this is annoying... now if i want to trade with a quote that is not displayed by TWS, i have to either lock that quote and hope i get filled or route directly there for an extra 0.95 per contract, doubling the commission per trade... hey metooxx, can i call you up any time i lock the market to see if you want the trade?
BOO... Heard complaints from my friends. Told you it is possible that quote and execution are manipulated by agents. I am not saying it is happening. It is just very possible.
I noticed this last week that market depth window showed quotes and size that did not agree with quotes in SMART. I put all exchanges on the screen to see if it was possible to hit the best direct. Answer is yes but you're correct that it costs more. Also correct that it's BS. I'm glad you posted this because I was beginning to think there was something (else) in this game I didn't understand.
If you guys feel strongly about this then you should send your complaints to IB management. I did last week. The more they hear about it the better chance it gets fixed. Make sure you let them know that auto's are often available and not only do you not route there but you don't post the quote in the SMART quote.