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.

maxr

Good UK Futures Broker?

Recommended Posts

Can anyone suggest a good UK broker for FX futures? I'm based in UK, and looking primarily for fast execution and good service, with OK commission rates. I have TradeStation for charting.

 

Also, I'd appreciate advice on the current liquidity of CME FX futures other than the 6 major USD pairs. Does anyone have experience of RY(EURJPY), RP(EURGBP), and the two e-minis E7(EURUSD) and J7(JPYUSD)? I'll be trading low volume initially, mostly around the Europe/UK and USA morning sessions, on 15 or 60 min charts.

 

Thanks, Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think Interactive Brokers has accounts that you can hold/trade in the UK. That would be at least one to look at.

 

Personally I'd stay away from the minis in the CME FX futures - at least so far I haven't heard anyone saying there is good enough volumes there.

 

MMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

IB do allow you to have a pound denominated account. If you go with interactive brokers then you can also use their ecn forex. This is (IMO) as good a market as the futures market and has the benefit that you can trade mini-size with good liquidity (unlike the mini futures contracts).

 

The forex small size is 25,000 USD vs 125,000 USD for the full size futures contract and because it's and ECN you do actually get an honest forex market.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was going to suggest IB too. They have data centres in Europe, Asia, and N America too. Execution performance has not been an issue for me though I try and use resting (at the exchange) orders where ever possible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
IB do allow you to have a pound denominated account. If you go with interactive brokers then you can also use their ecn forex. This is (IMO) as good a market as the futures market and has the benefit that you can trade mini-size with good liquidity (unlike the mini futures contracts).

 

The forex small size is 25,000 USD vs 125,000 USD for the full size futures contract and because it's and ECN you do actually get an honest forex market.

 

Don't the small orders get routed differently? (IDEAL vs IDEALPRO).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's only "small" if it drops under 25k usd (or 17k gbp) .

 

The site warns that it can happen that part of your order might get picked off and a fragment filled on ideal (with resulting worse costs) but because people seem to work in multiples of the minimums it seems to be pretty rare.

 

I do recall it happening to me but it was about 6 months ago (as you can imagine it got the WTF reaction).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
It's only "small" if it drops under 25k usd (or 17k gbp) .

 

The site warns that it can happen that part of your order might get picked off and a fragment filled on ideal (with resulting worse costs) but because people seem to work in multiples of the minimums it seems to be pretty rare.

 

I do recall it happening to me but it was about 6 months ago (as you can imagine it got the WTF reaction).

 

Ahh OK - It is worth being aware of this as other DMA brokers may well treat trades under a unit differently. MBT/EFX used too for example.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for that info guys - sorry, I've been away for a while. Does IB give the full book 'level 2' style info on CME futures, or just 5 levels like TradeStation? Also, can you trade across all instruments with one IB account, or do you open separate accounts for FX, Futures, Stocks, etc?

 

I had an IB account at one time, but closed it because their UK tech support staff didn't know the answers to relatively simple questions - they were pleasant and helpful, but not much use. Has that changed?

 

Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not certain with IB and the full market depth as I personally don't use that.

 

However, yes, one account for me has been universal -in that one account I've traded at one time or another - options, stocks, german futures, US futures, forex spot, forex futures.

 

As for the phone support I'll be honest and say I haven't had a reason to call them in many, many years. I just go online and find what I need -- I would assume the support is so-so since it's not really set-up to hold your hand type broker. Just not sure why there would be much need to talk to them anyway.

 

MMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks for that info guys - sorry, I've been away for a while. Does IB give the full book 'level 2' style info on CME futures, or just 5 levels like TradeStation?

 

10 depth on each side.

 

Also, can you trade across all instruments with one IB account, or do you open separate accounts for FX, Futures, Stocks, etc?

...

Max

 

one account does it all...

multiple currency management,

multiple exchanges in multiple countries,

multiple products (margin, cash, portfolio, options, IRA, k, etc.,)

multiple dependent accounts (friends and family)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
...

I had an IB account at one time, but closed it because their UK tech support staff didn't know the answers to relatively simple questions - they were pleasant and helpful, but not much use. Has that changed?

 

Max

 

when 2 people are not communicating, one of them is clueless...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info on IB guys, that sounds good. I also just spoke to a long term professional stock trader who said he never has any problems with IB - and he trades the NASDAQ open every day on 1-2 minute charts.

 

Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I personally think IB does a great job with speed but would agree, a better front end which you can get from Ninja Trader that then connects to your Interactive Brokers is ideal. You can build in some easy trade management as well such as setting instant targets, stops, raising stops when it reaches xx level, scaling out, etc....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

dowjonestrader: sorry, don't get it - are you recommending a trading platform or a broker, and do you have a URL please?

 

MadMarketScientist - I've had IB recommended as a broker by several sources, for FX and Futures. You can trade anything from one funded account, unlike say TradeStation (where you need to apply separately for Stock Futures, and FX accounts, each with a truly gigantic form to fill). Their FX ECN sounds OK, but I found their interface messy when I demoed the platform.

