MetaTrader 4: Why Traders Still Rely on the World’s Most Trusted Platform

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) was launched in 2005 by MetaQuotes Software and remains to this day one of the most popular trading platforms, trusted by millions of traders worldwide. It has become the gold standard for retail forex trading and, despite newer, more advanced platforms, it continues to be the platform that both beginners and professionals use when they trade forex.  

Its popularity is also the reason why many people wonder why so many traders still choose this platform. What’s so special about MT4, and why it continues to be the world’s most trusted platform?

Trust and reliability

MT4’s success is one of giving traders the essential and most important things to trade with, which are simplicity, security, and stability. For years now, the platform was the first software beginners would download before they dipped their toes into trading, and it is still the number 1 platform for many traders who are just deciding to explore the world of forex. This is the platform that many brokers still offer today since this is the trading platform that is the most globally accepted and recognised.  

In the frequently unstable and unpredictable financial markets, dependability is invaluable. While experimental platforms at times have problems with outages or technical glitches, MT4 has developed a track record of reliable performance. Traders can count on it for speed of execution and reliability.

MT4 trader’s best friend

MT4 is a trader’s best friend because it is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Trading can be intimidating to new users, but MT4 finds just the right balance between sophistication and ease of use.

The clean design of the platform allows users to focus on price charts, order windows, and indicators, simply, jump right into it and not get too bogged down by its complexity.

Customisable Layouts: Users are free to customise their charts and windows to suit their needs. With several pairs to manage or a single instrument in mind, MT4 accommodates perfectly.

One-click trading: The functionality for instant trade execution is crucial in fast-moving markets.

Multi-language support: MT4 is accessible to traders worldwide as there are dozens of languages available.

Usability and flexibility are the two top reasons why MT4 is often the first platform to be used by new traders and why everyone continues to use it.

Technical tools that are valuable

MT4 may be easy to use but is not simplistic as it has plenty of technical analysis tools to help traders make informed trades.

MT4 supports various chart types (line, bar, and candlestick) and offers nine timeframes, from one minute to one month so traders can monitor both short-term price action but also detect longer-term market trends.

The platform has over 30 in-built indicators and more than 20 drawing tools. MT4 offers traders essential tools for technical analysis, from moving averages to Fibonacci retracements.

Expert Advisors (EAs)

With MT4, traders can trade with robots or automated systems with preset rules called Expert Advisors (EAs). They can create their own versions by using the native coding language of MT4 called MQL4, developing tailored strategies. An EA automates all aspects of trading including execution and risk management, without the necessity for constant monitoring.

安全

Trust is also built through security. MT4 uses 128-bit SSL encryption for securing data exchange between the servers and the clients. The platform also supports secure login via two-factor authentication from most brokers.

With the personal nature of financial transactions, these protections provide peace of mind, knowing that data and accounts are at all times safe and secure.

Multi-access across your favourite device

Being able to trade whenever you want is a must these days and MT4 provides desktop, web and mobile versions of the platform that traders can download or access online for free.

Whether you want to trade on your Mac 或者 Windows computer, access MT4 without any need to download through WebTrader or simply through the mobile app, you can trade with MT4 wherever you are.

Broker and community support

Among the reasons MT4 endures is its wide adoption by brokers. Thousands of brokerage firms worldwide use the platform, allowing traders flexibility in choosing their broker. MT4’s wide compatibility allows traders to move easily between brokers and manage multiple accounts. They can trade seamlessly without needing to learn a new platform.

Why MT4 continues to surpass newer platforms?

Whether it’s a new kid on the block or more advanced versions such as MT5, still traders remain loyal to MT4 and this is no accident. The platform’s ease-of-use means that traders don’t need to familiarise themselves with its more complex sibling, the MT5, since MT4 does exactly what it preaches effectively. You don’t need to let complex tools swamp you

The other reason is that MT4 is extremely widespread, and nearly every broker offers MT4 accounts. In most cases, that makes it the main choice for traders. And why not, MT4 is the go-to platform for forex trading.

Once you get used to the platform and the availability of its tools, especially the wide variety of EAs, indicators and scripts, it is hard to just give it up and move to something else.

Plus, the trading platform is so light and easy to run on any hardware, that is almost immediately not even a question to any trader’s mind. MT4, it is then!

A platform that strikes the right balance between ease-of-use and capabilities, is too good to not give it a go.

Adapting to trading

MT4 is old and classic, but is also adapting and evolving, to remain competitive. Various brokers have enhanced MT4 with useful add-ons like VPS hosting for 24/5 uninterrupted and smooth trading.

MT4’s focus on CFDs and forex, the most popular markets, makes it highly appealing to traders. This focus has helped the platform remain a constant favourite among them.

Here’s why MT4 ticks all the boxes

• It is reliable, with nearly two decades remaining relevant.
• Its intuitive design appeals to all levels of traders, whether they are just starting out or are looking for more advanced features.
• Advanced charting, technical indicators, and automated trading are available.
• Strong encryption and account protection.
• Users can easily access it on desktop, web, and mobile devices.

MT4: A trading classic

Even as developers release new platforms, MT4 remains and has already become a trading classic. Traders don’t want complexity but a valuable and useful tool they can explore the markets in a way that is effective, safe and straightforward, and MT4 does exactly that.

While newer might sometimes be more exciting, MT4 provides certainty and stability and works just fine, especially for the markets it targets: forex and CFDs.

Even as MetaQuotes tries to advertise and push MT5 to traders, the industry’s persistence with MT4 is unbeatable. MT4’s reliability and usability, plus its huge community support will continue to keep it high on its throne.

Many people often argue that MetaTrader 4 is more than just a trading platform, and experience has repeatedly proven this true. It has become a sort of an institution and for many traders it is their main access to markets, the platform that baptised them into the exciting world of forex, and you cannot easily change good habits. No matter what traders look for, MT4 has all the features and offers the stability they need to trade with. And that’s good reason to stay with it for many years to come.

Disclaimer:
This information is not considered investment advice or an investment recommendation, but instead a marketing communication.