The market will focus on US Producer Price Index (PPI) and Retail Sales data after last week’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) came out as forecasted. 

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will be making its Monetary Policy Statement on 18 January. The BOJ is widely expected to keep interest rates in the negative territory.

Here are this week’s key events:

UK Claimant Count Change (17 January)

The UK saw a rise of 30,500 people claiming unemployment benefits in November 2022.

Analysts expect December’s data to be lower than November’s reading at 19,800.

Canada Consumer Price Index (17 January)

In November 2022, the CPI in Canada increased by 0.1% from the previous month. This was slower than the 0.7% increase in October.

December’s CPI reading is forecast to be higher by 0.3%.

US NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (17 January)

The New York Empire State Manufacturing Index declined 16 points from November to -11.2 in December 2022, its steepest drop since August and below market expectations of -1.

Analysts expect a sharp improvement in January but still a negative reading at -4.5.

Bank of Japan Monetary Policy Statement (18 January 2022)

The Bank of Japan shocked markets on December 20 when it widened the range around its 10-year yield target, allowing long-term rates to rise while keeping its interest rate steady at -0.1%.

BoJ is forecast to keep its interest rate in the negative territory.

UK Consumer Price Index (18 January)

The UK’s CPI increased 0.40% in November 2022 from October, the smallest increase since January of that year.

Analysts expect an increase of another 0.40% in December and could show a rise of 11.1% in the UK’s annual inflation reading.

US Retail Sales (18 January)

The US retail sales index fell 0.6% month-on-month in November of 2022, worse than market forecasts of a 0.1% fall.

Analysts expect December’s retail sales data to fall by 0.5%.

US Producer Price Index (18 January)

In November 2022, the US PPI for final demand increased by 0.3% month-on-month, matching October’s figures.

Analysts expect December’s reading to remain unchanged from November or decrease by 0.1%.

Dear Client,

Warmly reminds you that the component stocks in the stock index spot generate dividends. When dividends are distributed, VT Markets will make dividends and deductions for the clients who hold the trading products after the close of the day before the ex-dividend date.

Indices dividends will not be paid/charged as an inclusion along with the swap component. It will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, the comment for which will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please note the specific adjustments as follows:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact cs@vtmarkets.com.

Forex trading involves development and growth — it’s about increasing your understanding and becoming more confident as a trader. But this can be difficult to achieve without the right software to assist you. You need software that will help you practise making moves — and mistakes — without punishing you. You need a solution that allows you to learn how to trade forex without the added pressure of capital risk. 

This is what the demo account of MetaTrader 4 is all about. This demo MT4 account allows you to practise trades and develop practical skills without putting any real money forward. There’s no potential profit, but there’s nothing to lose, either!

Understanding MetaTrader 4’s different options

What’s the difference between the live account and the MetaTrader demo account? Take a look below.

The MetaTrader 4 live account

MetaTrader 4’s live account is the full version of the platform. This is where you’ll put forward portions of your own capital reserves to make trades and open positions in the forex market. You’ll be able to speculate on whether you think your chosen currency pair will increase or decrease in value — open a buying position on pairs you believe will rise and open a selling position on those you think will fall.

When you close your position, success or failure depends on the final market performance of the pair. So, you will take your profit if your predictions are right and absorb your losses if the market goes the other way. This is where the risk factor of the forex market comes into play — profits are never guaranteed during trading, and it takes experience and understanding to develop more reliable strategies. Even traders with this experience may sometimes find that the market doesn’t move as they intended it to.

The demo MT4 account

The demo version of MT4 allows players to build this experience without the risk of losing capital. Working with a reserve of virtual funds — not real capital — you’ll be able to make trades on forex pairs and test your strategy ahead of real-life trades. 

Choose from a range of different markets and utilise the intuitive dashboard to analyse the market’s direction. Then, get used to the mechanisms of opening and closing trades. It’s highly recommended that you use the MT4 demo account before getting started in the real market.

The benefits of using the MetaTrader 4 demo account

Why use MT4 demo accounts? Why not just get straight into trading on the full version of the platform? Well, there are many reasons why a more measured and careful course of incremental growth is better than jumping in at the deep end. A sink-or-swim approach might work for some things, but forex trading is not one of them — the stakes are simply too high in this environment.

Let’s take a look at the advantages of the MetaTrader demo account, exploring all the benefits of using this demo account for MT4 before you step your trading strategy up a gear.

Learn vital skills without the risk

Trading on the forex market can be difficult. Gaining the skills necessary to trade confidently will always take time and experience. Of course, in a fast-paced trading environment like the foreign exchange market, gaining this time and experience is not easy without exposing yourself to considerable risk. This is where the demo account can make all the difference.

You’ll be able to take all the time you need, opening and closing positions and gaining genuine experience in the market. As you build your confidence, you’ll find yourself better equipped to make trades. This, in turn, will prepare you for graduating from the demo MetaTrader 4 account to the full live version. There will still be risks, but you will have the skills required to navigate these risks carefully and deliberately.

Practice with a full suite of tools

One of the best things about the MT4 demo is its comprehensive nature. MetaTrader 4 is an expansive and highly capable platform packed with tools and features that help traders open and keep track of positions while conducting advanced market analysis. This kind of data-driven approach is critical to developing a trading strategy, allowing traders to forecast the future performance of forex pairs. With the MetaTrader 4 demo, you have all this capability at your fingertips.

