Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

torero

Ensign with FXCM data feed

Recommended Posts

Does anyone have experience he/she can share on using this software with forex data feed? I'm in the middle of finding a second source of data feed and charting in case TS goes down. Or if you have experience with Ensign only, please provide feedback as well. Much appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Does anyone have experience he/she can share on using this software with forex data feed? I'm in the middle of finding a second source of data feed and charting in case TS goes down. Or if you have experience with Ensign only, please provide feedback as well. Much appreciated.

 

Hi Torero,

 

Why don't you try this link, it is from prorealtime.com and it's very reliable,free and a good backup datafeed in case the main one fails.

 

http://www.cbfx.com/charts/itfinance.asp

 

I have been using this for the last 2 years.

 

Regards

 

Szymon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Does anyone have experience he/she can share on using this software with forex data feed? I'm in the middle of finding a second source of data feed and charting in case TS goes down. Or if you have experience with Ensign only, please provide feedback as well. Much appreciated.

 

Ensign with the FXCM data feed works fine. Smooth with good historical data. All currencies crosses I can think of are available. All chart types are available. I.e. Range bars, Volume bars, Time charts, Tick Charts.

 

I have used Ensign for a few years now. I have a friend who has used it for over 10 years. I am not affiliated with them nor know the creators personally.

 

Howard (the creator) is a great guy, and available to answer emails and the phone.

 

It is VERY rare to be able to contact the programmer of your software when you have a problem on the phone.

 

These guys are the real deal. Updates every day, regular tutorials in the chat sessions, very flexible programming language (the "DYO" and ESPL language) and very low CPU usage, interfaces with a wide range of data feeds.

 

I have used both Esignal and CQG. Without doubt, Ensign IS more powerful than both of them.

 

I have workspaces with 20 + symbols (charts), custom studies, etc. If you are after sophisticated and flexible charting, then it's Ensign.

 

If you have specific questions feel free to send me a PM.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sure thanks for the detailed feedback. I had just signed up last week and so far, I'm very positive. I haven't used extensively just yet, just setting up things I had on TS. But so far I've noticed the feed is actually more accurate than TS, despite it being from FXCM. As a data feed it's very good as a broker, it's another nasty story.

 

I shopped around looking for tick charts, it came down to RT Investor and Ensign. I ruled out eSignal because they are expensive when I only wanted forex quotes (it's premium). Ensign price was reasonable and support is actually very good, has its own chat room for support. RT Investor was a bit complicated with their data feed partners.

 

In the end, I got it down to $39/month vs. $99/month, can't beat that when everything I need is the same from both. I plan to get some of the codes I did on TS and recode them into Ensign. The best part is the videos to get to know the software instead of manuals of text. Great idea!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Looks like I might staying with this platform after all. FXCM has volume on forex similar to eSignal. Double-checked with PP's charts and seems the same! Cool!

 

Just a heads up with Ensign, I believe for FXCM data it plots the mid point between bid and ask on the chart. It seems most software does it differently.

 

With the volume, remember that it's the change in ticks, not "real" forex volume. I don't know of any retail brokers who have real (reliable) volume for the forex markets.

 

SMW

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Torero;

 

I am a big fan of this software. I love to go to dacharts and see all the charts posted by Ensign users. Most of them have too much stuff on them for my tastes (indicators) but they are cool to look at. I like MetaStock because the programming language is so easy. I would rather learn how to trade than learn how to program software. Let me know what think about the programming features the software has.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I double-checked the volume, it's almost exactly as PP's eSignal. Also, I saw the change in the tick, volume jumps 10 to 20 then 5 to whatever on each of the tick change so might be different than what I imagine. Also, I checked the last price, it's about 1-2 pips off from MBTrading quotes, much better than what I see with TS quotes, freaking 3-4 off (Gain Capital feed I believe).

