The MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform has become a premier choice for retail currency traders and investors seeking access to global foreign exchange (forex) and derivatives markets. Beyond its charting and analysis features, MT4 offers the ability to automate trading strategies using pre-built Expert Advisors or custom programmed trading robots. For traders looking to remove emotions and leverage technology to make smarter moves, MT4 automated trading has immense value.
Benefits of Automated Trading Systems
Deploying MT4 automated trading robot provides key benefits compared to manual trading:
Emotionless Execution
Robots make decisions based purely on strategy parameters not emotions which can lead to poor trades. They execute entries and exits free of fear or greed.
24/7 Market Access
Robots monitor markets and trade independently anytime giving access to multiple sessions not just when you’re available.
Backtesting and Optimization
Robots can be backtested against historical data to fine tune strategies before real-time deployment.
Scalability and Consistency
The automated approach executes the same strategy consistently across any number of markets and time frames. Automation takes out behavioral flaws to trade more precisely based on programmed logic and data.
Getting Started with MT4 Automation
The first step is determining your trading style and strategy. Will you do short-term scalping trades or longer-term breakouts? What markets interest you? These decisions establish the foundation for translating your approach into automated code.
Opening a Brokerage Account
Sign up for an account with a broker offering the MT4 platform. Many provide demo accounts to test with virtual funds.
Developing or Selecting an Expert Advisor
Code your own EA based on your custom strategy or use a pre-made one from the hundreds available.
Backtesting the Program
Use MT4 strategy tester to run historical backtesting to evaluate and optimize performance.
Deploying on a Live Account
With refinement, deploy the EA on a funded live trading account to automate real entries and exits. With the infrastructure established, your automated trading journey is underway.
Popular Types of MT4 Expert Advisors
MT4 supports programming a wide variety of automated trading strategies that leverage technical indicators and pattern recognition. Some common approaches include:
Trend Following Systems
Ride established trends by entering on breakouts and exiting when momentum slows. Smooth, low drawdown growth potential.
Arbitrage Trading
Exploit short-lived price discrepancies between assets or exchanges locking in small, frequent gains.
Scalping Strategies
Rapid high volume trades aiming to capture many small profits on minor price movements. Requires fast execution.
News Trading Algorithms
Place trades milliseconds before or after high impact events like economic data releases.
Pattern Breakout Triggers
Enter trades when price breaks out of identified chart patterns like triangles, flags or wedges. The flexibility of MQL4 language allows codifying many complex logic-based trading strategies.
Conclusion
Automated trading is no longer just for hedge funds and other large institutions. Retail traders leveraging MT4 now have access to sophisticated auto trading robots to remove emotions and systimize strategies across global markets. While appreciating the risks, applied prudently, EAs can help overcome human limitations to make smarter and faster data-driven decisions. The future for traders will be increasingly automated as robot adoption expands. Unlocking the power of MT4 auto trading can pave the way for robust returns.