Tools like stop-loss and take-profit mean you can keep your trade within sustainable parameters. Meanwhile, indicators such as moving averages (MAs) and Relative Strength Indices (RSIs) assist you as you derive even more insight and understanding from the platform. A range of different view configurations is critical as you leverage the MT4 dashboard quickly and without delay. You can rest assured that all of this — and more — are included in the demo version of the MT4 platform, so you can spend time getting to know how you will incorporate all of this into your strategy.

In addition, you’ll be able to work with various add-ons that provide flexibility and personalisation to the MT4 trading experience. These include the alarm manager — a useful feature that enables customised alarms and alerts that keep you informed of the latest movements even outside of the platform, harnessing SMS and email integration. The mini terminal is another useful MT4 feature found on the platform’s demo version. This is where you’ll gain quick, one-click access to various trading functions and data points, streamlining how you use the solution.

Understand real forex market mechanics

The forex market is subject to the forces of supply and demand. When supply increases but demand falls, the currency’s price also falls. When demand increases and supply falls, the price moves in the opposite direction. A wealth of different geopolitical and economic factors will influence this, giving us a highly complex set of market dynamics that traders will need to get to grips with as they develop their future strategies.

In this sense, the demo version of MT4 works just the same way as the live version. When you view the MT4 dashboard, you’ll witness all of these market movements, examining the movements of forex pairs in real-time. You’ll see how prices shift at times of high trading volumes, and you’ll begin to develop the kind of tactics and trading schedule that will become core to your strategy moving forward. Simply put, the MetaTrader 4 demo gives you everything you can expect from the full account without the potential for profit and loss.

Road-test your strategies

Let’s say you have been trading forex for a little while and don’t need further learning or development. Is the demo MT4 account worth it? Yes. If you have an idea for a new strategy, for example, or a new plan of action you want to try out, it’s probably not a good idea to experiment with this on the live account.

Instead, use the demo version. Experiment with different tactics and strategic moves until you are confident that you have developed a coherent and potentially successful plan. Then you can deploy this plan in the live environment — there will still be a risk that the strategy doesn’t work, but you will have given yourself a better chance of success.

Hone your timing

For short-term trades in particular, timing is everything. The market can move very quickly, which means a delay of just a few seconds can result in a significant price movement on a scalping trade. You’ll need to get used to executing trades with zero delays and latency.

MetaTrader 4 is certainly well-equipped to achieve this, but you need to get used to making those rapid moves whenever you need to. This is where honing your approach on the demo account of MT4 is so important. Minimise those delays and achieve agile opening and closing before you start trading with real money.

Get started with the MetaTrader 4 demo at VT Markets

Here at VT Markets, we want to give our users the tools they need to develop their own forex trading strategy. This means offering powerful features that enable traders to open and close positions without delay while gathering the data they need to make their next move. 

In addition, we offer the demo version of the MT4 platform, allowing you to grow your skills in a risk-free environment. Set up your demo account and move on to a live account when ready. Want to discover more about trading with VT Markets and MT4? Reach out to our team today.

MetaTrader 4 is a trading platform for forex and CFD markets. It is popular among traders because of its customisable charts, built-in indicators, back-testing, and algorithmic trading features. One of the biggest advantages of MetaTrader 4 (often shortened to MT4) is that it is available on different platforms. In addition to a version for desktop and laptop computers, there are MT4 mobile apps. 

The MT4 Android app offers many of the features available on the desktop version, including live quotes, customisable charts, and one-tap trading. If you also run MetaTrader on a PC or Mac, you can download MT4 for Android when you want to trade but are away from your computer. 

After you complete the MetaTrader 4 Android download, you can trade forex pairs, share and index CFDs, and invest in commodity markets. Because of the flexibility, speed, and charting options, MT4 is an excellent choice for these markets. 

Let’s take a look at the advantages, features, and nuances of using MT4 for Android.

Download MetaTrader 4 Android device requirements

MetaTrader 4 works on various Android devices. Here is a look at the minimum requirements necessary to run the software. 

When you download MetaTrader 4 from the Google Play Store, it should automatically tell you whether you can download the app to your connected Android devices. The app should work as long as your phone or tablet runs Android 4.0 or later. MT4 also requires only 4.2 MB of free disk space. 

How to download MT4 for Android

MetaTrader 4 is available on the Google Play Store or via an Android Package Kit (APK) installation. 

The most straightforward option is to visit the Google Play app store and download it from there. 

• Open the Google Play app and type MetaTrader 4 in the search bar. 

• When you arrive at the official MetaTrader 4 download, tap “Install.” 

• Wait for the installation to complete and verify that the app icon appears on your phone or tablet. 

You can also download the APK from the MetaTrader 4 website via your phone’s browser. Then, you should open the file and complete the steps as directed. Though installation is straightforward, the Google Play option is easier because it does not require technical knowledge and completes in fewer steps. 

Once the app is on your device, you will need to sign in with your brokerage login to connect your account to the app. 

• Open the app. 

• The first time you open the app, click on the MT4 icon near “Managed Accounts.”

• You click the + (plus) to add a new account. 

• If you have a VT Markets brokerage account, click “Login with an existing account.” 

• Use the same credentials you use for desktop and browser logins. 

You can select a demo account if you have opened a demo account with VT Markets. 

How to learn with the MT4 Android app

Traders can learn forex trading or perfect their share CFD strategies by using the MetaTrader 4 demo feature. This feature allows you to trade using live market data and conditions. However, your account uses play money rather than actual capital. If you make mistakes, which will likely happen while you are negotiating the learning curve, you will not lose money. 

