I frequent problem I run into while trying to trade breaking news in a stock. The issue is the fact that with TWS in order to select a stock you have to click exactly in the symbol field before you can type it out which symbol you want. By the time I finish typing the symbol and then select "STOCK (SMART)" off the list of options, I lost precious seconds. Then after that I still have to choose the price and size. Trading programs like DasTrader allow you to type the symbol in the chart, which you can make as big as you want. This helps you tremendously because it prevents you from misclicking outside the tiny symbol fields and losing even more time. I would like to know if there is a way to create a gigantic symbol field, or to be able to type the symbol in the chart area instead of a tiny field. Also, is there a way to skip the drop down list that shows up and forces you to choose STOCK (SMART) every time? Java can be quite slow while dealing with that list
I noticed that the regular chart does accept keystrokes to change the symbol but the Integrated Stock Window doesn't, is there a way to make keystrokes trigger changes there?
If using watchlists, you can enable quick stock entry (and configure for NYSE and NASDAQ) then you will not have to choose STOCK(SMART) every time. If you are using the newer versions of TWS, you can also use the shortcut key (can't remember if its shift or ctrl enter) after you type in the symbol to skip choosing SMART as well