Reviews Archives - Earn2Trade Blog https://earn2trade.com/blog/category/reviews/feed/ Official Blog of Earn2Trade Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:12:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/android-icon-192x192-120x120.png Reviews Archives - Earn2Trade Blog https://earn2trade.com/blog/category/reviews/feed/ 32 32 Jigsaw Trading Platform Review https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/jigsaw-review/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:03:42 +0000 https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=40594 Launched in 2011, Jigsaw Trading offers bespoke, avant-garde solutions for trading stocks and futures. Over the past decade, Jigsaw has drawn in a robust customer base of over 3,500 users worldwide and has established itself in the premier league of trading platforms. Jigsaw elevates the trading game with its pioneering application of order book trading, a wealth of educational resources, diverse price models, and other nifty trading tools – a comprehensive toolkit for every trader aiming to take their trading […]

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Launched in 2011, Jigsaw Trading offers bespoke, avant-garde solutions for trading stocks and futures. Over the past decade, Jigsaw has drawn in a robust customer base of over 3,500 users worldwide and has established itself in the premier league of trading platforms.

Jigsaw elevates the trading game with its pioneering application of order book trading, a wealth of educational resources, diverse price models, and other nifty trading tools – a comprehensive toolkit for every trader aiming to take their trading savvy up a notch. Although first-timers may find the learning curve a tad steep, Jigsaw is studded with several alluring features that cater to the needs of both novice traders and seasoned day traders.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • A vast number of available educational materials and resources
  • A preferred platform for skilled, full-time traders
  • Excellently designed and easy to use
  • Responsive customer service
  • A welcoming and inclusive community

Cons

  • One of the more expensive solutions
  • The learning curve is steep, so you must spend time acclimating to the platform to make the most out of it
  • Specifically tailored to the needs of day traders and may not be appropriate for other styles or strategies

Features

Before diving into the platform’s features, let’s focus on the term “order book trading.” Jigsaw is a platform designed specifically for market participants involved in this practice. But what does order book trading mean?

Order book trading, a cornerstone of Jigsaw Trading’s allure, is an approach where trades are executed based on active market orders already in motion.

Order book trading is all about seizing opportunities arising from the actions of other market participants. Traders practicing this method keep an eye on various market events, including hefty block orders, trade cancellations, stop orders, trapped trades, and more.

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Unlike traditional trading methodologies, order book trading operates in real-time and focuses more on capitalizing on opportunities stemming from the activities of other traders and ongoing trades at any given moment.

Multiple Features

Jigsaw Trading’s toolkit comprises an array of indicators that visually encompass the strategies employed by most traders as they navigate the marketplace. These tools are comprehensive, insightful, and designed to significantly enhance your trading strategy.

By leveraging Jigsaw’s instruments, day traders can better gauge the market’s pulse, boosting their chances of executing profitable trades.

Unlike some platforms, Jigsaw’s trading tools don’t offer ready-to-use trade execution signals. Instead, they guide day traders in constructing trading positions grounded in the order book. So, to truly tap into the power of Jigsaw Trading’s tools, day traders should already be comfortable with order book trades and have a firm grasp on crafting their own deals.

While a few other trading tools offer similar functionalities, the consensus among traders, both rookies and pros, is that Jigsaw Trading’s tools are top-notch. But, be prepared to invest time in learning the ropes and adapting to the platform. Also, keep in mind that the different tiers come with a substantial price tag.

Educational Resources

Jigsaw Trading offers a wealth of educational resources, including articles, webinars, tutorials, and videos for traders of all levels.

At the basic level, which comes bundled with purchasing the trading platform and toolkit, you get a video explaining the fundamentals of order book trading. Despite being entry-level, this resource offers a comprehensive understanding of order book trading, enough to get any rookie started.

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Stepping up to the next tier, you’ll find an order book trading course. This aims to teach day traders the core strategies seasoned traders use to secure consistent profits.

For those looking to dig deeper and master the most sophisticated and diverse trading strategies, there’s a third tier of educational content available.

Remember, each of these levels offers a different range of features, plans and lessons and comes with varying price tags. Expect to pay more as you jump from one tier to another.

Jigsaw also offers a comprehensive and helpful blog section, accessible to all, for a taste of its educational resources. 

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Depth of Market

One of the standout features of Jigsaw Trading is the Depth of Market (DOM) tool, also known as Depth & Sales. This tool allows users to gain insights into the dynamic interplay between active and passive traders, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the market’s inner workings.

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The Depth & Sales charts and indicators grant you access to vast market information, including:

  • The convergence of stop orders and traders within the same vicinity
  • The positioning of orders in the queue
  • The ripple effects of specific trades on the broader market landscape
  • Trends in trade momentum
  • The capacity to withdraw or adjust orders swiftly
  • Timely market alerts that can influence decision-making

All these elements offer a unique view into the market, helping you further enhance your trading strategy and decision-making process.

Leaderboard

To feed your competitive spirit, Jigsaw’s community features also include a leaderboard with performance statistics, including win rate, P&L, and more. It also showcases how you fare against other Jigsaw traders, giving you extra motivation to excel. 

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Setup

Getting your Jigsaw Trading account up and running is relatively straightforward, particularly with the supportive and knowledgeable customer service team at your disposal.

However, we should note that the system setup is not exactly a walk in the park, especially for beginners, and that’s partly because a good chunk – over 20% of Jigsaw traders – are full-timers.

Yet, Jigsaw offers plenty of tutorials on how to start, so if you are willing to spare some time, you will complete the platform setup relatively quickly. Once your platform is firing on all cylinders, you’ll unlock access to an array of tools: real-time order flow charts, the Depth of Market (DOM) tool, an order book heat map, and a historical view of the order book. This arsenal will undoubtedly put you in a prime position to strategize and capitalize on market trends.

User Interface

Navigating through the Jigsaw Trading platform is a breeze since the platform is designed with intuitiveness at its core. However, it’s crucial to note that you need a seasoned understanding of trading and the specific tools you’re after. If you’re dipping your toes into trading waters for the first time, you might want to kick things off in the educational resources section of the platform. This will help you get up to speed with the ins and outs of trading, particularly order book strategies.

Thanks to its vibrant color scheme and user-friendly buttons, commands, and controls, Jigsaw’s UI is engineered to offer a multitude of options without overwhelming users. A standout feature is the charts; they’re a feast for the eyes, easy to interpret and help bring data to life.

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Real-time visualizations of market flow are common in many trading platforms. But Jigsaw Trading takes the cake in terms of presentation and user experience.

Beyond the technical aspects, the platform boasts a sizable and easily accessible community. It’s a goldmine of information and diverse viewpoints, particularly for those new to day trading. The user-friendly search function and an appealing and practical design make the Jigsaw community a hub that caters to users of all stripes. Expect to be dropping by frequently as you progress on your trading journey.

Available Indicators

As a Jigsaw Trading user, you’ve got a whole arsenal of technical trading tools empowering you with greater insight. However, it’s crucial to note that Jigsaw doesn’t spoon-feed you. It’s like jumping in at the deep end when you first start using the platform, mainly if you’re not well-versed in these tools and indicators.