Even advanced traders can move back to the demo mode in MT4 to try new strategies in a low-stress environment. 

MetaTrader 4 Android also has a back-testing feature. This mode allows you to use historical market price data to test automated strategies. Since forex markets often trade within ranges and have repeating price patterns and support and resistance levels, past trends will likely repeat. Therefore, back-testing is an effective way to test your strategies. 

If you would like to build confidence with a demo account using an Android device, you can visit VT Markets to open a demo account. 

Benefits of MT4 for Android

MetaTrader 4 for Android has many of the features of the other versions of the platform. 

The most obvious advantage of mobile MT4 versions is that you can trade from anywhere if you have a Wi-Fi or data connection. Here is a look at the other benefits you can enjoy when trading with the MT4 Android app: 

• A full-featured trading system — MT4 for Android has all the order types and execution modes you get with the desktop version. You can use limit and market orders and risk management tools like stop-loss orders, which you can alter to reflect current market conditions. A history window allows you to see past trade amounts and results. 

• A dedicated trade window — The trade window contains information about currently open positions so that you can closely track your market exposure. 

• Three chart types — You can choose from bar charts, candlesticks, and broken line charts.

• Nine different time options — Android users can select from nine different timeframes, from short-term 1-minute and 5-minute charts to 1-day and 1-month charts.

• Popular technical indicators — Mobile MT4 users have access to 30 of the most-used indicators on the MT4 platform. These come with some of the customisation features available to desktop users. You can open up to 10 windows with indicators at one time. 

• Support access — Users on Android can contact support via chat or email. 

• Analytical objects — The mobile version also has a selection of 24 analytical objects. These include common tools like Elliot wave and Fibonacci levels. 

• News feed — Real-time reports allow mobile traders to keep up with the latest market news and announcements and make informed market decisions. 

You can easily switch between the desktop and mobile versions of MT4 with the same login credentials from your brokerage account. 

A closer look at the instruments you can trade with MetaTrader 4

MT4 is a popular platform for traders who prefer forex markets and derivatives like CFDs. Here are the markets you can access after you download MetaTrader 4 Android device apps and connect an account with VT Markets: 

• Forex pairs — Major and minor forex pairs trade 24 hours per day. You can trade major pairs like EUR/USD and AUD/USD or try cross pairs like GBP/JPY. 

• Indices — Major stock market indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nikkei 225, and S&P/ASX 200 offer exposure to an entire market. Contracts for difference (CFDs) allow you to trade these markets using leverage without having a brokerage account in each country. 

• Shares — CFD shares allow you to access stocks without a traditional brokerage account. You can day trade without worrying about pattern trading restrictions limiting retail traders’ access in many stock markets. 

• Metals — Gold and silver are ideal for both long-term investment and short-term speculation. With CFDs, you can trade spot markets like XAU/USD (gold) with leverage. 

• Energies — Crude oil is one of the most exciting markets, with prices reacting to industry news and major economic reports.

• Soft commodities — Soft commodities like cocoa, coffee, sugar, soy, and wheat are unique because of their seasonal price movements and the ability to trade them using either fundamental or technical analysis. 

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — Exchange-traded funds offer access to various industries and economies. You can access it via a CFD even if you are not in the country where a particular ETF trades. If you take this route, you can use the MT4 Android app for trading. 

A broker like VT Markets offers access to all these instruments with favourable trading features. 

Trade on the MT4 Android app with VT Markets

VT Markets offers MetaTrader 4 accounts for desktop (PC, Mac, Linux), web-based trading, and mobile apps (Android and iOS). We offer fast account setup, so you can quickly open a forex account and connect your MT4 Android app. You simply have to register your account, fund it, and connect MetaTrader 4. After you take these three steps, you can start trading. 

VT Markets boasts over 1,000 tradable instruments, including CFD shares, forex pairs, energy and metal commodities, and index CFDs. You can enjoy lower trading costs with spreads as low as 0 pips or points on some forex pairs and contracts. You can also take advantage of promotional offers, including deposit bonuses, free trading signals, and tools. 

If you are new to trading or a novice in CFDs and forex, you can take advantage of our demo account for MetaTrader 4 to learn without risking your capital until you gain confidence. 

If you want to enjoy these benefits, you can open a forex account and begin trading. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us anytime.

MetaTrader 4 is a platform with charting tools, analytical tools, and indicators for technical analysis. It also offers news feeds and other features that appeal to chart-based and fundamental traders. Additionally, it works for automated algorithmic trading. 

MetaTrader 4 (often shortened to MT4) is flexible and accessible in terms of its charting tools, indicators, and trading windows. It is available on all major operating systems and different types of devices. A version for desktop and laptop computers is available for download, and you can access the platform via a browser-based system. There are also MT4 for iPhone and Android apps. 

The MetaTrader 4 iPhone app has many of the same customisation options available on desktop and browser-based platforms. The big advantage of MT4 is that you can trade on a computer and switch to your MetaTrader 4 iPhone app when you are away from your desk or office. You can access your favourite markets if you have a data or WiFi connection. 

After you download MT4 for Apple iPhone, you can trade forex, share CFDs, indices, metal, and energy markets. 

Here is an in-depth look at the process, advantages, and features of MT4 for iPhone.

