The disadvantage of the retail trader

Discussion in 'Trading Software' started by B.Willis, Aug 27, 2007.

  1. I would think that not being concerned about hardware and software, and focusing on the "what you're doing" with your trading style/tactic/plan, etc. would be a better use of brain power. Finding good working strategies, whether executed manually or algorythmic, is primary to becoming a successful trader. Get proficient with some aspect of trading a good strategy, and then add some automation to expand your proifts.

    FWIW,

    Don
     
    #21     Aug 27, 2007
  2. B.Willis

    B.Willis

    Regarding Trading Software, this would be a great!

    As Don Bright says below:
    "....focusing on the "what you're doing" with your trading style/tactic/plan, etc. would be a better use of brain power."
     
    #22     Aug 27, 2007
  3. maxpi

    maxpi

    there are several environments that a retail trader can program in C# that will do complex things, NinjaTrader, NeoTicker probably, OpenQuant which is particularly inexpensive.. I envision retail traders starting to absolutely run circles around institutional "teams"...

    Don is right of course, they will first have to learn to trade really well, the software is a tool and anybody that ever used tools knows it takes more than a toolbox full of tools to get some work done.
     
    #23     Aug 27, 2007
  4. B.Willis

    B.Willis

    The initial question was which software uses of the enormous hardware power available today and enables the small guy to backtest and scan large amounts of data.

    The suggestions so far:
    - Neoticker
    - NinjaTrader
    - OpenQuant

    Any other software?
     
    #24     Aug 27, 2007
  5. The "big boys" as you call them have deep enough pockets to overcome stupid trades. Most retailers don't. In most cases the software one uses is a non issue. Unless, of course, you're looking to scalp a tick or two at a time. Then, technology matters. More often than not, the more software you're using will cause you to over think the trade.
     
    #25     Aug 27, 2007
  6. Bob111

    Bob111

    What difference does it make, if you are in total denial to learn any programming and saying discretionary trading is only way to go?
    i just don't get it the whole thing..
    those are your words aren’t they?-


    excel can do pretty much everything with VBA in it.wealth -lab,amibroker-there is plenty....
    what examples you are talking about?
    i have friend, who is 60+ years old. on my own eyes, without any programming,here develops system to short certain stocks, if his conditions are meet. all calculations(basic math) are done in excel, using just his observations of current market. then the guy just double his account within next 6 months.
     
    #26     Aug 27, 2007
  7. bighog

    bighog Guest

    Programming is NOT the answer. Come on lets get a dose of reality in your quest to play a game of probability. If the answer was in software etc this game would be over long ago.

    The best computer is between your ears...........forget the excuses, learn to trade. get your edge honed to a tee and practice solid money management (read use STOPS). The idea that the answer is anything but reading the charts as someone else has said is a false hope. There is no perfection in trading, especially daytrading.

    Anyone that thinks they can be a trader and NOT have the usual fair share of losses is a pipedream. get it in the head that trading is more about controlling losers than making profits. Solid edge in entry and THEN managing the trade is all one needs to learn. is it going to come easy? Hell no, just deal with it.

    HOG OUT!!!!

    PS, there is always Jack Hershey and the space cadets. ... :p
     
    #27     Aug 27, 2007
  8. "learning how to program" is not a hobby.

    It's a professional discipline.

    It takes several years of university level education...
    And AT LEAST 2-3 years of full time work experience = 5,000 hours...
    Before a software engineer is worth anything at all.

    The notion that hobbyists can develop worthwhile real-time trading systems...
    Is completely CRAZY.
     
    #28     Aug 27, 2007
  9. Bob111

    Bob111

    bs
     
    #29     Aug 27, 2007
  10. MGJ

    MGJ

    The notion that hobbyists can develop worthwhile real-time trading infrastructure might be silly, but they can certainly develop real-time trading systems quite nicely, right now. Today. Infrastructure is a well developed service business and anyone can obtain excellent quality for the straightforward exchange of mere money. Even mafiosi from Vladivostok who lack a Stanford Ph.D in Comp Sci, can buy good quality real-time trading infrastructure.
     
    #30     Aug 27, 2007