CFD trading tutorial - Next Generation platform

5 minute read
|9 Apr 2024
Next Gen Platform Guide Thumbnail
Table of contents
  • 1.
    Setup 
  • 2.
    Charting and analysis  
  • 3.
    Trading  
  • 4.
    Mobile app 

This guide helps traders understand how to navigate and use CMC Markets’ Next Generation platform on both desktop and mobile devices for a more effective trading experience. Whether you’re new to trading or a seasoned investor, this guide will ensure you’re equipped to navigate the platform with ease. 

Setup 

Logging in and choosing a layout 

When you first log in, you’ll be presented with two layout options: 

  • Fixed layout: Automatically adjusts windows to fit your screen. 

  • Floating layout: Allows you to freely move windows around the screen. 

You can also explore the range of default templates or create your own custom layout. After selecting your layout, choose between dark mode or light mode, which can be adjusted at any time in the platform settings. 

Understanding the default layout 

The platform’s default setup is divided into three key sections: 

  1. Product library (left): Access a wide range of trading instruments. 

  1. Charting window (right): Analyse price movements. 

  1. Positions tab (below): Monitor your trades in real-time. 

Using the product library 

The product library is your gateway to a vast selection of trading instruments. Use the smart filters or search function to find specific products quickly. Clicking on an instrument displays its chart in the charting window. 

Creating and customising watchlists 

To create a watchlist: 

  1. Click the watchlist icon

  1. Select create new watchlist

  1. Drag and drop your desired products into the watchlist. 

You can further personalise your watchlist by renaming it or assigning it a unique colour. 

Accessing product information 

For key details about a product: 

  1. Click the three bars at the top left of the chart. 

  1. Select product overview

This section provides: 

  • Available order types 

  • Risk management tools 

  • Spreads and margin rates 

Managing holding costs 

At the end of each trading day (5 pm New York time), CFD positions may incur a holding cost. Ensure your account is adequately funded to cover these costs. 

Synchronising windows 

Enhance navigation with the synchronisation feature. Assign a window to a group using the coloured boxes, and any changes made in one window will automatically update linked windows. 

Charting and analysis  

Customising charts 

Customise charts using the menu at the top of the charting window: 

  • Change chart intervals (e.g., 1 second to 1 month). 

  • Save your setup as a template. 

  • Switch chart types (candlestick, bar, or line). 

Key features to monitor 

  • Buy and sell prices: Relevant for closing positions, as opposed to the default mid-price view. 

  • Spread chart: Monitor changes in spreads, especially during market open. 

Using chart tools 

  • Timeframe adjustments: Adjust the range displayed on your chart. 

  • Draw tools: Add support and resistance levels, notes, and highlight patterns. 

  • Technicals section: Access over 30 overlays and 50 studies (e.g., SMAs, MACD, RSI). 

  • Pattern scanner: Identify emerging trading patterns, such as wedges and channels. 

Setting price alerts 

  1. Click the three dots next to a product. 

  1. Select create new price alert

  1. Enter your price, type, and expiry date. 

Configure alert preferences in the notifications tab under Settings. 

Client sentiment indicator 

View the sentiment indicator to see the percentage of clients who have bought versus sold a specific product. This tool provides valuable insights into market expectations. 

News and market calendar 

Access timely updates via the news and analysis menu: 

  • Reuters live feed: Stay updated with relevant market news. 

  • Market calendar: Organise economic events by date, impact, type, or country. 

Trading  

Funding your account 

To start trading, fund your account: 

  1. Click the funding tab. 

  1. Follow the prompts to deposit funds. 

Funding options vary by region. 

Opening a trade 

  1. Click buy (blue) or sell (orange) to open the order ticket. 

  1. Specify the units or amount to trade. 

  1. Choose an order type: 

  • Market orders: Execute immediately at the best available price. 

  • Limit orders: Execute at a specified price. 

Include stop-loss and take-profit orders for risk management. 

Monitoring and closing trades 

  • Track live trades in the positions tab

  • Adjust stop-loss and take-profit settings via the modify trade icon. 

  • To close a trade, click the red X, decide the amount to close, and confirm. 

Key metrics to monitor 

Margin and close-out level 

  • Total margin: The amount required to maintain positions. 

  • Account revaluation amount: Your cash balance plus net unrealised profit or loss. 

If the account revaluation amount falls below 50% of the total margin requirement, positions may be forcibly closed. Notifications are sent at 80%. 

Mobile app 

Customisable dashboard 

The mobile app dashboard allows you to resize, remove, or rearrange tiles for a tailored experience. 

Mobile charting and notifications 

  • Access over 25 technical indicators and 15 drawing tools. 

  • Set up push, SMS, or email alerts for timely updates. 

  • Trade directly from mobile-optimised charts.

Learn more about CFD platform features with our platform guides and keep up to date with market news and analysis.

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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