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Don’t fret, though! Each tool is chock-full of features, and even if you find yourself scratching your head, you can turn to the helpful Jigsaw community. With users more than happy to share their knowledge and answer any burning questions, you’re never left hanging. It’s a platform that encourages self-learning but also fosters a strong sense of community, ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

System Requirements

Jigsaw Trading works as a plug-in for various platforms, including NinjaTrader 7, 8, MultiCharts.NET, MultiCharts.Net Special Edition, MT5, and Tradovate. If these platforms support a feed, then so does Jigsaw.

On top of this, Jigsaw also offers a platform that operates directly with GAIN, Rithmic, IQFeed data feeds, and CQG.

It’s important to note that while Jigsaw doesn’t directly support the ThinkorSwim (ToS) platform, it does support the TD Ameritrade feed, which uses ToS.

Remember, after you’ve installed Jigsaw on your desktop, you’ll need to put in a request for a machine license transfer if you want to use it on another computer, even if it’s your own laptop. The good news is that Jigsaw tends to process these requests swiftly, so you shouldn’t have too much downtime.

Customer Service

The technical prowess of Jigsaw Trading is commendable, but what if you face issues while using the platform and need assistance? Well, you’re in safe hands.

The platform comes with a robust, well-regarded, and user-friendly customer support service catering to all types of clients – from newcomers to seasoned market veterans.

Further enhancing the user experience, Jigsaw Trading offers an active chat room. Traders can use it to exchange insights about order book trading, ask platform-specific or general questions, and learn from more experienced traders, customers, and Jigsaw staff.

The platform also allows traders to test new order book trading strategies in a live data environment by configuring the system in demo mode.

Jigsaw Trading’s support team possesses a deep understanding of the system and is genuinely helpful and knowledgeable. They appreciate that many of their users might be new to the trading landscape, and hence, they excel in explaining complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner – from order book trading to market analysis and from making deposits to resolving technical issues.

As a result, the technical support provided by Jigsaw Trading is considered to be top-tier in the industry. Almost all Jigsaw Trading reviews emphasize the swift, efficient resolution of technical issues.

Pricing

Jigsaw’s pricing structure leans towards the higher end, which might deter newcomers or even seasoned traders on a budget. However, it’s important to bear in mind that no matter the tier you choose, you are investing in a highly-rated platform known for its cutting-edge features, intuitive UI, excellent customer service, and a strong focus on order book trading. Furthermore, each pricing level includes a wealth of educational resources.

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Here’s a breakdown of Jigsaw’s pricing:

Package 1: This basic tier includes the fundamental software and basic-level trader education. The cost is $579.

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Package 2: This tier includes all the materials and software from the basic tier, plus tools like an advanced order flow training pack. This package is priced at $879.

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Package 3: The premium package includes all the materials and software from the previous tiers, plus institutional training and monthly group training opportunities. This is priced at $1,687.

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Additionally, Jigsaw offers annual and monthly subscriptions for continued access, priced at $500 per year or $50 per month.

Customer Issues

The Jigsaw Trading platform enjoys a largely positive reception from its users as evident from the numerous positive reviews it has received.

While the platform is accessible to novices, one of the minor criticisms it has faced relates to its complexity. Newcomers might find it a tad challenging to navigate, citing a steeper learning curve than other platforms. However, the Jigsaw community is often praised for its helpfulness in addressing queries, making it easier for users to acclimate to the system.

Another point of contention for some users is the price point. For those new to trading, Jigsaw’s price tag might seem daunting. However, seasoned traders who make up a significant portion of Jigsaw’s user base find the prices competitive and reasonable for the value they receive.

Customer concerns that pop up in reviews or forums are promptly addressed by Jigsaw’s customer service team and its in-platform community, ensuring a smooth and supportive user experience.

Conclusion

Jigsaw Trading represents a compelling proposition for established order book traders searching for a powerful platform, even at the lowest price tier.

For those on a tighter budget, the costs associated with Jigsaw’s higher-tier packages may prove a bit steep. However, even with its premium pricing structure, Jigsaw Trading provides some of the most outstanding order book tools currently available in the market. Yes, mastering everything it has to offer will require a significant investment, but as the saying goes, you have to spend money to make money – a principle that holds particularly true in the realm of day trading.

For those less familiar with order book trading, a gradual switch between the different tiers may be the most prudent route as they delve deeper into the world of order book trading. Fortunately, Jigsaw’s comprehensive educational resources can accelerate their learning journey, enabling them to gain comfort and proficiency in this trading strategy.

In a nutshell, it is safe to say that, even with its lofty price point, the platform represents excellent value for money.

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Quantower – a Complete Guide with Images https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/quantower-review/ Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:01:36 +0000 http://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=39555 Founded in 2017 in the Dnipro region of Ukraine, Quantower offers a comprehensive platform enabling users to trade various asset classes via multiple brokers using a plethora of complex charting and data analytics tools. Forex, crypto, futures, options, and stock trading are all available within the platform. Quantower has basic options available for free, but premium choices offer more flexibility. The platform initially began as an effort to create an innovative, holistic trading solution for retail investors. The company describes […]

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Founded in 2017 in the Dnipro region of Ukraine, Quantower offers a comprehensive platform enabling users to trade various asset classes via multiple brokers using a plethora of complex charting and data analytics tools. Forex, crypto, futures, options, and stock trading are all available within the platform. Quantower has basic options available for free, but premium choices offer more flexibility.

The platform initially began as an effort to create an innovative, holistic trading solution for retail investors. The company describes its product as a high-functional online trading application for retail traders. Custom solutions are also available for prop firms and other trading businesses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A free version is available with all the essential functionalities, charting tools, and a single broker connection, suitable for beginners and those interested in testing the platform.
  • Various asset classes and markets available.
  • A large selection of synchronous data providers and connections to OpenAPI and VisualStudio is available for further workspace development.
  • Traders can test strategies with proper market data using the trading simulator.
  • The development team is always open to requests for new connections, functionalities, and analytics tools. Updates are released constantly. 

Cons

  • Determining which configuration is the most cost-effective is difficult, especially for newbies.
  • The founders created the platform in Europe, and its headquarters remains there. Thus, much of its function is optimal for European traders and those outside the United States. Its geography also presents unique issues for American traders. For example, connections to Fidelity and Vanguard are still lacking.
  • Quantower is available only for Windows. A robust system with at least 16GB of RAM and a quad-core processor is recommended for smooth operation.

Features

Quantower promotes itself as a comprehensive trading terminal enabling numerous brokerages and exchange connections to trade several asset classes across markets while using high-quality charting and analysis tools. 

However, it is essential to note Quantower itself isn’t a brokerage. Traders must ensure that whichever brokerage they use to trade the assets they work with allows for a connection to Quantower.

What Can I Trade Using Quantower?

Although the lack of an in-house brokerage is a drawback compared to competitors, it doesn’t take away from the terminal’s functionality. Quantower has developed relationships with dozens of brokerages and exchanges, which allows its users to trade various asset classes, including:

Stocks

Traders can establish a connection to their preferred brokerage account to trade stocks using the tools available in Quantower. With the free version of the system, users are allowed only a single free connection for linking their stockbroker. 

Of course, this means that traders must adhere to all the laws and regulations imposed on their brokerage of choice. 

