[ricky]

Hey guys,

New here. Found this site after searching on google to find out more about emini. Spent a few hours reading on here already.

Now I have been trading forex for about 2 years but would like to move into the work of trading the emini. I want to be able to trade it on a tick chart. Can anyone recommend a charting software which I can backtest my strategy (manual) and be able to demo trade until I feel I can get good at this? the cheaper the better. I tried ninja trader + zenfire but it doesn't go far back enough.

thanks in advance!

[brownsfan019]

Open ECry has a nice platform that includes data - however, there is not a ton of historical data provided. For live traders it is free - platform and data - so that is nice, but you may need more data than what is provided. You can plugin eSignal data into OEC as well for additional data. It'd be nice if OEC had an option to purchase more back data, but that is not available currently.

[WorldTrader]

I have found that Ninja Trader is good for backtesting and you can get a free demo for many months. Just google free ninja trader demo. There are many good brokers that will give you live data for free. I don't want to mention any of their names. I think they have good historical data. In addition, if you find a good broker, the often will give you a ninja license so you don't have to buy one, if you trade with them. I hope this helps.
I love trding the Eminis and like the NQ over the YM. It moves more and faster and they are both worth $5 a tick.

[cuttshot]

Ricky,

I use tradestation for all of my charting. There is a fee to use tradestation however once you start trading live the monthly fee can be waived if you place 10 trades per month. I am able to do this in the first couple days of the month. In my experience their charting platform is right up there with the best.

Along with tick charts you might want to take a look at range charts as well. I have just started using range over the past few months and really like how smooth they can be at times.

I would also agree with an earlier comment on trading the NQ over the YM. The NQ has been moving great lately. More volatility on this market and you still have your $5/tick. Take a look and let me know what you think. I have been able to get done in the first 30 minutes of the equity session just about every day over the past few weeks.

Cuttshot

[ricky]

hey guys thought i'd update.

i tried the open e cry system which is easy to use. unfortunately only about 2 days of historical data which just isn't good enough for me.

I then signed up for esignal and I absolutely hated it. infact I hated it so much I told them to cancel it within 8 hours of having it.

next comes tradestation. got it early last night. so far impressed. plenty of historical data.

tradestation is 250 for the platform + 10 for cbot emini charts. unfortuantely becuase I'm in canada and tradestation does not accept canadian clients I will have to continue to pay 260 a month. not a big deal as long as it gets the job done.

if you think about it whats 260 a month when one trade can make or lose you 1k+

[ricky]

well i tried esignal and absolutely hated it. i canceled it the same day I got it. cost was 125 + 15 for cbot emini.

i now have tradestation. so far I am liking it. cost is 250 for the platform + 10 for cbot emini. they don't accept canadian customers for brokerage so I will have to continue to pay 260 a month.

anyone have experience trading futures with optionsXpress?

[cuttshot]

I think you will find that the 260/month you pay for tradestation will be well worth it. If this is the extent of your expenses to run a business I would consider it very minimal. Like you said one winning trade will pay for this fee.

I have not used optionsXpress to trade futures. You might want to take a look at interactive brokers. They offer a universal account which might come in handy down the road as you consider different markets.

[ricky]

Originally Posted by cuttshot »

I think you will find that the 260/month you pay for tradestation will be well worth it. If this is the extent of your expenses to run a business I would consider it very minimal. Like you said one winning trade will pay for this fee.

I have not used optionsXpress to trade futures. You might want to take a look at interactive brokers. They offer a universal account which might come in handy down the road as you consider different markets.

thats exactly how I look at it. cost of running a business. i don't mind paying for a useful product.