How to export your trading history from MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, what the built-in reports miss, and how to analyze forex and CFD trades in a journal.
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are among the most widely used platforms for forex and CFD trading. They record every trade, but their built-in reports are limited. Moving your history into a trading journal lets you see much more.
The account history report in MT4 and MT5 includes the list of closed trades and basic totals: net profit, gross profit and loss, profit factor, number of trades, the largest win and loss and drawdown figures. It is a good start, but it does not tell you:
In both MT4 and MT5:
The exact menus vary by version and broker. TradeThink's MT4 and MT5 import guides walk through each step.
MetaTrader reports size in lots. A journal should convert lots and pips into money in your account currency, with commissions and swaps attached. See forex pips and lots.
Import MT4 or MT5 statements from the import page; trades from forex and CFD symbols are recognized automatically. Results appear on the dashboard, calendar and reports, with your journal next to them. Related: CFD trading explained.
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