Stop Loss Order
Stop loss orders are one of the order types that traders can execute on the financial markets. The name “stop loss” is self-explanatory: stop the losses before they get out of hand.
What is a stop loss? A stop loss order is an order or instruction given to the broker/dealer to automatically close a trade that has gone contrary to the trader’s position at a particular price level with the aim of preventing further losses if the adverse trade conditions persist.
Brokers With Stop Loss Orders
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When we evaluated Pepperstone's MT4, execution was extremely swift with spreads starting at 0.1 pips, plus a $7 per lot commission on Razor accounts. The Smart Trader Tools plugin provided real benefits, including sentiment, mini-terminal, and trade management tools. EA automation operated seamlessly, and the mobile version replicated desktop performance in live trades.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto (only Pro clients), Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) -
In our tests, FXCC's MT4 offered raw spreads from 0.1 pips on the ECN XL account with zero commission—perfect for traders. Execution was precise, and EA automation ran smoothly. Though the indicator set is basic, FXCC enhances value by integrating economic calendars and news feeds directly into the platform.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CySEC MT4, MT5 Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
When we assessed IC Markets’ MT4, execution speeds were among the swiftest, perfect for high-frequency tactics. Spreads on EUR/USD averaged 0.1 pips with a $7 commission per lot. With EA automation, VPS integration, and advanced tools such as Depth of Market, the platform excelled for dedicated algorithmic traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $200 0.01 Lots 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) -
Upon testing IC Trading’s MT4, the platform exhibited stable execution, with spreads averaging 1.5 pips on major pairs and no commission charges. EA automation functioned seamlessly. However, the indicator library was basic. The mobile MT4 version operated reliably, but offered fewer add-on tools and social trading features than some larger MT4 brokers.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Cryptos, Futures FSC MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $200 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
During testing, Eightcap’s MT4 offered swift execution and spreads starting at 0.0 pips on the Raw account. The commission was $3.50 per side for each standard lot, with an all-in cost of roughly 0.76 pips. The platform supports micro lots and provides smooth EA automation. The mobile MT4 was fast, and Capitalise.ai integration allowed for algorithmic trading without coding.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB MT4, MT5, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £100 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
In our tests, Fusion Markets’ MT4 showed impressive ultra-low spreads starting at 0.0 pips, plus a $7 per lot commission on ECN accounts. Execution is swift and dependable, perfect for scalpers and EAs. The platform accommodates micro lots, automation, and mobile trading. Although add-ons are limited, the core MT4 experience remains efficient and economical.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto ASIC, VFSC, FSA MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
Trade Nation is a leading FX and CFD broker regulated in the UK and Australia, among other places. The company provides competitively priced fixed and variable spreads on over 1,000 assets. Traders benefit from advanced platforms and comprehensive training materials. Additionally, the Signal Centre offers valuable trade ideas.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA MT4 Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.1 Lots 1:500 (entity dependent)
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Stop Loss Order are and what features they offer to protect traders.
Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
FXCC | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
IC Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
IC Trading | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Fusion Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Trade Nation | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Stop Loss Order support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
FXCC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
IC Markets | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
IC Trading | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Fusion Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Trade Nation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Stop Loss Order at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
FXCC | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
IC Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
IC Trading | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
Eightcap | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
Fusion Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
Trade Nation | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Stop Loss Order good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
FXCC | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
IC Markets | ✔ | $200 | 0.01 Lots | ||
IC Trading | ✔ | $200 | 0.01 Lots | ||
Eightcap | ✔ | £100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
Fusion Markets | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
Trade Nation | ✔ | $0 | 0.1 Lots |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Stop Loss Order offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
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Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
FXCC | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
IC Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade | ✘ | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
IC Trading | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Eightcap | TradingView Bots | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Fusion Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Trade Nation | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:500 (entity dependent) | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Stop Loss Order.
Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
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Pepperstone | |||||||||
FXCC | |||||||||
IC Markets | |||||||||
IC Trading | |||||||||
Eightcap | |||||||||
Fusion Markets | |||||||||
Trade Nation |
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone is a premier trading platform, providing tight spreads, swift execution, and sophisticated charting tools for seasoned traders. Beginners benefit from no minimum deposit, comprehensive learning materials, and outstanding 24/7 support."
Pros
- Pepperstone now offers spread betting via TradingView, delivering a streamlined and tax-efficient trading experience with sophisticated analytical tools.
- Pepperstone presents itself as an economical choice for traders, offering spreads as low as 0.0 in its Razor account. The Active Trader programme provides rebates up to 30% on indices and commodities, plus $3 per lot on forex.
- Support for top-tier charting platforms such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader. These tools accommodate different short-term trading methods, including algorithmic trading.
Cons
- Although its market range has improved, its crypto offerings remain limited compared to brokers specialising in this sector, lacking real coin investment options.
- Pepperstone doesn't offer cTrader Copy, a favoured feature for copying trades found in the cTrader platform, which is available on other platforms such as IC Markets. However, Pepperstone has launched its own user-friendly copy trading app.
