Valutrades Review

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Valutrades is a regulated online broker that lets you trade online through easy to use platforms. They can give you customised solutions depending on what you want to trade and your trading strategy. I like that they are regulated and have a selection of trading tools to help with conducting thorough market analysis with relative ease. In addition to this, you will find a good amount of educational materials to help educate those of you who are new to trading to make informed decisions. Despite the positives, I found the non-FX instruments are lacking in comparison to some other online brokers. However, if you primarily want to trade forex, then they are certainly worth consideration.

Summary

Located in London (UK), Valutrades were established in 2012 by an experienced financial services management team that have worked with a number of leading brokers and asset managers. Since then they have expanded into 6 continents and over 70 countries making them a truly global broker.

They operate as a regulated ECN broker that gives you access to trade a reasonable selection of 100+ financial instruments across multiple markets including Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, Indices, Metals, Energies & CFDs.

I found that they have a good range of products and services that includes free webinars, trading tools, indicators, and a free VPS for live accounts depositing and trading 1 or more trades per month. All trading styles are welcome including automated algorithms, high frequency traders (HFTs) and scalpers.

Trading Conditions

I like that they have a robust non-dealing desk trading environment with spreads starting from just zero pips and leverage of up to 1:500. Just be aware that leverage of 1:500 is only available at Valutrades Seychelles entity and for Valutrades UK elective professional clients. You can trade via the MetaTrader platform if you are looking for quick and easy market access. There is also FIX API connectivity for those of you who are professional traders.

The minimum deposit requirement is really low at just $1. This is advantageous if you want to practice trading in a real environment with minimal investment. There are also free demo accounts if you are a beginner and prefer to practice trading without any risk. Other comparable brokers with a $1 deposit include Trade Nation.

Valutrades maintains a tier 1 prime brokerage relationship with their own direct liquidity providers including banks, non-bank market makers, ECNs and hedge funds. These relationships enable them to offer you a sophisticated infrastructure with access to top quality liquidity provider lines and client order matching. They can also create customised liquidity pools for those of you who are institutional traders with greater demands.

The broker has an extensive range of technology solutions that are located across the globe in all major datacentres including NY4 (New York), LD4 (London), TY3 (Tokyo) and HK3 (Hong Kong). They are members of oneZero’s ecosystem which allows them to distribute their liquidity to other brokers and firms in the same environment at reduced fees for all participants.

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Regulation

Valutrades is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the United Kingdom with financial services register number 586541. This means they must implement strict adherence to the FCA’s regulatory regime. This helps to ensure that you are using a fair and transparent online broker that is focused on customer success and service. I have not had any problem with them and found them to operate in a professional manner.

Funds

Valutrades accounts have guaranteed negative balance protection and client funds are held according to FCA Client Money Rules in segregated client money accounts. Thsis means client funds are separate from the company funds and thus cannot be used for any other purposes such as business running costs. The client funds are placed into segregated accounts held at approved banks in the European Economic Area (EEA), they currently use Barclays and Lloyds banks.

Furthermore, all client deposits are covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is the UK’s statutory deposit insurance and investors compensation scheme for customers of authorised financial services firms. This means that the FSCS can pay compensation if a firm is unable, or likely to be unable, to pay claims made against it.

Countries

Valutrades accept clients from most countries excluding the United States and some other countries where there are strict laws and regulations in place preventing them from doing so. If you are looking for a broker and your country is not accepted, feel free to browse our broker ratings for an alternative option.

Platforms

You will find that Valutrades have a good selection of flexible trading platforms for different trader’s needs across various devices. They offer a choice of MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and FIX API connectivity. You can trade on your desktop computer, laptop or mobile phone. I like that it is possible to manage my account seamlessly through multiple devices.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Platform

MT4 is an award-winning trading platform that is recognised across the globe as one of the most popular for traders of all experience levels. It has a user-friendly interface and vast array of built in trading tools. This makes it a convenient and efficient trading environment for everyone.

