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eToro is one of the founders of copy trading as a type of investment. The ‘prototype’ of the social platform for traders, exchanging information and copying trades was launched back in 2010.

Since then, the broker has maintained its leading position in the market and, as of now, has the largest network. Traders Union has prepared a review of eToro copy trading platform with a close look at all the important features, trading conditions and possibilities for copy trading.

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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

What does copy trading mean?

What does copy trading mean?

Copy trading is one of the methods of joint investment in the financial markets that is quickly gaining popularity. It allows less experienced users of the network to subscribe to trading signals of professional traders. Once you subscribe to a trader, all trades and orders on the trading account of this trader (manager) will be copied to the account of the copier at a specific ratio.

The broker has one of the most advanced and largest social trading networks. It is distinguished by a low entry threshold, beneficial trading conditions, excellent functionality and simplicity.

eToro CopyTrader will be most useful for two categories of investors:

Novice traders

Novice traders

who want to gain access to the possibilities financial markets offer, but who are not prepared to spend years studying and gaining practical experience;

Experienced traders

Experienced traders

aiming to gain recognition in the market and additional income from the broker’s special programs.

eToro copy trading pros and cons

Pros
  • An opportunity for the beginners to earn at the same level as the top traders of the platform
  • Minimum investment – $200
  • No additional commission.
  • Largest copy trading network in the world
  • Regulation in the UK, EU and Australia
Cons
  • High returns of traders in the past do not guarantee the same outcome in the future

eToro CopyTrader network in 2024

eToro CopyTrader network
Name of the platform
eToro CopyTrader
Regulation
CySec, FCA, ASIC
Minimum investment
$200 – for copying traders
$500 – for copying investment portfolios
Additional fees for copying
No
Markets
Forex, CFDs, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrencies
Number of instruments
over 2,300
Average spread on EURUSD
1 pip
Commission on Apple shares
No
Size of the network
  • ● Representatives of over 140 countries.
  • ● Over 135,000 verified traders to copy
  • ● 13 million registered clients in 2020
  • ● The most popular traders have over 20,000 copiers
Potential return rate
The average return rate of top 50 traders in 2019 – 29%*.

eToro copy trading network review

eToro copy trading network review

Let’s review the key features of the eToro copy trading platform. You can take a quick look even without authorization, but we recommend opening a demo account on eToro for better familiarization. It will take 5 minutes to register, but you will be able to test all features of the system using the virtual $100,000.

A social network for traders. Feeds section

Once you access eToro online platform, you need to click on Copy People in the menu on the left of the screen. The main page of eToro features profiles of the most successful traders selected by the editors and algorithms of eToro based on different indicators:

strategy

number of copiers

return rate

risk score

eToro Copy People page

Past performance is not an indication of future results

By appearance and content, everything strongly resembles a traditional social network. Every trader has a profile with a real photo. When you click on it, you can see the first and the last name of the trader (data of the managers are verified), view posts. Traders usually share some market news, but also may post personal photos and videos on occasion. Users can like, share and comment posts, just like in any traditional social network.

eToro copy trading profile

eToro trader statistics

In the Stats section, you can study a trader’s performance in detail for a period of one month or up to several years, not only with returns, but also maximum losses per month, day and year.

eToro traders statistics

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Also, if you scroll down, you can find a great number of useful information:

Average risk score of the specified period (a year, for example)

Maximum drawdown per day, month and year

Dynamics of the number of copiers

Assets under management

eToro copy trading statistics

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Next, you can view distribution of assets by markets and the latest trades of the trader and also the average number of profitable trades.

eToro copy trading statistics

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Trader’s Portfolio

In the Portfolio section, you can monitor its composition, position (Long/Short) and current Profit/Loss percentage.

eToro copy trading portfolio

Past performance is not an indication of future results

You can also examine the portfolio composition as a chart by pressing a button in the upper right corner.

eToro copy trading portfolio

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Chart Section

In the Chart Section, you can view profitability dynamics of the trader. The chart shows profitability dynamics and allows you to see how much you would have earned, if you had started to copy the trader for the amount of $10,000 at a specific moment of time. The maximum drawdown is set at 60%, which is rather a lot.

We consider this section somewhat redundant and rather a thing of advertising, because the results of the trader in the past do not guarantee the same outcome in the future, and it is best not to allow such serious drawdowns in the portfolio.

eToro copy trading charts

Past performance is not an indication of future results

How to find the right trader to copy

How to find the right trader to copy

Copying of over 100,000 verified traders is available on eToro. The choice is humongous, but how do you find the best ones to copy among the many thousands of managers?

