How you access markets
A broker (forex/CFD) or exchange (stocks/crypto) provides the platform, pricing, and order routing. You deposit funds, place orders through their software (MT4, MT5, TradingView broker, exchange app), and positions are tracked in your account.
Account basics
- Balance — cash in the account.
- Equity — balance plus/minus open profit/loss.
- Margin — collateral reserved for open leveraged positions.
- Free margin — equity minus used margin; needed to open new trades.
Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Verify broker regulation and read their risk disclosure documents.