- Pepperstone's demo accounts expire after 30 days, which may not provide sufficient time to explore various platforms and evaluate trading strategies.
Our Take On FXCC
"FXCC remains a top choice for forex traders, offering over 70 currency pairs, very tight spreads from 0.0 pips in tests, and high leverage up to 1:500 with the ECN XL account."
Pros
- There are no limitations on short-term trading techniques such as trading and scalping.
- The complimentary education section, featuring the 'Traders Corner' blog, provides a wide array of resources suitable for traders of all experience levels.
- There are no deposit fees other than standard cryptocurrency mining charges, which benefits active traders.
Cons
- While the MetaTrader suite excels in technical analysis, its outdated design detracts from the overall trading experience, particularly when contrasted with contemporary platforms such as TradingView.
- The variety of currency pairs surpasses most options, but the choice of other assets is limited. Notably, stocks are absent.
- Unaware traders might face steep withdrawal fees, such as a notable $45 for bank transfers.
Our Take On IC Markets
"IC Markets provides excellent pricing, swift execution, and easy deposits. With cutting-edge charting tools like TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account, it continues to be a preferred option for intermediate and advanced traders."
Pros
- IC Markets provides some of the industry's narrowest spreads, offering 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs. This makes it an extremely cost-effective choice for traders.
- As a well-regulated and reputable broker, IC Markets focuses on client safety and transparency to provide a dependable global trading experience.
- Access over 2,250 CFDs across diverse markets like forex, commodities, indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This variety enables traders to employ diversified strategies.
Cons
- Interest is not paid on idle cash, a feature gaining popularity with alternatives such as Interactive Brokers.
- Although there are four top-tier third-party platforms available, the absence of in-house software or a trading app tailored for novice traders is notable.
- IC Markets provides metals and cryptocurrencies for trading through CFDs, though the selection is narrower compared to brokers such as eToro. This limits opportunities for traders focused on these asset classes.
Our Take On IC Trading
"IC Trading offers an ideal environment, featuring top-tier execution speeds of around 40 milliseconds, extensive liquidity, and advanced charting tools, perfect for scalpers, traders, and algorithmic traders."
Pros
- IC Trading provides exceptional flexibility, allowing traders to open as many as 10 live accounts and 20 demo accounts. This enables the management of distinct profiles for various activities, including manual and algorithmic trading.
- Trading Central and Autochartist provide valuable technical analysis and actionable ideas. These tools are readily available within the account area or on the cTrader platform.
- IC Trading offers top-tier spreads, with some major currency pairs like EUR/USD featuring spreads as low as 0.0 pips, making it an excellent choice for traders.
Cons
- Unlike IC Markets, IC Trading lacks support for social trading via the IC Social app or the ZuluTrade platform.
- The educational materials require significant enhancement unless accessed via the IC Markets website. This limitation is particularly disadvantageous for beginners seeking a thorough learning experience, especially when compared to industry leaders such as eToro.
- Although IC Trading operates under the reputable IC Markets group, it is licensed by the FSC in Mauritius, a regulator known for its limited financial transparency and lack of robust safeguards.
Our Take On Eightcap
"Eightcap excels for traders, offering diverse charting platforms, educational Labs, and AI tools. With over 120 crypto CFDs, it stands out in crypto trading and has won our 'Best Crypto Broker' award twice consecutively."
Pros
- Eightcap excels with a suite of advanced trading tools, such as MT4 and MT5, and has recently joined the 100-million-user social trading network, TradingView.
- In 2021, Eightcap enhanced its lineup, now providing an extensive range of cryptocurrency CFDs. It offers crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs, along with crypto indices for comprehensive market exposure.
- With spreads starting at 0 pips, minimal commission charges, and leverage up to 1:500 for select clients, Eightcap delivers affordable and flexible trading opportunities. These conditions suit various strategies, such as trading and scalping.
Cons
- The demo account is available for 30 days, after which it requires a request for extension. This is less convenient than XM's offering, which provides an unlimited demo mode.
- Despite the growing range of tools available, Eightcap lacks popular industry resources such as Autochartist and Trading Central. These provide advanced charting analytics, live news, and essential market insights for traders focused on short-term strategies.
- Despite a helpful array of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap lags behind IG's extensive resources for aspiring traders. IG boasts a dedicated Academy app and features 18 diverse course categories.
Our Take On Fusion Markets
"Fusion Markets offers forex traders competitive pricing with minimal spreads, low commissions, and new TradingView integration. It is an excellent choice, especially for Australian traders, given its base and regulation by ASIC."
Pros
- With an average execution speed of approximately 37 milliseconds, traders can secure optimal prices more effectively, outpacing many competitors in rapidly changing markets.
- Fusion Markets consistently impresses traders with its competitive pricing, featuring tight spreads and lower-than-average commissions. These cost-effective options are particularly attractive to those engaging in frequent trading.