 

PP, I don't plan on doing too much programming, just enough to port over some codes I have from TS to Ensign. I trade with bare essentials but they are simple codes anyway. So far, I'm happy with Ensign.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I double-checked the volume, it's almost exactly as PP's eSignal. Also, I saw the change in the tick, volume jumps 10 to 20 then 5 to whatever on each of the tick change so might be different than what I imagine. Also, I checked the last price, it's about 1-2 pips off from MBTrading quotes, much better than what I see with TS quotes, freaking 3-4 off (Gain Capital feed I believe).

 

There is NO volume for forex since it's not traded on an exchange. Even the volume of the forex futures that are traded on the CME is irrelevant since you don't get all the volume, just the volume traded in the futures, which is a very small portion of overall forex volume.

 

Don't get me even started with FXCM:crap:

No professional trader would trade spot forex through any of these retail brokers, including MBTrading, which is the best of those (FXCM is the worst, btw). If you really want to trade forex, trade the forex futures, unless you won't to get fucked by your broker.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
There is NO volume for forex since it's not traded on an exchange. Even the volume of the forex futures that are traded on the CME is irrelevant since you don't get all the volume, just the volume traded in the futures, which is a very small portion of overall forex volume.

 

Actually, you are able to obtain spot/forward FX volume. The reality is it's irrelevant for the majority of traders, let alone retail traders.

 

EBS (who is now owned by ICAP) is the dominant force for the major currency pairs, followed by Reuters D2.

 

There are always big numbers thrown around with regards to FX liquidity, however anyone who actually TRADES the spot will tell you their is a big difference between total liquidity and accessible liquidity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have used Ensign for several years now, and have been relying on the FXCM as my data source for Ensign charting for perhaps six months. In general, the combination is very stable and reliable (and if you're already plunking down $40/month for Ensign, it's free!), but you should be aware of a few anomalies in terms of data availability.

 

Obviously, this data is made available on FXCM's schedule, which it turns out is different (and slightly more limited) than the data provided from other sources. For example, FXCM data cuts off at 4:00 pm EST on Fridays, compared to a market close of 5:00 pm on the FX futures markets and some other spot FX brokers such as OANDA. The data flow only resumes at 12:01 am EST Monday morning, compared to 6:00 pm Sunday night for futures and as early as 1:00 pm Sunday afternoon for OANDA (just two other sources I have experience with).

 

On major holidays (I noticed this over Christmas and New Year's, but there may be other examples as well), FXCM will stop its data feed altogether, so unless you have alternatives, you're forced to take the day off too. That may not always be a bad thing, but it's nice to have alternatives.

 

Obviously, these quirks are going to leave you with some "gaps" in your data. If you trade on the basis of price action and pay attention to support and resistance areas, this means that you'll have a few blind spots. You can compensate for these blind spots, of course, by referring to other data sources, but that data will remain outside of the charting package.

 

Just a couple of things to consider if you are evaluating this combination. These limitations may not affect your style of trading at all. Personally, I consider all this to be a disadvantage, but again, if you are using Ensign and like that charting package, you can't beat the price of FXCM as a data source.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Cowboy, I've noticed the feed was quite reliable in high volatility period (last NFP and interest rate news). Please don't take as FXCM brokerage package, quotes and feeds only (I placed a rating for these guys on another part of the forum). I have a second feed as back just in case, but FXCM seems more reliable so far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
There is NO volume for forex since it's not traded on an exchange. Even the volume of the forex futures that are traded on the CME is irrelevant since you don't get all the volume, just the volume traded in the futures, which is a very small portion of overall forex volume.

 

Don't get me even started with FXCM:crap:

No professional trader would trade spot forex through any of these retail brokers, including MBTrading, which is the best of those (FXCM is the worst, btw). If you really want to trade forex, trade the forex futures, unless you won't to get fucked by your broker.

