<p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>Is he suggesting that they do more or less then moving forward? In any case, March is confirmed a 50 bps move for the ECB but what comes next will depend on the data in the coming two months surely.</p>

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.

<p>Web-based
terminals provide various advantages over desktop applications, both for
traders and developers. The extra convenience they offer is not the only factor
that attracts people – many are also drawn in by the security improvements this
approach inherently brings. </p><p>This has
been a major reason for the rapid adoption of web-based trading apps over the
last few years. However, as the number of users increases, it’s important to
reflect on the security principles that should be observed by every responsible
trader. </p><p>Protecting
your data is generally safer with web-based apps – but there are still some
points that one needs to get used to.

Here are some of the most important points to consider when using web-based
trading apps.

1. Never Reuse Login
Credentials

Reused login credentials are a major cause of data breaches. More than 70% of
users reportedly reuse the same password for their personal and work accounts,
with compromised passwords accounting for over 80% of breach incidents. </p><p>To maximize
your safety, you should keep your passwords unique – including the ones you use
for web trading platforms. Using a password manager is highly recommended,
especially an offline one like KeePass, or one that supports self-hosting, like
Bitwarden. </p><p>Since bots
are commonly used in web trading, this is another area that requires special
attention. Users are advised to always rely on unique tokens and other
authentication methods supported by automated applications, instead of using an
ordinary password.

2. Use 2-Factor Authentication
When It’s Available

On the note of authentication, a 2-factor authentication is something that’s
supported by many web trading platforms. It’s quickly becoming the norm across
the industry, with more than 95% of businesses using some form of 2-factor
authentication in their business solutions. </p><p>It can seem
like an extra hassle, which is why many people choose to forego that option
when it’s available. But taking the time to set up 2FA and using it actively on
all your trading accounts can go a long way toward increasing your overall
security, providing you with an additional layer of protection that can be more
difficult to compromise.

3. Avoid Logging in from
Unknown Devices

One of the benefits of web trading platforms is that they can be used from
anywhere. Users would commonly log in from new devices and networks when it’s
convenient for them – but this also carries some risks. Try to limit your
platform use to verify, and secure devices whenever possible. </p><p>Don’t use
random computers in internet cafes, and pay attention to the networks you’re
connecting to.

While it should generally be impossible for hackers to compromise your accounts
by simply monitoring your traffic over an unsecured network due to the
encryption used in modern web standards, it’s still recommended to avoid these
networks as much as possible. </p><p>If you need
to urgently do something with your accounts, you should set up a hotspot from
your phone if you have the ability to do so.

4. Don’t Share More Than
Is Needed

Modern web trading platforms can allow you to consolidate many of your trading
activities in one place. As convenient as this can be, it also carries some
risks. </p><p>You should
avoid inputting more information than is strictly necessary to use the platform
and perform your regular trades on it. </p><p>Don’t submit
data that are not explicitly requested. In the event that the service suffers
from a data breach, this will help you minimize the amount of your data that
will leak.</p><p>Using a
platform like <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://trade.metatrader5.com/terminal“ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>MetaTrader
5 Web Terminal</a> has the benefit of allowing you to securely store your data
in a centralized location where security is handled by experts. The company
already has experience in the market and has been building up its expertise
over several years of active operations. </p><p>As long as
you apply reasonable security practices to your operations, this can
significantly improve your overall safety when trading. All information is
transferred encrypted, with the team regularly evaluating current security
standards to improve its tech stack.</p><p>Combined
with the simplified user interface and decentralized approach to processing,
MetaTrader 5 Web Terminal stands out as one of the most convenient solutions on
the market right now.</p><p>Sometimes
sharing certain sensitive details is unavoidable. You will often need to
provide your name, date of birth, and address, as well as details like your
bank account and tax number in some cases. Try to separate these data points as
much as possible and avoid having everything stored on the same service.

5. Be Careful About Social
Engineering

The popularity of trading has been on the rise steadily for a few years now.
This has unfortunately also drawn the attention of malicious actors looking to
exploit people with poor security principles. It’s not just technical hacks
that you have to watch out for – social engineering is also a major factor in
compromising accounts.

