What is copy trading and how does it work?

What is copy trading? Why do savvy investors leverage this powerful tool to optimise their trading portfolios? We break it down for you.

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Navigating the financial markets can be quite a challenge. It requires a willingness to explore new avenues to improve one's trading performance.

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If you're looking to hone your approach and elevate your trading, copy trading might be for you.

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But what is copy trading? And how does it work? In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into copy trading and explore its potential benefits and risks.

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What is copy trading?

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Copy trading (social trading or mirror trading) allows you to replicate the trades of experienced traders. This allows you to benefit from their knowledge, experience and trading acumen.

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By observing and replicating the strategies of successful traders, you can gain valuable insights into market dynamics and effective trading techniques. Over time, you can develop your own trading style and risk management approach, gradually moving towards making independent trading decisions.

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Like an aspiring artist who emulates a master painter.

Imagine an aspiring artist who wants to master the techniques of a renowned painter. They observe the master's brush strokes, colour choices, and compositional techniques. As they practice and reproduce the painter's methods, they gradually develop their own artistic style and skill.

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Copy trading parallels this learning process. Just as an aspiring artist emulates the techniques of an experienced painter, copy traders replicate the trades of seasoned professionals.

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How does copy trading work?

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In essence, copy trading involves 3 steps:

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Deriv cTrader offers an easy way to get started in copy trading.

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Explore copy trading on Deriv cTrader.

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How to copy trade with Deriv cTrader

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Step 1: Setting up your account

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To get started, you need to register with Deriv and complete the necessary verification processes to create a cTrader account. Once your account is set up, log in to your Deriv cTrader account and navigate to the cTrader Copy section from the main menu.

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Step 2: Finding a Strategy Provider

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Next, explore the list of available strategy providers in the cTrader Copy section. Utilise filters such as performance, risk level, trading style, and fees to find a provider that aligns with your trading goals.

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Step 3: Copying a Strategy Provider

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After selecting a strategy provider, click on their profile to review detailed information about their trading approach and performance. Decide how much capital you want to allocate to copying

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Benefits of copy trading

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Copy trading offers the following advantages:

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Best practices in copy trading for beginners:

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While copy trading offers a convenient approach to trading, it is crucial to adopt solid strategies to maximise its effectiveness. Here are some best practices in copy trading for beginners:

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Now that we have explored how it works, the benefits and best practices, we need to remember the potential risks.

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Navigating the risks of copy trading

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Despite its potential benefits, copy trading has its risks. Here are some of them:

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This list of risks is not exhaustive. It is crucial that you consider all the risks involved before embarking on copy trading.

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Is Copy Trading worth it?

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Copy trading offers the opportunity to navigate markets with some confidence. However, it is crucial to approach copy trading with caution. Understand the inherent risks and adopt sound risk management practices.

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By carefully evaluating signal providers, diversifying investments and setting clear risk limits, you can harness the potential of copy trading while mitigating potential pitfalls.

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Like any trading approach, success in copy trading requires diligence, research, and a commitment to staying informed about market trends.

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Explore our copy trading platform - Deriv cTrader

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Whether you want to follow expert trades or share your own strategies, cTrader Copy provides the tools and flexibility you need to thrive in the dynamic world of trading. Start with a demo account. If you don't have one, sign up for free and get 10,000 USD of virtual money to practice with.