Fixed Time Trading | Best Platforms & Strategies
Fixed time trading is a straightforward concept that involves predicting whether a price will rise or fall within an agreed time period. It can be applied to a variety of markets including forex, cryptos, stocks and indices, but can rapidly descend into gambling without a considered strategy. Applying research and technical analysis can give traders the edge they need to make fixed time trading profitable.
In this article, we cover the meaning of fixed time trading, followed by a guide on how to develop the best trading strategies. We’ll also cover how to select a broker and trading platform suitable for fixed time trading, what to trade, and technical analysis techniques.
Best Brokers for Fixed Time Trading
After reviewing over 400 brokers we have determined that these are the 8 best brokers for fixed time trading:
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1
Pocket Option50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, AirtelUSD -
2
IQCent20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
3
CloseOption$10 Welcome Gift
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$5$1National Bank of GeorgiaBinary Options on Forex & CryptosOwnPayPal, WebMoney, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD -
4
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
5
Binarium
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$5$1Forex, Stocks, CryptosOwnQIWI, Yandex Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, WebMoney, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit CardUSD, EUR, AUD, RUB -
6
BinaryCent20% - 200% deposit bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, CommoditiesOwnVisa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum PaymentsUSD -
7
RaceOption20% - 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDsTradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
8
World Forex100% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.01 Lots1:1000SVGFSAForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital ContractsMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, VoletUSD, EUR, RUB
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- Pocket Option - Pocket Option offers ultra-short-term binaries from 5 seconds on one of the simplest web platforms for beginners. Payouts rival alternatives at 90%+ while the ‘Double Up’ and ‘Rollover’ features provide further opportunities to profit. Considering the negatives, the suite of 130+ assets trails binary brokers like Quotex, which offer 400+.
- IQCent - IQCent offers binary options with above-average payouts up to 98%. The broker supports an online platform with basic analysis tools but a wide range of timeframes, from 1 minute to 1 month, catering to short and long term trading strategies. Considering the negatives, there are no binaries on stocks.
- CloseOption - CloseOption offers binary options trading on 30+ fiat and digital currencies through an easy-to-use web-based platform. 15 contract timeframes are available from 30 seconds to 1 month, suiting both short-term and long-term traders. New users also get a joining gift.
- Videforex - Videforex continues to offer binary options with 20% payouts on crypto and up to 98% on less volatile assets, beating many competitors. A wide range of contract lengths are also supported from 5 seconds up to 1 month. New users will appreciate the welcome deposit bonus.
- Binarium - Binarium is an experienced binary options broker offering access to a range of financial markets with a proprietary, sleek platform. New users can claim a welcome bonus up to $1,500 or practice in the demo account with $10,000.
- BinaryCent - BinaryCent provides binary options trading on a range of markets through a slick proprietary platform. Traders can invest as little as $0.10 per trade and earn payouts up to 95%, and these are excellent terms that accommodate casual and low-capital traders while allowing profit opportunities.
- RaceOption - RaceOption offers 100+ binaries with decent payouts up to 95% and ultra-fast expiries from 5 seconds. With a $250 minimum deposit, clients can enjoy free deposits, fast withdrawals and a range of trading bonuses.
- World Forex - World Forex offers binary options where you simply decide the stake, price direction and contract timeframe. The payouts are high at up to 100% on American contracts and 85% on European, which also offers a partial refund to traders who close contracts before expiry.
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Pocket Option Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Payout % | 92% |
| Expiry Times | 5 seconds - 4 hours |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The range of payment methods beats the majority of rivals, providing fast, secure and convenient deposits for traders in most countries
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
Cons
- Pocket Option offers a slimmed down iteration of the MT4 and MT5 that doesn't provide the full charting package for advanced traders
- The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
- You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
IQCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Payout % | 98% |
| Expiry Times | 5 seconds - 1 month |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
CloseOption
"CloseOption is a good pick for traders seeking a user-friendly binary options platform with high payouts and joining bonuses."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
CloseOption Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $10 Welcome Gift |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Payout % | 95% |
| Expiry Times | 30 seconds - 1 month |
| Copy Trading | No |
| Platforms | Own |
| Instruments | Binary Options on Forex & Cryptos |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The user-friendly platform is compatible with most web browsers
- Multiple global payment methods are available
- CloseOption offers weekly trading tournaments with cash prizes
Cons
- Binary options are only available on fiat and digital currencies
- CloseOption is not regulated by a well-regarded trading authority
- Clients need to deposit $50,000+ to qualify for the best payouts
Videforex
"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Payout % | 98% |
| Expiry Times | 5 seconds - 1 month |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
- Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
Cons
- Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
- The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
- The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
Binarium
"Binarium has been designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a fast, fully digital sign-up process and an intuitive platform and app with 4 chart types and 12 indicators. With binaries spanning 5 minutes to 3 months, it caters to short- and medium-term traders."
