Choosing a broker server by ping, not by brand name

[Amanhasnoname]

Brokers often run several trading servers, in different regions or for different account types. The default assigned at registration isn't necessarily the best one for a particular location.

Testing is quick. The login screen of MetaTrader or the connection settings lists the available servers. A ping test or the platform's built-in latency display shows the delay to each.

Differences can be large. A server in a data centre close to the trader's region or VPS might have 10 milliseconds against 150 for a distant one.

Some brokers allow switching between servers on request. Others tie the account to a specific one at creation. Asking support before opening an account saves trouble.

Also check the server's load. A popular server might handle heavy traffic at peak times, causing slower execution.

For scalpers, the difference between two servers can translate to a few tenths of a pip per trade, which compounds across thousands of trades.

What latency do you get to your broker's server, and did you shop around?