There are two ways to do that.

Selection of traders by following eToro’s advice

The first option is to follow recommendations of eToro. As we’ve already mentioned, on the main page of CopyTrader, the broker offers to review the profiles of the most successful traders, which have already passed the selection based on the following criteria:

Return rate

Strategy

Risk score

Number of copiers

This is the preferred option for the novice traders. All you will have to do is select the candidates you like the most for copying trades on eToro.

However, there are certain rules that still have to be taken into consideration:

The higher the profitability and the more volatile the market the higher the risk score;

The less losses the trader allows, the better;

Diversification reduces the risk of large losses.

Choosing traders on eToro using filters

eToro allows users to independently set the criteria of searching for traders to copy using the system of filters, which is featured in the upper menu on the Copying People page.

eToro Copy Trading Filters

Past performance is not an indication of future results

We will provide you with an example of a conservative strategy of work. For example, we have a task to select the most profitable traders with a low or average risk score.

For this, we selected the following criteria in the filters:

Time Period

it is best not to choose the periods of less than 12 months. It will improve the odds that the trader’s result is not accidental. If you increase the period to 24 months, the reliability of the candidates can increase slightly, but the choice will be smaller.

Return

we are setting it at >30%, as a balance between profitability and risk must be preserved.

Risk Score

we choose an average score from 1 to 5.

Copy AUM

(Assets under Management) – you can leave this one without changes and see what options will be offered. It is preferable to choose serious traders, who manage an amount exceeding $1 million.

Number of Copiers

this is, of course, not the key indicator, but if at least several hundred people do not copy a trader who looks successful at first glance, that should be a warning sign. We set this indicator at a minimum of 200 copiers.

Allocation

this is the list of the markets, where the trader trades. If you want higher reliability, choose indices and stocks, and if you are after profit – cryptocurrency. You can leave everything at default setting and look at the result.

Active Weeks

this helps eliminate inactive traders.

There are two more important criteria related to risk management. They help eliminate traders who allow major intraday or intra-month drawdowns from the list.

Daily Drawdown

we set it at Medium - from 1 to 4%.

Weekly Drawdown

also Medium – from 3% to 10%.

eToro Copy Trading Filters

Past performance is not an indication of future results

After you click on Apply, eToro system will offer you traders to copy based on your chosen criteria. In our case, 15 traders were offered.

In order to build at least a small portfolio, you need to choose 4-5 of them. Many traders from the eToro top list were also included into our selection. You can study the profile and statistics of each trader by clicking on their profile, as we’ve already explained above.

eToro Copy Trading

Past performance is not an indication of future results

How to get started with copying trades on eToro

After selecting a trader, it is quite easy to start copying trades on eToro. There is the Copy button in the profiles of the selected traders. That’s the one we click on. A page will open with customized copy settings.

On this page, you need to choose two criteria:

The amount you want to allocate for the specific trader from the general portfolio.

The drawdown value, upon reaching which the system must automatically stop copying.

In the example below, we selected $1,000 and $900 (90% of the initial amount).

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Past performance is not an indication of future results

After you click on the Copy button again, you will automatically start copying the trades of the trader for the selected amount. You can view the results in your eToro Portfolio tab.

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Past performance is not an indication of future results

In the same tab, you can stop copying, add or reduce the amount for copying, set additional risk management criteria. It takes a bit of time to see more or less objective results – at least a month, under condition that risk management rules are observed.

Investment CopyPortfolio from eToro

If you do not wish to dedicate a lot of time to learn the features of portfolios of different traders, eToro offers an opportunity to subscribe to an investment portfolio. In this case, many instruments and traders will be automatically copied to your account at once. However, this is an option for clients with more money, as the minimum investment in this case increases from $200 to $500.

The CopyPortfolios option on eToro is available in the corresponding section of the Personal Account and functionally resembles Copy People. The same filters and instruments can be applied for searching and subscribing as with individual traders. Portfolios can be selected by performance, risk score, etc.

There are three types of CopyPortfolios on eToro:

1

Thematic.

This way you can invest into sectors: renewable energy, vaccine manufacturers, cryptocurrencies.

eToro Copy Trading Filters

Past performance is not an indication of future results

2

Top traders.

This is a selection of traders differentiated by strategies and risk score, to whom you can subscribe to within one portfolio.

3

Partner CopyPortfolio.

These are portfolios from third-party providers, who work with eToro on partnership basis. The majority of them are also thematic, by the sectors.

