<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.

<p>Dow Jones (potential) trade opportunity: What is a busted technical pattern and why should you care</p><p>In the field of technical analysis, a chart pattern is said to have „busted“ when it does not follow through in the manner in which it was anticipated it would. For traders who were expecting on the pattern to play out as planned, this may be a very unpleasant experience, as it might lead to losses or chances that were missed.</p><p>Watch the Video of the Dow Jones futures technical analysis and the potentially (upcoming busted bear flag)</p><p>In this particular instance, the Dow Jones <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/terms/f/futures/“ class=“terms__main-term“ id=“2037a59d-f6cf-44c1-a57d-162e04589957″ target=“_blank“>futures</a> (YM) on the four-hourly period have broken below the bear flag, so validating it for the first time. As of right now, we are retesting, but we need to keep an eye out for a fantastic bullish chance, in the event that it materializes, in which price enters and remains within the bear flag, as shown in the following video that provides a technical analysis of the Dow Jones. Early traders who want to bet on an early Long and still enjoy a BALANCE of a healthy probablity to win AND a high reward vs. risk (where the stop would be failry close to the entry and profit target much farther than the <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/terms/e/entry/“ class=“terms__secondary-term“ id=“c7fd129e-83ed-4a4d-b859-7982e1bb51e3″ target=“_blank“>entry</a>) can seek a CLOSE of a 4 hour candle INSIDE the bear flag. Early traders who want to bet on an early Long and still enjoy a BALANCE of a healthy probablity to win AND a high reward v Those who are interested in a higher degree of confirmation might search for two successive candles of four hours‘ duration that close within the bear flag (the channel shown).</p><p>A bear flag is a pattern that is considered to be „busted“ when the price breaks to the downside on a substantial enough timescale, such as the 4-hour chart. This is an excellent example of a pattern that has been „busted.“ Bear flags are chart patterns that have the capability of indicating a possible trend reversal. However, when the price instead reverses up and re-enters the bear flag, this is seen as a highly bullish development.</p><p>Note the difference between a „busted“ technical pattern and a „retest“ of a previously broken support or resistance</p><p>It is essential to differentiate between a „busted“ pattern, which occurs when the price goes much further than just retesting, and a retest of a broken support or resistance level, or any other key price level, which happens quite frequently. A „busted“ pattern occurs when the price goes much further than just retesting. A retest occurs when the price returns to a level of support or resistance that it has previously breached. Traders sometimes take advantage of this event as a chance to initiate or exit deals. A „busted“ pattern, on the other hand, is far more important and might reflect a change in market sentiment. This movement in emotion indicates that the prior pattern is no longer relevant.</p><p>Visit ForexLive.com <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/technical-analysis“>technical analysis</a> for additional views and trade the Dow Jones at your own risk. May the Dow be with you.</p>

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.

<p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>After the gains on Friday, oil is giving a decent amount back today with WTI crude down 1% to $78.95 at the moment. From a technical point of view, the $80 mark and 100-day moving average highlighted at the end of last week <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/news/oil-a-big-winner-on-the-day-as-russia-says-that-it-would-cut-production-in-march-20230210/“ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>here</a> remain obstacles for any upside break.</p>

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

<ul><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>When the inflation is generated by an external shock and runs at a high level, its positive impact on public finances can be reversed</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>According to the simulations, it takes one year for the euro area budget balance to be adversely affected by the inflation surge</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>In subsequent years, however, spending pressures intensify and more than offset the benefits on the revenue side, leading to nearly 0.5% of GDP deterioration in the budget balance level in 2024</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>Beyond the short run, euro area public finances may turn out to be negatively affected by the current high inflation episode</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>This would be the case even without considering governments’ discretionary policy response to the high energy prices and inflation</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>The monetary policy reaction required to avoid this inflation shock leading to undue second-round effects is being translated into an increase in interest payments on government debt</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>Beyond the short run and conditional on the monetary policy reaction, a negative impact on economic activity from an adverse supply shock may outweigh the positive impact of higher inflation on debt ratios</li><li style=““ class=“text-align-justify“><a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/economic-bulletin/articles/2023/html/ecb.ebart202302_01~2bd46eff8f.en.html“ target=“_blank“ rel=“nofollow“>Full economic bulletin</a></li></ul><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>This is contrarian to the view of some that governments might benefit as debt is inflated away and nominal tax revenues rise. So, that is definitely some food for thought for the longer-term macro picture across the euro area should inflation continue to stay at a high level in the coming year(s).</p>

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

<p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>S&P 500 futures have now inched into positive territory, cutting down losses of over 22 points from Asia trading earlier in the day. There aren’t any major headlines driving the recovery in the past hour or so and I would very much attribute this to some added choppiness and the push and pull in markets ahead of the main event tomorrow.</p><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>The dollar is also sitting more mixed on the day as such, keeping higher against the yen and holding light gains against the franc, pound and loonie while sitting lower against the aussie and kiwi on the day.</p>

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

<ul><li>Euro area growth in 2023 likely to be 0.9% (up from 0.3% previously in November)</li><li>To avoid the supposed earlier technical recession</li><li>Sees Q4 2022 GDP at 0.1% q/q, Q1 2023 GDP at 0.0%</li><li>Euro area inflation in 2023 seen at 5.6% (down from 6.1% previously)</li><li>Euro area inflation in 2024 seen at 2.5% (down from 2.6% previously)</li></ul><p style=““ class=“text-align-justify“>On the forecasts, the European Commission did point out that uncertainty remains high but risks to growth are seen as being more „broadly balanced“ – something which the ECB also used in its language earlier this month.</p>

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

<p>USDJPY technical analysis: Looking at the phases of the market cycle using bull and bear channels</p><p>Bull channels are price trends with higher highs and higher lows. In a bull market, prices bounce off the lower trendline and rise toward the higher trendline. In times of economic development and investor confidence, financial assets are in high demand and market sentiment is favorable.
</p><p>
A bear channel is a price trend with lower lows and highs. Prices decline from the top trendline and strike bottom at the lower trendline in a bear market. During economic recession and investor pessimism, financial asset demand drops and market sentiment is negative.

