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.

maxr

Good UK Futures Broker?

Recommended Posts

Can anyone suggest a good UK broker for FX futures? I'm based in UK, and looking primarily for fast execution and good service, with OK commission rates. I have TradeStation for charting.

 

Also, I'd appreciate advice on the current liquidity of CME FX futures other than the 6 major USD pairs. Does anyone have experience of RY(EURJPY), RP(EURGBP), and the two e-minis E7(EURUSD) and J7(JPYUSD)? I'll be trading low volume initially, mostly around the Europe/UK and USA morning sessions, on 15 or 60 min charts.

 

Thanks, Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think Interactive Brokers has accounts that you can hold/trade in the UK. That would be at least one to look at.

 

Personally I'd stay away from the minis in the CME FX futures - at least so far I haven't heard anyone saying there is good enough volumes there.

 

MMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

IB do allow you to have a pound denominated account. If you go with interactive brokers then you can also use their ecn forex. This is (IMO) as good a market as the futures market and has the benefit that you can trade mini-size with good liquidity (unlike the mini futures contracts).

 

The forex small size is 25,000 USD vs 125,000 USD for the full size futures contract and because it's and ECN you do actually get an honest forex market.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was going to suggest IB too. They have data centres in Europe, Asia, and N America too. Execution performance has not been an issue for me though I try and use resting (at the exchange) orders where ever possible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
IB do allow you to have a pound denominated account. If you go with interactive brokers then you can also use their ecn forex. This is (IMO) as good a market as the futures market and has the benefit that you can trade mini-size with good liquidity (unlike the mini futures contracts).

 

The forex small size is 25,000 USD vs 125,000 USD for the full size futures contract and because it's and ECN you do actually get an honest forex market.

 

Don't the small orders get routed differently? (IDEAL vs IDEALPRO).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's only "small" if it drops under 25k usd (or 17k gbp) .

 

The site warns that it can happen that part of your order might get picked off and a fragment filled on ideal (with resulting worse costs) but because people seem to work in multiples of the minimums it seems to be pretty rare.

 

I do recall it happening to me but it was about 6 months ago (as you can imagine it got the WTF reaction).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
It's only "small" if it drops under 25k usd (or 17k gbp) .

 

The site warns that it can happen that part of your order might get picked off and a fragment filled on ideal (with resulting worse costs) but because people seem to work in multiples of the minimums it seems to be pretty rare.

 

I do recall it happening to me but it was about 6 months ago (as you can imagine it got the WTF reaction).

 

Ahh OK - It is worth being aware of this as other DMA brokers may well treat trades under a unit differently. MBT/EFX used too for example.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for that info guys - sorry, I've been away for a while. Does IB give the full book 'level 2' style info on CME futures, or just 5 levels like TradeStation? Also, can you trade across all instruments with one IB account, or do you open separate accounts for FX, Futures, Stocks, etc?

 

I had an IB account at one time, but closed it because their UK tech support staff didn't know the answers to relatively simple questions - they were pleasant and helpful, but not much use. Has that changed?

 

Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not certain with IB and the full market depth as I personally don't use that.

 

However, yes, one account for me has been universal -in that one account I've traded at one time or another - options, stocks, german futures, US futures, forex spot, forex futures.

 

As for the phone support I'll be honest and say I haven't had a reason to call them in many, many years. I just go online and find what I need -- I would assume the support is so-so since it's not really set-up to hold your hand type broker. Just not sure why there would be much need to talk to them anyway.

 

MMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks for that info guys - sorry, I've been away for a while. Does IB give the full book 'level 2' style info on CME futures, or just 5 levels like TradeStation?

 

10 depth on each side.

 

Also, can you trade across all instruments with one IB account, or do you open separate accounts for FX, Futures, Stocks, etc?

...

Max

 

one account does it all...

multiple currency management,

multiple exchanges in multiple countries,

multiple products (margin, cash, portfolio, options, IRA, k, etc.,)

multiple dependent accounts (friends and family)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
...

I had an IB account at one time, but closed it because their UK tech support staff didn't know the answers to relatively simple questions - they were pleasant and helpful, but not much use. Has that changed?

 

Max

 

when 2 people are not communicating, one of them is clueless...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info on IB guys, that sounds good. I also just spoke to a long term professional stock trader who said he never has any problems with IB - and he trades the NASDAQ open every day on 1-2 minute charts.

 

Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I personally think IB does a great job with speed but would agree, a better front end which you can get from Ninja Trader that then connects to your Interactive Brokers is ideal. You can build in some easy trade management as well such as setting instant targets, stops, raising stops when it reaches xx level, scaling out, etc....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

dowjonestrader: sorry, don't get it - are you recommending a trading platform or a broker, and do you have a URL please?

 

MadMarketScientist - I've had IB recommended as a broker by several sources, for FX and Futures. You can trade anything from one funded account, unlike say TradeStation (where you need to apply separately for Stock Futures, and FX accounts, each with a truly gigantic form to fill). Their FX ECN sounds OK, but I found their interface messy when I demoed the platform.

 

I haven't yet taken the time to get to gripswith NinjaTrader - I'd use that just as a dealing platform, at least to start with, as I have TradeStation for analysis. Can you set up Ninja to e.g. put in an OCO order with one stop order and two profit target limits, raising the stop to breakeven as you take the first profit target? If so, will the IB futures and/or FX servers happily accept that order?

 

Thanks, Max

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
i think world most powerful broker -pro trader choice with 8 million contract traded evry week above many exchanges,,lolol index of /

safe and clear and...