Metatrader 4 iPhone download requirements

You can download MT4 for iPhone and iPad from the Apple App Store so long as you meet the following download requirements:

• Your device needs iOS 7.0 or later. 

• You need 12.4 MB of free space. 

• You must have a VT Markets or other brokerage account that you can use to log in to MT4 for iPhone once it’s downloaded. 

How to download MetaTrader 4 iPhone app

Here’s how you can download MT4 for iPhone via the Apple App Store:

• Open the App Store on your iOS device. 
• Search for MetaTrader 4.
• Tap “install” and wait for the process to complete. 

Once you complete the MetaTrader 4 iPhone download, you can set up your trading account. If you have a live account or demo account on VT Markets, you can connect it immediately and start trading. Here is the process for taking this step:

• Open the MT4 app. 
• Tap “Settings” in the lower corner (right-hand side) and select New Account. 
• You will see and tap an option for “Login to Existing Account.” 
• Scroll down to find the Live and Demo options for VT Markets. 
• Use your regular login credentials to connect your account to your iPhone. 

You should then have full access to all the mobile trading features available on MT4 for iPhone. 

How to learn to trade after you download MT4 for iPhone app

If you are new to MT4 and currency or CFD markets, you can learn forex trading using a MetaTrader 4 demo account. This option is an effective learning tool because it uses live market data and the conditions you would experience when trading with real money. 

Mistakes are inevitable as you begin trading. With a demo account, you can learn from your mistakes without actually losing your capital. This approach saves you money and mitigates stress as you learn how to navigate markets using MetaTrader 4. 

Once you feel confident, you can switch to a live account and begin trading. 

Advanced traders can keep their demo account and use it to try new strategies in a low-stress environment.

The MetaTrader 4 iPhone app offers back-testing as well. This feature lets users rewind the markets and test their strategies using historical price data. This approach is especially effective for testing automated strategies. 

If you are new to forex and CFDs, you can visit VT Markets to open a demo account and build your confidence before diving into real-money trading.

The features available on MT4 for iPhone

The MetaTrader 4 mobile platform has many of the features of the desktop and web versions.

Obviously, for many traders, the primary feature is the ability to stay connected to markets once you step away from your desktop. You will not be tied to your computer while you have open positions. 

Also, with some mobile trading apps, you have to sacrifice features, which could make implementing your strategy difficult. With MT4 for iPhone, however, that is not the case. Here are the features you get to enjoy:

• Important order options — The MetaTrader 4 iPhone app has all the order types available on the desktop version. You can set limit orders or execute trades immediately with market orders. Meanwhile, stop-loss and take-profit orders can help with risk-reward setups.

• A dedicated trade window — You can monitor open positions with a special trade window. This feature helps you stay up to date regardless of your location. 

• Multiple chart types — The app allows you to track price action with bar, candlestick, and broken line charts.

• Nine different time options — iOS users can access short and long-term timeframes. The options include 1-minute, 5-minute, 15-minute, 30-minute, 1-hour, 4-hour, 1-day, 1-week, and 1-month charts.

• A full range of technical indicators — Mobile traders have access to 30 technical indicators, including Bollinger Bands, RSI and stochastic oscillators, and moving averages. 

• Support access — Users can contact support via chat or email directly from the app.

• Analytical tools — MT4 for iPhone also offers objects for additional analysis. For example, you can create trend lines and calculate Fibonacci retracement ratios. 

• News feed — Traders can access important market news and get alerts on their iPhones.

You can use the same login credentials for mobile and desktop versions, so MT4 can serve as your complete trading solution regardless of location. 

Markets you can trade with MT4 for iPhone

MetaTrader 4 is popular with market players who focus on forex and derivatives, such as contracts for difference (CFDs). Here is a look at the markets you can access after you download MT4 for Apple iPhone: 

• Currency — Forex pairs trade 24 hours per day on a global marketplace. You can trade AUD/USD, USD/JPY, and dozens of other markets at any time with your mobile app.

• Index CFDs — Stock market indices like Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), S&P/ASX 200, and FTSE 100 provide exposure to the most important markets in a given country. CFDs allow you to invest in these markets using leverage, even if you are outside the home country where they are traded.

• Stocks — Shares and CFDs track major stocks from around the world. You can trade blue-chip companies even if you lack a full stock brokerage account. 

• Metals — Gold and silver offer both trading and investing opportunities. You can access spot markets like XAU/USD (gold) and XAG/USD (silver) for day trading or hedging against inflation or market uncertainty.

• Energies — Brent and WTI crude oil markets, along with natural gas, have the features and volatility to attract speculation from traders willing to take on more risk. You can use MT4 to track and trade these markets using futures or CFDs. 

• Other commodities — So-called soft commodities, such as cocoa, coffee, sugar, soy, and wheat, offer an alternative to other forms of investment. These assets have different features, such as seasonal price fluctuations and yield data, which make them an interesting alternative for traders who want to speculate on commodities.

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — ETFs track industries, economies, or sectors. They use a collection of stocks, bonds, futures, and other assets to follow specific markets. You can access these funds directly from a stock brokerage account, making them more accessible than mutual funds. However, you can also use CFDs to track and profit from the price movements of ETFs from major global markets.

The best way to access all these markets and investment instruments is with MetaTrader 4 and a trusted CFD broker like VT Markets. 

Invest in forex and CFDs with MT4 for iPhone and VT Markets

VT Markets offers access to all versions of MetaTrader 4. 

