Which Platform and Why?

[leanhog]

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]

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]

http://www.openecry.com/

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

 

[advfntrader]

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]

TWS from interactive brokers

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

 

[Pazienza]

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]

I use ThinkOrSwim

Cheers:

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

Jeers:

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

 

[Pazienza]

HoCo!

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