Do you know a broker where I can use a Mac which runs OS X, or Unix, or Linux and write my own automated trading system? I am thinking of Java, C++, C, or really whatever language interfaces with the API provided for these operating systems. Also I am focused on Forex Mini accounts say $2,000 to start (the brokers I have seen range from $200 to $500 to open a mini) and 200:1 margin. Also I would prefer a free API, but please post non-free API's as well. Oanda comes to mind.
Thanks, but from what I understand, http://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/accounts/fees/commissionForex.php?ib_entity=llc IB wants $25,000 for a trading account? I didn't see a mini. I want to see what I can do with $2,000. I don't yet have $25,000 to risk. "IB offers two types of forex, IDEALPRO for forex traders of over $25,000 USD or equivalent, and IDEAL for currency conversions under $25,000." Okay, now I'm seeing the "Account Minimum Deposits" with restrictions for Day Traders. http://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/accounts/fees/minimumDeposits.php?ib_entity=llc Do you think the Day Trade restriction is to protect me or to screw me? And is the margin 50:1 which I understand to be $2,000 minimum per trade ($100K lot size)? I'm not trying to test my entry to this market with the results of 1 $2,000 trade. I was thinking more about 200:1 leverage for a $10K lot size in a $2,000 account. $50 per trade.
I just want to correct your numbers a bit. $25,000 USD is a minimal lot size on IDEALPRO. 50:1 leverage means $500 per trade. $5,000 USD is a minimum to open an account. Day trade minimum is unrelated to FX trading.
http://fxtrade.oanda.com/fxtrade/api/index.shtml Oanda as you said for the lot sizes and margin ratios you want.
Thanks ids. giles117, Yes I know about Oanda. Thanks. When I know my live system can cover the cost of the API and if there are any other fees, then I will consider them. I'm still in demo mode.