 

I haven't yet taken the time to get to gripswith NinjaTrader - I'd use that just as a dealing platform, at least to start with, as I have TradeStation for analysis. Can you set up Ninja to e.g. put in an OCO order with one stop order and two profit target limits, raising the stop to breakeven as you take the first profit target? If so, will the IB futures and/or FX servers happily accept that order?

 

Thanks, Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
i think world most powerful broker -pro trader choice with 8 million contract traded evry week above many exchanges,,lolol index of /

safe and clear and...

 

Intractivebrokers platform is not good and speedy for day and scalp trading

 

dowjonestrader: Sorry, don't get it - are you recommending a trading platform or a broker, and do you have a url please?

 

Madmarketscientist - i've had ib recommended as a broker by several sources, for fx and futures. You can trade anything from one funded account, unlike say tradestation (where you need to apply separately for stock futures, and fx accounts, each with a truly gigantic form to fill). Their fx ecn sounds ok, but i found their interface messy when i demoed the platform.

 

I haven't yet taken the time to get to gripswith ninjatrader - i'd use that just as a dealing platform, at least to start with, as i have tradestation for analysis. Can you set up ninja to e.g. Put in an oco order with one stop order and two profit target limits, raising the stop to breakeven as you take the first profit target? If so, will the ib futures and/or fx servers happily accept that order?

 

Thanks, max

 

no my dear

 

thanks

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

    • Date: 21st February 2025.   European PMI Disappoint, Weighing on Euro Before German Elections   The Euro is the first currency to witness the volatility on this month’s PMI reports. The French, German and British PMI data have resulted in the Euro being the worst-performing currency of the European Session so far. However, will the Euro continue to decline throughout the day? European Purchasing Managers’ Indexes The French Purchasing Managers Index was the first European index to be made public. The release resulted in the Euro instantly declining 0.24%. The main concern from the French data was the Services PMI which fell from 48.2 to 44.5. Previously the market was expecting the data to remain more or less unchanged. The weak data triggered the decline which came to a halt after Germany’s PMI was released.     The German Manufacturing PMI read 0.5 points higher than previous expectations and the Services PMI was 0.2 points lower. The data from Germany was a relief for Euro investors and the price rose 0.12% higher. However, traders should note that the price of the EURUSD continues to remain 0.20% lower than yesterday’s close. The price of the EURUSD will now depend on the PMI data from the US. The value of the US Dollar will depend on its PMI release this afternoon and the Consumer Sentiment Index. Analysts expect both the US Services and Manufacturing PMI data to remain above the 50.00 level in the expansion zone. German Elections 2 Days Away Germany is set to hold a general election this Sunday, February 23rd, following the collapse of the coalition of social democrats, liberals, and greens. Given the country's highly proportional electoral system, German polls provide a strong indication of potential government formations post-election. The main concern for Germany is the AFD party who are Far-Right Nationalists. Currently, ahead in the polls are CDU (centre-right), and AFD (far right), followed by the SPD (centre-left). Traders should note that the results of the elections are likely to trigger strong volatility on Monday, but also influence volatility today. Economists may become further concerned if the far-right gains power for the first time due to uncertainty. If the government, similar to France, is unable to form a coalition, this would also be a concern for the Eurozone. Furthermore, the Euro this week is also under pressure from comments from members of the European Central Bank. ECB Governing Council member Fabio Panetta said to journalists that officials need not slow interest rate cuts, as January's 2.5% inflation is still expected to reach the 2.0% target this year. He also advised the European economy is weaker than previously expected. EURUSD - Technical Analysis and Indicators The EURUSD is trading above the 75-bar Exponential Moving Average and 100-bar Simple Moving Average on the 2-hour chart. However, the price is moving away from the key resistance level at 1.05058 indicating the price is losing momentum. The short-term volatility is indicating the price is retracing downwards. On the 5-minute timeframe, the price is trading below the 200-bar SMA and is also forming clear lower lows and highs. Simultaneously, the US Dollar Index is trading above the 200-bar SMA on the 5-minute chart confirming no current conflicts. Currently, the US Dollar is the best-performing currency of the day attempting to regain losses from the past 2 weeks. Watch today’s Live Analysis Session for more signals as they develop!   Key Takeaway Points: Weak French Services PMI triggered an initial Euro decline, but German PMI provide a slight relief. However, EURUSD remains lower than yesterday’s close. The Euro’s direction now depends on the US PMI reports, with analysts expecting US data to stay in expansion territory. Sunday's German election could drive volatility, especially if the far-right AFD gains power or if coalition formation proves difficult. ECB official Fabio Panetta suggested no need to slow rate cuts, citing weaker-than-expected economic performance and expected inflation decline. 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.
    • BE Bloom Energy stock, watch for a range breakout, target 34 area at https://stockconsultant.com/?BE
    • APLD Applied Digital stock. nice rally, watch for a top of range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?APLD
    • UAL United Airlines stock, watch for a narrow range breakout, target 122 area at https://stockconsultant.com/?UAL
    • WBD Warner Bros Discovery stock, watch for a range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?WBD
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

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