PC Place trailing stop order
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On MetaTrader4 (MT4) / MetaTrader5 (MT5), you can place a trailing stop order, which automatically adjusts the stop-loss price based on the price movement. The stop-loss level is automatically updated to increase profit as long as the price moves favorably, and if the opposite movement continues, the position will be closed.
This allows you to maximize profit and minimize loss. In MT4/MT5, trailing stop orders are for open positions.
Stop-loss prices are updated based on profits
With a trailing stop, the first stop-loss price will be set at the level where the profit of 1 point is gained, once the price moves favorably by a specified point. Thereafter, each time the price moves in the favorable direction, the stop-loss price will be updated to follow the market price at the distance specified in points. It will not follow the market in an unfavorable direction.
Here we will look at how to place trailing stop orders on MT4/MT5.
Switch between MT4/MT5 tabs to check the steps for each.
Step 1
Trailing stop orders are available from the Terminal or chart.
To set a trailing stop from the Terminal
Click the "Trade" tab in the Terminal and right-click on the position you wish to set a trailing stop for.
In the context menu, move the pointer to "Trailing Stop" to select the trailing stop level. You can also specify a value by selecting "Custom" and entering the value in points.
Point is the last decimal place
While the spread and profit/loss of forex currency pairs are generally calculated in pips, CFDs, whose original rates have different numbers of digits, are sometimes quoted in points. A point is the last decimal place of the instrument's price.
To set a trailing stop on the chart
Right-click on the dotted line indicating your position on the chart. Select "Trailing Stop" and the trailing stop level as above.
Related article: How to show position on chart
Trailing stop level should be larger than stop level
When setting a trailing stop level, you have to specify a value larger than the stop level. Otherwise, the "OK" button will be disabled.
Related article: Check trading conditions
Step 2
Once the trailing stop is set, the "T" mark will appear on the left side of the position details in the Terminal.
Step 3
To disable a trailing stop order, move the pointer over "Trailing Stop" and select "None". To disable all the active trailing stops, select "Delete All".
Step 4
Once the trailing stop is disabled, the "T" mark on the left side of the position details will disappear.
Trailing stop is only activated while MT4 is running
Trailing stop is only activated while MT4 is running. If you close your MT4 or switch to the other account, trailing stops will be disabled and the last stop-loss price will remain unchanged.
Step 1
Trailing stop orders are available from the Toolbox or chart.
To set a trailing stop from the Toolbox
Click the "Trade" tab in the Toolbox and right-click on the position you wish to set a trailing stop for.
In the context menu, move the pointer to "Trailing Stop" to select the trailing stop level. You can also specify a value by selecting "Custom" and entering the value in points.
To set a trailing stop on the chart
Right-click on the dotted line indicating your position on the chart. Select "Trailing Stop" and the trailing stop level as above.
Related article: How to show position on chart
Trailing stop level should be larger than stop level
When setting a trailing stop level, you have to specify a value larger than the stop level. Otherwise, the "OK" button will be disabled.
Related article: Check trading conditions
Step 2
Once the trailing stop is set, the "T" mark will appear to the left of the symbol of the position in the Toolbox.
Step 3
To disable a trailing stop order, move the pointer over "Trailing Stop" and select "None". To disable all the active trailing stops, select "Delete All".
Step 4
Once the trailing stop is disabled, the "T" mark to the left of the symbol of the position will disappear in the Toolbox.
Trailing stop is only activated while MT5 is running
Trailing stop is only activated while MT5 is running. If you close your MT5 or switch to the other account, trailing stops will be disabled and the last stop-loss price will remain unchanged.
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