What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy?

Demo accounts teach the platform, but several things change the moment real money is involved: fills, spreads during news, and your own emotions.

What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy? — bid-ask spread diagram
The bid-ask spread on a currency pair

If you've switched from demo to live, what was the biggest difference you weren't prepared for? And if you're still on demo, what are you specifically trying to prove to yourself before you switch?

What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

The demo vs live trading guide lists the differences that matter most, but first-hand stories are usually more convincing.

Background: Demo vs live trading: what changes when real money is on the line

A strategy that works on a demo account can fall apart in a live one. The differences in execution and psychology, and a sensible way to make the switch.

Is demo trading the same as live trading?

No. Demo accounts can fill orders more smoothly than live markets, and losing virtual money doesn't create the same pressure as real losses, so live results are usually worse.

How long should I trade on a demo account?

There's no fixed period. A common approach is to follow a written plan for at least a few dozen trades, record them in a journal and move to live trading only with the smallest position sizes.

Read the full guide

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