- Fusion Markets provides algo traders with a sponsored VPS and offers a 25% discount for choosing the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
Cons
- The demo account, lasting only 30 days, is limited in its effectiveness as a trading tool when used with a live account.
- Unlike AvaTrade, there is no specialised trading platform or app tailored for beginners, which is a significant disadvantage.
- Fusion Market falls short compared to competitors like IG in education, offering few guides and live video sessions for enhancing trader skills.
Our Take On Trade Nation
"Trade Nation is ideal for novice traders seeking diverse markets on an easy-to-use platform. It offers no minimum deposit, complimentary funding options, and robust educational resources."
Pros
- Trade Nation, a highly regarded and well-regulated broker, was formerly known as Core Spreads.
- The trading firm provides narrow spreads and a clear pricing structure.
- A variety of trading platforms and apps, such as MT4, make the brand suitable for experienced traders.
Cons
- Reduced legal safeguards with an offshore entity.
Common Mistakes Traders Make in Setting Stops
When choosing a price level to set a stop loss, are there any special considerations or are stop loss levels just set arbitrarily at the trader’s discretion? It is very unfortunate that many retail traders do not know the principles that guide the setting of a stop loss level, and the so-called forex trainers or seminar resource persons who run all the “intensive” seminars we see being advertised on the street corners and on the internet are not making things easier.
There is hardly a retail trader we come across who has been able to answer this question satisfactorily. Many believe that setting a stop loss is an arbitrary event. Worse still, there are a few who actually advocate not setting a stop loss so as to give the trade room to breathe. The first point of view supposes that all currency pairs and trades act alike and so there is nothing to consider when setting a stop loss level. The second standpoint presupposes that trades are predictable and in so far as the trader is on top of the action, there is no need for a stop loss.
Both standpoints are fundamentally flawed and will present major problems for the trader. The first standpoint is flawed because all currencies do not behave alike. Some have a greater intraday range and have more volatility than other currencies. So assigning the same stop loss or not considering the inherent characteristics of the currencies themselves when deciding to set stops will lead to either stops being so tight that the choke the trade, or to loose that they do not exert the necessary controls on any losses that may occur. The second standpoint assumes that the trader will always be on his computer to monitor open positions (which is impossible), or that the markets can always stay predictable without any sudden adverse market events occurring (which is also not the case). The end result is that adopting both trade standpoints when it comes to setting stop loss levels will eventually lead to catastrophic results.
Principles for Setting a Stop Loss
Setting a stop loss is a careful business which the trader should do with much consideration. There are factors to be considered when setting a stop loss. Some of these are:
1) Intraday price range of the currency asset.
2) Volatility index of the asset.
3) Presence or absence of any points of resistance or support within the immediate price area.
4) Time frame being traded.
5) News releases for the day/time period in view.
6) Trader’s margin.
The intraday price range of an asset is very important when considering where to set a stop loss. For a currency with a 100 pip intraday price range, a stop loss of about 50 pips is ok, depending on when the trade was executed and how close the trade is to key levels of support and resistance. However, you cannot set a 50 pip stop loss for an exotic currency pair with a 1000 pip price range, or for a commodity asset like gold that could sometimes move as much as 5,000 pips in a day. So currencies with lower ranges will require smaller stops, and larger stops must be used for currencies with larger price ranges. Similarly, a trader who intends to close an open position the same day it was opened would not need large stops when compared with another trader who used a daily chart for his analysis and is looking to keep the position open for weeks at a time.
Another consideration is the trader’s margin. It is foolhardy trying to trade assets with large moves on a small margin. The margin will restrict the trader and force him to use tight stops to choke the trade.
It is good practice to always consider where the key levels of support and resistance are located before opening a position. If a price level is in between a key support and resistance, the trader may be forced to use a larger stop to accommodate any drawdowns without closing the trade. Sometimes it is better to use pending orders that will allow the trade to gravitate towards a key level, and then tighter stops can be used knowing that prices will probably be held back by the key levels before triggering a stop loss.
Another factor to be considered is the volatility index of the currency pair to be traded. For instance, the GBP/JPY currency pair is known to be an extremely volatile currency pair, with a spread of at least 8 pips (or $80 on a standard lot position). It has a tendency of bouncing around before finally deciding where it is going. If a trader is trading this pair on an account margin in the lower range of thousands, then the trader must be very careful when setting stops. Too tight a stop will cause the trade to be closed prematurely. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a trade closed out prematurely, only for the position to eventually end up in the predicted direction of the trade.
Finally, it is always noteworthy considering news trades when setting stop loss levels. This is especially important for traders who are trading medium to long term. A news trade can cause a position that has probably been in profits for a few days to give every dime of profit up in a few short minutes.
Setting a stop loss is serious business, and if traders pay attention to the details that have been discussed above, they will be able to make more informed decisions when giving the stop loss instructions to their broker.