We believe anyone can be a futures trader – whether they are an aspiring trader or have traded other markets for years and have yet to trade futures.
To that end, we have created an ecosystem to serve traders of all levels and this post will explain why and what we did to create this outstanding trading platform experience. Whether you are experienced and just looking for a transparent, frictionless trading experience or new to trading and in need of guidance, we have you covered.
For experienced traders committed to the tools and tech providers they know and trust, you are in good hands. Open an account and continue using the same platforms and services and try out our customer service.
For those new to trading, we have partnered with our vendors to create a simple, yet powerful trading experience that encompasses all the elements successful traders require with our MetroTrader platform:
- Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface
- Advanced Charting and Analysis tools
- Flexible Order Types and Execution
- Real-Time News and Market Analysis
- A Mobile Trading App
- Security and Privacy
- Educational Resources
- Reliable and Knowledgeable Customer Support
The trading world is dynamic and fast-paced, demanding tools and platforms that can keep up with the ever-changing markets. The MetroTrader platform is a cutting-edge trading tool designed to empower traders of all levels with a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities. Let’s delve into the various benefits that MetroTrader offers:
Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface
MetroTrader offers an intuitive, and user-friendly interface that prioritizes ease of use. Whether you are a easoned trader or a novice, navigating the platform is a breeze. The layout is well-organized, with easy access to essential tools, charts, and order placement options. This user-centric design ensures that traders can focus on what matters most – making informed trading decisions.
The trading interface is also modular, allowing traders to create custom views that adapt and conform to their needs for that day, that market or that trading cycle. A modular interface also allows for adaptability as a trader’s requirements change, from a simple setup for novice traders to more advanced layouts as traders get more experienced and utilize different tools and resources.
An added advantage is a web-based platform that does not require a download or install to the trader’s workstation and can be accessed from anywhere that has reliable internet. I know some traders would argue that a web interface is slower than a downloadable platform, but let’s be honest, it’s 2024, and those days are long past. Anyone who has reliable, fast internet will have the nearly identical experience via the web or download. For retail traders, it is far more important to trade on a stable platform than one slightly faster.
A web platform is also operating system agnostic, so traders can seamlessly move between Apple and Microsoft. From experience I know this is important, as I’m the only one in my household still clinging to Microsoft, and if I have a hardware issue, I’m most likely going to have to jump on a Mac in a pinch until I can get the Microsoft issue resolved.
Advanced Charting and Technical Analysis Tools
For technical traders, the platform provides a comprehensive set of charting and technical analysis tools. Our chosen platform supports multiple chart types (candlestick, bar, line, etc.), a wide array of technical indicators and studies (75 to be exact) (MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, etc.), and drawing tools to help traders identify trends, patterns, and potential entry/exit points. Traders can customize their charts with various timeframes and settings, enabling them to tailor their analysis to their specific strategies.
MetroTrader also offers the ability to trade directly from charts, a feature I find incredibly helpful. The ability to visually monitor market conditions and adjust to changing trends on the fly with just the click of a mouse without leaving the chart is an empowering tool and one that should not be overlooked.
Flexible Order Types and Execution
The platform supports various order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop-loss orders, and trailing stop orders. This flexibility allows traders to implement their preferred risk management strategies and tailor their orders to specific market conditions. The platform also offers efficient order execution, ensuring that trades are placed quickly and accurately.
At a minimum, all futures-specific trading platforms should offer the order types natively supported by the exchange on which you plan to trade. Exchange-supported order types mean that the order can be entered and held at the exchange (in the order book) as this type of order. In this case the CME Group natively supports the following order types [1]:
● Limit
● Market Order with Protection
● Market-Limit
● Stop-Limit
● Stop Order with Protection
In addition, the above order types can be used in conjunction with the following exchange-supported order qualifiers [2]:
● Day Order
● Good-til-Cancel (GTC)
● Good til Date (GTD)
● Fill and Kill (FAK)
● Fill or Kill (FOK)
● Minimum Quantity
● Display Quantity
Many platforms also support various ‘synthetic’ order types, which are order types where the order is not held at the exchange, but rather by the trading platform. When synthetic orders are triggered, they are released to the exchange as an exchange-supported order type.
Some examples of popular synthetic order types include:
● Iceberg orders
● Order Cancel Order (OCO)
● Order-Sends-Order (OSO)
Real-Time News and Market Analysis
Staying informed is crucial for traders, and the platform provides access to real-time news feeds and market analysis. Our traders can stay abreast of the latest market developments, economic news, and company announcements that could impact trading decisions. This feature helps traders stay ahead of the curve and react swiftly to market movements.
Risk Management Tools
Behind the scenes, MetroTrader equips traders with essential risk management tools. We could (and probably will) devote a whole newsletter to proper risk management for retail futures trading, but for now we will just touch on the highlights.
All futures platforms should provide tools to ensure that the risk positions of trading accounts are accurate, and that the data is displaying and updating realtime. Generally, risk management is broken down into pre- and post-trade risk controls, with pre-trade risk controls devoted to ensuring that you can trade the proper number of contracts based on account balance. Post-trade risk management is devoted to ensuring that if market conditions move against your position, that you can liquidate it or that the system auto-liquidates the position to ensure your account does not go in the red.
Mobile Trading App
For traders on the go, MetroTrader offers a mobile trading app compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to monitor their portfolios, place trades, and access charts and analysis tools from their smartphones or tablets. This mobility ensures that traders can stay connected to the markets and never miss an opportunity, even when they are away from their desktops.
While we believe the best trading is done primarily via a workstation and monitor, the bottom line is that mobile access is no longer a nice to have, it’s a must have. Futures trading can be a 24×5 endeavor, and there will always be a need to check positions and market conditions, potentially move stops and orders, and check P&L when you’re away from your desk.
Customization and Personalization
MetroTrader recognizes that traders have unique preferences and trading styles. So, we offer a high degree of customization, allowing traders to personalize their workspace layouts, chart settings, and tool configurations. This personalization enhances user experience and allows traders to create a trading environment that perfectly aligns with their needs.
Educational Resources & Reliable Customer Support
We are there for you when you need us, no matter what platform you are on. Access our knowledge base, watch our ‘how-to’ videos, open up a chat, or give us a call. We have you covered. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel (@MetroTrade) as we will begin posting content in the coming weeks.
We understand that some of the content may be ‘too basic’ for our more experienced client base, but we believe that there’s always something to learn about markets, even if it’s just to affirm something you already know.
Security and Privacy
Security is paramount in the trading world. MetroTrader implements robust security measures to protect user data and funds. The platform may use encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security protocols to safeguard against unauthorized access and cyber threats. Additionally, the platform prioritizes user privacy, ensuring that personal and financial information is kept confidential.
We understand that 2FA and additional login security features do not always make for a great user login experience but given the steady rise in cyber breaches, and the continuous need for protection against all manner of cyber-attacks, requiring 2FA and other security features is our best first line of defense.
In conclusion, the MetroTrader platform is feature-rich and empowers traders with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s markets. Its intuitive interface, advanced charting tools, diverse range of tradable instruments, and focus on risk management make it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced traders.
Please note that this is a general overview of the benefits of the platform. Specific features and functionalities may vary depending on the broker offering the platform and the trader’s account type.
And here at MetroTrade, that’s why we did that.
[1] Order Types for Futures and Options – Electronic Platform Information Console – Confluence (cmegroup.com)
[2] Order Qualifiers – Electronic Platform Information Console – Confluence (cmegroup.com)