I have read the help files but am still confused about how to set up the IB hotkeys. Can I set up the f1 key to buy me a one lot in the dax futures at market or is it not that flexible? Any tips greatly appreciated.
yes, go to configure hotkeys. then set up a buy and choose the key. then hi-lite it, choose configure, then click on the customize tab. From there you have many options including a default size, the ability to xmit instantly, trailing stops, etc.
You mean the symbol for the DAX? You do not need to do that. Highlight the market data line for the FDAX and press your hot-key. If you have chosen to configure the hot-key with some safety buffer, for example, buy the ask+0.5, this buffer is specific to the product you want to trade. So your hot-key may be specific to the FDAX and not be usable for, e.g., the Bund. There is another option under "configure"-> Order settings-"Fut" which seems to allow to specify option for special futures, but I did never use that. Regards Bernd Kuerbs