An EA only works while its terminal is running, connected and allowed to trade. That sounds obvious, but many automated-trading problems are operational, not strategic.

Where the terminal runs

Running on a home computer means sleep mode, updates and internet outages can stop the EA mid-trade. Many traders use a virtual private server (VPS) located near their broker’s servers to reduce latency and downtime. A VPS removes some risks; it does not remove the need to check on it.

Things to monitor

  • Connection status and ping to the trade server.
  • The “Algo Trading” / “AutoTrading” button and the EA’s own permission settings.
  • The Experts and Journal tabs for errors such as invalid stops, off quotes or not enough money.
  • Terminal and EA updates — a new build can change behaviour.

Plan for failure

Decide in advance what happens if the terminal goes offline with positions open: are hard stop-losses on the server, and who checks? Server-side stops protect you when your own machine cannot.

Risk reminder. Trading foreign exchange and CFDs on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for every investor. You can lose more than your initial deposit. Past or simulated performance of any trading system, including automated Expert Advisors, does not guarantee future results.