Prices fluctuate in a trading range without a distinct trend. </p><p>This market behavior might arise when market uncertainty or contradictory information impacting investor mood. The market may be indecisive and waiting for a stimulus to change direction, or it may be balanced by competing forces. Investment choices need knowledge of market behaviour and market cycles.
</p><p>
The USDJPY has been moving in a bear channel, and its end, a bull channel starts. Most people would see that only when we are at least half way past the start of that move.

Next, we see to identify a possible end of the next phase, the end of the next channel.

In this video, I speculate where that can be. Those are interesting spots for traders, as the plan their next trade zones to focus on, due to the potential high reward vs risk that these spots offer. In our case now, this technical analysis is guiding me to look for a short trade if and when USDJPY gets close to (slighly above or below) 134.772</p><p>If and when it does, the reward vs. risk on that short trade would be 8 to 1, or even 10 to 1.</p><p>Naturally, traders can also decide to take a Long till then, but their stops should be below the lower band of the bear flag shown in the video, making the trade plan a bit vulnerable and less attractive in terms of reward vs risk.</p><p>Trade the US dollar vs Japanese yen at your own risk, and visit <a target=“_blank“ href=“www.forexlive.com“>ForexLive.com</a> for additional views.</p>

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.

<ul><li>This article will give some insights on the <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/terms/t/technical-analysis/“ class=“terms__main-term“ id=“97b48ade-9582-40e4-af10-290ec70138af“ target=“_blank“>technical analysis</a> of the Russell 2000, as well as a deeper look at the important indicators that traders and investors should keep an eye on. On weekly and daily time frames, resistance and support levels, the 20 exponential <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://www.forexlive.com/terms/m/moving-average/“ class=“terms__secondary-term“ id=“d39a8864-434f-487e-bd1e-f9b895111210″ target=“_blank“>moving average</a> (EMA), trend lines, candlestick patterns, and VWAP (aVolume-Weighted Average Price) are all analyzed.</li><li>On the weekly chart, a bull flag has been spotted, and it is possible that this level of support will be retested in the near future. Because so many traders are keeping a close eye on it, the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), which currently sits at 1857.6, is also an essential indicator to track. Be on the lookout for a potentially negative trend if two weekly candles close below the 20-period exponential moving average.</li><li>On the daily chart, there are many supports in the short term. These include the two-week low at 1883.1 and the 1900 round number, which is a favorite area for traders to set their stops. Both of these levels can be seen in the immediate vicinity. It is also important to take note of the trend line; although it is not always a fundamental component, several algorithms do monitor it anyway. If the daily close goes below 1900, the Bulls might find themselves in a precarious situation, as the Bears could start to gain an edge.</li><li>The analysis also mentions a revent candlestick pattern. When looking at the weekly timeframe as shown in the video above, consolidation is indicated when an inner bar is shown on a lower time frame. This is because the inner bar’s body as well as its low and high are contained within the bar that came before it. The fact that the closing price did not fall below the opening price of the preceding candle is positive information for the bulls, especially after many of them got kinda scared that we are going to crash down, following the bearish price action on Wed and Thurs, 1st and 2nd of Feb.</li><li>When trading the Russell 2000, keeping an eye on these technical indicators can help you obtain a better understanding of the market trend and make decisions that are more informed. Pay close attention to the 20-period exponential moving average, trend lines, and candlestick patterns, in addition to the bull flag and important support levels. The closest and key price level to watch is the 1900 round number. Bulls want to see that a weekly candle does not close below it. Those that seek earlier information (but at a higher risk of being faked out) will want to see that a daily candle does not close below 1900.</li><li>Trade the Russell at your own risk and do return to <a target=“_blank“ href=“www.forexlive.com“>ForexLive.com</a> for additional updates and views.</li></ul><p>BTW, here are 10 interesting facts that you may or may have not known about the famous Russell 2000:</p><ol><li>The Russell 2000 Index tracks the financial results of 2,000 of the largest U.S. small and mid-cap corporations.</li><li>Originally developed by Frank Russell Company in 1984, the index is currently managed by FTSE Russell.</li><li>The Russell 2000 is frequently used by investors and financial experts as a measurement of small-cap performance.</li><li>The index is a decent depiction of the small-cap portion of the U.S. stock market since it is made up of businesses with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion.</li><li>The Russell 2000 is often regarded as a proxy for small-cap market performance, economic growth, and investor mood.</li><li>The Russell 2000 includes varied organizations from many different industries, such as IT, healthcare, consumer products, and finance.</li><li>Because it comprises smaller and less well-known firms, the Russell 2000 is seen as a more representative indicator of the U.S. stock market than the more widely followed S&P 500.</li><li>To maintain its relevance as a barometer of the small-cap market, the Russell 2000 undergoes yearly reconstitution.</li><li>Larger, more established firms are less susceptible to economic and market shifts than the index, which is notoriously volatile.</li><li>Interest rates, economic growth, and political events are just a few of the outside variables that might affect the Russell 2000’s performance. Thus, both retail and institutional investors use it as a resource when making financial choices.</li></ol>

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.