A comparison of indicators for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with the type, price and the timeframe each one suits best.
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Relative Strength Index (RSI)Built-inMomentum oscillator from 0 to 100, used for strength, divergence and ranges.
4.4
MT4, MT5
Momentum
Free (built-in)
H1, H4
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Spotting momentum shifts and divergence
Pros
Clear scale
Good for ranging markets
Cons
Can stay overbought in strong trends
3
M
MACDBuilt-inTrend and momentum tool built from two moving averages.
4.3
MT4, MT5
Trend, Momentum
Free (built-in)
H1, H4, D1
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Momentum and trend changes
Pros
Combines trend and momentum
Histogram shows momentum fading
Cons
Lagging
Noisy on low timeframes
4
BB
Bollinger BandsBuilt-inVolatility bands around a moving average.
4.2
MT4, MT5
Volatility
Free (built-in)
M15, H1
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Volatility squeezes and range trading
Pros
Shows volatility at a glance
Cons
A band touch is not a reversal signal
5
AR
Average True Range (ATR)Built-inMeasures average volatility. Handy for stop loss and position size.
4.2
MT4, MT5
Volatility
Free (built-in)
All timeframes
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Sizing stops and targets
Pros
Helps set stop distance
Adapts to the market
Cons
Gives no direction
6
IH
Ichimoku Kinko HyoBuilt-inAll-in-one system showing trend, momentum and support or resistance.
4.1
MT4, MT5
Trend
Free (built-in)
H4, D1
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Swing and trend traders
Pros
Many signals from one tool
Cons
Looks busy
Takes time to learn
7
SO
Stochastic OscillatorBuilt-inCompares the close with the recent high-low range.
4.0
MT4, MT5
Momentum
Free (built-in)
M15, H1
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Ranging markets
Pros
Quick signals
Cons
Many false signals in trends
8
PS
Parabolic SARBuilt-inDots above or below price, often used for trailing stops.
3.8
MT4, MT5
Trend
Free (built-in)
H1, H4
-
Works best on
All markets
Best for
Trailing stops in trends
Pros
Easy trailing stop idea
Cons
Poor in sideways markets
Risk warning: No indicator predicts the market. Always test an indicator on a demo account first and combine it with sound risk management. Read the full risk disclosure
How to use indicators well
An indicator is a tool to describe what the market is doing, not a crystal ball. Pick two or three that do different jobs, for example one for trend, one for momentum and one for volatility, and learn them deeply. Test your combination on past charts and on a demo account before trading real money.
These rows show the layout using well known built-in indicators. Add your own favourites and write your own notes here.