Binarium Quick Facts
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
|---|---|
| Payout % | 80% |
| Copy Trading | No |
| Platforms | Own |
| Instruments | Forex, Stocks, Cryptos |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Binarium has the best education centre we’ve seen amongst binary options brands, complete with information on core topics like trading basics and account options, plus professional video guides to using the platform.
- Binarium claims to segregate client funds with EU banks, meaning traders’ money should not be misused and providing an important layer of protection, which is especially relevant given its offshore status.
- The $10,000 demo account, deposit-doubling welcome bonus, smooth sign-up, and 24/7 support make for an attractive onboarding experience.
Cons
- Binarium has some way to go to match the investment offering of binary firms like Quotex, with a particularly weak selection of around 20 currencies and 3 cryptocurrencies.
- Payouts of up to 80% are on the low side of binary options platforms based on our evaluations, which may deter traders looking for the possible best returns, though you can get back up to 15% of losing trades.
- Despite being operational since 2012, Binarium is an unregulated broker with limited transparency on its website, raising safety concerns and potentially putting your capital at risk.
BinaryCent
"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."
BinaryCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% - 200% deposit bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Payout % | 95% |
| Expiry Times | 5 seconds - 30 days |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | Own |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Accepts a wide range of funding methods, including cryptos and e-wallets
- Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets
- Simple and straightforward proprietary platform for binary options trading
Cons
- Not available to traders based in the US
- Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
- The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers
RaceOption
"RaceOption will appeal to investors looking for a feature-rich binary options trading experience with regular contests, account-based perks, and copy trading. The catch is its unregulated status, with little to zero investor protections available based on our investigations."
RaceOption Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% - 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Payout % | 95% |
| Expiry Times | 5 seconds - 30 days |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- RaceOption is in the less than 1% of brokers that offers video chat, available 24/7 in multiple languages, although the knowledge of agents about trading and regulatory issues needs improvement from our direct experience.
- Payouts on popular underlying assets like EUR/USD can reach 95%, beating out most alternatives based on our evaluations, and increasing potential returns, while the first 3 trades are risk-free in Silver and Gold accounts.
- RaceOption makes account funding a breeze with fee-free and near-instant deposits via bank cards and cryptos, plus guaranteed withdrawals processing within 1 hour.
Cons
- RaceOption is an unregulated, high-risk broker that doesn’t provide investor compensation or legal recourse options should you run into trading or withdrawal issues.
- RaceOption is one of the only brokers not to offer a demo account, which when considered alongside the absence of education, makes this broker a poor choice for beginners.
- While still affordable for many retail investors, the $250 minimum deposit raises the entry barrier, especially compared to Deriv and World Forex who are designed for budget traders.
World Forex
"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."
World Forex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 100% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Payout % | 100% |
| Expiry Times | 1 minute - 7 days |
| Copy Trading | Yes |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Instruments | Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- Demo account
- VPS hosting
- Low deposit of $1
Cons
- Weak regulation
- Withdrawal fees apply
- No negative balance protection
What Is Fixed Time Trading?
Fixed time trading requires a prediction about whether the price of an asset will increase or decrease within a fixed period. It therefore falls under the definition of binary options, which involves choosing between two outcomes with a time expiry.
If the prediction is correct, the trader will receive the initial investment back plus a bonus. If not, the trader will lose the initial investment. Because the bonus is stated upfront, the potential outcomes are known before completing the trade, unlike other types of trading where profits and losses are variable.
Fixed time trading is a simple trading method that can offer high returns. However, the returns are defined by the broker, which means the odds change depending on the likelihood of a correct prediction. The odds are also stacked against the trader overall, meaning a winning trade will return a lower bonus than the potential loss.
For this reason, many people believe fixed time trading is gambling. However, this is not the case if applying analysis and research when making predictions.
How Fixed Time Trading Works
There are several steps to follow when carrying out fixed time trading:
1. Pick A Market
Fixed time trading can be applied to a range of markets including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Trading across these markets will help to diversify your portfolio and reduce your total risk exposure. However, no matter which market you choose, be aware that you will only be predicting the outcome of the trade and will not own the asset itself.
2. Select The Expiry Time
Expiry times can be anywhere from a minute to a few hours. Some brokers offer even longer-term trading than this, though it is rare. Longer-term fixed time trading is more likely to be influenced by fundamentals, such as company performance or economic news. For short-term trading, avoid trading around news announcements, when prices can become extremely volatile and hard to predict.
3. Choose The Investment Level
Always choose how much to invest based on a percentage of your overall capital. A general rule is to risk no more than 1% of your capital on a single trade.
4. Select The Price Direction
This will be based on your analysis of whether you predict the price will increase or decrease when entering the trade (strike price) to the time expiry.
5. Confirm
Once the trade is confirmed, it’s a waiting game to see if the prediction was correct. However, some brokers now offer the option to alter the trade after investment. This can include ending the trade early, extending the trade, or placing more money into the trade (for example if you become more confident that you will make a profit). The potential reward will be updated accordingly.