Furthermore, it is worth noting that some local connections are only available to traders in India, using the Indian release of Quantower exclusively. Further links to stock brokerages are still in development, and updates to the system are released almost on a monthly basis. 

Source: Quantower

Forex

Most of Quantower’s brokerage and exchange connections support Forex trading. Traders can access several data feeds to analyze the markets. However, these features are available mostly to those who purchase paid subscriptions to higher tiers. 

Cryptocurrencies

Quantower provides ample support for cryptocurrency traders. Similar to the other assets, numerous connections to leading brokerages and crypto exchanges like Lynx, Binance, and others are available. Live data feeds from various providers enable traders to combine advanced charting and analysis tools with the most up-to-date market information. It is important to note, however, that Quantower can’t connect directly to crypto wallets, such as Metamask. The assets must be managed within a connected brokerage account. 

Futures

Quantower provides excellent support for futures traders. Identical to crypto, Quantower offers connections to various brokers. Multiple connections to data feed providers and a suite of charting tools are also available. 

Options

Quantower’s support for options trading is comprehensive and exceptionally well-designed. Users can select an options desk view, analyzer view, or a combination of both. The UI displays several series simultaneously with various strike depths. Connections to data sources allow for displaying multiple calls and put options with their Greeks, implied volatility, and open interest. Users can take advantage of the analyzer view to create customized strategies, with various risk profiles displayed intuitively. Of course, users must connect a valid brokerage or exchange account to execute their trades or designate a secondary connection for options trading that differs from their other brokerages (if they have purchased a higher-tier subscription to Quantower).

Charting and Order Flow

Quantower boasts various charting and visualization tools that allow users to create their ideal workspace. Heiken-Ashi, tick charts, range bars, Kagi, Renko, point & figure, and line break charts are available, alongside time-based charting tools that allow the user to set custom periods. 

Chart overlays are also supported, which enables traders to overlay different assets over set periods and graphs to compare their performance using absolute price scales. Trades can be placed directly from the workspace while viewing the charts. 

Quantower also allows users to create synthetic exchange-listed spreads and symbols to track changes and analyze customized trading strategies and instruments. After completing a synthetic instrument in the workspace with several legs, traders can view and manage the “new asset” through the various charting formats available. 

The platform supports various drawing tools and indicators, allowing traders to set up complex workspaces optimized for analyzing volatility, support and resistance, trends, and reversal points. 

Quantower offers a custom workspace titled the DOM Surface for traders analyzing the market depth. Volume analysis tools help track order flow, and various DOM levels optimize the chart overlays to identify key opportunities. A heatmap mode is available to analyze liquidity at each set price level.

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By connecting to a data feed, traders can analyze live trading activities with historical time & sale graphs. Data can be displayed using cluster charts and dedicated volume profile graphs for specified periods. TPO profile charts are also available so traders can analyze price distributions at crucial price levels throughout a trading session. 

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Personalization

Traders can set up their workspace with custom tools and charts to suit their individual needs. 

Furthermore, depending on the type of subscription, traders may use the following:

  • Connections from several brokerage accounts and data providers to analyze the current trends and transaction history across various markets.
  • Hotkeys, presets, and mouse trading for faster and more efficient trading. 
  • Access to as many workspaces as necessary, all tailored to the user’s individual specifications.
  • A custom Crypto Balances Panel supporting dozens of chart types across various accounts to allow for quick transactions and conversion alongside global market analysis.
  • Combining several panels to fit within one display.
  • Panel templates that can be created and saved for future use.
  • Various personal visualization options that include adjusting the colors and themes of panels and charts. 
  • Several third-party extensions.
Source: Quantower

Setup and Pricing

Quantower uses a “freemium” model, in which users can download a free version supporting the main components of the terminal to test it out.

Furthermore, users can choose to purchase a paid subscription for more complete setups.

Here are all the available options:

  • Free: Users can set up one connection to an integrated broker or data feed. All of the system’s basic functionality is included, such as a single overlay per chart, over 40 technical indicators, and all of the chart and mouse trading functionality. 
  • Crypto Package: Crypto Package: Users who download this version can pay $40 monthly, $108 quarterly, and yearly, or buy a lifetime subscription for $790. A discount is available for those who pay in a single installment. It supports all of the available crypto brokerage and exchange connections, some advanced features hand-picked for crypto traders, and volume analysis tools.
  • Multi-Asset Package: This option costs $50 monthly, $135 quarterly, and yearly. A lifetime subscription costs $990. This package includes all available brokerage and data feed connections, along with the advanced features and volume analysis tools available with the crypto package.
  • All-in-One Package: The version costs $70 monthly, $189 quarterly, and yearly, or $1290 for a lifetime package. Like the other plans, a discount is available for those who pay upfront. This version includes all connections and all paid features, with updates and improvements available immediately upon release. 
  • Third-Party Functions: You can also purchase various add-ins, strategies, panels, and connections developed by third-party providers. Most require payment, such as Trade Personal Assistant (TPA) by 3rd Dimension, which costs the user $30. 
Source: Quantower

Downloading and setting up an account through Quantower is simple. Because it isn’t a brokerage itself and doesn’t verify user identities or collect much personal information. After agreeing to the terms of use and providing payment information (if necessary), users must download the application and extract the file. At first, they are prompted to set up their panels and connection data as they see fit. Traders must establish brokerage connections using the respective management systems and verification formats. 

Note that transaction costs and brokerage fees depend on the connected brokerage or exchange account, not Quantower. 

User Interface

Quantower is only available as a desktop application for Windows. 

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Traders can set up their panels as they see fit, given the markets, brokerages, assets, and trading strategies they prefer. In addition to the charts, indicators, and preset panels provided in the system, users can download additional third-party features. 

Through the free subscription (with no third-party features or indicators included), users can:

  • Use one overlay for each chart.
  • Use two technical indicators for each chart.
  • Set up multiple workspaces and templates that can be saved for future use.
  • Use all trading functions, including chart and mouse trading.
  • Use over 40 fundamental technical indicators.
  • Use essential chart drawing tools as well as access the DOM panel. 

What Indicators Are Available on Quantower? 

The free version of Quantower supports over 40 technical indicators native to the platform. Some are primarily tailored for traders focused on specific strategies and markets, such as options trading, for example. 

The higher-tier subscriptions support a wider variety of indicators. 

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In addition, there are also third-party tools for further customization of the panels and charts according to your needs. For example, one of the tools, called “PumpCatcher,” is designed to identify significant market changes in price and execute trades based on a set percentage change. Its fee depends on the size of the user’s capital in the brokerage account. 

These and other third-party extensions are available to users once they create a Quantower ID and log into the online portal in their browser. 

System Requirements

Quantower is only available to machines powered by Windows 10 or later. Because of the advanced trading platform and a constant stream of data collected from feeds, Quantower specifies the following requirements:

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system.
  • Microsoft .NET Framework v.4.8 is installed on the operating system.
  • At least 1 GB of available disk space.
  • Ideally, users run 16 GB of RAM, at least a quad-core CPU, and a solid-state drive (SSD).

