What is forex VPS and how to use a VPS for forex trading?
Automation and efficiency have become two of the most important aspects of modern trading. To be a successful trader you need to think about how to incorporate these things into your trading strategy, starting by having the right technology mix.
That is where forex VPS hosting comes into play.
It wasn’t too long ago that the only viable way to make the most of automation in trading was to sit down and create your own dedicated software. If you wanted something to automatically analyse the markets and place a trade, you’d need a lot of time and background knowledge in areas like computer science, mathematics, and software coding – specialist skills that are beyond most traders, especially beginner traders.
As in most industries, things have changed quite a lot. It’s now very easy to access a suite of technology and trading platforms that cover all the most important tasks in the trading journey.
Start with MetaTrader 4 as your complete trading platform.
Finally, forex traders can take a pick of thousands of Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading in specific ways focused on achieving the goal set out in their trading plan.
It’s getting easier to get machines to do the hard work, leaving you free to do the fun part like finding the trading opportunities (although you can automate that too!).
If there’s one important aspect of trading technology that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, it’s VPS trading.
What is a forex VPS?
A forex VPS (virtual private server) is like a permanent link that connects your trading terminal to the wider trading network.
For example, when you use MT4 at home on your computer, you’re plugged into the standard trading network where your trades get executed. But what happens if there’s a power outage that leads to the loss of your internet connection? Or a system glitch? Or did your computer freeze or simply stop working?
Instantly you lose the ability to open, close, or amend your trades, which can have big implications in a fast-moving market.
Forex VPS hosting keeps you connected and lets you keep trading, giving you safety and security against unforeseen failures in the system. It is not only an automation tool but can also be seen as a component of a trader´s risk management strategy.
How does forex VPS work?
Breaking it down in simple terms, forex VPS really is just a cloud-based desktop PC.
A VPS can host a version of an OS (operating system) that can be remotely controlled from basically any other device that is within reach. This is somewhat similar to web hosting servers, except that with the added capability of directly hosting your desktop computer while still being able to function independently as if it were on its own server (think renting out a room in someone's house).
Although several VPS are created on one computer, they each have their own set amount of CPU power and space so you're guaranteed what you need and signed up for every month.
The forex VPS works as a SaaS, where you pay a monthly subscription cost for access to a VPS hosting service from a provider. Continue reading to discover some leading third-party VPS providers.
Why should I use a forex VPS?
The benefits of a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for automated trading include continuous internet connection and faster execution speed. VPS services are powerful, offering CPU speeds up to 20% higher than comparable servers because they have more RAM available to run processes in parallel while minimising usage spikes from other clients on the same server.
Some other important features of forex VPS hosting include:
Backups
Forex VPS servers constantly create backups of your entire trading configuration, including the operating system and trading software. No matter what issues you might have with your computer or devices, a VPS acts as a kind of safety net to protect you against issues that arise if a connection is unexpectedly broken. It means you can carry on trading without missing out on opportunities.
Improved latency and reduced slippage
Latency in trading basically describes how fast your trade gets executed. In other words, it’s the time between the moment you hit the ‘OK’ button to confirm a trade and the moment your trade is received in the marketplace.
In trading, latency is measured in milliseconds but in such a fast-moving market milliseconds can matter a lot. So, the lower the latency the better. One way to reduce latency is by having computer servers physically closer to exchanges, which is what a VPS connection gives you.
With a fast connection, you’re less prone to slippage, which is the difference in the actual price between the moment you hit the button to confirm the trade and the moment the trade is received and completed.
The online world may seem instant, but everything takes some time. A major advantage of using a VPS is that it can be a low-cost way to improve your latency and give you more reliable pricing.
Simplicity, security, and efficiency
When you’re trading forex online it helps to think of it as a business that you’re running. You’re essentially investing money to try and make more money. So why wouldn’t you choose to implement the best technology to give yourself the best chance of being more profitable?
A VPS is a simple and cost-effective way of helping you safeguard your system and reduce your level of risk so you can concentrate on building a path to being a successful trader.
Essential components in Mechanical Forex systems
There are two common types of trading systems:
- Discretionary trading: Discretionary trading is an “old school” style of trading where you do things manually, including evaluating your buy and sell decisions or manually entering stop loss and take profit alerts. While a lot of traders still use some aspect of discretionary trading, the trend is increasingly moving towards the mechanical trading model.
- Mechanical trading: Mechanical trading systems are highly automated. You use EAs to do the bulk of the work for you, so retail traders don’t need to be in front of a screen monitoring or placing trades. In this model, a VPS is an essential part of your system as it gives you the assurance that your automated trades will stay connected to the network and continue to function.
What to consider when choosing a forex VPS?
Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing a forex VPS hosting service:
- Minimal latency: Less latency will lead to faster execution and improve the chances of an order being filled as soon as possible.
- Safety: The best VPS providers will ensure your data security and network security - including setting up a server firewall - and all for a reasonable price.
- Flexibility: Traders might use different operating systems, so it is important to check if the VPS provider of your choice supports it. The provider should also have data centers in multiple locations worldwide, so you can pick one in close proximity.
- Support: A good VPS provider will have adequate technical support - which includes promptly replying to support requests and is able to resolve technical difficulties, complimentary backups, server monitoring, and integration with third-party tools.
What is the best forex VPS hosting service to use?
Axi has partnered with leading third-party VPS hosting providers, and is proud to offer the following to our clients:
ForexVPS
With state-of-the-art SSD drives located in New York, ForexVPS gives you lightning-fast trade execution. ForexVPS can assist with the installation of EAs and offer 24-hour live chat, email support, and a 100% uptime guarantee.
Axi will credit up to $34.99 of the monthly ForexVPS fee for customers who trade more than 20 lots in a calendar month. (Applies to the basic VPS edition with 1GB of RAM).
MetaTrader VPS
Brought to you by MetaQuotes, the developer of the MetaTrader 4 trading platform, you can get low-cost Cloud VPS hosting with seven global servers for low-latency connections.
The cost of this VPS subscription is USD $10.00 per month payable through an MQL5 account. You can register for the VPS through the MT4 platform by right-clicking on your account within the Navigator panel.
Commercial Network Services
CNS utilises a Hyper-V hardware virtualisation platform with lightning-fast support and a customised VPS especially designed for forex trading. CNS offers multilingual capability and high security with two-factor authentication available worldwide. Plans start at US$35/month.
Axi will credit up to $35 of the monthly CNS VPS fee for customers who trade over 20 lots in a calendar month. (Applies to Traders VPS Value Edition with 1GB of RAM).
Axi offer with Commercial Network Services
BeeksFX VPS
With IBM servers, SAN technology, Cisco networking, and VMware for virtualisation, BeeksFX offers a banking-grade infrastructure to retail traders. This includes direct fiber connections between racks and the data centre for sub-1 millisecond latency.
Current offer:
BeeksFX offers an extra 256MB of memory on all plans - plus a 30% discount - for your first month's subscription. Just enter the coupon code "AXIOFFER" during sign-up.
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The VPS Hosting solutions listed on this page are 3rd-party owned and operated. Axi makes no representations regarding the reliability or suitability of the hosting solutions for your individual account. We accept no responsibility or liability for the operation of the services, damage to the computer or computer systems or settings, loss of data, revenue, or profits that users may incur from their use.
This information is not to be construed as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product, or instrument; or to participate in any trading strategy. It has been prepared without taking your objectives, financial situation, or needs into account. Any references to past performance and forecasts are not reliable indicators of future results. Axi makes no representation and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy and completeness of the content in this publication. Readers should seek their own advice.
