Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

scg84

Demo Account Trading

Recommended Posts

Are the results of trading with a demo account in any way indicative of the result of trading on the real market?

 

This question is particularly directed at the OpenECry Futures demo platform. But all I am curious about the other demos for other markets also.

 

Cheers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only thing a demo account is good for is learning the platform. And maybe checking out your new system for a short period of time. Just about everyone who stays on sim for more than 2-4 weeks never learns to trade well.

Suggestion just trade FX with a mirco mini account. Hard to hurt yourself but real money on the line.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You could also try ninja traders platform. it is very close to real time trading. While it is true that just because you can make money sim trading is NO proof you can make money trading real money; it (almost) goes without saying that if you CAN'T make money sim trading, you have NO business trading real money.

 

Hope this helps

T

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes. If you have access to the exact same market data feed as with live accounts it would be the same.

 

A more interesting question maybe, would be the psychological aspect of it. If you take it seriously enough as traning for the competition you can get something out of it technically. If the attitude will be "it's not real money so it does not matter" kind of thing it will not be fruitful.

 

If a newbie one would eventually have go live and then there will be the psychological training where you will get the experience of how skillful you are to implement what you did on paper trading.

 

As a recommendation I would reccomend that you have everyting in place before you go live. Trading plan, risk management, trade management rules and so on. Prepare everything as in a real money situation.

 

Wish you good luck,

Laurus12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
The only thing a demo account is good for is learning the platform. And maybe checking out your new system for a short period of time. Just about everyone who stays on sim for more than 2-4 weeks never learns to trade well.

Suggestion just trade FX with a mirco mini account. Hard to hurt yourself but real money on the line.

 

I must respectfully disagree. I started with NinjaTrader (live data feed / SIM trading account) 3+ years ago, have traded live - several times - but primarily stayed in SIM for the express purpose of honing my skills & fine-tuning my indicators & have gotten exponentially better with time. Looking back, there is almost NO comparison to where I am now, as to where I was then. I feel like I've travelled light-years since beginning this journey. I HAVE, however, spoken with several people who did exactly that - opened an account, practiced for a month or so, went live & blew their account(s), some, repeatedly! Anyone who thinks they can go into a bookstore, buy a book on Tennis & go out and win a tournament after 2 - 4 weeks practice, needs to rethink that! Enthusiasm will only carry you so far. ANY subject matter, on average, takes approximately 10,000 hours practice at which to become proficient. Piano, tennis, you name it, can't be mastered in 2 - 4 weeks. Just my 2 cents.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wiz you sound like a guy who actually took the time to put together a trading program before they started trading. That is how it is best done. But for most people sim trading and real life trading are not remotely the same. I deal with rookies every day and I can tell you after a point sim trading does not help them. You can play virual Tennis or you can get out there and hit a real ball. In tennis as in any real sport and trading requires 10,000 hours under pressure. Can you become a doctor playing or watching a video?

I do not suggest losing large amounts of money to learn. A 500.00 dollar FX acount , trading .10 cents a pip will do just fine.

I also suggest that if it takes you more than 2-4 weeks to trust your trading system, you may have the wrong one for you. If you can not explain your entry and exits to your 10 -12 year old child you have the wrong one.

Last if a new trader does not have a good money management system in place no amount of sim trade will help you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Wiz you sound like a guy who actually took the time to put together a trading program before they started trading. That is how it is best done. But for most people sim trading and real life trading are not remotely the same. I deal with rookies every day and I can tell you after a point sim trading does not help them. You can play virual Tennis or you can get out there and hit a real ball. In tennis as in any real sport and trading requires 10,000 hours under pressure. Can you become a doctor playing or watching a video?

I do not suggest losing large amounts of money to learn. A 500.00 dollar FX acount , trading .10 cents a pip will do just fine.

I also suggest that if it takes you more than 2-4 weeks to trust your trading system, you may have the wrong one for you. If you can not explain your entry and exits to your 10 -12 year old child you have the wrong one.