Support and Forums

One of the benefits of using Quantower is the ability to quickly access live support. Instead of automated chat systems, the website, portal, and user interface prompt traders to reach out to the team directly when they need help downloading the terminal or any additional extensions. Users can also contact the team through Skype, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram. Quantower also frequently posts updates or important new information on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and its blog.

Direct contact information for offices in Brazil, India, and the company’s  Ukrainian headquarters are also on the website. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am through 6 pm Central European time. 

Source: Quantower
Source: Quantower

Because this system has been up and running for over half a decade, it already has an extensive global community of users. Forums on third-party websites like CodeWeavers.com and AMP Futures boast numerous users who share advice and strategies on effectively utilizing and customizing the platform to their needs. In addition to the blog posts, notes, videos, and live chat, these interwoven communities provide users with ample support when using the system. 

Past Issues

Quantower constantly releases updates to help users navigate the system, install newly developed brokerage, exchange and data feed connections, and fix bugs. However, some issues still exist, including:

  • Updates usually come every month. Most updates are first released with several beta versions, followed by a stable version, released after a while, which might make users wait to get their hands on the needed function or bug fix.
  • New connections are often problematic in the way data is imported and displayed. These bugs, which are primarily a product of maintaining many third-party connections, can often confuse or frustrate the trader.
  • Some users install Windows on Mac computers to run this program, which can cause many issues and technical problems. 

Conclusion

Quantower is a comprehensive solution for traders who need a powerful terminal that serves as an all-in-one trading platform. It can combine accounts and data from numerous brokerages, exchanges, and live market data feeds into one desktop interface to streamline their charting and analysis. 

However, because of the complex nature of the platform and the need to have above-average technical skills in making the most out of the supported features (charting tools, indicators, etc.), it might not be the best choice for beginners.

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Finamark – a Complete Guide with Images https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/finamark-review/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:22:00 +0000 http://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=38862 Somewhat new to the trading software field, Finamark was launched in 2016 to meet a particular need – to give traders an aesthetic, functional platform that isn’t burdensome to lower-end computers.  As one of the few web-based trading software solutions, Finamark lets traders access futures and forex trading while providing access to a universe of indicators, breaking news, and other essential trading tools. The accessibility in both system requirements and user interface means Finamark is an excellent option for newer […]

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Somewhat new to the trading software field, Finamark was launched in 2016 to meet a particular need – to give traders an aesthetic, functional platform that isn’t burdensome to lower-end computers. 

As one of the few web-based trading software solutions, Finamark lets traders access futures and forex trading while providing access to a universe of indicators, breaking news, and other essential trading tools. The accessibility in both system requirements and user interface means Finamark is an excellent option for newer traders. However, it also has a lot to offer to the more sophisticated and seasoned traders.

Pros and Cons 

Pros:

  • A browser-based system that negates the need for high-end computing
  • A customizable suite of widgets for all levels of trading experience and strategies
  • A free 14-day trial

Cons:

  • A limited educational library beyond the user manual. Inexperienced traders will have to learn the theory behind forex and futures elsewhere 
  • Beginners may be overwhelmed by the abundance of options if they aren’t familiar with typical trading widget functions 

Finamark Features

Finamark has various features and functionalities, but they are primarily centered around accessibility and ensuring an intuitive, comprehensive experience for traders of all skill and experience levels. The central focus of that accessibility is web trading and emphasis on widgets over an immutable layout. We’ll discuss each in-depth, but here is the full spectrum of the most essential Finamark features:

Web-Based 

Many trading platforms are cumbersome and demanding on computer systems. For even moderately equipped machines, downloaded trading software often brings operations to a crawl. This is the last thing a trader needs when trying to quickly enter and exit positions. As a result, in many cases, newer traders interested in learning the market firsthand could only get started with a complete overhaul and upgrade of their computer system. This effectively cut out entire market segments from even getting started.

Recognizing that need, Finamark developed a browser-based trading platform to run more smoothly across various computing capabilities. This is, of course, great for beginner traders who don’t want to commit to extensive upgrades. At the same time, it also suits the needs of more experienced traders with high-tech rigs at home or who want to trade on the go with a laptop. 

Ultimately, Finamark’s web-based experience means that you can log in from anywhere instantly without waiting for a download. It runs on lower-end machines, with little to no drop in performance across devices. Besides, your widgets and windows will remain as-is regardless of where you log in from. 

The Trading Platform
Source: Finamark

Widget-Centered

Finamark’s web-based platform is built around widgets rather than fixed displays. Each chart, data source, indicator, etc., has its own widget that can be resized and dragged wherever is convenient for the trader. 

Finamark breaks its widgets into groups by function and type. The widgets can be saved to a custom layout that can be universally used across devices. 

While Finamark supports various widgets and the development team expands the options with each update, here are some of the most popular:

Recurring Functions

P/L: Tracks profit or loss for an account. Finamark will display P/L for the account’s lifetime when trading forex. However, with futures trading, the platform only displays the P/L for the particular day. This is different from position P/L, which tracks the profit and loss of an individual trade and is shown in other widgets.

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Symbol: The symbol shows the name of the traded asset. The widget has a dropdown and a search feature to easily filter and find the asset you’re looking for. 

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Quantity calculations: The widget lets you calculate position sizing to optimize your capital and reduce your risk. 

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Buy/Sell: The functionality allows you to enter and exit positions at the current market price (for quick order execution) or to open an order window and customize your preferred trading terms. 

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Prices: Asset prices are displayed on several widgets, but the standalone price widget shows the last price and bid/ask spread. You can also see volume at bid/ask for an order flow and market depth snapshot. 

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 Chart

Charting widgets are the focus of Finamark’s browser platform and can display (depending on preference) the following:

  • Asset symbol
  • Current price
  • Time
  • Bid/ask
  • Execute buy order 
  • Execute sell order
  • Drawing tools
  • Flags
  • 1-Click Trading authorization to speed executions without relying on hotkeys
  • Symbol searching
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Drawing Tools

In addition to indicators, many traders like to use drawing tools to highlight particular areas of the chart. Finamark has a robust drawing toolset within its widgets and allows you to draw the following:

  • Vertical lines
  • Horizontal lines
  • Trendlines
  • Channels
  • Arrows
  • Fibonnaci retracement
  • Boxes
  • Colors
  • Text
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Accounts

The account widget can show as much account information as needed or as little if you find it distracting. Options include:

  • Balance
  • Margin available
  • Margin used
  • Financing fees (forex only)
  • P/L
  • Daily P/L
  • Open P/L
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Reconstructed Tape

This eminently helpful widget lets traders see a full report of their futures trading activity. The order flow can help uncover market dynamics and open up opportunities to jump on a trade. 

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Positions

The position widget shows traders the current portfolio outlay by asset. It includes details about the open positions, including symbol, trade date, asset name, entry and current prices, and position P/L. The bottom of the widget shows your open P/L for all open trades and your daily P/L to monitor progress. 

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Orders

The widget keeps a running log of all order executions and includes working orders, filled orders, and canceled orders. These can be viewed individually or all together for a time-series journal. The widget shows the date/time of the order, quantity, status, and execution price. 

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Favorites

This customizable widget lets you peek at details you need to know for assets you’re interested in. They can include price, daily percent change, total trade count, and even a line graph of the price to spot trends off-chart. 

