Which Platform and Why?

leanhog · Jul 26, 2011

Hi all, new member and relatively new trader here. I've been lurking for a while, and it's been useful to see the wide range of opinions scattered across the forum, so thanks for all being yourselves

Anyway, I'm still to find a trading platform I'm really comfortable on, so my question to you all is, why do you trade with the provider you trade with? Commission costs, tools, reputation, or just the first one you came across, what made the decision for you?

LiveTradingZone · Jul 27, 2011

www.tradestation.com

Their platform is really great if you like to trade Equities, Options, Futures, and Forex all in one place. Lots of technical indicators and can build your own programs as well.

new_trader · Jul 27, 2011

http://www.openecry.com/

- No platform fees.
- Access to API and excellent documentation.
- DDE linking with Excel.

advfntrader · Jul 27, 2011

Metatrader 4

- tabs and multiple windows, everything in 1 place
- can visually see where you opened order and where stops,limits are
- loads of indicators & EAs and can code your own also

coopster · Jul 27, 2011

TWS from interactive brokers

Quick and reliable. Not so slick as some software but enough considering it is free for IB customers.

Pazienza · Jul 27, 2011

new_trader said:
http://www.openecry.com/

- No platform fees.
- Access to API and excellent documentation.
- DDE linking with Excel.

Open E-Cry is very good as it offers a solid set up that is nonetheless very simple and straightforward. As a "solution" if you like it is a good choice.

Standard commissions are a little on the high side if you are not in a position to negotiate (not terrible, considering you get a complete package, just a little high) but if you go via an Open E-Cry broker you can get slightly better terms as standard.

HowardCohodas · Jul 27, 2011

I use ThinkOrSwim

Cheers:

Easy to use
On line and desktop platform access to account
Optimized to options trading
Great graphics
Great collection of indicators
Commissions negotiable
Well integrated with Excel, Calc, etc.

Jeers:

Now owned by TD Ameritrade. So far this seems to have dampened their innovation cycle.
Commissions on the high side.
No API though one promised once integration with TDA is complete.
Customer service, once superb, has deteriorated since the merger.

Pazienza · Jul 27, 2011

HoCo!

How you doing? Come back dude, we miss you.

Which Platform and Why?

leanhog

Newbie

LiveTradingZone

Active member

new_trader

Legendary member

advfntrader

Established member

coopster

Active member

Pazienza

Senior member

HowardCohodas

Experienced member

Pazienza

Senior member

Similar threads