Once you've found a strategy with a real edge, the next question is how to trade it. There are three main options: signals you execute yourself, copy trading that mirrors trades into your account, and an Expert Advisor (EA) that runs the rules on your own MetaTrader terminal. Each suits a different kind of trader.
At a glance
| Signals | Copy trading | Expert Advisor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who places the trade | You | The copier, automatically | The EA on your terminal |
| Speed | Depends on you | Seconds | Instant |
| Control over each trade | Full | Risk multiplier only | Full settings |
| Needs a VPS | No | Recommended | Recommended |
| Matches the backtest | Only if you follow every signal | Closely | Most closely |
| Best for | Learners and discretionary traders | Busy people | Hands-off and prop traders |
Signals
You receive entry, stop and targets and place the trade yourself. It's the best way to learn the strategy and keep full control. The downside is human: missed alerts, late fills and skipped trades after a loss. A strategy that trades about three times a month needs every setup taken to match its statistics.
Copy trading
Your account mirrors the master account's trades, scaled by a risk multiplier you choose. It's the easiest option: connect once and let it run. Choose a sensible multiplier, understand that your broker's prices may differ slightly from the master's, and check how the copier handles partial closes and stop changes.
Expert Advisor
The EA runs the full rules on your own MT5 terminal: entries, partial profits, breakeven, trailing stops and time exits. It gives the closest match to the backtest and lets you set risk as a % of your balance. For prop firms, it removes emotional mistakes at the moments that matter most. You'll want a VPS so it runs 24/5.
Which should you choose?
- Learning the approach: start with the signals and the MT5 indicator.
- Busy but want exposure: copy trading at 0.5–1× risk.
- Prop challenge or full automation: the MT5 Expert Advisor on a VPS at 1% risk.
Tradedge Pulse offers all three. Compare the products.
Trade the tested model
Use the same rule set as live signals, an MT5 indicator or a fully automated MT5 EA.
Figures in this article are hypothetical backtest and simulation results. Trading involves substantial risk. This is educational content, not financial advice. See the risk disclosure.