If you’re new to trading and looking for a broker, this review will walk you through the essential details of Valuetrades.
Valuetrades is a UK-based broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles.
The platform offers reliable trading options for forex and CFDs on indices and commodities.
In this Valuetrades broker review, we will explore its history, features, pros and cons, and customer feedback, and guide you on how to get started.
History of Valuetrades
Founded in 2012, Valuetrades began with a focus on providing accessible and competitive trading services.
Initially, it concentrated on offering ECN (Electronic Communication Network) accounts, which are popular among experienced traders due to their lower trading costs and faster order execution.
With strong regulations, especially under the FCA, Valuetrades has aimed to maintain a secure and transparent trading environment, which appeals to traders around the world.
Features of Valuetrades
Valuetrades provides a range of tools and features to support traders:
1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Platforms
Valuetrades gives traders access to two popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
These platforms are used worldwide and are known for being user-friendly and packed with tools to help with trading decisions.
- MT4: This platform is ideal for beginners as it’s easy to use but still provides a lot of functionality. It includes tools for analyzing the market, setting up trading alerts, and executing trades quickly.
- MT5: This is a newer, more advanced version of MT4. MT5 has all of MT4’s features, plus even more.
For example, it has additional chart types, more technical indicators (tools that help analyze price movements), and tools for managing multiple trades at once.
It’s great for advanced traders who want more ways to analyze the market and plan their trades.
Both MT4 and MT5 let you customize charts, set up alerts, and access a range of indicators, which are tools that help predict price trends and movements.
You can use these to help you make informed decisions on when to buy or sell assets.
2. Low Spreads and Commissions
One of Valuetrades’ attractive points is its low spreads and low commissions. In trading, a spread is the difference between the buy price and the sell price of an asset.
A smaller spread means less cost to the trader. Valuetrades offers competitive, low spreads, which means you can trade without paying a big fee each time.
This feature is especially beneficial for forex traders, who make frequent trades and look for low costs to maximize their profits.
For example, if the spread on a currency pair like EUR/USD (Euros to U.S. Dollars) is small, you only need a small price change to make a profit, helping you keep trading costs low.
3. VPS Hosting
For those who prefer automated trading (where trades are executed automatically based on pre-set rules), Valuetrades offers VPS hosting.
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server.
It’s just like a private “computer in the cloud” that runs your trading software, even if your own computer is turned off.
With a VPS, you can set up automated trading programs that keep running 24/7 without interruptions.
This is ideal for traders who want to make sure their trading robots (software that automatically buys or sells based on market conditions) continue working around the clock.
VPS is especially useful when internet connections or power outages might interrupt trading at home.
4. FIX API
Valuetrades provides an option for FIX API (Financial Information Exchange Application Programming Interface) access.
This is for more advanced traders who want direct access to the market.
A FIX API allows traders to set up their own customized trading programs and connect directly to the markets without using the usual trading platforms.
With FIX API, advanced traders can create trading software that directly communicates with Valuetrades’ servers, offering more flexibility and speed.
It’s often used by high-frequency traders who need faster, more precise trading options.
It requires a bit of programming knowledge, so it’s most suitable for those who are more technically inclined.
5. Demo Account
A demo account is like a practice account where you can trade with “virtual” money instead of real money.
Valuetrades offers a demo account to help beginners get comfortable with the platform before risking their own money.
Using the demo account, you can learn how to place trades, understand how the market moves, and test different trading strategies.
It’s a safe way to explore the trading platform and see how your strategies perform in a simulated market environment.
Once you feel confident, you can switch to a live account to start trading with real funds.
6. Educational Resources
Valuetrades broker also provides a range of educational resources to support review learning. These resources include videos, webinars (online seminars), and other materials that explain the basics of trading.
The educational resources cover various topics, such as how forex markets work, understanding market indicators, risk management, and strategies for successful trading.
This is particularly helpful for beginners who are just getting started, as it helps build knowledge and confidence.
Pros of Valuetrades
1. The broker operates under FCA and FSA regulations, which adds a layer of security.
2. MT4 and MT5 platforms with advanced tools make trading easier.
3. Advanced options for high-frequency traders or those who need uninterrupted access.
4. Valuetrades has responsive support via live chat, email, and phone.
Cons of Valuetrades
1. While forex options are broad, there are fewer indices and commodities available compared to competitors.
2. Some users have experienced delays or issues with withdrawals, which may be a concern for potential traders.
3. Valuetrades relies on third-party platforms like MT4 and MT5, without offering its unique trading platform.
Customer Valuetrades Broker Review
Customer reviews of Valuetrades are mixed.
Positive Reviews
A trader praised Valuetrades for its MT5 platform, mentioning that it provides great flexibility and tools for technical analysis, ideal for seasoned traders.
Another user appreciated the transparent fee structure and the fast execution of trades, which minimized their trading costs.
Negative Reviews
Some traders expressed frustration over withdrawal delays, with one customer stating,
“I was hoping to withdraw quickly, but the process took much longer than expected.”
Another review mentioned problems with customer support, calling the response time “slow” and saying,
“The support team wasn’t very helpful when I encountered an issue with my account.”
A more severe complaint came from a trader who claimed their account was locked, with funds remaining inaccessible.
This user cautioned,
“Think twice before putting money into this broker if you value your access to funds.”
How to Get Started with Valuetrades
If you’re interested in trying out Valuetrades, below is a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Register
Go to the Valuetrades website, click on the “Open Live Account” button, and complete the registration form with your details.
2. Verify Identity
Valuetrades requires proof of identity and address for verification. This can include a passport or utility bill.
3. Fund Your Account
Once verified, you can fund your account via bank transfer, credit card, or electronic wallet.
4. Choose a Platform
Download the MetaTrader 4 or 5 platform, or use the web-based version if you prefer not to install the software.
5. Start Trading
Select the asset you want to trade, use the tools to analyze market trends, and execute your trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Valuetrades safe for beginners?
Valuetrades offers a demo account and educational resources, making it suitable for beginners who want to learn without financial risk.
2. What are the fees for trading on Valuetrades?
Fees are competitive, with low spreads and commissions. The exact fees depend on the account type and asset traded.
3. How does Valuetrades handle withdrawals?
Users can request withdrawals online, but some have reported experiencing delays. It’s advisable to check the withdrawal policies and choose verified methods to avoid issues.
4. Can I trade cryptocurrencies on Valuetrades?
As of now, Valuetrades does not offer cryptocurrency trading. Their focus is primarily on forex and a limited number of CFDs.
Conclusion
Valuetrades Broker offers a secure and structured platform with strong FCA and FSA regulations, as seen in this review.
It’s a solid choice for forex and CFD traders, especially those who appreciate advanced features like VPS and FIX API access.
However, traders should be aware of the potential drawbacks, particularly regarding customer support and occasional withdrawal issues after doing your research and going through this review adequately.