Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

cuttshot

Trade Monster?

Recommended Posts

Anyone have any experience with Trade Monster as an options broker? I have been with thinkorswim for a long time but have been hearing more and more about Trade Monster. With TOS being bought out by TDAmeritrade I'm looking into backup plans in case things do change with the TOS platform.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm in the process of opening a small account to test it out. Will post any thoughts as soon as I get some time to play around with the platform.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's either they have one of worst customer services I have ever come across in my 15 years of dealing with brokers or it could be they don't apply the same rules to everyone.

 

I have been with Optionsxpress for over 10 years with no problems but I saw the Trademonster platform which I thought was quite impressive.I have also considered TOS but they put on their website they do not open account for a non-US residents.I am a British Citizen.

 

I contacted Trademonster to confirm that they open account for non-US resident.I was informed they do and was actually sent all the required forms.Towards the end of December I faxed the forms to them and waited over a week without no word.

 

I contacted them to ask what was going on,only for them to tell me that some of the forms didn't come out OK at their end.I would have expected them to have contacted me and let me so that I could act on it.

 

Anyway I got back to them to let them know I will be buying a new printer in the next few weeks and that I will scan the forms and email it to them which would be better than faxing.

 

About 3 weeks later or so I contacted Trademonster by email and phone to confirm if they still have the OK documents or they wanted me to start the process over again. I was told they still have the document but they require the additional documents for the process to be completed.

 

I scanned the documents and email it them. One week later no word. I contacted them and was told they did not received the document. I find that quite puzzling and said no problem I will send it again.The following day I called Trademonster and was told they did not received the forms again on my send attempt.

 

What is the problem? Is the file too large? I send the file from my AOL account to my Gmail account without any problem.I send an email letting them know I was going to try one last time.

 

On 15 February 2011, I received an email from Trademonster that they have now received all the required documents.That was nearly 3 weeks ago.I have been told the process should only take 7 days. I have sent 2 emails to confirm the status and to let them know what I think of their customer services,but they have totally ignored me.

 

As of today they still have my sensitive documents but no word whatsoever of what is going on. Are they for real?

 

They have done a great job with their platform but maybe now they should concentrate more on Customer Services, but then again maybe it is just personal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Mark. I didn't have any issues with them when opening my account. I guess you hear these types of stories about every broker out there. It's hard to find the perfect broker. So far I prefer the TOS platform. It's not that Trademonster is bad but probably more what I comfortable with. Hopefully you get things worked out with them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Moving from ToS I think you'll be disappointed with everything but the commissions.

 

The first 2 months I had an account there I would randomly be unable to enter new positions with errors insufficient margin. I called in and both times they claimed something about "backend pairings" being messed up, and fixed the problem after about 15 minutes on the phone.

 

I trade Iron condors and their margin system sucks if you wind up with overlapped spreads. Ex. if you trade 2 point spreads, but on a subsequent position you overlap two 2 point spreads into a 4 point spread they don't pair it off correctly with the opposing two 2 point spreads on opposing side calls or puts so it ends up taking 2x as much margin as I ever needed at ToS.

 

I called in to complain about it and it was like talking to a brick wall, the person could not wrap their head around the concept of equivalent positions and how the 4 point spread on one side presented an equal risk as two 2 point spreads. And that the 4 point spread was really the same as two 2 point spreads where the long options of one spread has the same strike as the short options of the 2nd spread. I didn't get anywhere, so just note that in some cases you need to have double margin there.

 

Also their executions suck, I've had a working order at TM sitting there, entered the exact same order at ToS after that and been filled at ToS, but never filled at TM. As an experiment one time I actually got filled at .01 better than my working order at TM on an order entered later at ToS, that time the TM order did eventually fill. All fill experiments were done with 2nd month SPY Iron Condors of 14-18 lots. So my general feeling is the lower commissions probably get eaten up with worse fills for the most part.

 

So long story short. I wouldn't recommend them, hopefully TDAmeritrade doesn't ruin ToS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dan,

 

Thanks for the response. The trading I have done with TM has been with basic directional strategies (calls/puts and verticals). I will keep your experience in mind. For the time being I am sticking with TOS. The commissions might be higher but I think they make up for it with the free platform and all the tools they make available. Not to mention their support has always been really good for me.

 

Cuttshot

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been trading on TM for about a year now and absolutely love it. I've heard many complaints about TM's customer service, but I've never had any issues when contacting them. I really enjoy the tools that they provide, the fact that their platform is very user friendly and not cluttered, and their commissions are great. My only complaint is that their charting need a bit of improvement. Not that it's bad, but it could use a little work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been using TradeMonster for a couple of years and have had really good experience with them. None of the problems cited above have happened with me. I'm actually surprised how often I get price improvement on equity trades. Their option spread trading tools are the best. I also have accounts at TOS and IB and I prefer TM to both of them for equity and option trading.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.