What is MetaTrader 5?
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a multi-asset trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software. Released in 2010, it is the successor to the legendary MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform. While MT4 remains popular, MT5 offers significant technological and feature advantages.
MT5 vs MT4: The Key Differences
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframes | 9 | 21 |
| Markets | Forex only | Forex, Stocks, Futures, CFDs |
| Order Types | 4 | 6 |
| Strategy Tester | Single-threaded | Multi-threaded (faster) |
| Economic Calendar | External | Built-in |
| Depth of Market | No | Yes |
Why Choose MT5 Over MT4?
1. More Timeframes
MT5 offers 21 timeframes compared to MT4's 9. This includes:
- M2, M3, M4, M6, M10, M12, M15, M20, M30, H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H8, H12, D1, W1, MN1
Why it matters: More granular analysis for scalpers and better trend identification for swing traders.
2. Multi-Asset Trading
MT5 allows you to trade:
- Forex: 80+ currency pairs
- Stocks: Thousands of stocks from major exchanges
- Futures: Commodity and index futures
- CFDs: Contracts for difference on various assets
Why it matters: Diversify your portfolio without switching platforms.
3. Built-in Economic Calendar
MT5 includes a real-time economic calendar directly in the platform. You can see:
- Upcoming economic events
- Impact levels (High, Medium, Low)
- Previous vs. Forecast values
Why it matters: Plan your trades around major news events without leaving the platform.
4. Depth of Market (DOM)
See the order book for instruments. This shows:
- Buy and sell orders at different price levels
- Market depth and liquidity
Why it matters: Better understanding of market sentiment and potential support/resistance levels.
5. Faster Strategy Tester
MT5's backtester uses multiple CPU cores, making it significantly faster than MT4's single-threaded tester.
Why it matters: Test Expert Advisors (EAs) and strategies much quicker.
How to Choose an MT5 Broker
Server Location Matters
Choose a broker with servers close to your location:
- London (LD4): Best for European traders
- New York (NY4): Best for US traders
- Tokyo: Best for Asian traders
Why: Lower latency = faster execution = better fills.
Execution Quality
Look for:
- ECN/STP Execution: Direct market access
- No Requotes: Orders filled at requested price
- Low Slippage: Minimal price deviation
Platform Features
Ensure the broker offers:
- Full MT5 feature set (not a limited version)
- Mobile MT5 app
- WebTrader access
What to Look For in an MT5 Broker
When choosing an MT5 broker, prioritize:
- Server Location: London (LD4), New York (NY4), or Tokyo for low latency
- Execution: ECN/STP model with no requotes
- Markets: 500+ symbols available on MT5
- Support: 24/7 multilingual customer support
- Established Track Record: Years of operation and positive reviews
Our AraciKurum.org Approved Broker offers all of these features and more. Operating since 2017 in 14 countries, they provide:
- London (LD4) servers with under 5ms latency
- ECN execution model with no requotes
- 500+ trading symbols on MT5
- 24/7 multilingual support
MT5 Tips for Beginners
- Start with a Demo Account: Practice before risking real money.
- Learn the Interface: Familiarize yourself with charts, indicators, and order placement.
- Use the Economic Calendar: Plan trades around major events.
- Explore Indicators: MT5 comes with 80+ built-in indicators.
Conclusion
MetaTrader 5 is the future of retail trading. While MT4 is still functional, MT5's superior technology, multi-asset capabilities, and advanced features make it the better choice for serious traders.