One of the most common trading FAQs we get is about how, or why, you should use a Demo trading account. Our usual response is that it’s one of the most valuable things you can do – especially if you’re new to trading. The main reason being that a Demo account uses virtual funds, hence you’re never putting any real money at risk. At the same time, you’re still getting the same functionality and trading experience as using a Live account, making it the perfect way to learn how to trade.
Different ways to use a Demo Account
If you’re already a trader, a Demo account can be just as useful. Because of the lack of any real-world consequences, it’s the perfect place to test out new strategies.
The following are some examples of where a Demo account would be ideal to existing traders:
- Testing new strategies and EAs
- Changing up your trading styles. For example, switching from day trading to night trading
- Trialling new lot sizes, stop loss levels and tools
- Sate your curiosity in trialling Commodities or Indices
- See how some different currency pairs perform against your favourite
But there’s a danger of being reckless with a Demo account.
That’s because when you’re trading in a Demo account, you’re not trading with any pressure - there’s literally nothing to lose. As much as you like to think otherwise, when you move to a Live account and the risk of losing your own money becomes real, it weighs on your decision-making. Without a safety net, it’s only natural to approach things a little more cautiously.
Approach your Demo trading like you would Live Trading
Here are some handy tips, that can help you practice this live trading.
Tip #1: Pick the same type of account
Choose an account type similar to the live account you plan to trade with. Pick the same account size, leverage, currency etc. that you would trade with when you make the switch.
Tip #2: Trade how you normally would
Don’t place larger positions or open orders without looking at your charts or Market Watch board. Trade like this was actually your real money.
Tip #3: Don't trade beyond your "means"
For example, if you’re the type of trader that will only be trading small lot sizes, there’s little benefit in placing huge trades using the Demo account. All that does is create an unrealistic representation of what your Live trading experience will be.
Tip #4: Make the loss seem real
A fun suggestion from Babypips includes giving yourself minor 'punishments' for each loss. As you you don't really lose anything in a demo account, Babypips suggest doing things such as "90 second planks" or do an extra chore as a physical reminder of loss.
Ideally, you want to make the transition between a Demo and Live account as seamless as possible. And that means treating your Demo account like a tool for learning, not a toy for play.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays well offered below 1.1800
The selling pressure on EUR/USD is picking up pace, with the pair slipping decisively below the key 1.1800 level and sliding to fresh two week lows as Wednesday’s session draws to a close. The move lower comes as the US Dollar finds renewed strength after the latest round of US data and the release of the FOMC Minutes. Next of note on the docket will be the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims.
GBP/USD reaches multi-day lows near 1.3500
GBP/USD reverses its initial upside momentum and is now adding to previous declines, approaching the 1.3500 region on Wednesday. Cable’s downtick comes on the back of decent gains in the Greenback and easing UK inflation figures, which seem to have reinforced the case for a BoE rate cut in March.
USD/JPY holds gains near 154.00 ahead of the Fed’s minutes
USD/JPY retraces Tuesday's losses and returns near weekly highs in the area of 154.00. The US Dollar trims losses in quiet markets with all eyes on the Fed's minutes. Weak Japanese GDP data resurfaced concerns about Japan's fiscal stability and halted JPY's recovery.
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD: Further weakness could retest 0.7000
AUD/USD resumes its decline, leaving behind two daily gains in a row and approaching the area of multi-day lows in the 0.7040-0.7030 band ahead of the opening bell in Asia. Moving forward, the Aussie is expected to remain under scrutiny in light of the publication of the jobs report in Australia.
EUR/USD stays well offered below 1.1800
The selling pressure on EUR/USD is picking up pace, with the pair slipping decisively below the key 1.1800 level and sliding to fresh two week lows as Wednesday’s session draws to a close. The move lower comes as the US Dollar finds renewed strength after the latest round of US data and the release of the FOMC Minutes. Next of note on the docket will be the US weekly Initial Jobless Claims.
Gold battle to regain $5,000 continues
Gold is back on the front foot on Wednesday, shaking off part of the early week softness and challenging two-day highs near the $5,000 mark per troy ounce. The move comes ahead of the FOMC Minutes and is unfolding despite an intense rebound in the US Dollar.
Bitcoin has found or is near a bottom, extended consolidation to follow: K33
Bitcoin (BTC) is nearing or has already established a bottom, which could be followed by a sustained period of slow price movement, according to K33.
Mixed UK inflation data no gamechanger for the Bank of England
Food inflation plunged in January, but service sector price pressure is proving stickier. We continue to expect Bank of England rate cuts in March and June. The latest UK inflation read is a mixed bag for the Bank of England, but we doubt it drastically changes the odds of a March rate cut.
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