Last if a new trader does not have a good money management system in place no amount of sim trade will help you.

 

Your anology is a bit off. Sim trading and real trading is not like playing virtual tennis and real tennis. This is like practising tennis with a training partner and playing competition. You are honing your skills and shots while practising and then applying it in match play.

 

One of the big problems with beginning traders are that they don't stick with one thing long enough to see if this is viable, but continually adding/removing indicators. This is very possible and very likely that any profitable system can have two losing weeks in a row. If you only sim trade for two weeks during that time, you might abandon a good system.

 

Also IMHO to say one should trade a micro fx account is probably far worse than sim trading. Different markets have different personalities and by trading one market and then switch over to another is most likely not going to work. To use your analogy if you want to play tennis, you should not start playing racquetball and then enter into a tennis competition.

 

I won't be able to explain my entries and exits to a 10 - 12 year old, but they still work for me. How can you say then that I have a wrong system?

 

I am wondering if you have any facts to back up all the statements you are making? I would be really interested in reading up more about them for background information.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After opening up a live account I found the limitations of the demo account. I wasnt able to get my orders filled as easily.

 

Still I did find the demo account helpful in learning how the market acts and how to use the platform itself.

 

As for the live trading, it went quite well.

 

Cheers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it depends on what platform you use when you trade on a demo account.. But its a very good way to learn to platform before you start using it live.. Ive tried several diffrent platforms but the one I like the best is MT4.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

While I'll will be the first to admit that there is no replacement for live trading with 'real' money, demo trading has tremendous value. The reality is 99% of the traders who start will make dozens of errors and most will quit before even really fairly playing out the system they were taught or picked up.

 

At least if you are disciplined with demo trading you can correct many of the misinterpretations of your strategy. Sure it doesn't put you under the fire of real market conditions, but it will ensure that you at least know your strategy. Almost every trader who tries this never even learns their strategy well enough to trade. This would accomplish that. A rule I have is to make 25 simulated trades 100% correctly (not successful -- I said correctly meaning no mistakes - win or lose) - you do that and you are ready with the smallest position sizing possible to go live.

 

Of course live money conditions will wreck many, since most are not able to handle it psychologically but at least by doing the simulated trading you are giving yourself a chance to fairly find out if you're cut out for this -- the other way you'll never know.

 

Agree with the suggestions above - NinjaTrader, Metatrader, etc.. can be nice for simulated trading.

 

MMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm an engineer and tinkering is in my DNA. Modifying my recipe means that I do backtesting (think engineering computer simulations). If backtesting shows potential, I then move on to paper trading (think building and running a prototype). Only then do I modify my process or introduce a new process for a different strategy into my trading.

 

Both backtesting and paper trading have their limitations in representing actual results in fashion similar to the development steps in my engineering analogy. And just as in engineering, going through the steps reduces the probability of financial disaster.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello,

 

Unfortunately everyone is a millionair in a demo account. The key ingredient missing is the mental aspect of trading...There is no fear when trading in a demo account. So.....it doesn't mean you can't or won't do well when you go " live" but you should be aware of the real differences. Trade small when you start with real money.Use stops and have a business plan and set rules that you follow all the time. Don't overtrade...The most successful traders are the traders who trade as little as possible. Find a couple of setups and trade them over and over and over, rather than jumping from market to market and never learning how an instrument really behaves....Learn for instance the nuances of gold...and study it for months and months, so you know inside and out how it reacts in all different markets...Trading might possibly be one of the most difficult proffesions in the world to master, but if you play it smart, and control your emotions, and learn what really works for the best traders, then you will have a fighting chance.

 

Read some good books on mastering your emotions as well as trading methodoolgy. Understand that this is a serious business that takes time to learn, just like and other job. A doctor doesn't operate on a brain tumor his first day in medical school! Well trading is not different in that you must put in the time that is necessary for you to learn how to do it well. Find a good mentor if possible and watch them trade and study why they do well...

Avoid the frauds who tell you success comes in a minute and they have the latest and greatest indicator that for only $9955 will make you a winner...they are fake! There is no holy grail !