I have used MT4 for many years and never felt the need to change platforms. It does everything I need and much more. You can make it as easy or complex as you need, with plenty of built-in tools and thousands of add-ons available.

Valutrades MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Platform

Amongst the many features of MT4 it has support for multiple order types, multiple chart types, 9 chart timeframes and real time market quotes. It has a range of built in indicators and graphical objects for conducting chart analysis. Users can set alert notifications via email, SMS and pop ups.

MT4 can run automated trading systems also known as expert advisors (EAs). This is my favourite feature and the main reason that I run multiple instances of MT4 24/7 on my VPS. There is the MetaEditor where you can programme your very own EAs and custom indicators in the MQL language.

The MQL market place can also be accessed from within the terminal and offers thousands of EAs, indicators and trading signals from other users within the MetaTrader community. The strategy tester allows you to back test EAs over historical data downloaded from the broker or an external data provider.

MT4 App

MT4 is freely available on desktop (Windows / Mac), web and mobile (iPhone / iPad / Android / Tablet). The trading app is useful for those who need to trade whilst on the go. I use it all of the time just to keep an eye on the markets and manage my positions. However, you will find that the features are limited compared to the desktop platform. For example, the mobile app does not support expert advisors. The web platform allows you to trade through most modern web browsers without needing to install any additional software. This is good as it allows you to access your account and trade from any device.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Platform

MT5 is the successor to the MT4 platform, delivering a cutting-edge and high-performance trading experience. It maintains all of the core functionality of the MT4 platform whilst having some additional features including more technical indicators, more timeframes, more order types, depth of market display, economic calendar multi-currency strategy tester and much more.

Valutrades MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Platform

MT5 is also freely available on desktop (Windows / Mac), web and mobile (iPhone / iPad / Android / Tablet). The mobile and web applications have most of the same features as the desktop platform whilst being useful for those of you who need to access your trading account from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

MT5 App

Despite MT5 being an improved version of MT4, I personally still prefer using the older platform. That may be because it was the first trading platform that I mastered, but I also find it more user-friendly. Some of you may find the MT5 platform overwhelming with so many features available. However, if you are trading for a living, then MT5 will give you more functionality. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong with the MT4 or MT5 platform. Other brokers who offer you both platforms include Admirals.

FIX API Connectivity

FIX API is a transparent trading solution that gives you more control over your trading. With the FIX API, you can get access to Valutrades ECN matching engine using FIX 4.4 API. This can help to reduce trading costs whilst improving trading efficiency. Most of you probably won’t this but it is a good option for institutional traders who need razor sharp pricing and execution speeds. If FIX API is something you require, I would consider Global Prime as a suitable alternative.

MAM Money Manager

Valutrades offer the innovative MetaFX multi account manager (MAM) software which handles complex MAM setups on MT4 & MT5 and can be used by money managers who need to simultaneously manage multiple trading accounts.

MetaFx MAM

Amongst the many features of the MetaFX MAM software, it includes;

• Multiple allocation types (equity, balance, percentage, lot, etc).
• Add and remove accounts in real time.
• Realtime allocation and reporting.
• Change allocations at any time without restrictions.
• Commission, mark up and profit share settings.
• No trading style limitations.
• Executing trades just as you would using a regular MT4 terminal.

If you are a money manager or investor, this should be a useful platform. It is similar to the MAM solutions you will find with competitors such as Key to Markets.

Tools

Valutrades have some useful trading tools which can benefit you by helping with your daily trading activities. I particularly like that we get access to some additional indicators to assist with market analysis. This can help to make informed trading decisions. The VPS is great for running platforms remotely without needing your computer switched on. If tools are important to you, JFD Brokers also have a great selection.

Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A VPS is useful for those of you who wish to run your trading platform 24/7 around the clock but cannot always have your computer switched on. With a VPS, you run the platform remotely on a server and can access it as and when you wish. This is often a popular solution for those who use expert advisors. Valutrades offer a free VPS for clients who have a funded account and trade at least +10 lots per month. This is a reasonable amount as some brokers require a lot more trading volume for access to a free VPS. I personally pay a third-party provider around $30 per month for my VPS. It is great value considering I can run multiple platforms simultaneously for my automated trading strategies. IC Markets have a comparable free VPS if you think it is something you will be needing.

Economic Calendar

The Valutrades website has an economic calendar embedded from MetaQuotes, the software company behind the MetaTrader platforms. It contains dates and times of economic releases along with the markets that will be impacted. The expected level of impact is displayed along with the previous, forecasted and actual results of the release. I find this tool is useful as part of a fundamental market analysis. I frequently check it to make sure I know what is happening around the world and to assist with making decisions.

Trading Indicators

You can use technical indicators for conducting chart analysis to help identify potential market movements. Whilst the trading platforms contain a wide range of built in indicators, Valutrades offer you an additional seven custom indicators for the MT4 platform, free of charge.

Double Top / Bottom

This indicator will point out double tops and bottoms on your chart. These patterns are often seen as a sign of reversal or a potential breakout. Double tops and bottoms occur when two highs or lows are more or less even in price with equal distance between them.

Valutrades Double Top & Bottom Indicator

Inside Outside Bars

This indicator will identify inside bars (candle engulfed by previous candle) and outside bars (previous candle engulfed by following candle). This is a price action formation often used to help anticipate the markets direction.

Valutrades Inside Outside Bars

Three Strike Pattern

This indicator will identify when there have been three consecutive candlesticks in the same direction and is often interpreted as a trend continuation pattern.

Valutrades Three Strike Pattern

Support Resistance Lines

This indicator can help to identify areas of support and resistance on your chart. These price levels can signify where price may reverse or breakthrough with significance.

Valutrades Support Resistance Lines

RSI CCI Divergence

The Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) and Commodity Channel Index (CCI) divergence indicator can help to establish the markets momentum and identify potential overbought and oversold conditions.

Valutrades RSI CCI Divergence

Doji Pattern

The doji pattern indicator can identify when a doji occurs on the chart. This is usually a candle with a small body and range. It is often seen as a potential reversal point or indecision in the market.

Valutrades Doji Pattern

Hammer Pattern

The hammer pattern indicator pin points hammer formations on charts. It is called a hammer due to the fact the candle looks like one, with a body that is at least half the size of the wick. These chart patterns are often used to identify potential points of reversal.

Valutrades Hammer Pattern

Client Sentiment

This is a very useful client sentiment tool that displays the percentage of traders who are long or short on a selection of forex currency pairs. Sentiment analysis is often used as part of a contrarian trading strategy and can be combined alongside further technical and fundamental analysis. I think this is a very under rated method of market analysis and wish every broker would offer it by default. After all, it is the sentiment that moves the market the majority of the time.

Valutrades Client Sentiment

Education

I found there to be a decent amount of frequently updated and free educational resources available on their website. If you are a beginner then you may find these useful. If you want a lot more content, then you could have a look at FXTM.

Trading Glossary

On the website you will find a trading glossary that contains a list of frequently used trading terminologies along with an explanation of each. This can help improve your trading knowledge by familiarising yourself with some key terms.

Trading Blog

There is a trading blog that contains detailed articles and videos on various trading subjects including strategies, asset classes, technical and fundamental analysis. These can help improve your overall trading knowledge and inspire trading ideas.

Webinars & eBooks

Valutrades provide a good selection of webinars and eBooks to help you improve your trading knowledge and skills. These are suitable to all experience levels and cover topics such as trading basics, platforms, strategies, risk management and more. I think it is great that they show support to new traders and want them to make informed trading decisions.

Valutrades Webinars & eBooks

Markets

Valutrades provide a decent range of over 100+ financial instruments across multiple asset classes including Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, Indices, Metals, Energies & CFDs.

