MT4 vs MT5 for automated trading

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are popular trading platforms developed by MetaQuotes Software Corporation. Both platforms are widely used for manual and automated trading in the Forex and financial markets. However, there are some key differences between MT4 and MT5 when it comes to automated trading. Here are some considerations:

Programming Language: MT4 uses MQL4 (MetaQuotes Language 4) for coding Expert Advisors (EAs) and indicators, while MT5 uses MQL5 (MetaQuotes Language 5). MQL5 is a more advanced and versatile programming language compared to MQL4, offering more features and capabilities for developers.
Hedging: MT5 introduced the option to hedge positions, which means you can have multiple positions in the same instrument, both long and short, simultaneously. In MT4, you can only have one position per instrument at a time. This feature can be beneficial for certain trading strategies.
Timeframes: MT5 offers a wider range of timeframes compared to MT4. MT4 has nine standard timeframes, while MT5 has 21 timeframes, allowing for more flexibility in analyzing price data.
Market Depth: MT5 provides access to market depth information, also known as Level II data, which shows the order book for a particular instrument. This information can be useful for advanced trading strategies that require a deeper understanding of market liquidity and order flow.
Backtesting and Optimization: MT5 offers more advanced backtesting and optimization capabilities compared to MT4. It supports multi-threaded optimization, allowing for faster and more efficient testing of trading strategies.
Asset Classes: MT5 supports trading in additional financial instruments beyond Forex, such as stocks, futures, and options. MT4 primarily focuses on Forex trading.

When deciding between MT4 and MT5 for automated trading, it's important to consider your specific trading needs and strategy. If you require advanced features like hedging, market depth, or access to a wider range of asset classes, MT5 may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are primarily focused on Forex trading and prefer a simpler programming language, MT4 might be a better choice. Ultimately, it depends on your individual preferences and requirements.