An Expert Advisor (EA) can produce different results on demo and live accounts even when the strategy settings look the same. Demo results are for testing and do not guarantee live performance.
Market execution can differ
Live orders are affected by available prices, liquidity, volatility, market gaps, latency and the time required to transmit and execute an instruction. This can change:
the execution price;
whether an order is filled, partially filled or rejected;
slippage;
stop-loss and take-profit execution; and
the order in which events reach the platform.
Trading costs can differ
Compare the instrument specification and account history for:
variable spreads;
commission;
swap or financing;
currency conversion; and
other charges shown for the account or instrument.
Small cost differences can materially affect a strategy that trades frequently or targets small price movements.
Account and platform settings can differ
Check that both tests use the same:
MT4 or MT5 version;
account type and base currency;
server and instrument symbol;
leverage and margin conditions;
position size and order settings;
EA version and input parameters; and
trading hours and data period.
A symbol with a similar name can still have different contract specifications.
Device and connection conditions matter
A computer, VPS or network interruption can delay or stop an EA. Review the Experts and Journal logs for connection, permission or execution errors. Confirm that automated trading is enabled only when you intend to use it.
How do I investigate a difference?
Export the demo and live account histories for the same period.
Compare requested and executed prices, timestamps, volume, commission and swap.
Compare the EA version, inputs and symbol specifications.
Review the platform logs for errors.
Test changes cautiously before increasing live exposure.
If a specific live order appears inconsistent with the applicable specification, contact FXTRADING.com with the trading-account number, order number, platform logs and timestamps. Never provide a trading password or one-time code.