Copy Trading

There are many modern trading platforms available online that offers copy trading. When you engage in copy trading, you copy another trader´s trading actions. On some of these platforms, you can set your own parameters for the copy trading, e.g. by copying with smaller amounts of money than the trader you are following.

social trading

Is all copy trading automatic?

No. Copy trading can be automatic or manual.

Is copy trading only available for shares?

No, copy trading is taking place for a wide range of assets, including not just shares but also options, forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, exchange-traded funds, and more. Copy trading is also available for Contracts for Difference (CFDs).

Copy trading cryptocurrency – is only Bitcoin available?

No, the field has broadened significantly and copy trading is today a possibility for several different cryptocurrencies in addition to Bitcoin, such as Litecoin and Ethereum.

Both crypto-only pairs and crypto-fiat pairs are available for copy trading.

A few examples of platforms with a nice assortment of crypto copy trading:

  • Coinmatics (with crypto copy trading robots)
  • 3Commas (with crypto copy trading robots)
  • eToro

Copy trading software

Some brokers have their own bespoke copy trading software, while others will give you access to software included in a shared platform, such as MT4 or MT5.

Copy trading software makes it easy to connect your portfolio to a master and begin copying someone else’s trades.

You can adjust the parameters. You might for instance wish to make larger or smaller purchases than the master.

Important: Some platforms utilize a fixed system, where you don´t control the parameters. You can stop following a master, but little else will be in your hands.

What are Copy Trading Signals?

They are a type of indicator. You receive a signal and then have the option to edit your settings before you act on it.

Generally speaking, the use of signals offers more flexibility than purely automated copy trading. Signals are a good way to go if you aren´t in a rush and know that you probably want to edit parameters such as trade size, stop loss and take profit before you go ahead.

The two dominating signal providers on the market today are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, but other smaller alternatives are also available. MT4 and MT5 both offer a combination of free signals and signals you have to pay for.

eToro copytrading solution

Screenshot from eToro copytrading solution

Copy trading at four famous trading platforms

The platform MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

  • It is easy to copy other traders at the MT4 platform. You set the parameters.
  • The signals tab will give you access to over 3 200 signals from FX providers. Please note that only some of these signals are free, the rest cost money.
  • Traders available for followers are ranked based on achievements.
  • It is possible to test-run the copy trading function for free with a Demo Account.

The platform MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

  • Just as with the MT4 platform, copying other traders is easy on the MT5 platform.
  • Leaders and followers do not have to be signed up with the same broker. Using the MT5 platform is enough to bring them together.
  • Subscription prices are fixed.
  • The executions of orders are typically very rapid for copy trading at the MT5 platform.

The platform DupliTrade

  • Very flexible copy trading with nifty tools. You can for instance adjust which proportion of the master´s trades you wish to copy – and changing the volume is possible in both directions.
  • Examples of available markets for copy trading with DupliTrade are shares, FX and commodities. You can also copy speculation on indices.
  • Not everyone can be followed. The available masters have passed strict qualification requirements.

The platform cTrader

  • You set the parameters for the copy trade, for each individual master that you wish to follow.
  • It is very easy to compare the providers (masters) at cTrader, since they are displayed alongside information about risk preferences, historic achievements, fees, etcetera.