–15: Platform fluency + basic setups
- Days 16–45: Forward testing on demo; track slippage and spreads
- Days 46–90: Stabilize metrics; consider small live only if consistent
Demo Accounts
Use demo to learn platform workflows without risk. Validate strategy behavior across sessions and volatility regimes.