You can use a laptop or desktop with a PC, Mac, or Linux OS to download the full version of MT4. The platform is also available for web-based trading via a browser. Then, you can invest anywhere with Android and iOS apps.

If you choose VT Markets, you can enjoy a fast account setup. You can be ready to trade in three steps: open an account, find it, and download and log in to MetaTrader 4.

VT Markets has more than a thousand CFDs tracking the world’s most traded markets. Trading is low-cost, thanks to variable bid/ask spreads that approach 0 pips. You can also take advantage of promotional offers, such as a deposit bonus, to increase your capital. Additionally, VT Markets offers free trading and analytics tools for all traders who open and fund an account. 

VT Markets also offers a MetaTrader 4 demo account option, so you can learn the ins and outs of trading before investing capital in the market. 

If you want to enjoy these benefits, open an account, download the MetaTrader 4 iPhone app, and begin trading. 

You can contact VT Markets anytime if you have any questions or concerns.

When approaching the forex market, traders must use reliable platforms that provide the capability, flexibility, and analytical power needed to develop individual forex strategies. One of the best-known platforms in the market is the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) solution, and Mac users can download a version of this platform that is optimised for Apple’s hardware and operating system.

Read on to discover more about Metatrader 4 for Mac, including a rundown of some of the platform’s advantages. We’ll also look at how to download and install MT4 on Mac with your VT Markets account.

Why traders choose MetaTrader 4

Why choose MetaTrader 4 for your Mac? Traders choose MT4 as their ideal forex platform for many different reasons. MT4 is a good choice for traders across all backgrounds and styles, from short-term day traders to those opening longer-term positions.

A flexible array of options

There are many different traders out there, each with their own market objectives and trading styles. This means the best trading platforms must reflect this, offering their users a diverse array of options. MetaTrader 4 is a great choice in this department, allowing individuals to build a strategy that suits their needs.

Whether you want to open swing positions over multiple days or execute trades on a short-term basis, MetaTrader 4 can support this. Unlike other platforms on the market, there are no restrictions and limitations on the trades you can make via MT4 on your Mac device. If your strategy involves scalping — i.e., executing a large number of ultra-short-term trades with an extremely high frequency — you will be able to do this too. These trades have very tight margins, which means stop loss and take profit tools will be placed with great precision. When you use MT4 to execute trades, precise placement is straightforward.

Narrow spreads with VT Markets

Here at VT Markets, we want to give our users the best possible experience when they use MetaTrader4’s Mac platform. To achieve this, we offer narrow spreads to traders when they open positions on MT4. These spreads can be as tight as 0 pips in some cases.

The spread is the difference between a forex pair’s buying and selling price. This is critical for traders, as it represents the price you will have to pay to open your position. So, the narrower the spread, the better the deal for you when you trade. We monitor these spreads closely and always endeavour to offer industry-leading service to our users.

Real-time trading insights and execution

The forex market moves rapidly, so your chosen trading platform needs to be up to the task. You have to be able to analyse the market in real-time, assessing the latest movements, predicting upcoming shifts, and deciding on the best course of action for your strategy. MetaTrader 4 supports this, utilising your Mac device’s and the platform’s swift capabilities.

Of course, this is only possible when the platform is backed up with reliable servers. At VT Markets, we use trading servers situated right in the heart of the trading action in the financial centres of London and New York. This helps VT Markets users leverage the latest trading insights and execute actions without latency. 

To link up with these services, we deploy fibre-optic connectivity solutions from our partners at Equinix, creating a network that users can rely on even when trading volumes begin to rise at key points throughout the day. Incorporating the Metatrader 4 download on Mac and VT Markets servers into your strategy results in a slick and highly responsive experience when you trade.

This is important to traders of all styles, but it’s vital for anyone adopting a short-term day trading or a scalping strategy. If you use this lightning-quick approach, the smallest pip movements over just a few minutes — or even just a few seconds — can make or break the trade. Waiting for the market dashboard to update or working with out-of-date forex data is unacceptable. Instead, you need to leverage the real-time trading advantages MetaTrader 4 provides.

Learning key trading techniques in a risk-free environment

If you are using the MetaTrader 4 platform to learn forex trading techniques, downloading the MT4 demo account to your Mac is a perfect choice. With this demo version of the platform, you will still have access to all of the tools, indicators, features and capabilities of the full trading platform, giving yourself a chance to learn the ropes of how forex trading works and how to get the best from the solution. There’s just one difference — it’s totally risk-free.

On the demo account, you will not need to put forward any of your own capital to trade with. You will not have to add any funding methods to your account or keep your account topped up during use. Essentially, you are going through the motions of trading, exploring the market and platform with no potential for profit but with no risk. 

Once you are more comfortable with trading via MT4 on your Mac, you can start using a live account and begin making trades and opening positions for real. Bear in mind that there are no guarantees in trading, and there is always a potential risk when opening live positions.

Advanced technical analysis and automation

More advanced traders need to be able to draw upon a wealth of different market indicators and technical analysis features. While these features don’t offer any certainties, they are useful for traders as they seek to build a careful, considered, data-driven forex strategy. Choose from various indicators — such as Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, and Moving Averages (MA) — as you gain more insight into market movements.

Traders can also utilise features like MT4 Expert Advisors to automate some aspects of their strategy. Again, this does not guarantee a profit, but it may make it easier for traders to remain within their pre-defined strategy.