In order to start copying a portfolio on eToro, you need to take the same step as with an individual trader – click on the Invest button, set the amount for copying and risk criteria.

eToro Copy Trading Settings

Past performance is not an indication of future results

Can I make money by copying traders on eToro?

The majority of investors prefer the service of copying traders on eToro. Yes, you can earn money, if the traders you copy make money too. According to the broker, the average profitability of the top 50 traders was 29% in 2019.

However, one should always keep in mind that excellent results of traders in the past do not guarantee the same outcome in the future. Even large hedge funds suffer losses. Therefore, for copy trading on eToro, it would be wise to allocate the amount you are prepared to risk.

How much does eToro copy trading cost?

The copiers only pay the broker’s commission. On its website, eToro explains that the broker’s commission only comes from the spread of the trades, which are copied on your account. Successful managers receive rewards on special conditions as agreed with the broker.

We estimated eToro commission level as low to average.
We estimated eToro commission level as low to average.

No commission is charged for the US stock and ETF trading

Average spread on EURUSD is 1 pip

Is eToro copy trading safe?

eToro is considered a reliable broker, as it holds three licenses from top regulators:

The Financial Conduct Authority (UK);

Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC);

Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Regulation in the countries with developed financial and legal systems means that the broker’s operation is continuously monitored. In addition, the broker provides rather detailed information about the trades of all traders, which is why their financial results can be checked.

The main risk of working with the copy trading system on eToro is related to the market. Copied traders can not only earn, but also lose money.

Summary

According to Traders Union assessments, eToro tops the rating of copy trading platforms in 2023 (link). The network has a huge practical value both for the beginners, who want to gain access to financial markets, and for professionals seeking recognition and a source of additional income.

You can learn how to copy traders on eToro rather quickly, with many of them showing excellent results. Nonetheless, one should keep in mind that excellent performance in the past does not guarantee the same outcome in the future; please carefully consider trader selection and risk management criteria.

Expert review

Today, eToro is the undisputed leader among brokers that offer copy trading. By popularity and number of users, it is unrivaled. Functionality of the platform is also top level. It has many filters and criteria you can use to find a trader both with a good return rate and a rather moderate take on risk.

To make as much as the top professional traders and not spend too much time and effort to do that? That’s every beginner’s dream! The entry threshold is also quite affordable.

Be that as it may, one should not overestimate the possibilities of this type of investment. Financial markets are a risk zone and it certainly exists in copy trading as well. You need to critically evaluate statistics and avoid investing more than you are prepared to risk.

Anton Kharitonov
Anton Kharitonov Traders Union’s Analyst

FAQ

Can eToro be considered a reliable broker?

Yes, the broker has a good reputation confirmed by the licenses of the regulators of the UK, EU and Australia.

How much do I need to start copying trades on eToro?

First, we recommend testing the CopyTrader system using a demo mode, and then start trading real assets. The minimum amount for copying one trader is $200, but it is better to diversify risks and copy at least 3-4 traders. As for choosing the amount for investing in copy trading, you need to make sure that even in the case of losses, your financial stability and well-being does not suffer.

Is copy trading risky?

All types of investment carry not only an opportunity to earn money, but also the risks. Carefully select strategy providers and observe risk management rules in order to avoid possible losses.

In which cases should I stop copying a trader on eToro?

When you start working with a manager, you set the maximum drawdown value, upon reaching which copying stops automatically. You can also do it yourself, if the manager’s result is negative over a certain period of time. However, you need to keep in mind that even the best traders have negative results in some months, which is why every case needs to be considered in the context of data for a longer period.

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decision.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

"Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more"

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.

Team that worked on the article

Mikhail Vnuchkov
Author at Traders Union

Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.

The area of responsibility of Mikhail includes covering the news of currency and stock markets, fact checking, updating and editing the content published on the Traders Union website. He successfully analyzes complex financial issues and explains their meaning in simple and understandable language for ordinary people. Mikhail generates content that provides full contact with the readers.

Mikhail’s motto: Learn something new and share your experience – never stop!

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

The topics he covers include trading signals, cryptocurrencies, Forex brokers, stock brokers, expert advisors, binary options. He has also worked on the ratings of brokers and many other materials.

Dr. BJ Johnson’s motto: It always seems impossible until it’s done. You can do it.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Mirjan is a cryptocurrency and stock trader. This deep understanding of the finance sector allows her to create informative and engaging content that helps readers easily navigate the complexities of the crypto world.