Be careful about who you talk to and what information you share with other people.
Be suspicious of e-mails claiming to come from trading platforms you’re using,
asking you to log in to verify your account, for example. Always call the
service provider – using their own website to find out the number, and not
relying on e-mail – and verify the situation with them. </p><p>One problem
with social engineering attacks is that they can be highly personalized. If you
attract the attention of an attacker, they might take the time to study your
specific profile and use that information against you. This can make some
attacks harder to identify, requiring more vigilance on the part of trading
platform users.

6. Be Proactive About
Software Updates

You don’t need to explicitly update a web trading platform. You simply open the
website and you’re presented with the most recent version every time. That’s
convenient and promotes better security. However, the same can’t be said for
all the software you have on your computer or mobile phone. Pay attention to
apps notifying you about updates, and don’t postpone them.

More than 60% of vulnerabilities exploited by attackers can be linked to
outdated software. Keep in mind that even seemingly harmless apps can sometimes
be exploited to gain deeper access to your systems. Always keep your software
up to date, even when it would take some additional effort and/or waiting.

</p><p>Closing Thoughts

</p><p>The more seriously you take your security when <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.metatrader5.com/en/trading-platform/web-trading“ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>using web-based trading platforms</a>, the easier it will be to
adapt to the changing market in the future. The companies behind these
platforms have started to become very vigilant about protecting the data of
their users, and it’s important to understand how this impacts your own habits
and the way you interact with these platforms.</p>

This article was written by ForexLive at www.forexlive.com.

