How to Set Stop Loss in Forex
What is a Stop Loss Order?
A stop loss (SL) is a pending order that closes a trade at a preset price level to limit losses. For example, if you buy EUR/USD at 1.1000 and set a stop loss at 1.0950, your trade closes automatically if the price falls to 1.0950. This prevents emotional decision-making and ensures you survive losing streaks.
Types of Stop Loss Orders
Fixed Stop Loss: Set at a specific price level. Trailing Stop Loss: Moves with the price in your favor, locking in profits. Guaranteed Stop Loss: Ensures your order fills at the exact level, but may cost a premium. Armenia traders often use fixed stops due to simplicity.
How to Calculate Stop Loss Distance
Use the 1% rule: risk no more than 1% of your account per trade. For a $1,000 account, risk $10. If your stop loss is 20 pips away, each pip must be worth $0.50. Adjust lot size accordingly. Armenia traders should also consider the average true range (ATR) of the pair to avoid too-tight stops.
Setting Stop Loss in MT4/MT5
Open a trade, go to Terminal, right-click the trade, select Modify or Delete Order, enter Stop Loss in pips or price, and click Modify. On mobile, tap the trade, then Modify. Practice on a demo account first. Many Armenia traders use MT4 on Android or iOS.