Treating demo like it’s real with HFM and sticking to a written plan really tames the fear/greed loop for me. Do you size positions by fixed % or ATR when going live?
Emotions decide whether you execute the plan; analysis just writes it. I use a pre-trade checklist and strict “if–then” exit rules. Basically a “proper trade management plan”, i.e. to curb second-guessing
I got 80% from free YouTube, but my risk management only clicked after a structured course from HFM forced me to journal and get feedback. If budget’s tight, pair YT with a strict plan + public journaling for accountability
What actually matters for me is execution quality (fills/slippage during news) and withdrawals under a real license. I still test HFM on a small live account after demo: if depth thins out at rollover or during CPI/NFP, I move on
In the HFM contests I’ve joined, I treat them as execution drills rather than edge validation—spreads/fills differ from live. So does HFM pay cash or credit with turnover rules?
HFM demo contest … win 1K’ sounds solid - does the prize come as withdrawable cash or as credit with turnover requirements? From my contest experience, fills/spreads can differ from live, so I treat them as practice for execution speed, not a proof of edge
I like the focus on picking one learning medium and sticking with it. From structured practice and backtests, I’ve found tracking one or two setups across both trend and range regimes builds skill far faster than hopping resources
To have the ultimate advantage, you need to do much as you can to educate yourself and fill yourself with knowledge. There are always more things to learn, like from youtube videos, broker webinars, for example from HFM, etc.
I’d say starting with trend following using moving averages or RSI is solid. My experience with HFM shows that combining a demo account with strict risk rules builds very good foundations quickly
I've logged hundreds of demo hours with HFM before going live. Treating demo funds like real capital built the discipline that saved me from blowing up early on
I’m new to contests but ran two last year with demo accounts—best part is stress‑testing strategies without risking real equity. Anyone else use contests to refine their risk control and discipline first?
How long have you been trading with each of those brokers? Btw what is your experience with Hotforex because I trade with them and want more feedback about them.