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Depth of Market

It shows order flow and helps traders visualize the running data better by expanding volume at price points into relative bars.

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Finamark Setup

Finamark’s setup is beyond convenient – with no software to download, just open a browser and log in. You can maximize your trading experience by setting up features like:

  • Create and save a preferred layout, or import an old layout.
  • Add and remove widgets.
  • Change settings, including color.
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You’ll also need to establish a connection with your data provider. Finamark pre-populates data connections to choose from, and users click the unplugged red icon to select the data connection. Disconnecting from a particular provider happens the same way. 

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Finamark User Interface

Traders aren’t restricted to wasting screen space on data or widgets they don’t intend to use. Instead, they can pick and choose the optimal layout.

With standard hotkey controls, Finamark allows day traders to enter and exit positions as quickly as possible. Pre-enabled, standardized hotkeys include:

  • Ctrl + Click: open a limit order at a price clicked.
  • Shift + Ctrl + Click: opens a stop order at a price clicked. 
  • Left and right arrow keys: move the chart left and right in small increments.
  • Up and down arrow keys: increase or decrease vertical axis scale.
  • Hold Shift + Click and drag on the price axis: Resizes scaling like the above option.
  • Mouse scroll: move the chart up and down.
  • Search with /: this searches assets by exact code, so you aren’t scrolling through many that you don’t need to find the one you do. For example, searching /ES will show ES, ESQ, EST, and ESK. 

What Indicators are Available in Finamark? 

Finamark has a rich set of indicators available. You can also group your preferred indicators into collections to switch between them depending on your preferred strategy and asset. Indicators in Finamark include:

Finamark System Requirements

The Finamark team recommends using Google Chrome, where the platform works best. Since Finamark is browser-based, there are no defined minimum operating system requirements. Still, prospective users are encouraged to sign up for Finamark’s free trial to test their browser experience to determine whether their machine can keep up.

Pricing

Finamark offers a free 14-day trial period for testing the platform. After the trial, there are four licensing options:

  1. Monthly: $49
  2. Quarterly: $125
  3. Biannually: $235
  4. Annually: $450
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Support

In addition to setting itself apart through browser-based trading, Finamark also stands out thanks to its superior customer service. It’s one of the few providers that offers live support during market hours. 

The support is available directly in the browser, through email, or in the form of a complete user guide and an online community forum. 

Past Issues

Users have typically reported issues with trade execution. While this could be attributed to latency in network connection, in each reported case, customer service representatives have walked the user through the problem. As a result, any potential issues will likely see a quick response. 

Conclusion

Finamark’s unique positioning as one of the only browser-based futures trading platforms is an excellent option for beginners and experienced traders. The spectrum of widgets and the rich customization opportunities make the platform ideal for all strategies and trading techniques. Finamark is one of the most intuitive and accessible platforms on the market.

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Overcharts – A Complete Guide with Images https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/overcharts-review/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:52:13 +0000 http://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=37762 Overcharts is a comprehensive trading platform used by professionals worldwide and designed with the technical trader in mind. With robust technical analysis and charting tools, Overcharts continually evolves to deliver the best trading experience.  In the words of Mauro Frasson, CEO and founder of Overcharts: “If we really started to fear innovation and the spark of resourcefulness would go out, then it would be like taking away our soul, the essence that makes us what we are.”  This ethos embodies […]

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Overcharts is a comprehensive trading platform used by professionals worldwide and designed with the technical trader in mind. With robust technical analysis and charting tools, Overcharts continually evolves to deliver the best trading experience. 

In the words of Mauro Frasson, CEO and founder of Overcharts: “If we really started to fear innovation and the spark of resourcefulness would go out, then it would be like taking away our soul, the essence that makes us what we are.” 

This ethos embodies the Overcharts experience. It seeks to deliver an innovative and adaptive trading experience while continuously innovating and incorporating emerging trends and customer feedback.

Pros and Cons 

Pros:

  • Endlessly customizable charting and drawing options 
  • A high-end graphics engine supports as many indicators as the trader needs 
  • It is reasonably priced, considering the number of features available

Cons:

  • Overcharts isn’t a brokerage, so you must connect it to a third party for trade execution and data sourcing.
  • The graphics engine is too powerful and can be overwhelming for some machines.  

Features

Although Overcharts doesn’t have an integrated brokerage connection like some other trading platforms, they support many popular futures and FX brokers like Interactive Brokers and more (check the list below). The platform also supports the crypto exchange Binance. 

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They also support many popular data feeds, including Yahoo Finance and Rithmic. Any broker that provides a Rithmic data feed can be connected to Overcharts, opening up a broad spectrum of opportunities for the trader. 

What Can I Trade on Overcharts?

You can trade anything your connected broker supports – futures, stocks, FOREX, and any other asset that trades on secondary markets (assuming your brokerage provides access).

Charting in Overcharts

In addition to the many indicators, which we’ll cover shortly, Overcharts offers various chart customization tools. Overcharts uses a 4k graphics engine, so it has enough resources to display as many indicators or charts as you need. Each chart can have as many as 100 million bars, so you will likely run out of tools and indicators long before Overcharts becomes unable to support your strategy.

Overcharts’ chart tools include:

  • Multiple data feeds from many supported brokers, so you can ensure that you have the most accurate information.
  • Templates to save your indicators across windows.
  • An option to overlay charts with differently scaled prices to see the big picture.
  • Resolution adjustment – just because Overcharts can support the high-resolution output doesn’t mean your graphics card can. 
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Overcharts also supports a universe of chart styles, so that you can choose whatever fits your trading strategy – whether it is candles, bars, dots on close, or any other of the nine chart style options that Overcharts offers. 

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Drawing Tools in Overcharts

There is an abundance of drawing tools, and you can use your drawing as a template across multiple windows. With Overcharts’ drawing tools, you can overlay standard lines, shapes, Fibonacci studies, and many more – their offering is really extensive.

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Setup

Setup is simple, but traders should know that Overcharts is restricted to Windows computers or Macs running a virtual Windows environment. After downloading the software, you must create an account or log into an existing one. This is fast and typical of any website registration process. 

You’ll then need to connect your data feeds by finding your feed in a preset list or manually adding the connection. Make sure you have your login information for the data feed ready because you can’t use Overcharts’ login for this portion. Once you’re connected, you’ll see three green dots. 

Source: Overcharts

And that’s it – your initial setup is complete, and you’re ready to trade.

For those needing extra support getting started, Overcharts also offers a comprehensive installation guide on their website.  

User Interface

The user interface is invaluable since it is very customizable. In addition to charting, users can overlay the trade panel however it suits them. Active windows in Overcharts are called Workspaces, and each Workspace is independent of the others. This lets the trader designate active trading charts from the ones they want to monitor. 

The order and order status interfaces are equally helpful and can show as much or as little information as the trader needs. You can submit single or multiple orders as part of a strategy and set the orders as market, limit, iceberg, market if touched, and other types. 

The position information is displayed in a small and easy-to-read window. This lets you maximize your Workspace’s charting availability. The position box can be customized, but at baseline shows quantity, average price, and P&L. The background is also red or green, depending on profit or loss, so that you can monitor it with the corner of your eye while trading. 

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What Indicators are Available in Overcharts? 

