5 reasons to switch trading platforms in January 2025
Having the right trading platform is key to your success as an investor.
It's a new year – so it may be time for a new trading platform, too! We'll show you some key features to look for if you plan to make the switch.
1. Ability to trade multiple markets
Some trading platforms are quite restrictive in the number of markets you can trade. So it's worth looking for a platform that allows you to trade multiple markets.
This means you'll also have a variety of market options in the future, even if you're only trading a few at the moment.
Additionally, platforms with access to multiple markets also tend to allow for longer trading hours.
At present, eToro allows you to trade across 16 different exchanges and access over 7,200 assets around the world.
You’re also able to trade a wide range of different assets with eToro, too. These include stocks, commodities, currencies and crypto.
2. Practice new trading techniques
Any long-term investor will test new strategies and invest in new areas. But you don't want to place funds or assets needlessly at risk.
So having access to a demo account – like the one eToro offers – can be a useful tool.
The eToro demo account provides you with $100K of virtual cash and allows you to practice with live market conditions and values.
This lets you effectively test strategies and see how they could perform in the real world.
eToro's platform also offers CopyTrade. This feature allows you to see what other high-profile users are trading, and then simply copy their trades and position.
3. Access to instant portfolios
Generally, investors diversify their portfolios over time. But if you're just getting started, it can be tricky to know where to start.
Investment options like eToro Smart Portfolios can help you diversify straight away.
Smart Portfolios are designed to cater to long-term and passive investment strategies, across a wide variety of industries and asset types.
These can serve as a basis for growing your portfolio or allowing you to branch into new areas of investment.
4. Risk management
Risk management is an essential consideration for every investor.
There are broad principles that are very common among investors, such as the "1% rule". This suggests that traders never use more than 1% of their equity on an individual trade.
But it's good to have some automated tools in place too.
eToro allows you to implement a Stop Loss or Take Profit on your investments.
A Stop Loss will automatically close a trade once it hits a certain level of loss, pre-determined by you. Likewise, Take Profit will automatically close a trade once it gains a certain amount.
In conjunction with a well-considered strategy, tools like this can help you minimise your risks.
5. Educational resources
Many investment platforms also provide members with educational tools.
These can help with developing new strategies, capitalising on existing gains – and also keeping up with the wider market!
One example is eToro Academy.
eToro Academy gives members access to a range of courses, webinars and podcasts, in addition to regular market movement updates.
It's designed to cater to investors of all experience levels, whether you're just getting started or you've been trading for years.
Learn more about trading with eToro
| Name | Product | Price per trade | Inactivity fee | Asset Class | International | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
eToro Finder Award |
 |
US$2 |
US$10 per month if there’s been no log-in for 12 months |
ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs |
Yes |
eToro disclaimer: eToro AUS Capital Limited AFSL 491139. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Social trading. eToro does not approve or endorse any of the trading accounts customers may choose to copy or follow. Assets held in your name.
Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD. This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
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eToro Academy -- Past performance is not an indication of future results.