When most folks hear MetaTrader 5 (MT5), they think of one thing: forex trading. And rightly so—it’s a robust platform that’s ruled the forex universe for years. But what if you’re a prop trader seeking to diversify beyond currency pairs? Perhaps you’re looking at futures or stocks and considering, “Can I really trade those on MT5, too?”

    The short answer is absolutely, you can.

    Long answer? Well that’s where things get interesting, especially if you’re trading through a prop firm. So, let’s discuss how MT5 handles stocks and futures, what you’ll need to set it up, and whether it’s actually a good idea for your prop trading journey.

    MT5 Isn’t Just for Forex?

    That’s correct. While its elder brother, MT4, is effectively tied to forex and CFDs, MT5 was designed as a multi-asset platform right from the beginning. It can do forex but also stocks, futures, commodities, and even cryptocurrency—depending on what your broker (or prop firm) supports. 

    That is, if you’re with the best prop firm that deals with financials, MT5 can comfortably allow you to trade them all under one roof. This is one reason it’s gained more acceptance among serious and funded traders.

    So, Can You Trade Stocks on MT5?

    MT5 is more than just a trading app. Even if it’s a wonderful sports vehicle with excellent speed, cornering, and aesthetics, if the road (or broker’s data feed) ends in the forex market, that’s what you’ll get.

    Essentials for Stock Trading:

    • Stock-enabled brokerage account or prop firm: You must have access to stocks through your prop business.
    • Market data feed: Stock prices are not randomly pulled by MT5. Data from stock exchanges, whether real-time or delayed, must be provided by your broker.
    • Permission to trade: Although it may be theoretically feasible, not all prop businesses permit stock trading under their financed programs.

    Yes, you’re in the clear if all three boxes are ticked. 

    You’ll be able to:

    • Trade well-known American equities, such as Amazon, Tesla, or Apple.
    • If your broker allows it, you can access international stocks.
    • Utilize all of MT5’s features, including charts, indicators, and scripts, when trading stock symbols.

    Once set up, it’s a very easy process that allows prop traders to spread their risk across markets. 

    What About Futures?

    This is where MT5 really flexes.

    Unlike MT4, MT5 actually supports exchange-traded futures contracts natively. We’re talking about:

    • Crude oil
    • Gold futures
    • E-mini S&P 500
    • NASDAQ 100 futures
    • Agricultural futures (corn, soybeans)

    Interest rate futures… and more

    Once again, the secret is getting a prop firm or broker to enable futures trading on MT5. Futures are regulated instruments and that introduces additional sophistication—margin needs, contract expiration, rollover, etc. But MT5 accommodates all of it nicely.

    How Futures Work on MT5:

    • Market Depth (DOM): MT5 has the depth of market facility, which is essential for futures traders.
    • Time & Sales: Access tick-by-tick trades, great for active traders and scalpers.
    • In-built economic calendar: Futures are influenced by macro data, and MT5 provides you with an in-built calendar to be ahead of the game.

    MT5 also provides netting and hedging modes—essential for futures traders depending on your plan.

    Prop Firms and Asset Classes on MT5

    Now let’s take this back to the prop trading environment because that’s where things become really practical.

    Many newer prop companies are based on forex or CFDs, because it’s simpler to bring traders onboard and skip regulatory obstacles. But there are multi-asset prop companies appearing that allow you to trade:

    Equities (U.S., European, occasionally even Asian)

    Index futures

    Commodity futures

    ETFs and even options (though not on MT5 too often)

    Some Examples of MT5-Friendly Prop Companies That Are More Than Forex:

    • FTMO – Primarily forex and indices, but with MT5’s multi-asset capabilities.
    • The Funded Trader – Has a solid variety of assets available via MT5.
    • Fidelcrest – Has equities and commodities available if your challenge account has them.
    • MyFundedFX – Accommodates more asset types on MT5 compared to MT4.

    The thing here is to verify the asset list prior to joining a prop firm. Just because they provide you with MT5 access does not mean that they have opened all of the asset classes. Some may limit you to forex and a handful of indices, while others allow you to play a much larger market landscape.

    Setting Up MT5 for Stocks and Futures

    Install MT5

    You can grab it from your broker’s website or from MetaQuotes directly. Most prop firms provide a custom version linked to their server.

    Log Into the Right Server

    After MT5 download and installation, launch it and log in to your funded or demo account. Check that you’re logging into the right server—some brokers have forex and stocks accounts split.

    Include Stock and Futures Symbols

    Press Ctrl + U or navigate to View > Symbols. Under there, you can make the list of available markets broader. You’ll usually find folders such as:

    • Forex
    • Stocks (NASDAQ, NYSE)
    • Futures (CME, EUREX, etc.)
    • Commodities
    • Crypto

    Click the small yellow dollar symbol next to the ones you wish, and they’ll show up in your Market Watch.

    Open a Chart and Tweak

    Just right-click on any symbol and then choose Chart Window. From there, you can:

    • Add indicators
    • Change chart types (candlestick, bar, line, etc.)
    • Use templates
    • Enable one-click trading

    It’s the same workflow as trading forex—not an ounce of added complexity.

    Watch Out for Contract Specs

    Before you begin making trades, double-check:

    • Tick size and value
    • Contract size
    • Margin requirements
    • Trading hours
    • Expiration dates (futures)

    Not that difficult. Just right-click on the symbol in Market Watch and choose Specification. That’ll provide you with a lot of juicy information.

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