Choosing A Fixed Time Trading Broker
The first thing to establish when trading is which broker to use. Here we summarise the key elements to consider when searching for the best providers.
Platform
High-quality desktop platforms and mobile apps are essential when fixed time trading. They should have good technical analysis tools including charts and indicators, with intuitive interfaces that you can confidently navigate.
Profit Potential
Potential profits are set by the dealer and will therefore vary between brokers. Compare potential percentage returns as well as any fees to ensure they won’t wipe out your profits. Also check minimum deposit requirements to ensure they are appropriate for your investment level.
Demo Account
Check if the broker offers a demo account. This is a great way to practice fixed time trading using virtual funds, while getting familiar with the platform environment.
Fixed Time Trading Strategies
Fixed time trading shouldn’t be a gamble, so use technical analysis to make informed trading decisions. Here we cover some example strategies.
One of the simplest ways to carry out fixed time trading is to take advantage of short-term trends. For example, find an uptrend using candlesticks, then open an ‘up’ position. An uptrend occurs when each candlestick peak is higher than the previous peak, and each trough is higher than the previous trough.
For more in-depth analysis, use a technical indicator. The Directional Movement Indicator (DMI) is one of the best indicators for fixed time trading. This is because it can indicate the strength of a trend, suggesting whether it will be sustainable or not.
The DMI is formed of three lines:
- The Average Directional Index (ADX) – The ADX is used to quantify the strength of the trend, but is independent of the trend direction
- The DI+ Line – This is the positive directional movement line
- The DI- Line – This is the negative directional movement line
The signals to look for when fixed time trading are an ADX above 25. This indicates a very strong trend, but needs to be used in combination with the DI lines to determine whether the trend is upwards or downwards. It is recommended that ADX readings below 25 are avoided when fixed time trading.
Next, look at the DI+ and DI- lines. If the DI+ line rises above the DI- line, an uptrend is indicated.
Below, we highlight an example of a strong uptrend as indicated by the DI+ (blue line), DI- (black line) and ADX (red line), which is sitting above 25 the whole time.
Tips for Fixed Time Trading
Here we list some top tips for beginners looking to start fixed time trading:
- Invest only a small percentage of your capital per trade. As there is the potential to lose the entire investment in each trade, losses can accumulate quickly.
- Use longer-term time scales when starting fixed time trading. This will make the process less intense at first.
- Set trading limits and stick to them. This includes the number of trades per day and investment amount. This should be based on the amount you are willing to lose, assuming you predict all your trades incorrectly.
- Take advantage of online resources, courses and books to research the asset you are trading or if you simply want to know how to learn about fixed time trading.
- Check when news announcements are expected for the asset you are trading, including company reports and central bank updates. This will allow you to plan your strategy accordingly.
Is Fixed Time Trading Legal?
Fixed time trading is legal, though banned by regulatory authorities in some countries. For example, the ESMA in the EU and FCA in the UK ban fixed time trading for retail traders. Retail traders would be able to use an unregulated broker in these locations, but this comes with the limited protection of funds. A better option is to use a broker regulated outside the UK or EU, providing the regulator is reputable.
Similarly, fixed time trading brokers cannot be based in India according to SEBI, but Indians could participate in fixed time trading using a broker located outside of India.
Forex Trading Vs Fixed Time Trading
While forex trading and fixed time trading involve predicting the future price of an asset, forex trading does not have a set time period. This means the trader has the flexibility to sell at any point, which has the potential to be at any price. Forex prices are also partly based on market conditions whereas fixed time trading returns are defined by the broker.
Final Word On Fixed Time Trading
Fixed time trading is one of the easiest investing concepts to understand, but requires quality research and analysis to be executed successfully. Whilst it can result in large returns even in quiet markets, it also requires discipline to avoid losing large amounts of money in a short period.
FAQ
What Is Fixed Time Trading?
Fixed time trading is a method where traders predict whether a price will rise or fall within a set time period. If correct, the trader will receive their original investment back in addition to a percentage bonus. If not, the original investment is lost.
Is Fixed Time Trading Gambling?
Fixed time trading is not gambling if used in combination with appropriate research and analysis to guide trading decisions.
Is Fixed Time Trading Halal?
If the trade has been researched and analysed, it is arguably not gambling and therefore Halal. Consequently, it is up to the individual trader to decide whether they are taking a gamble and therefore if it is Halal. Consult your religious leader for further guidance.
Is Fixed Time Trading Legal?
Fixed time trading is legal, though some authorities ban it such as the SEBI in India and the FCA in the UK. Traders located in these countries can still participate in fixed time trading by using a broker regulated in other parts of the world.
What Is The Best Strategy for Fixed Time Trading?
There are numerous strategies that can enhance fixed time trading. The Directional Movement Indicator is a great example of technical analysis that can be used to forecast the strength and direction of a known trend.