Stock indices like the Dow, Nasdaq 100, S&P 500 and DAX trade on MetaTrader 4 as CFDs — you take a position on the index level without owning any shares. On MT4 you'll see them under symbols such as US30, NAS100, SPX500 and GER40, though the exact names vary by broker. Here's how to trade them.
Which indices you'll find
- US30 — Dow Jones Industrial Average
- NAS100 — Nasdaq 100
- SPX500 — S&P 500
- GER40 — DAX (Germany)
- UK100 — FTSE 100, and others such as JP225 (Nikkei)
How to trade indices on MT4
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Find your index in Market Watch
Look for symbols like
US30,NAS100,SPX500,GER40, orUK100. If hidden, right-click Market Watch, choose Symbols, open the Indices group, and show them. Names vary by broker. -
Open a chart
Drag the index onto your workspace or right-click and choose Chart Window, then pick a timeframe.
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Place your trade
Press
F9, set a small volume, add a stop loss and take profit, then Buy or Sell. -
Mind the session
Indices move most around their market's open and major economic data. Trade smaller around those moments and keep your stop in place.
Cash vs futures — check the specs
Brokers offer index CFDs as either "cash" (spot) or futures-based contracts, and they price, finance, and expire differently. Tick values also vary by broker. Always read the symbol specifications, and size your trade with our lot size calculator. Indices are volatile — most retail traders lose money.
Start trading indices on MT4
XM offers major index CFDs on MetaTrader 4, with a free demo to practise on first.
⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you open a broker account through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Related guides
See also trading gold and crypto on MT4, or learn how to use MT4.
Frequently asked questions
Can I trade indices on MT4?
Yes. Major stock indices trade on MetaTrader 4 as CFDs, so you can go long or short on the index level without buying the underlying shares. You need a broker that offers index CFDs.
Which indices are available on MT4?
Commonly the US30 (Dow Jones), NAS100 (Nasdaq 100), SPX500 (S&P 500), GER40 (DAX), UK100 (FTSE 100), and JP225 (Nikkei). The exact symbol names and the list offered vary by broker.
What's the difference between cash and futures index CFDs?
Cash (spot) index CFDs track the current index and may charge financing on positions held overnight; futures-based ones reference a dated contract and behave differently around expiry. Check which your broker offers in the symbol specifications.
Are indices good for beginners?
Indices are widely traded but can be volatile, especially at the open and around data. Beginners can trade them sensibly with small size, a stop loss, and demo practice. Nothing here is advice, and most retail traders lose money.
What moves stock indices?
Economic data, central-bank decisions, corporate earnings, and overall risk sentiment. Because an index reflects many companies, it tends to move on broad market themes rather than a single stock.
Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.