CMC Markets MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform guide

4 minute read
|11 Feb 2025
Table of contents
  • 1.
    Getting setup on MT4
  • 2.
    Understanding MT4's layout
  • 3.
    Charting & trading on MT4
  • 4.
    Trading on MT4 mobile
  • 5.
    Final thoughts

This guide helps traders navigate and use CMC Markets’ MT4 trading platform on both desktop and mobile devices. Whether you’re new to trading or an experienced investor, this guide ensures you have the knowledge to set up, customise, and trade confidently.

Getting setup on MT4

After registering for an account with CMC Markets, you’ll receive an email with your account number and trading server details. To get started:

  1. Log in to the CMC Markets MT4 admin portal using your registered email and password.

  2. Select the MT4 product and set up your MT4 password under Settings > Change password.

  3. Download and install the MT4 terminal by following the installation prompts.

  4. Log in to your MT4 trading account by selecting File > Login to trade account and entering your credentials.

  5. Verify your connection status in the bottom-right corner of the platform.

If you encounter login errors, double-check your details and server selection. If issues persist, contact CMC Markets’ customer support team.

Funding your trading account

To start trading on a live account:

  • Click the 'Funding' tab and follow the prompts to deposit or withdraw funds.

  • For demo accounts, select 'Open a live account' to transition to real trading.

  • Funding options vary by region, so check available methods in your account settings.

Exploring the product library

The Products library provides access to a variety of trading assets. Use filters to navigate different categories and view:

  • Trading limits, margin rates, and holding costs

  • Tradable hours

  • Client sentiment tool, displaying real-time buyer/seller ratios

Margin close-out levels: If your account balance falls below 50% of the margin requirement, open positions may be forcibly closed. Monitor this in the account value section to manage risk effectively.

Understanding MT4's layout

The MT4 platform consists of three main sections:

  • Market watch panel (left): Displays available instruments and their bid/ask prices.

  • Navigator panel (below market watch): Allows quick access to accounts, indicators, and automated strategies.

  • Terminal panel (bottom): Manages trades, account history, and notifications.

To customise your layout:

  • Enable or disable panels via View.

  • Drag and drop symbols to arrange charts.

  • Modify trade settings in the Terminal panel.

Charting & trading on MT4

Using charts for market analysis

To open a chart:

  • Right-click an instrument in Market watch and select Chart window.

  • Drag and drop symbols onto an open chart to replace it.

  • Use the toolbar to adjust timeframes, colours, grid lines, and chart types.

Adding technical indicators

  • Double-click an indicator in the Navigator panel to apply it.

  • Use Window > Tile windows for multiple charts.

Executing trades on MT4

To place a trade:

  1. Open the order window: Double-click an instrument in the Market watch panel.

  2. Set your trade volume: Choose a lot size based on risk tolerance.

  3. Manage risk: Set a Stop loss or Take profit.

  4. Select order type:

    • Market execution: Trades at the current price.

    • Pending orders: Executes trades when a specified price is reached.

  5. Confirm by clicking buy or sell.

To modify or close trades:

  • Navigate to the Terminal panel.

  • Right-click a trade to Close, modify, or delete the order.

  • Enable One-click trading for faster execution.

Trading on MT4 mobile

Setting up the MT4 mobile app

  1. Download and install MetaTrader 4 from your app store.

  2. Log in to your CMC Markets MT4 account under Settings > Trade accounts.

  3. Customise your watchlist in the Quotes tab.

Placing trades on mobile

  • Select a product and tap Trade.

  • Adjust trade volume, stop loss, and take profit settings.

  • Tap Buy or Sell to execute.

  • Monitor open trades in the Trades tab and modify them as needed.

Tracking trading history

  • View closed trades in the History tab.

  • Filter transactions by timeframe or product.

Final thoughts

With this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently navigate the CMC Markets MT4 platform. Stay informed, manage risk effectively, and make the most of the trading tools available.

Interested to learn more about Metatrader? Read our MT4 Academy articles.

Investing in derivative products carries significant risks. You do not own or have any interests in the underlying assets. Seek independent advice and consider our PDS or Information Memorandum (for CMC Pro accounts) when deciding whether to invest in products. CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, AFSL No. 238054. Please visit CMC Markets to view the PDS, Information Memorandum and our Target Market Determination for CFDs that includes a description of who our financial products are suitable for.

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