<p>You need money to make
money as a trader. Leverage only gets you so far. Prop firms that offer funded
accounts to retail traders fill a critical role, providing traders capital to
grow. </p><p>But they won’t hand
over their money to just anyone. They want you to prove your trading chops.
Each company requires something different.</p><p>So, how do you choose
the right prop firm partner?</p><p>Many traders seeking
out a funded trading program look at the cost of entry as a primary criterion,
but that’s the last thing you should worry about. The devil is truly in the
details, as each firm has their own set of trading rules and characteristics.</p><p><a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.surgetrader.com?utm_source=forex-live&utm_medium=article-1″ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>SurgeTrader</a>,
for example, offers a one-step funding model, where traders take an Audition
with simple rules and no time restrictions. </p><p>Upon completion of the
evaluation, traders receive funding — up to $1 million — and keep 90% of the
profits they earn. The SurgeTrader program represents a significant departure
from other similar firms in several key areas.</p><p>Funded with Real, Live
Capital</p><p>SurgeTrader funds
accounts with real money, aligning the interest of the trader and the firm.
Most other firms do not fund accounts with actual capital, and instead keep
traders on a demo account, only paying out the winners. </p><p>This creates an
inherent adversarial relationship, where payouts are often delayed or avoided.
SurgeTrader stands by their traders with their own money as a cornerstone of
the program.</p><p>Simple Trading Rules
& Only One Phase </p><p>The SurgeTrader <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://surgetrader.com/surgetrader-audition/?utm_source=forex-live&utm_medium=article-1″ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>funded trader program</a> features just a few simple trading rules and only one phase.
Pass the evaluation and you’re in. Many firms feature programs with several complex
rules, so make sure you understand them before partnering with a prop firm. </p><p>Not only that, but many
funded trader programs feature a multi-phase evaluation process. Traders
succeed, only to have to do it all over again to receive a funded account. </p><p>No Time Limits</p><p>SurgeTrader believes
that traders should have all the time they need to let their strategy develop. </p><p>At SurgeTrader, retail
traders can pass the Audition at their own pace — whether that’s in 30 minutes
or 30 months. Often, other prop firms require that traders comply with stringent
time restrictions to qualify. </p><p>Traders must, for
example, trade for at least ten days and pass within thirty days, while making
a minimum of fifteen trades. Make sure to check the fine print.</p><p>Incredible Customer
Support</p><p>The extent of customer service
at SurgeTrader goes above and beyond competitors. Whether by phone, chat or
email, traders can speak to a live person, nearly around the clock. Traders, by
nature, work on rapid timelines and want answers fast — and SurgeTrader serves their
traders on that short timeline.</p><p>10 Questions to Ask a
Potential Prop Firm Partner</p><p>For retail traders out
there, it’s helpful to understand what questions you should be asking of a
potential prop firm with whom you are considering working. But which questions
should you ask?</p><p>Lucky for you,
SurgeTrader is sharing their experience with you and pulling back the curtain
to reveal ten questions you should ask any potential funded account firm.</p><p>(At SurgeTrader, the
answers to all these questions and more are available in their <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://surgetrader.com/faqs/?utm_source=forex-live&utm_medium=article-1″ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>FAQs</a>.)</p><p>What exactly are all the trading rules I need to follow?</p><p>Almost without
exception, prop firms require traders to undergo an assessment from the outset.
Each firm has their own set of trading rules. These “rules” form the bedrock to
any evaluation, and they boil down to a few key elements:</p><p>· Time – Is there a minimum or maximum number
of trading days?</p><p>· Target – What is the profit
target required to pass the evaluation?</p><p>·
Drawdowns – How much can you incur for a daily, weekly, or total drawdown?</p><p>But beware of other
trading rules and fine print outside of those core components. </p><p>What portion of profits am I entitled to once I’m funded?</p><p>While prop firms
provide the capital, traders do the heavy lifting. Traders can find all
different levels of profit split — from 50% all the way up to 90%.</p><p>Can I get quick customer service?</p><p>Even with the best-laid
plans, issues can and will arise. Whether it’s the market, the broker or the
trading platform, there are often curveballs when you least expect it. </p><p>Nothing is more frustrating
than trying to reach customer service and waiting on a call-back, especially
when the situation is serious. </p><p>Customer service can
and should be available during regular business hours to handle your questions,
whether it’s rules compliance or ensuring your account is funded.</p><p>When I pass the audition, I get a real money trading
account funded, right? </p><p>As we mentioned above,
not every prop firm drops you into a real account once you pass your evaluation.
In fact, some NEVER do! So, make sure you find out EXACTLY how you are funded
once you pass your audition.</p><p>Which assets are tradable?</p><p>Prop firms and their
brokers provide access to different tradeable products — like forex, crypto,
indices, stocks and more. The firm you pick should match your specific needs. This
may be easy if you specialize in just one forex pair. </p><p>However, if you utilize
cross-asset strategies for hedging and risk management, make sure you select a firm
that carries enough products for you to work effectively and take advantage of
new trends.</p><p>How fast does the firm pay my profits on a withdrawal?</p><p>For those who earn a
living trading, regular, timely withdrawals are an essential part of their
business. </p><p>Some firms can take
weeks to pay out your money and require substantial documentation. Reputable
companies provide multiple methods of withdrawal and can send you money quickly.</p><p>How long does it take for me to get a funded account after
I pass?</p><p>Once you pass your
audition, you want to begin trading as soon as possible. </p><p>Any company with enough
liquidity should be able to get your account set up and funded within a few
days at the most — with the quickest firms taking 24-48 hours or less.</p><p>Is the fee for the assessment a one-time fee or a monthly
subscription?</p><p>Fees should be
transparent and easy to understand. You should know going into the evaluation
what you need to pay and when. Some firms charge monthly fees while others put
you through multiple steps or ‘challenges’ as part of their evaluation process.
</p><p>Is there a discount for a repeat assessment if I don’t
pass?</p><p>Not everyone succeeds
at their first audition. You’ll typically find companies will offer discounts
on future assessments or a limited number of retries. Understand what happens
if you miss the mark on the evaluation and if there is a goodwill discount for
retries.</p><p>Is there a time window in which I must pass?</p><p>Although we touched on
this earlier, it’s a key point of differentiation. Many firms restrict traders
to complete their assessment within a month or some other set time. </p><p>This can force traders
to make questionable decisions to meet the deadlines, something traders should
try to avoid.</p><p>Ultimately, every
trader is on the hunt for an edge — in the markets and with whichever prop firm
they might choose. </p><p>Make sure you understand
the small differences in the funded trader programs available, because the
small differences can have a huge impact on your trading, strategy, and your
likelihood of achieving your objectives.</p>

This article was written by ForexLive at www.forexlive.com.

<ul><li>GDP +1.9% vs +1.9% y/y prelim</li></ul><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>This just reaffirms that the euro area economy did manage to squeeze out a bit of growth in Q4 last year, even though it did materially slow down. The less harsh weather conditions was definitely a kind development for Europe and regional equities have certainly lit up because of that since the turn of the year.</p>

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.