Chart analysis and indicator options are where Overcharts really shines. The selection of tools is top-notch and delivers a comprehensive experience for any technical trader, no matter the strategy. Overcharts offers:

Chart Columns

Chart columns are set up next to the main chart and are vertical columns displaying information of your choice, with new columns and data feeds added with every software update. Some of the standard chart columns are:

  • Spread: showing a current price and the bid and ask prices. It helps you get in and out of trades at the best time and avoid mispricing due to wide spreads.
  • Pulling and stacking: this displays the current spread compared to a previous snapshot to gauge increasing interest and liquidity,
  • P&L: displays the profit and loss to show you the current status of an open position.
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TPO Profile

A TPO profile shows trading activity at a designated price. This can help visualize range-bound stocks and identify support and resistance. Overcharts’ TPO profiles are highly customizable and configurable, supporting long-term profiling over multiple years. 

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Volume Bubbles

Volume bubbles are a helpful visualization tool that shows the volume of trading activity as a bubble, where more giant bubbles indicate greater volume and vice versa. This helps traders identify and follow whales trading large quantities around specific prices to pursue a potentially imminent trend. Like TPO profiles, the bubbles are very customizable for trader-specific strategies. 

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Market Depth Map

The market depth map further helps identify support and resistance by showing volume change dynamics at different levels. This indicator only shows current data, and users cannot use it for historical visualization.

Source: Overcharts

Volume Ladder

The volume ladder is an easy way to see the bid/ask, the spread, and the volume within the standard chart bars. This gives you a quick bird-eye view of the market, without having to flip between screens. There are also customizable options covering additional statistical displays and the overall look of the ladder.

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Volume Profile

The volume profile shows volume at different price levels to help see if there are more buyers or sellers at a particular price point. You can tweak the volume profile to define the session, period (intraday, long-term, etc.), and bid/ask style.

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System Requirements

To start with Overcharts, your computer must have Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11. Overcharts isn’t available on a Mac as a standalone program but can still run if you set up a Windows Virtual Machine. 

Overcharts doesn’t specify minimum hardware requirements. Since the platform is filled with so much data, traders must determine whether their computer can support Overcharts and complex trading strategies powered by a vast number of indicators and lots of information. 

Pricing

Overcharts offers multiple pricing tiers:

  • Free: new users get a free 60-day trial with all features and data feeds included
  • $29.95 (All Inclusive): the priciest tier gives access to all features, including live trading and all data feeds
  • $24.95: This tier restricts data feed selection to two
  • $19.95: only one data feed is enabled, and users are limited to selecting between Tradestation, Directa, or Oanda 

The prices above are for the one-year subscription and are the most cost-efficient option. Traders who want to try it out (beyond the free trial) can select between six months, three months, or one month – but the two data feed and single data feed options aren’t available for one-month subscribers. 

Support

Overcharts has a comprehensive support system. In addition to the complete guide we linked earlier, users can access an online consultation center that helps address the most common questions or potential issues. There are also video tutorials on Overcharts’ YouTube for visual learners or those who want to follow a step-by-step process.

Overcharts also offers live technical support, a dedicated page for bug reporting, and the ability for traders to suggest new features for future software updates. 

Past Issues

Most of the reported user issues are raised by traders with incompatible machines that couldn’t match the Overcharts’ powerful engine. 

Since the data feed feature relies on many factors working behind the scenes, some traders also need help establishing or maintaining a data feed. Since this is a common issue, Overcharts offers designated pages for each significant data feed source to troubleshoot problems. 

Users have reported issues with customer service’s responsiveness over the past two years, but Overcharts says this was due to understaffing during the pandemic and has already been fixed.

Conclusion

Overcharts is among the best futures, forex, and stock market platforms. With its powerful engine, advanced traders can use as many indicators or drawings on innumerable charts, limited only by the resources of their computer setup.

The sheer choice of options in charting sets Overcharts apart. Although it isn’t a brokerage, the scope of data feed and brokers you can connect makes Overcharts a valuable trading platform for beginner and advanced users.

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NinjaTrader – A Complete Guide with Images https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/ninjatrader-review/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:58:30 +0000 http://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=37760 NinjaTrader is a comprehensive, award-winning trading platform founded in 2003. It has withstood two decades of technological change and financial industry upheaval. The platform offers active traders a slate of tools to trade futures, forex, CFDs, and stocks. Trading newcomers can also use the platform to paper trade before risking their own money. Interested traders can also use the simulated trading, charting, and backtesting features for free without a paid account. NinjaTrader is free during your evaluation with Earn2Trade, and […]

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NinjaTrader is a comprehensive, award-winning trading platform founded in 2003. It has withstood two decades of technological change and financial industry upheaval. The platform offers active traders a slate of tools to trade futures, forex, CFDs, and stocks. Trading newcomers can also use the platform to paper trade before risking their own money. Interested traders can also use the simulated trading, charting, and backtesting features for free without a paid account. NinjaTrader is free during your evaluation with Earn2Trade, and sophisticated traders can access premium features by purchasing a subscription.

Pros and Cons 

Pros:

  • The charting tools and the selection of technical indicators are top-notch, and third-party customization options enhance the experience even further; 
  • The simulated trading functionality is a great way for new or experienced users to test the platform;
  • An in-depth education library helps traders along their entire journey.

Cons:

  • Premium tiers might price some traders out of the market;
  • You can only trade futures and forex natively, and you’ll need to connect a brokerage to trade stocks and options;
  • NinjaTrader works only on Windows computers. 

Features

NinjaTrader is a truly comprehensive, one-stop-shop trading platform. Although it offers just a few trading options through its brokerage, it has partnered with Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, and other popular service providers to let users trade a broad spectrum of assets.  

What Futures Contracts Can I Trade on NinjaTrader?

As a National Futures Association-registered firm, NinjaTrader offers a complete futures trading experience and some unique futures trading functionalities.

Micro E-Mini Futures

As the name implies, Micro E-mini futures are smaller contracts of just 1/10th of the size of the E-mini contracts. 

NinjaTrader offers the full suite of popular Micro E-mini futures, including:

  • On S&P 500 – MES
  • On Dow Jones Industrial Average – MYM
  • On NASDAQ-100 – MNQ
  • On Russell 2000 – M2K

Micro Crude Oil

Also, at 1/10th the size of standard oil futures, Micro Crude Oil (MCL) offers traders an opportunity to trade the energy markets for a fraction of the price of the crude oil contract. 

Nano Bitcoin

Much smaller than Bitcoin itself, Nano Bitcoin Futures are priced at 1/100th of Bitcoin’s trade price. Crypto enthusiasts use them to speculate on the price behavior of Bitcoin. 

More Trading Opportunities 

NinajaTrader has a connection with many popular brokerages like Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade. A trader can link their NinjaTrader platform account with a third-party brokerage and take advantage of NinjaTrader’s charting tools and other functionalities to trade a broad range of assets. 

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Charting and Order Flow

NinjaTrader offers classic visualization and charting tools but also some unique tweaks. Traders can place trades directly from the chart, allowing them to react quickly to market shifts. Options traders can take advantage of the platform’s advanced features, including an entire option chain showing strikes, expiry, and quotes.   