 

I thought MB gave direct access to most of the interbank networks and you just pay a regular commission?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's true, they make money from commissions and not from spread rigging. I think he AgeKay meant the professionals go for institutional category platforms. There are beginning to have some decent retail forex brokers out there. I think exchange-based traders are still uncomfortable with trading forex markets.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • PTCT PTC Therapeutics stock watch, trending with a pull back to 45.17 support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?PTCT
    • APPS Digital Turbine stock, nice rally off the 1.47 triple+ support area, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?APPS
    • Date: 20th December 2024.   BOE Sees More Support For Rate Cuts As USD Strengthens!   The US Dollar continues to rise in value after obtaining further support from positive economic and employment data. However, the hawkish Federal Reserve continues to support the currency. On the other hand, the Great British Pound comes under significant strain. Why is the GBPUSD declining? GBPUSD - Why is the GBPUSD Declining? The GBPUSD is witnessing bullish price movement for three primary reasons. The first is the Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy, the second is the positive US news releases from yesterday and the third is the votes from the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.     Even though the Bank of England chose to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.75%, the number of votes to cut indicates dovishness in the upcoming months. Previously, traders were expecting the BoE to remain cautious due to inflation rising to 2.6% and positive employment data. In addition to this, the Retail Sales data from earlier this morning only rose 0.2%, lower than expectations adding pressure to GBP. Investors also should note that the two currencies did not conflict and price action was driven by both an increasing USD and a declining GBP. The US Dollar rose in value against all currencies, except for the Swiss Franc, against which it saw a slight decline. The GBP fell against all currencies, except for the GBPJPY, which ended higher solely due to earlier gains. US Monetary Policy and Macroeconomics The bullish price movement seen within the US Dollar Index continues to partially be due to its hawkish monetary policy. Particularly, indications from Jerome Powell that the Fed will only cut on two occasions and the first cut will take place in May. However, in addition to this the economic data from yesterday continues to illustrate a resilient and growing economy. This also supports the Fed’s approach to monetary policy and its efforts to push inflation back to the 2% target. The US GDP rose 3.1% over the past quarter beating expectations of 2.8%. The GDP rate of 3.1% is also higher than the first two quarters of 2024 (1.4% & 3.0%). In addition to this, the US Weekly Unemployment Claims fell from 242,000 to 220,000 and existing home sales rose to 4.15 million. Home sales in the latest month rose to an 8-month high. For this reason, the US Dollar rose in value against most currencies throughout the day. Analysts believe the US Dollar will continue to perform well due to less frequent rate cuts and tariffs. The US Dollar Index trades 1.65% higher this week. Bank of England Sees Increased Support for Rate Cuts! The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged as per market’s previous expectations. The decision is determined by a committee of nine members and at least five of them must vote for a cut for the central bank to proceed. Analysts anticipated only two members voting for a cut, but three did. This signals a dovish tone and increases the likelihood of earlier rate cuts in 2025. The three members that voted for a rate cut were Dave Ramsden, Swati Dhingra, and Alan Taylor. Advocates for lower rates believe the current policy is too restrictive and risks pushing inflation well below the 2.0% target in the medium term. Meanwhile, supporters of keeping the current monetary policy argue that it's unclear if rising business costs will increase consumer prices, reduce jobs, or slow wage growth. However, if markets continue to expect a more dovish Bank of England in 2025, the GBP could come under further pressure. In 2024, the GBP was the best performing currency after the US Dollar and outperformed the Euro, Yen and Swiss Franc. This was due to the Bank of England’s reluctance to adjust rates at a similar pace to other central banks. GBPUSD - Technical Analysis In terms of the price of the exchange, most analysts believe the GBPUSD will continue to decline so long as the Federal Reserve retains their hawkish tone. The exchange rate continues to form lower swing lows and lower highs. The price trades below most moving averages on the 2-hour timeframe and below the neutral level on oscillators. On the 5-minute timeframe, the price moves back towards the 200-bar SMA, but sell signals may materialise if the price falls back below 1.24894.     