Reliable security and stability 

Large amounts of money change hands on the foreign exchange market every trading day. With such a high volume of transactions, security is paramount. Traders need to know that the platform they choose offers robust security they can rely on. MetaTrader 4 utilises 129-bit key encryption and trader IP masking so that you can confidently use the platform. MT4’s security is enhanced further by the Mac device and OS — Apple has made safety and security key to its brand and product identity.

Stability is also crucial. As a trader, you need to know that your chosen platform is there for you when you need it. Again, the pairing of MetaTrader 4 software and Apple’s Mac devices ensures this.

Installing Meta Trader 4 for Mac

How do you install the Mac version of MetaTrader 4? To begin, you’ll need to sign up for an account with VT Markets.

• Anywhere on the VT Markets website, scroll up to the top banner and select Open Live Account.

• Select account type. If you are an individual trader, select an individual account type.

• Enter your identifying information.

• Open your email and confirm your VT Markets account.

• Follow the simple steps to complete the setup. This should take you at most five minutes to complete!

With your account now set up, you’ll need to download MetaTrader 4 for your Mac device.

• Log in to your account on the VT Markets website. 

• Head to the MetaTrader 4 page on the site and select the Download on Mac option.

• Save the MT4 file in your Applications folder.

• Open the Applications folder and select the MT4 program file you downloaded.

• Follow the step-by-step installation wizard to install MT4 on your Mac, then hit Finish.

• Use your VT Markets credentials to set up your MetaTrader 4 account.

Trade with MT4 on your Mac

Whether you are just starting out with forex trading or already have considerable experience, VT Markets can help you take those all-important next steps on your journey. 

We provide several platforms and tools to help you build your strategy, including the Acme MetaTrader 4 platform on the Mac. Set up a demo account to grow your understanding of the platform in a risk-free environment, and then begin making trades for real with a live account. Interested in learning more about trading with VT Markets and MT4? Reach out to our team today. 

The US CPI has been slowing down over the past few months. However, it’s likely that this trend will continue into December as well.

Here are market events to look out for this week:

Australia Consumer Price Index (11 January)

The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Australia fell below September’s record high of 7.3%.

Analysts expect November’s CPI reading to rebound higher to 7.5%.

US Consumer Price Index M/M (12 January)

The Consumer Price Index in the US rose 0.1% from November 2022, slowing from the 0.4% increase in October. This indicates that annual inflation in the US slowed for a fifth straight month to 7.1% in November 2022, its lowest point since December 2021.

Analysts expect that US CPI might continue to slow down and will be released at -0.1% in December 2022, which means that inflation is slowed more to 6.9%.

UK Gross Domestic Product M/M (13 January)

The economy in the UK grew 0.5% in October from September 2022, the most significant increase in nearly a year.

Analysts predict November’s GDP to be unchanged at 0.0%.

Prelim University of Michigan (UoM) Consumer Sentiment (13 January)

In December 2022, the University of Michigan revised its consumer sentiment index for the US upward to 59.7 in December 2022 from 59.1 in the previous month.

Analysts expect this month’s UoM Consumer sentiment index to be higher at 60.

Dear Client,

Please note that when constituent stocks of a market index generate dividends, VT Markets will make dividends and deductions for clients who hold the products after the close of the day before the ex-dividend date.

The dividends will not be paid/charged as an inclusion along with Swap. It will be executed separately in your account and the record will be annotated as “Div & Product Name & Net Volume”.

Please note the specific adjustments as follows:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact cs@vtmarkets.com.

If you want to trade on the forex market, you need a platform you can trust — this is where you will find all the tools and features you need to analyse market movements and open and close positions on forex pairs. Many platforms are available, but VT Markets seeks to help our users narrow their choices and connect with some of the most intuitively designed and powerful tools available.

We offer MetaTrader 4 here on the VT Markets site. Once you have set up your VT Markets account, you’ll be able to download the MT4 platform and get started immediately. From here, you can begin to grow your experience and make trades either on the demo or the live version of the platform. We recommend using the demo MT4 account first to build your confidence and understanding before you start to make trades for real.

So what are the first steps? To begin, you’ll need to choose which version of MetaTrader 4 to download. This will depend upon what device you are using. Take a look at our guide below to find out more about how to download the platform.

Downloading MetaTrader 4 — A straightforward guide to help you get started

You can download and use MT4 across various devices and operating systems, providing traders with a more flexible and capable set of options. These include most desktop devices and operating systems and mobile and tablet devices.

Downloading the MT4 platform for desktop and laptop

Desktop and laptop devices tend to be more powerful than your smartphone or tablet, offering more storage capability and scoring higher on other key metrics. The extra capacity and power of the device enable you to get the most out of the software, as this was the operating environment it was originally designed for. Many users prefer to download MT4 on a PC or laptop device.

• Download MetaTrader 4 for Microsoft Windows — Most laptop and desktop devices still use the Microsoft Windows operating system, and MT4 is designed for use on this OS.

• Download MetaTrader 4 for Apple Mac OS — Many users prefer Apple’s Mac OS, and all Macs and computers developed by Apple will run this OS. You can download MT4 to your Mac if required.

• Download MetaTrader 4 for Linux — Linux is not as widely used as Windows and Mac OS. Still, developers have used the open-source system to create many operating systems, many of which have become popular. The Linux OS does support the MetaTrader 4 platform.