 

Above all, avoid feeling bad if you have a losing trade as the winners will come, and always move on to the next trade with optimisim and skill. Keep your losses small and your winners big, Honor your stops, and follow your rules, and you will join a small select few who trade for a living!

 

All the best,

 

Lg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used to love paper trading. I bought paper houses, paper cars, and even a paper boat! when I first started trading (stocks) I paper traded for 30 days. I got to 85% winning trades, then funded, went live and lost 65% of my account in 8 days or so. I had to fight back with the remaining balance to get green. Of course, stock trading was much different back then.

 

Paper or simulated trading is only good for learning the platform, as has been said in some of the comments above. Until you feel the butterflies in your stomach when real money is on the line, you will never be able to truly "simulate" trading. Thats why micro accounts are great. The smallest amount of risk possible with also the real feeling of money gained or lost.

 

The real test then becomes when you ramp up form the micro account. Take it slow and stay with the micro account for a bit until you feel you have the consistency to move higher.

 

My 2 cents at least

 

tiny

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Two things come to mind:

 

1. regarding futures trading platforms, my experience is that the difference between a live and a demo account can be huge, as demo orders are not routed for real, nor are they subject to first-come first-served rules that apply IRL, where you will stand in line after those who simply are faster, and they will not be few. Forex on the other hand (not currency futures but actual forex) tend to be closer to reality even with a demo account. One reason being that the forex markets are extremely liquid most of the time, especially if you trade the majors, so switching to a real account is more seamless.

 

2. Many tend to point out the difference between demo and live trading in terms of the pressure. Personally, I have to disagree. I guess it depends on you as a person. If you trade the demo with a serious mind, sticking to your rules, taking the trades that you should according to your plan, not taking the others etc, you should be dead-on. If switching to real money makes you goof, you probably spend to little time on the demo, or you are trading to large positons, or both. Look at the demo trading as a test that you need to pass in order to be eligible for live trading, that should put the right amount of pressure on yourself.

 