Key Takeaways: The US Dollar increases in value for a third consecutive day and increases its monthly rise to 2.32%. The US Dollar Index was the best performing currency of Thursday’s session, along with the Swiss Franc. US Gross Domestic Product rises to 3.1% beating economist’s expectations of 2.8%. US Weekly Unemployment Claims read 220,000, 22,000 less than the previous week and lower than expectations. The NASDAQ declines further and trades 5.00% lower than the previous lows. The GBPUSD ends the day 0.56% lower and falls more than 1% after the Bank of England’s rate decision. Three Members of the BoE vote to cut interest rates. The GBP was the worst performing currency of the day along with the Japanese Yen. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Date: 19th December 2024.   Federal Reserve Sparks NASDAQ’s Sharpest Selloff of 2024!   The NASDAQ fell more than 3.60% after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, but gave hawkish comments. The stock market saw its largest decline witnessed in 2024 so far, as investors opted to cash in profits and not risk in the short-medium term. What did Chairman Powell reveal, and how does it impact the NASDAQ? The NASDAQ Falls To December Lows After Fed Guidance! The NASDAQ and US stock market in general saw a considerable decline after the press conference of the Federal Reserve. The USA100 ended the day 3.60% lower and saw only 1 of its 100 stocks avoid a decline. Of the most influential stocks the worst performers were Tesla (-8.28%), Broadcom (-6.91%) and Amazon (-4.60%).     When monitoring the broader stock market, similar conditions are seen confirming the investor sentiment is significantly lower and not solely related to the tech industry. The worst performing sectors are the housing and banking sectors. However, investors should also note that the decline was partially due to a build-up of profits over the past months. As a result, investors could easily sell and reduce exposure to cash in profits and lower their risk appetite. Analysts note that despite the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, the Chairman provided a positive outlook. He highlighted optimism for the economy and the employment sector. Therefore, many analysts continue to believe that investors will buy the dip, even if it’s not imminent. A Hawkish Federal Reserve And Powell’s Guidance Even though traditional economics suggests a rate cut benefits the stock market, the market had already priced in the cut. As a result, the rate cut could no longer influence prices. Investors are now focusing on how the Federal Reserve plans to cut in 2025. This is what triggered the selloff and the decline. Investors were looking for indications of 3-4 rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025 and for the first cut to be in March. However, analysts advise that the forward guidance by the Chairman, Jerome Powell, clearly indicates 2 rate adjustments. In addition to this, analysts believe the Fed will now cut next in May 2025. The average expectation now is that the Federal Reserve will cut 0.25% on two occasions in 2025. The Fed also advised that it is too early to know the effect of tariffs and “when the path is uncertain, you go slower”. This added to the hawkish tone of the central bank. However, surveys indicate that 15% of analysts believe the Federal Reserve will be forced into cutting rates at a faster pace. As a result, the US Dollar Index rose 1.25% and Bond Yields to a 7-month high. For investors, this makes other investment categories more attractive and stocks more expensive for foreign investors. However, the average decline the NASDAQ has seen before investors buy the dip is 13% ($19,320). This will also be a key level for investors if the NASDAQ continues to decline. NASDAQ - Technical Analysis Due to the bearish volatility, the price of the NASDAQ is trading below all major Moving Averages and Oscillators on the 2-Hour chart. After retracement the oscillators are no longer indicating an oversold price and continue to point to a bearish bias. Sell indications are likely to strengthen if the price declines below $21,222.60 in the short-term.       Key Takeaways: A hawkish Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% and indicates only 2 rate cuts in 2025! The stock market witnesses its worst day of 2024 due to the Fed’s hawkish forward guidance. Economists do not expect a rate cut before May 2025. Housing and bank stocks fell more than 4%. Investors are cashing in their gains and not looking to risk while the Fed is unlikely to cut again until May 2025. The US Dollar Index rises close to its highest level since November 2022. US Bond Yields also rise to their highest since May 2024. The NASDAQ’s average decline in 2024 before investors opt to purchase the dip is 13%. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • SNAP stock at 11.38 support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?SNAP
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.