Downloading the MT4 platform for smartphones and tablets

While MT4 was initially developed with the power and function of desktop devices in mind, it is now available in smartphone and tablet versions. These versions help traders enjoy a far more convenient experience, with market data and trading tools right in the palm of their hand, even when they are out and about.

• Download MetaTrader 4 for Apple iOS Devices — Like with the Mac OS, many users are experts in using Apple products and prefer to utilise Apple OS versions of software and apps. To support this, MT4 is available for download on Apple’s iPhone and iPad products. While the tablet version provides more detailed views, traders can still utilise all the required features on the mobile version. 

• Download MetaTrader 4 for Android Devices — Android devices are becoming increasingly popular among smartphone and mobile users, and various Android operating systems power various products in the market. If you have one of these devices, you’ll be able to have MT4 downloaded on your Android smartphone or tablet.

Your guide to a successful MetaTrader 4 download

It’s easy to download the MT4 platform you need when you use VT Markets. With a handy wizard feature, downloading and setup is largely automated. Follow these handy steps to complete your installation.

• Step One — Create your VT Markets account here on the website. Add your personal information, confirm your identification, and then add funds to your account.

• Step Two — Log into your VT Markets account and head to the top banner menu on any page on the VT Markets site. Select MetaTrader 4 in the drop-down menu and open this page. From here, select the link to begin to download for the operating system and device you are using.

• Step Three — Open the .exe file and follow the wizard to complete the laptop and desktop devices setup. Move through the different screens of the wizard, select a download file folder and configure your options. The platform will be saved in your default download file if you don’t do this. Select Finish once you reach the end of the wizard. If you are using a mobile or tablet device, it will be saved to your app folder, and the installation will take place automatically.

• Step Four — Log into the MT4 platform and use the features. You can grow your experience over time, utilising features such as MT4 indicators to execute more advanced trading and predictive functions.

Understanding the different MT4 trading accounts

You will want to take some time to develop your experience and gain confidence using the platform. While there are never any guarantees with forex trading — and even more experienced traders can find that their positions are not always successful — learning how to trade forex carefully will help you make future strategic decisions. With this in mind, we offer two versions of the MT4 platform for download. Learn more about these below.

Downloading and using the demo version of MT4

The demo version of MT4 is the same as the full version. You’ll still be able to take advantage of all of the different features and tools built into the platform, and you’ll have the opportunity to grow your skills and experience in a meaningful way. The only major difference is that there is no real money changing hands. As this is just a demo account, you won’t be executing trades for real. Of course, this means there’s no potential for profit, but there’s no risk either.

We highly recommend you use the demo account for a while when you first download MetaTrader 4. Even if you already have some experience with trading forex, you’ll need time to learn how to use MT4 and to grow acquainted with the specific features of the platform. The risk-free environment of the demo account is perfect for achieving this. 

Downloading and using the live version of MT4

When you download the live version of MetaTrader 4, you gain access to all of the platform’s features, from indicators and other predictive tools to those used in active trading. In this sense, it’s almost the same as the demo version, only this version of MT4 supports live trades.

This means you can make money when you open and close positions on the live version of the platform, but there’s also the potential to lose money. Bear this risk in mind, and trade conservatively. If you decide to maximise your exposure in the market with margin trading or leverage trading on forex pairs, you will increase the risk level. 

The margin in FX refers to the amount of money you will need to put forward to control a position. Trading on the margin means you are essentially borrowing capital from the broker, which will need to be paid back. Leverage works similarly, maximising the stake you control and involves borrowing capital directly from the broker.

Only adopt these forms of trading if you are confident with using the MetaTrader 4 version you downloaded and after you have spent time learning forex and practising on the demo version of the platform.

Download MT4 and start growing your trading experience

We want to ensure that our users have access to all the tools and platforms they need to develop their experience as they trade forex. This is why we provide a roster of industry-leading software pieces designed to help traders open and close positions according to their unique strategies. 

There are always risks involved with this kind of trading, which is why it’s a good idea to practise using the features of MT4 after you download it. To do this, simply use the demo account, and enjoy all the features in a risk-free environment. When you feel ready, you can graduate to the live trading account and open positions for real. Want to learn more about our platform? Reach out to our team today.

What are the best forex pairs to trade? If only this question had a straightforward answer — it would make learning how to trade forex and speculating on currency movements far more reliable. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and deciding on the best currency pairs to trade is always a personal choice and depends exclusively on your own trading strategy.
However, examining the most traded currency pairs in the market can be helpful. This gives you some idea of the most liquid options when trading currency pairs and provides you with a wealth of data you can use to develop your future strategies.

EUR/USD — European Euro and United States Dollar

The EUR/USD currency pair is the most traded in the market regarding volume and trading frequency. In forex trading, this high volume builds momentum, making the most frequently traded pairs very popular among currency speculators. This is because of the high liquidity of frequently traded pairs, which helps keep spreads tight. 

Traders must remain aware of actions from the European Central Bank and the United States Federal Reserve. These financial institutions set the interest rates that dictate the relative values of the currencies. If one institution increases interest rates relative to the other, that institution’s currency may grow in value — this will dictate whether the trader needs to open a long or short position.

USD/JPY — United States Dollar and Japanese Yen

The USD/JPY pair puts the United States Dollar in the base position and uses the Japanese Yen as the quote currency. This pair is sometimes referred to as the gopher, another highly liquid option for traders. The liquidity is supported by the proliferation of trading on the Japanese Yen in the Asian market — a huge portion of the global forex trading landscape. 

