I like these order entry systems (in that order) 1. EasyScreen 2. FFastFill 3. IB TWS Commissions: I did not find any good rates for #1 and currently I use #3 which is fine for anything up to 200 or 400 roundturns per month ( depending on market/ product/ exchange fee).
Does anyone have an opinion as to how Tradestation stacks up (as a broker and the TS6 platform), compared to the others mentioned on this thread? I'm also currently using RealTick and Terra Nova, and I want 24 hour access. rah
Rah, I am not too sure how Tradestation stacks up for Futures execution myself, but (risking the possiblity of getting blasted for bashing the competition) I have been told that they are much higher in price than the quoted Brokers: IB, FFastTrade and Advanced Futures. I do know that Terra Nova is much higher than all of the brokers mentioned above. A client just moved his account over to us from Terra Nova and he told me that there is no comparison. IB, Advanced Futures and FFastTrade all offer 24 hour execution. They also all offer European markets as well. I hope that I sounded as unbiased as possible. FFastTrade is now a sponsor of ET and we offer very low rates, good customer service and fast execution for Liffe, Eurex, CBOT and CME. If you mention this thread when calling we will give you an extended trial of our Trainer. Riskless
I took a look at the websites for FastTrade and Advance Futures and the overall commissions are much better than Terra Nova, but are the prices for commissions and software packages complete? Do these trading platforms include the charting capabilities included with RealTick? I know TS6 is a complete charting package and has extensive backtesting capabilities, (which RealTick doesn't have), as well as the trade execution. If AF and FT don't include charting capabilities, then I would have to toss in the monthly cost of a seperate charting package and data feed. rah
Don't buy into the posts that say "had a hard time getting through to open an account" etc., etc. IB is great. If you have any REAL problems with them I would be surprised. I had a question ONCE regarding an execution problem...3 days later I was given a credit of $1,000 on commissions -- more than I was even claiming. When they are wrong they fix it. You have to know how to interface with them and then everything is perfect -- tech support, customer service, phone support all easy and free (800 numbers). Most things are easily resolved online. No need to make phone calls but I always get through with very minimum waits. Ever try dealing with Microsoft for support?
Rah, That is true about having to add the cost of Charting and other tools. AF and FT offer execution only along with good customer service. You will need to do the Math and compare the total cost before you make a decision. Your volume will be the deciding variable. Riskless
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12676&perpage=6&pagenumber=1 CDN, You and Def better get over to this thread real fast so that they get the facts straight!!! Riskless!
You can't go wrong with e-local. I am with them almost a year now and everything has been great. Their prices are almost as cheap as IB, and the customer service is outstanding. If you ever need to phoen trade to get in or out of a position fast, they are there for you. They pick up in 2 or 3 rings ALL THE TIME, you will never be on hold with one of the traders.... EVER. If you trade big positions and have a lot at rish like I do, being able to get out immediately is very important to me and I am willing to pay a bit more, even though I could get it for less at IB.