Broker, Charting Software, for Demo Trading

[mikew 10]

I want to start learning how to trade commodity futures and/or forex currencies. I have a friend who uses Interactive Brokers, so I was planning on using the same brokerage software. For charts, he uses eSignal, which seems very expensive for me to start.

 

Basically I just want to look over historical charts and start trying out fake paper trades using the past data. Ideally i'd be able to fast forward through these old charts so I can go through them quicker.

 

I'd like some recommendations on broker/chart combos that are cheap since all I want to do is test right now. Thanks in advance

[BlowFish 10]

Ninja trader with AMP or Mirus. Free for paper/demo trading.

[WorldTrader 10]

BlowFish or anyone. I like Ninja and AMP Futures, but with these new rules they have cut out Free Forex feed from Gain. So, here is my question. How can I get a Free Forex Data feed now and what platform other than MT4. I would like it to be Ninja or maybe Esignal. Thanks

BW

[mikew 10]

So AMP will provide information for futures? Can you give me a link for AMP?

 

And also what WorldTrader said, how can I get Forex data?

[BlowFish 10]

You can get the futures from AMP/Mirus. Not sure of any free sources apart from the plethora of FX bucket shop which are predominantly MT4 (or proprietary platforms).

[MadMarketScientist 11]

Does anyone then know using Ninja and one of their compatible forex brokers what the smallest/minimum account size that would have to be opened in order to get the streaming data?

 

It's easy on the Metatrader side with a plethora of free options - and that's an alternative for sure -- but with Gain not providing that free feed any other options that would possible just require a very small funded account somewhere?

 

MMS

[Justaguy 10]

Does anyone then know using Ninja and one of their compatible forex brokers what the smallest/minimum account size that would have to be opened in order to get the streaming data?

 

It's easy on the Metatrader side with a plethora of free options - and that's an alternative for sure -- but with Gain not providing that free feed any other options that would possible just require a very small funded account somewhere?

 

MMS

 

PFGBEST. I believe they want $1000.00 to open for Ninja. That may be too rich.

They did have a system where you could extend your demo for 35 per month.....basically 35 for the data. They grandfathered in those that were doing it and have canceled new traders which is a shame. I was one of the fortunate ones.

[drm7 10]

Open Ecry has a pretty good demo platform. They have their own feed, so you can review past charts (to some limit.)

[cuttshot 11]

Mike,

 

You could look into thinkorswim as a broker. They aren't going to be the cheapest option to trade with on the commission side of things but you do get free charting and a host of useful tools on the platform for no charge.

 

They also have a tool called on demand which allows you to go back in time to any day that you wish and replay the session. This allows you to place and manage trades with a real time feel instead of just scrolling through the charts at your own pace.

 

Their active trading tools have come a long way. They now offer a price ladder similar to what you would find on Tradestation or Ninjatrader. This allows you to place trades very quickly.

 

I could go on and on about tools that are available on their platform. Might be worth a look.

 

...oh and you are able to trade stocks, options, futures, forex with them.

[MadMarketScientist 11]

I sometimes forget about Think or Swim as an option since they have come so far, and feels like out of nowhere in recent years. With the addition of forex there you do get some of the benefits that IB always seemed to have over everyone - forex, futures, stocks, options.

 

Also, whenever I'm at a tradeshow I will say that the most rabid following and biggest crowd of people always seems to be at the TOS booth. People simply like them. Which says a lot for a broker.

 

MMS

[srberry1 10]

Forex Tester 2 lets you practice trade on free historical data by playing it back bar by bar. The best way to test your forex strategies that I know of.