About

A lot of traders have to share the same story how they learned a lot about trading while in the process their account was destroyed.

As opposite, learning can be fun while trading virtual. This way a trader has an opportunity to figure out a profitable trading strategy which suits his/her personality without incurring financial lossless.  Also, keep in mind that getting familiar with a particular trading platform often is a steep learning curve.  TD Ameritrade and Tradestation are probably the best among a few brokers having Virtual Trading facility.  

Virtual Trading is very similar to real trading when the underlying is a liquid stock or futures contract and you are not looking for tick scalping strategies.  For example,   AAPL  shares or  /ES  futures are good for virtual trading on time frames longer than 10-15 minutes.  Options strategies can be simulated as well.  Keep in mind, that in this case, the BID-ASK differential has a pronounced effect on the outcome of a simulation.

Real Trading,  however, will be always very much different because of the psychological aspect which can not be replicated in Virtual Trading environment. No virtual trading record can account for the impact of financial risk in real trading. The inability to withstand losses can adversely affect actual trading results. 

Nevertheless, Virtual Trading will let you learn a lot about trading and you won’t lose any money.