Forex Trading

There is more than 80+ major, minor and exotic forex currency pairs for you to choose from. The forex trading commissions are competitive and spreads start from just zero pips on all major pairs when using the true ECN account. I think the forex product range is one of the standout features of this broker. I would compare it to that you can get with XM Group.

CFD Trading

The broker supports contract for difference (CFD) trading on popular global indices including AUS200, DE30, ES35, F40, HK50, JP225, STOXX50, UK100, US100, US30 & US500. Commissions are competitive and contract sizes flexible to suit all traders.

Commodities Trading

Valutrades let you trade commodities on gold, silver and oil. It would be great if they could add some more commodities down the line.

Accounts

There is not a great variety of account types but on the plus side that keeps things nice and simple. There is an ECN account for the tightest possible spreads with a competitive commission fee. I found the spreads to be very low and commission around the industry average.

ECN Trading Account

The ECN trading account has the tightest spreads from just 0 pips and is tailored towards the more professional trader. There is a commission of $6 per lot per round turn. The minimum deposit required is $1. This would most likely be the account of choice for those whose trading strategy requires tight spreads, such as scalpers.

Demo Account

As with most brokers, free demo accounts are available so that you can test the different trading platforms and conditions before opening a real account.

Account Signup

Opening a trading account is a simple process. They are committed to providing an efficient onboarding process, with a set up time of 24 hours or less for all new corporate accounts after the provision of the required due diligence documentation. You just need to complete the online application form which asks for some basic information. Following on from that you will need to provide proof of identification (e.g. passport or drivers licenses) and proof of address (e.g. utility bill no more than 3 months old). Once you have passed KYC checks, your account will be approved and you can then fund it to commence trading.

Support

Valutrades welcome any questions or queries regarding their services and accounts. Multilingual support is based in their head office which is in London, United Kingdom. They are available during office hours via telephone, email and live online chat. You are welcome to visit the team if you can make it to their office. There is also a handy FAQ section on the Valutrades website.

I admire the fact that they put great emphasis on offering professional and transparent trading services whilst providing a personalised experience catering to individual needs. Each client gets a dedicated account manager with native speakers of each language available.

Funding

I found them to have a good variety of convenient methods for depositing and withdrawing funds from your trading account. This includes bank wire, credit card and online payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill. Please note that some methods may only be available to specific countries and not all are available for both deposit and withdrawal.

Withdrawal requests are processed within the same day or next if outside working hours. The withdrawal time can vary depending on the payment provider and method. Bank transfers may take a few business days to clear whilst some methods can be instant.

The broker does not charge fees on any deposits and the first three withdrawals each month. Some fees may be charged when using certain payment methods so make sure you check with the payment provider before you get stung with any unexpected charges. From my experience, the fees will be legible unless you are moving substantial amounts around.

It is worth mentioning that payment systems may have transaction limits, restrictions, and requirements which are indicated on their respective websites. You may need to verify your account to remove limits on particular methods in some countries. Valutrades strictly does not accept third-party payments. All funds deposited into your trading account must be under the same name as your Valutrades trading account.

Accounts can be opened in a great choice of currencies including AUD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, USD, ZAR, NZD. The different currency options are beneficial as currency conversion fees do not apply when using an account in your own currency.

Conclusion

Overall, Valutrades is an online broker that gives you access to versatile and user-friendly platforms so that you can trade in a regulated environment. I appreciate that they cater to traders of all experience levels. Whether you are a retail or institutional trader, they welcome you and provide suitable solutions that can be customised to your trading needs.

I like that they have a good selection of trading tools and educational materials to support beginners. There are various payment options supported, but not cryptos at this time. I did find the non-FX trading instruments to be lacking in comparison to some other brokers. If you want to trade stocks, you could consider TMGM as they have plenty to choose from.

If you want to primarily trade forex with minimal fuss and good conditions, then I think Valutrades are a suitable broker with a solid reputation in the industry.

$1

Valutrades is a regulated online broker with flexible platforms and accounts. They have a selection of tools and educational materials but non-FX instruments are lacking in comparison to other brokers.

Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

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