Why a practice trading account matters

Online trading for beginners can be confusing. There are so many trading terms to learn, a wide range of markets and products to understand, and, of course, one needs to find trading strategies that will work for them.

What is a demo account in trading

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An online trading demo account can help you work through all of these basics in a risk-free environment. It allows you to familiarise yourself with different trading platforms and enables you to practise trading skills and strategies using virtual funds.

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Where can I open a demo trading account

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Deriv offers demo accounts on all of its trading platforms. You can start with 10,000 USD of virtual money which can be topped up anytime you run out. You can open positions on your preferred trading platform to better understand how it works and explore the available assets to trade. 

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How to practice trading without money

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Some people go into financial trading with a “get it all at once” mindset. After a few successful trades, they go all-in with their capital, hoping to make a fortune in one transaction, which eventually results in more losses than expected. 

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However, with a demo account, you can go all in at once if you wish since there won’t be any loss of real funds. This will allow you to build a strategy, and explore how risk-management tools work. 

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On Deriv, you can create a demo account on our Deriv Trader platform to practice trading options. It’s a great way to explore the available tools and test your strategy before trading with real funds. Check out the multipliers trade type, which includes risk-management tools such as stop loss, take profit, and deal cancellation

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How do demo trading accounts work to conduct in-depth market analysis

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There are several financial markets on which you can trade on Deriv — ETFs, forex, stocks and indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. These markets have different characteristics, given the various elements, such as world events, that could affect them. That’s why it’s crucial to study market movements with the help of market analysis. 

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With a demo account, you get the opportunity to analyse how each of these markets works, not only to widen your knowledge about each market but also to understand the outcomes of past trades better. 

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You’ll also get a good sense of how analysis tools work on live trading platforms without needing to spend any real funds, such as indicators, real-time quotes, charting tools, journals, news feeds, and more. As you practise trading while analysing the market movements more closely, the more likely you’ll be able to make smarter trading decisions.

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A great example of an online trading platform with all these features is Deriv MT5, where you can set up a demo account and start practising how to execute and monitor your trades. 

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Develop a plan

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A well-structured trading plan is essential for maintaining discipline and focus in your trading activities. To create an effective plan, start by setting clear, measurable goals that align with your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and available resources. Define your preferred trading style, such as scalping or swing trading, and select a corresponding timeframe that suits your lifestyle and market analysis.

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Next, establish precise entry and exit criteria based on technical indicators, chart patterns, or other analytical methods. Incorporate robust risk management tools, including stop-loss orders and position sizing, to protect your capital and minimize losses.

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Before committing real money, it’s highly recommended to practice your strategy using a demo account. This allows you to refine your approach, test different strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics without financial risk. By doing so, you'll be able to identify the most effective strategies for your trading style and evaluate their potential outcomes, ensuring you're well-prepared before entering live markets.

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When is the right time to switch to a real account?

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There is no definite answer to this question, but these signs may help you decide if it’s time to use a real account:

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You’ve found a trading strategy that works for you.

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If over 50% of your positions are successful trades, this may be a sign your strategy is working. Simply put, it means your trading profits are higher than your losses. If you have defined the markets you want to trade on and are confident about your trading strategy, then it’s time to put it to the test in the real-world trading environment.

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Your fund management skills have improved.

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If you find that you can balance your profits and losses, it just shows that you gained a good understanding of how to manage your funds. Proper fund management will help you prevent further losses. The truth is even the most experienced traders make mistakes with money management, and learning this skill might take you some time, but it is achievable. Once you decide to switch to a real account, ensure you have sufficient funds for a considerable time and manage it properly.

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You manage your emotions more effectively.

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If you think you can trade without giving in to your emotional reactions, you may take it as a good sign to go for a real account. Keeping your emotions in check is highly important as they can significantly influence your decision-making. Being able to detach yourself from your trades is a crucial part of becoming a successful trader.

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You can start practising your skills now by creating your free Deriv demo account. It’ll only take you a few minutes, and you’ll get to practise trading risk-free using virtual funds.