Again, the Federal Reserve sets interest rates on the USD, but the Bank of Japan dictates Japanese domestic rates. Traders will need to be aware of changes in these rates as they decide on their strategy for the USD/JPY.

GBP/USD — British Pound and United States Dollar

With the British Pound as the base currency and the United States Dollar as the quote currency, the GBP/USD pair is sometimes referred to as “cable” among forex traders. This is because of the long history of trading across the pair, and it refers directly to the wire cables that used to be utilised to execute transatlantic trades.

Traders must remain aware of the actions of the Federal Reserve in the United States and the Bank of England in London. Both of these factors will impact the performance of the GBP relative to the quoted USD value.

AUD/USD — Australian Dollar and United States Dollar

Traders may call the AUD/USD pair “the Aussie” simply because the Australian Dollar is in the base position, while the United States Dollar is the quote currency. While many other pairs use the Australian Dollar as the base currency, the AUD/USD is the most frequently traded and liquid, so this one receives the colloquial nickname.

The Reserve Bank of Australia determines the country’s official cash rate, so traders need to be aware of this in relation to the current Federal Reserve interest rate. The Australian Dollar also depends on the performance of the natural resources that bolster the country’s economy.

USD/CAD — United States Dollar and Canadian Dollar

The USD/CAD is another pair on this list, with the United States Dollar in the base position while the neighbouring Canadian Dollar takes the quote position. This pair may also be called “the loonie”, a nickname for the physical Canadian Dollar coin. 

In addition to the interest rates across the two nations, traders will need to be aware of the price of oil on the global market. This is an important influence on the Canadian economy and will affect the currency’s value relative to the United States Dollar south of the border.

USD/CNY — United States Dollar and Chinese Yuan

This currency pair puts the United States Dollar and the Chinese Yuan in the base and quote positions, respectively. As the two biggest economies in the world, the United States and the People’s Republic of China have a huge influence on the forex market, and this pair has grown to become one of the most frequently traded in the world.

The Chinese central government exerts control over the country’s economy and the value of its currency. It has intentionally allowed the value of the Yuan — sometimes referred to as the Renminbi — to depreciate relative to other global currencies. This makes the USD/CNY a unique pairing on this list, and the potential volatility of the pair has been compounded in recent years by the unfolding trade war and political tensions between the two countries.

USD/CHF — United States Dollar and Swiss Franc

When forex platform users are trading currency pairs, they may notice “the Swissie” — this is another name for the United States Dollar and Swiss Franc currency pair, or the USD/CHF.

The Swiss Franc is often considered a stable currency, so traders may be tempted to invest in the CHF during periods of uncertainty in the broader market. If the market is generally stable, traders are less likely to turn to the Swiss Franc. Despite this, the USD/CHF, or Swissie, remains one of the most traded currency pairs.

USD/HKD — United States Dollar and Hong Kong Dollar

One of the most traded currency pairs in recent years has been the United States Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar, or USD/HKD. This is a somewhat unique entry on this list simply because of the relationship between the two currencies. The HKD quote currency is pegged directly to the USD base currency, which means the value of the quote currency will rise and fall with that of the base currency.

There is still room for speculation, however. The HKD can fluctuate by several cents up or down from the current United States Dollar value. When extrapolated out over larger trade values and volumes — or trades made with leverage in the FX market — this can still represent a significant level of fluctuation.

EUR/GBP — European Euro and British Pound

Bringing together the European Euro in the base currency slot, up against the British Pound in the quote position, the EUR/GBP currency pair is among the most interesting options around. This is because of the geopolitical and economic speculation that has taken place in this part of the world over the last few years. While Britain was never in the Eurozone, it was a member of the European Union until several years ago. Its recent exit has caused serious fluctuations in the relative values of the two currencies.

Of course, fluctuations and volatility do not always mean bad news for investors, and many traders will actively welcome this kind of movement in the market. This is why the EUR/GBP has become one of the most popular choices for speculation, although traders are always advised to tread carefully.

USD/KRW — United States Dollar and Korean Won

The tenth and final pair on this list of the most traded currency pairs is the USD/KRW. With this pair, we find the United States Dollar in the base currency position again, while South Korea’s Won fills the quote currency position.

Huge economic growth in South Korea in the last few decades, as well as its status as one of the leaders in the global tech market, has led to considerable interest in this currency. And, of course, the United States Dollar remains one of the most commonly traded currencies in the world, making for a natural base option.

A few things to bear in mind when trading currency pairs

The above list is not definitive. The market’s most commonly traded currency pairs can change at any time, with new pairs emerging and other pairs falling out of favour. As you decide on the best currency pairs to trade, you’ll need to pay attention to market movements, examine the dashboard of your trading platform and identify trends.

Examining the market means you’ll need to stay aware of pips. Pips in FX are small movements, typically at the fourth decimal place of the currency pair value. However, with smaller denomination quote currencies like the Japanese Yen or Korean Won, these movements may be at the second decimal place. While a single pip movement may not look like much, this can represent a significant amount of money on a large trade. Even on smaller trades, pip movements decide whether the position is successful or not.

Trade the main currency pairs at VT Markets

Here at VT Markets, we provide traders with the tools and platforms they need to grow their experience in the market. This may include trading with some of the common most traded currency pairs out there, or it may involve emerging and exotic pairs. Whichever strategy you choose, begin your journey with a demo account and open real positions on the live trading account. Want to discover more? Reach out to our team today.