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You can also preconfigure and set a series of hotkeys to execute orders quicker and exploit even the small price-action moves. The charts support many popular and custom technical indicators to best suit your trading style. 

The trade status is clearly displayed when looking at charts since profit/loss are shown directly on the chart alongside execution status. 

Source: NinjaTrader

Order Flow Trades

Advanced traders can track market whales with NinjaTrader’s Order Flow + feature. The order flow visualization tools include volume indicators, volumetric bars, flow VWAP, market depth, and cumulative delta. 

Develop & Personalize

Since traders can link their brokerage to NinjaTrader, they can import many custom third-party tools or even create their own to enhance their trading experience. Traders can import or create:

  • Custom indicators
  • Apps
  • Chart styles and bars
  • Automated strategies (algo trading)
  • Drawing tools
  • Social sharing tools to show off gains 

Demo Trading

Even without a funded account, NinjaTrader’s simulation and backtesting tools let traders develop a strategy or get familiar with NinjaTrader’s platform before trading with real money.

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Setup

The NinjaTrader’s platform offers the following account options:

  • Free: The free option only lets you use simulated trading features and view charting unless you have a funded account;
  • Lease: You pay $720 annually (semi-annual/quarterly options available) and can access the trading platform and additional Trader+ features;
  • Buy: For $1,099, you get a lifetime license to use NinjaTrader and access Order Flow+.

Downloading the platform is simple, but registering an account is a bit more complicated. First, you must choose your preferred trading asset and, depending on it, you may have to register with a funding account. 

You will have to give lots of personal data to NinjaTrader and the funding broker, as with any financial website or firm. These include full name, social security number, address, etc. You can upload a national ID, driver’s license, or passport to validate your identity and a utility bill or bank statement to verify your address.

You will then answer a few questions about your planned use of NinjaTrader, read and agree to the terms of use and disclosure documents, and wait for the account set-up process to complete on NinjaTrader’s end. Since there is so much regulation and liability in the trading world, NinjaTrader’s due diligence takes some time, and you may have to wait up to a week for your account to be ready.  

User Interface

NinjaTrader offers a desktop platform available only for Windows. 

Despite these limitations, the user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Its core features are easy enough to interpret. Furthermore, NinjaTrader’s full customization options give you lots of flexibility. This means you can develop, create, or import interface tools you’d like to enhance your trading strategy and shape your preferred look with.

The baseline offering, before customization, allows you to:

  • Search tradable assets
  • View charts
  • See current portfolio value and status 
  • Place orders

What Indicators are Available in NinjaTrader? 

NinjaTrader has over 100 technical indicators native to the trading platform, but the real draw is the accessibility of third-party import options. 

Through the NinjaTrader Ecosystem, you can find and import nearly any indicator imaginable to the trading platform. The search function is intuitive and makes it easy to find indicators that suit your trading style:

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You’ll then see a variety of options that can be narrowed down by style, approach, and features. We’ll look at selecting indicators that support identifying chart patterns to understand the process:

Source: NinjaTrader

Here, you can select the indicator you want to import to NinjaTrader. Some are free, but many are paid or premium options. After selecting the indicator, you will be directed to a third-party website to complete the procedure. 

System Requirements

NinjaTrader is available only on Windows 8.1, 11, and Windows Server 2012 or later. As an advanced software platform, NinjaTrader requires some advanced computing power:

  • One gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8
  • Screen resolution of 1024 x 768
  • DirectX10 compatible graphics card is highly recommended

These are the bare minimums, and NinjaTrader recommends that users have the following:

  • 2 (GHz) or faster quad-core 64-bit processor
  • 8 GB RAM
  • DirectX 10 compatible graphics card
  • SSD Hard Drive

Pricing

NinjaTrader offers a tiered pricing system, including free access, leasing the software, or outright buying a lifetime license:

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Outside of primary usage, there are other costs to using NinjaTrader. 

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The full breakdown is on their page, but the most common ones are:

  • Withdrawal fee: First two are free each month; subsequent withdrawals are $15 each;
  • Currency conversion: 1% of total funds;
  • Account activity: if an account logs in but doesn’t trade in a month, there is a $25 fee; 
  • Commissions: these vary by asset traded and can be found on their site and in the images below. 
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Support

In addition to a world-class trading platform, NinjaTrader offers equally good customer support service.

Education

To get aspiring futures traders started on their journey with NinjaTrader, the site offers a “Futures 101” section and a relatively extensive library of educational and research tools. They also provide frequent webinars on trading strategies and platform usage.

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Support Forum

For basic questions about the platform or trading in general, NinjaTrader has a forum for users to post questions and engage in discussions:

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Live Support

If the forum can’t help you, you can quickly contact support. There are several contact options based on the question or issue. There is also a 24-hour live help desk for emergencies or to place live orders.

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Past Issues

The NinjaTrader team continuously rolls out updates to fix bugs and improve the platform. Usually, the most popular issues reported include:

  • Computing power: Because the platform is resource-intensive, many with slower or inadequate machines report charts freezing or the software becoming unresponsive; 
  • Import difficulties: Since so many third-party or self-developed applications and tools are available, some may not work as expected. This is not necessarily an issue with NinjaTrader itself, but many customers report problems with using some third-party options; 
  • Hotkey Management: Although NinjaTrader offers hotkey customization to enter and exit trades quickly, some report that the customization doesn’t always save your preferences properly.

Conclusion

NinjaTrader is a powerful tool for funded and sophisticated traders. For futures traders, NinjaTrader offers a full-spectrum trading platform and brokerage. Other traders can use the charting and technical indicator tools for stocks and options by linking the platform with their brokerage.

We recommend NinjaTrader, even to beginner traders. Its simulated trading tools and educational library are great ways to start a technical trading journey, and the platform’s functionalities remain sufficient even as traders develop strategies and become more sophisticated.

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Rithmic’s R | Trader and R | Trader Pro – A Complete Guide https://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/r-trader-pro-review/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:59:33 +0000 http://aky.pbv.mybluehost.me/?p=37640 Unlike traditional trading platforms and stock market brokerages, futures and forex service providers use different data feeds, which aren’t always native to standard platforms. Instead, futures and forex traders must choose a data feed service and port the feed into their trading platform. This article will examine the R | Trader and R | Trader Pro trading platforms. Pros and Cons  Pros: Cons: Features Before looking at the features of R | Trader and R | Trader Pro, we will […]

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Unlike traditional trading platforms and stock market brokerages, futures and forex service providers use different data feeds, which aren’t always native to standard platforms. Instead, futures and forex traders must choose a data feed service and port the feed into their trading platform. This article will examine the R | Trader and R | Trader Pro trading platforms.

Pros and Cons 

Pros:

  • It’s free 
  • The mobile app lets you monitor your account on the go
  • A dedicated connection to RIthmic’s world-class data services means faster trade execution

Cons:

  • Support only for Rithmic data feeds
  • Can’t import third-party indicators
  • Limited user interface customization options 

Features

Before looking at the features of R | Trader and R | Trader Pro, we will go through what Rithmic is best known for: their data feeds.

What’s the Deal with Rithmic Data?

Unlike traditional trading platforms and stock market brokerages, futures and forex service providers use a bit different data feeds, which aren’t always native to standard platforms. Instead, futures and forex traders must choose a data feed service and port the feed into their trading platform.