Anyway, since you are in the futures markets, be very careful when switching from demo to live. You need to be prepared for some not-yet-experienced slippage to say the least. Take care.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • $VKTX Viking Therapeutics stock attempting to move higher off the 64.24 support area, volume 47% above normal, https://stockconsultant.com/?VKTX
    • Date: 26th April 2024. Alphabet Easily Beat Earnings Predictions But Focus Shifts to Today’s PCE Data. Microsoft and Alphabet’s earnings reports beat expectations pushing the NASDAQ to the top of the charts. The Bank of Japan keep interest rates unchanged applying pressure on the Japanese Yen. The Yen Index declines 0.36% and is down 40% against the USD over the past 5 years. The US GDP growth rate falls below its 2.5% expectations, reading 1.6%, but economists advise the Fed may only cut once in 2024! The market turns its attention to the Core PCE Price Index which analysts expect to fall from 2.8% to 2.6%. USA100 – Alphabet Easily Beat Analysts’ Earnings Predictions and Sees its P/E Ratio Fall! The price of the NASDAQ ended the day higher and rose to a slightly higher high. As a result, the index is close to forming a traditional bullish trend and making Wednesday’s decline a retracement or medium-term correction. In terms technical analysis, indicators are mainly indicating a reverting price condition where the asset cannot maintain longer term momentum. However, momentum indications provide a slight bullish bias. The upward price movement is being driven by earnings reports from Microsoft and Alphabet which beat earnings expectations. Microsoft is the most influential stock for the NASDAQ while Alphabet is the third most influential. Alphabet’s earnings beat expectations by 21.61% and revenue rose more than $6 billion. As a result, the price of the stock rose 11.56% after market close. Furthermore, Microsoft’s Earnings Per Share beat Wall Street’s expectations by 3.40% and revenue by 1.50%. The stock rose by 4.30% after market close and is close to trading at the all-time high. However, investors should note that from the “magnificent 7”, Alphabet and Meta have the lowest Price to Earnings ratio. Meaning these stocks are the most likely to be trading below their intrinsic value. However, investors should note that negatives for the stock market in general remain. This also supports the bias shown by technical analysis. The GDP growth rate fell considerably below expectations while inflation data continues to show signs of rising prices. Investors will closely be monitoring today’s Core PCE Price Index which is the most watched index by the Federal Reserve. Analysts expect the Core PCE Price Index to fall from 2.8% to 2.6%. If the index reads more than 0.3%, a rate cut will become unlikely making stocks less attractive. Whereas, if the PCE Price Index is not as high as expectations, Bond Yields will likely decline, as will the US Dollar and a rate cut will be put back on the table. As a result, investors may look to take advantage of the strong earnings and continue purchasing stocks. USDJPY – BOJ Hold Interest Rates Unchanged! The price of the USDJPY exchange rate again rose to an all-time recent high after increasing in value for 3 consecutive days. Trend and momentum-based indicators point towards a higher price. However, the exchange rate is trading within the overbought range of most oscillators and is also showing a divergence pattern. Both are known to indicate a decline, but not necessarily a complete change of trend. The Bank of Japan’s statement from earlier this morning was largely “dovish” and gave no clear indication that the central bank wishes to keep rising interest rates. However, shortly the Governor will answer questions from journalists and may give a more hawkish tone. Either way, investors are mainly concentrating on if the Federal Government will again opt to intervene within the currency market. Most economists believe the intervention will only come if the USD continues to rise and it will not be before the Core PCE Price Index. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou Market Analyst HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • 📁 Population in 2100, as projected by UN Population Division.   🇮🇳 India: 1,533 million 🇨🇳 China: 771 million 🇳🇬 Nigeria: 546 million 🇵🇰 Pakistan: 487 million 🇨🇩 Congo: 431 million 🇺🇸 US: 394 million 🇪🇹 Ethiopia: 323 million 🇮🇩 Indonesia: 297 million 🇹🇿 Tanzania: 244 million 🇪🇬 Egypt: 205 million 🇧🇷 Brazil: 185 million 🇵🇭 Philippines: 180 million 🇧🇩 Bangladesh: 177 million 🇳🇪 Niger: 166 million 🇸🇩 Sudan: 142 million 🇦🇴 Angola: 133 million 🇺🇬 Uganda: 132 million 🇲🇽 Mexico: 116 million 🇰🇪 Kenya: 113 million 🇷🇺 Russia: 112 million 🇮🇶 Iraq: 111 million 🇦🇫 Afghanistan: 110 million   @FinancialWorldUpdates Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • “If the West finds itself falling behind in AI, it won’t be due to a lack of technological prowess or resources. It won’t be because we weren’t smart enough or didn’t move fast enough. It will be because of something many of our Eastern counterparts don’t share with us: fear of AI.   The root of the West's fear of AI can no doubt be traced back to decades of Hollywood movies and books that have consistently depicted AI as a threat to humanity. From the iconic "Terminator" franchise to the more recent "Ex Machina," we have been conditioned to view AI as an adversary, a force that will ultimately turn against us.   In contrast, Eastern cultures have a WAY different attitude towards AI. As UN AI Advisor Neil Sahota points out, "In Eastern culture, movies, and books, they've always seen AI and robots as helpers and assistants, as a tool to be used to further the benefit of humans."   This positive outlook on AI has allowed countries like Japan, South Korea, and China to forge ahead with AI development, including in areas like healthcare, where AI is being used to improve the quality of services.   The West's fear of AI is not only shaping public opinion but also influencing policy decisions and regulatory frameworks. The European Union, for example, recently introduced AI legislation prioritizing heavy-handed protection over supporting innovation.   While such measures might be well-intentioned, they risk stifling AI development and innovation, making it harder for Western companies and researchers to compete.   Among the nations leading common-sense AI regulation, one stands out for now: Singapore.” – Chris C Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • $NFLX Netflix stock hold at 556.59 support or breakdown?  https://stockconsultant.com/?NFLX
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.