My recommendation was based on a need to extend IBKR's capabilities and minimizing costs with IBKR. In that case, you can find most of the recommended platforms under AMP and Deep Discount Trading. CGQ, Sierra , MC, XTrader...it's all good based on the simplicity of your workflow. As your trading repertoire and activity grows, you will have to more thoroughly evaluate the functionality that these various platforms provide. It's not only about being an effective trader but having the right platform for an efficient workflow.
By far. I can say no more. Watch out for NT8, though. It's got some major improvements. My guess is they are a month or 2 away from a mass release. Though not a tester, I watch their beta threads closely. There doesn't seem any showstoppers.
Okay, that's it. I'm convinced. I just need to make a decision then. It seems like Sierra is getting the most recommendations in this thread so far, but I always heard good things about CQG.
I know they advertise it as being free; but how is that so? My understanding is they charge an extra buck round turn PER CONTRACT traded for using X_Trader. How, exactly, is that free?
depends on your daily RTs but saves you paying the $1200 for TT (some brokers charge more , mine was $1800)
A lot of platforms have the transactional model in addition to a monthly fee. The only reason TTrader is offering this deal is that they want people to get familiar with XTrader before they sunset the product.