Data feed service providers are basically middlemen between the trader and the trading platform and brokerage. The best data feed service providers are renowned for fast and accurate data transfer with minimal latency. Furthermore, data services include orders, which makes speed in position management as crucial as when reading charts. Many data services can’t keep up with real-time market action and send you the average price or smoothed-out data instead of live quotes. Combine this with order latency, and you could miss tremendous opportunities or face equally significant losses.

Rithmic offers a solution that many expert futures traders use. The service provider excels in providing access to fast, precise, and reliable data streams. 

Does Rithmic Offer a Trading Platform?

Yes – it expanded its core data service to give traders access to two platform products: R | Trader, and R | Trader Pro.

That way, every trader can create an ecosystem that negates the problem of connecting data to external platforms. Since data feeds are natively integrated, you save time and enjoy greater peace of mind.

What’s the Difference Between R | Trader and R| Trader Pro?

Before diving into the details, here is a quick summary:

R | Trader

R | Trader is an entry-level platform. While it does let futures traders see current price quotes, market volume, and strikes for options traders, it lacks a crucial function most traders need – charting. 

R | Trader allows you to place, modify and cancel orders and see standard stats like your past performance, positions, and risk limits.

Traders who decide to stick with R | Trader rather than upgrading will likely need a secondary screen to view third-party charts, as trading without such can be very complicated.

R | Trader Pro

R | Trader Pro incorporates all of R | Trader’s functionalities but includes charting and an interface pipeline to Microsoft Excel for easier trade management. 

You can also use Excel to create your own indicators. If you don’t know how to, R | Trader Pro lets you add a pre-made bundle live to Microsoft Excel. 

Order Management

A crucial benefit to Rithmic’s platform is its order “storage” process. Since internet connectivity is sometimes shaky, especially for traders on the go, and you can’t be awake 24/7 to trade the markets, Rithmic will log your orders on their servers until they are executed or canceled. 

Since the servers have a constant direct link to major exchanges, you can get order execution at the price you demand, even if you aren’t parked in front of the screen. Here’s a look at the order depth

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Excel Integration

A big draw for Rithmic’s R | Trader Pro platform is the integration with Excel. Using two-way communication, traders use as many Excel spreadsheets as necessary to:

  • View and manage data
  • Create custom trading signals
  • Develop and view indicators
  • Import and view 100 prepackaged studies 
  • Configure and send trades to the R | Trade Execution Platform
  • Trigger automatic trades for those interested in developing algorithmic trading strategies
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Source: Rithmic

Options

There’s also a well-organized options board for options traders to monitor strikes and execute call or put trades. 

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R | Trader Setup

Installation is straightforward. After downloading the installation file, you’ll see a shortcut on your screen and under your programs listing at All Programs > Rithmic > Launch > Rithmic Trader Pro.

When you open the application for the first time, you’ll need to connect your broker-dealer (FCM or IB) by entering your credentials. That way, you will gain access to your suite of trading accounts. 

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After login, you can either go to the settings management page or navigate directly to your account. If you’re having a slow login or other trouble, click ECL at the bottom of the loading page. Copy and paste the text from the window that pops up and email it to Rithmic support for connectivity assistance. 

And that’s it! R | Trader Pro is much more straightforward to set up than many platforms because you don’t have to go through the complex process of connecting third-party data feeds. 

R | Trader User Interface

While intuitive, the user interface is somewhat basic. The main page lacks customization features but has everything that has to be easily visible and readily available. 

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For example, to view a chart, navigate to the Time Chart button on the rightmost column and input the symbol you want to see. The chart will be split into three parts:

  • Quote board: located at the top of the chart page, the quote board shows account information, positions, P&L, and market data for the current symbol. This section is also where you’ll manage indicators. 
  • Chart body: the main draw of the window is where you will see your chart and manage chart appearance and trades. 
  • Chart header: located at the bottom, it allows you to easily change styles and appearance. 

R | Trader Pro lets you draw the chart’s trend lines, shapes, arcs, fans, and other typical user-preferred visual cues. The object selection panel is near the top of the window. 

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You can also manage primary and secondary studies from the top of the window and add the technical overlays you have created or used from the pre-programmed selection. 

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You can manage chart styles according to your preference and trading strategy. The options to choose from include the following:

  • Equivolume bars
  • Equivolume shadow bars
  • Standard bars and candlesticks
  • Candlesticks with volume
  • Kagi
  • Point and figure
  • Renko
  • Three-Line Break
Source: Rithmic

If you want to consolidate all the information in a central location, you can generate a quote and market data window directly on the chart.

Source: Rithmic

You can find more features available within the user interface. Most of them are standard across platforms.

Mobile App

R | Trader Pro is one of the few trading platforms with a mobile app available for Apple and Android phones. 

Although you can’t execute trades from the app, you can browse charts, market activity, order flow, and order history. The app is an excellent tool for monitoring your account on the go. 

Although still in beta (as of August 2022), this functionality is an excellent asset for active traders. 

What Indicators are Available in R | Trader Pro? 

R | Trader Pro has about 100 pre-programmed indicators available, although savvy traders can create more independently. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, you aren’t allowed to import third-party charts. 

Basic charts with basic indicators are all R | Trader Pro offers, so more advanced traders with complex strategies may need more advanced platforms. 

R | Trader System Requirements

As with many platforms, the minimum hardware and network requirements aren’t set in stone because needs fluctuate with market conditions and what you’re trading. 

They recommend a Single Dual Core or more CPU, 4096MB RAM or greater, and High-Speed Cable or better. Besides the app’s monitoring functionality, the software only works on Windows machines. 

R | Trader Pricing

This might be the biggest draw to using R | Trader Pro – it’s free! 

While you won’t have to pay fees or licensing costs for the software, there is a catch – you will need to subscribe to Rithmic data services, as the platform doesn’t support others.

A Rithmic data subscription costs $25 monthly, and you’ll pay $0.10 per contract sent to your broker.

R | Trader Support

Unfortunately, Rithmic offers little support. They list a support phone number and email on their website, but some report that getting in touch with them is challenging, and no operating hours are listed. 

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They link to an external forum on their page, so if you need quick help from the community, it may be best to use this option first. 

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Rithmic doesn’t offer education or training services but links to other providers they work with. 

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Past Issues

The biggest problem R | Trader Pro users have is connecting to the service during the first login. Therefore Rithmic advises you to click the ECL button and email the text to customer support to solve the problem. 

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The forums are full of complaints of this nature, but since the root connectivity problem varies by user, it’s best to go directly to support login or connection problems. 

Conclusion

For newer traders or those with a simple strategy that doesn’t need a ton of indicators or advanced features, R | Trader Pro is a great option. Its simple user interface, default connection to Rithmic data services, and mobile app features are excellent for traders with such needs.

Those with advanced strategies or who want greater flexibility should consider other options because the limited indicators, the inability to import third-party indicators, and the lack of access to non-Rithmic data sources limit the platform.

Try it out before deciding, though – you can’t beat free! 

The post Rithmic’s R | Trader and R | Trader Pro – A Complete Guide appeared first on Earn2Trade Blog.

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