Trade FTMO US on MT5 — netting/FIFO made simple
Set up MT5 correctly, understand netting & FIFO, and master US-friendly execution — all in one guide.
Start the FTMO US ChallengeUpdated: August 27, 2025
MT5 for FTMO US: netting & FIFO 101
Unlike hedge-mode platforms, netting keeps one combined position per symbol. If you buy EURUSD and later sell some, MT5 nets the exposure. With FIFO, when you reduce or close, the oldest lots are affected first. This is the US-compliant way to run prop simulations, and it keeps your trade history clean and auditable.
| Action | What happens in netting/FIFO | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Open new buy on EURUSD | Creates/expands a single long position | Bracket with SL/TP immediately |
| Open sell while long | Position size is reduced (or flipped to short) | Plan partial exits; oldest lots reduce first |
| Partial close | Reduces the oldest portion first (FIFO) | Size exits in ≤⅓ chunks to smooth P/L swings |
| Hedging attempt (new opposite ticket) | No separate hedge created (disallowed) | Use stop/limit orders to stage exits instead |
Reference: FTMO Global vs FTMO US (netting/FIFO)
First-time setup: log in to MT5 the right way
Desktop (Windows/macOS)
- Open MT5 → File → Open an account → search & select OANDA Corporation.
- Choose Connect with an existing trade account.
- Use the Credentials from your FTMO Client Area: login, master password (for trading), and the exact server from the dropdown.
Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web
The flow is similar: search OANDA Corporation, select the correct server, and use your master password (read-only won’t trade). If the server list looks wrong, re-type “OANDA Corporation” to refresh it.
Symbols & trading hours at a glance
On FTMO US, you can trade all simulated instruments available in the platform. As of today, that includes 42 simulated FX pairs (majors, minors, select exotics) plus 6 additional instruments: 3 US indices, Gold, Crude Oil, and BTCUSD. Always confirm the live list and trading hours before you place orders.
| Category | Examples | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Forex (42 pairs) | EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, AUDUSD, USDCAD | Simulated Assets (specs & hours) |
| US Indices | US500, US100, US30 | Simulated Assets |
| Metals & Energy | XAUUSD (Gold), WTI (Crude Oil) | Check contract specs in MT5 |
| Crypto (CFD-simulated) | BTCUSD | Confirm hours & swaps before holding |
Official pages: Which instruments can I trade? · Trading updates & holiday schedule
Key account specifications that affect execution
| Spec | FTMO US (MT5) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Leverage | Max 1:33 (≈3% margin) | Position sizing & drawdown math change vs higher leverage |
| Mode | Netting + FIFO | No hedging; partial closes reduce oldest exposure first |
| News & weekend | Allowed on Account type US | Plan slippage risk; spreads can widen around events |
| Server time | GMT+2 (+DST) | Align sessions & daily rollover accurately |
| Ops cadence | Updates posted weekly/as needed | Maintenance/holidays may impact execution |
See: Account specs · News trading policy · Overnight/weekend
Order types & best-execution habits
Know your tickets
MT5 supports market orders plus six pending order types (buy/sell limit, buy/sell stop, and buy/sell stop-limit). The mix lets you pre-plan entries and exits even when you’re away from the screen.
| Pending type | Typical use | Pro tip for FIFO/netting |
|---|---|---|
| Buy Limit / Sell Limit | Fade pullbacks into levels | Stack limits with distinct sizes for staged scaling |
| Buy Stop / Sell Stop | Breakout continuation | Pair with protective stop to avoid false breakouts |
| Buy/Sell Stop-Limit | Trigger then fill as limit for slippage control | Great around data prints when spreads move |
Platform overview: MetaTrader 5 at FTMO
“Real-market” trading only
Execution must reflect how a normal trader would act in real markets. Avoid abusive order floods, latency/quote arbitrage or coordinated manipulation — these violate FTMO’s policy and can void results.
Policy: Trading according to a real market
Position sizing under 1:33 — fast margin math
Required margin ≈ Notional / 33. For FX, Notional = units × price.
Example: buying 0.50 lots EURUSD (≈50,000 units) at 1.1000 → Notional ≈ $55,000.
Required margin ≈ $55,000 / 33 ≈ $1,667. Always check the symbol’s contract specification before trading.
- Keep margin utilization under ~30–40% so spreads/slippage don’t force panic cuts.
- Scale in with smaller tickets (e.g., 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.1 lots) to respect FIFO while shaping risk.
- Use stop-limit orders around major US data to bound slippage risk.
US-friendly playbook for FIFO/netting
Bracket everything
Enter with a stop-loss and take-profit set at entry. In netting, this prevents accidental flips and keeps exits clean when volatility jumps.
Stage exits, don’t yank them
Reduce in planned chunks (e.g., 50% → 25% → 25%). This respects FIFO and smooths equity curves, especially into New York close.
Trade the news like a pro
US account type allows news trading, but spreads can widen and stops may slip. Pre-size smaller, consider stop-limits, and always check the calendar plus the latest weekly Trading Updates before you click.
Performance tools that actually help
- App Suite by FX Blue: smart MT5 add-ons (trade manager, alarms, analytics) to shorten your feedback loop.
- Economic Calendar: know your NFP/CPI/Fed windows and plan entries around them.
- Trading Updates: Thursday drops and ad-hoc posts for holidays, rollovers, and maintenance.
Explore: App Suite · Economic Calendar · Trading Updates
Troubleshooting execution (quick fixes)
- Server missing? In MT5’s login window, re-search OANDA Corporation to refresh the server list.
- “Trading disabled”? Check that you used the master password (read-only can’t trade).
- Orders rejected? Verify symbol trading hours/contract specs; confirm you’re flat/within risk limits before rewards requests.
Step-by-step: How to log in to FTMO MT5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hedge positions on FTMO US?
No. FTMO US uses MT5 in netting/FIFO mode, which disallows hedging. Plan entries/exits with staged orders instead.
Is news trading allowed?
Yes on the US account type. It’s still risky — use smaller size, stop-limits, and watch spreads around releases.
Do I have to close trades overnight or for the weekend?
No — you can hold overnight/weekend on the US account type. Be mindful of swap charges and gaps.
What’s the maximum leverage and server time?
Max leverage is 1:33 (≈3% margin). MT5 server time is GMT+2 (+DST). Check each symbol’s spec inside MT5.
Where do I confirm trading hours, swaps, or holiday changes?
Use the Simulated Assets page for symbol-level specs and the Trading Updates page for weekly notices and holiday schedules.
Ready to put it into practice?
Spin up a Free Trial to pressure-test your setup, then take the Challenge when your playbook is dialed.
Start the FTMO US ChallengeOfficial resources
- MetaTrader 5 at FTMO
- Account specifications (leverage, server time)
- Which instruments can I trade?
- Trading Updates & holiday schedule
- FTMO Global vs FTMO US (netting/FIFO)
- How to login to FTMO MT5
- News & weekend policy (US account type)
- List of Simulated Assets
- “Trading according to a real market” policy
- FTMO App Suite by FX Blue
Disclosure: FTMO US provides a simulated, educational environment. Performance in simulation does not guarantee real-market results. This article includes a partner affiliate link.