 

Intractivebrokers platform is not good and speedy for day and scalp trading

 

dowjonestrader: Sorry, don't get it - are you recommending a trading platform or a broker, and do you have a url please?

 

Madmarketscientist - i've had ib recommended as a broker by several sources, for fx and futures. You can trade anything from one funded account, unlike say tradestation (where you need to apply separately for stock futures, and fx accounts, each with a truly gigantic form to fill). Their fx ecn sounds ok, but i found their interface messy when i demoed the platform.

 

I haven't yet taken the time to get to gripswith ninjatrader - i'd use that just as a dealing platform, at least to start with, as i have tradestation for analysis. Can you set up ninja to e.g. Put in an oco order with one stop order and two profit target limits, raising the stop to breakeven as you take the first profit target? If so, will the ib futures and/or fx servers happily accept that order?

 

Thanks, max

 

no my dear

 

thanks

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

    • also ... and barely on topic... Winners (always*) overpay. Buying the dips is a subscription to the belief that winners win by underpaying - when in actuality winners (inevitably/always*) win by overpaying... it’s amazing the percentage of traders who think winners win by underpaying ... “Winners (always*) overpay.” ...  One way to implement this ‘belief’ is to only reenter when prices have emphatically resumed the 'trend' .   (Fwiw, While “Winners (always*) overpay.” holds true in most endeavors (relationships, business, sports, etc...) - “Winners (always*) overpay.”  is especially true for auctions... continuous auctions included.)
    • re:  "Does it make sense to always buy the dips?  “Buy the dip.”  You hear this all the time in crypto investing trading speculation gambling. [zdo taking some liberties] It refers, of course, to buying more bitcoin (or digital assets) when they go down in price: when the price “dips.” Some people brag about “buying the dip," showing they know better than the crowd. Others “buy the dip” as an investment strategy: they’re getting a bargain. The problem is, buying the dip is a fallacy. You can’t buy the dip, because you can't see the total dip until much later. First, I’ll explain this in a way that will make it simple and obvious to you; then I’ll show you a better way of investing. You Only Know the Dip in Hindsight When people talk about “buying the dip,” what they’re really saying is, “I bought when the price was going down.” " ... example of a dip ... 
    • Date: 19th April 2024. Weekly Commodity Market Update: Oil Prices Correct and Supply Concerns Persist.   The ongoing developments in the Middle East sparked a wave of risk aversion and fueled supply concerns and investors headed for safety. Hopes for imminent rate cuts from the Federal Reserve diminish while attention is now turning towards the demand outlook. The Gold price hit a high of $2417.89 per ounce overnight. Sentiment has already calmed down again and bullion is trading at $2376.50 per ounce as haven flows ease. Oil prices initially moved higher as concern over escalating tensions with the WTI contract hit a session high of $85.508 per barrel overnight, before correcting to currently $81.45 per barrel. Oil Prices Under Pressure Amid Middle East Tensions Last week, commodity indexes showed little movement, with Oil prices undergoing a slight correction. Meanwhile, Gold reached yet another record high, mirroring the upward trend in cocoa prices. Once again today, USOil prices experienced a correction and has remained under pressure, retesting the 50-day EMA at $81.00 as we moving into the weekend. Hence, despite the Israel’s retaliatory strike on Iran, sentiments stabilized following reports suggesting a measured response aimed at avoiding further escalation. Brent crude futures witnessed a more than 4% leap, driven by concerns over potential disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East, only to subsequently erase all gains. Similarly with USOIL, UKOIL hovers just below $87 per barrel, marginally below Thursday’s closing figures. Nevertheless, volatility is expected to continue in the market as several potential risks loom:   Disruption to the Strait of Hormuz: The possibility of Iran disrupting navigation through the vital shipping lane, is still in play. The Strait of Hormuz serves as the Persian Gulf’s primary route to international waters, with approximately 21 million barrels of oil passing through daily. Recent events, including Iran’s seizure of an Israel-linked container ship, underscore the geopolitical sensitivity of the region. Tougher Sanctions on Iran: Analysts speculate that the US may impose stricter sanctions on Iranian oil exports or intensify enforcement of existing restrictions. With global oil consumption reaching 102 million barrels per day, Iran’s production of 3.3 million barrels remains significant. Recent actions targeting Venezuelan oil highlight the potential for increased pressure on Iranian exports. OPEC Output Increases: Despite the desire for higher prices, OPEC members such as Saudi Arabia and Russia have constrained output in recent years. However, sustained crude prices above $100 per barrel could prompt concerns about demand and incentivize increased production. The OPEC may opt to boost oil output should tensions escalate further and prices surge. Ukraine Conflict: Amidst the focus on the Middle East, markets overlooking Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Potential retaliatory strikes by Kyiv on Russian oil infrastructure could impact exports, adding further complexity to global oil markets.   Technical Analysis USOIL is marking one of the steepest weekly declines witnessed this year after a brief period of consolidation. The breach below the pivotal support level of 84.00, coupled with the descent below the mid of the 4-month upchannel, signals a possible shift in market sentiment towards a bearish trend reversal. Adding to the bearish outlook are indications such as the downward slope in the RSI. However, the asset still hold above the 50-day EMA which coincides also with the mid of last year’s downleg, with key support zone at $80.00-$81.00. If it breaks this support zone, the focus may shift towards the 200-day EMA and 38.2% Fib. level at $77.60-$79.00. Conversely, a rejection of the $81 level and an upside potential could see the price returning back to $84.00. A break of the latter could trigger the attention back to the December’s resistance, situated around $86.60. A breakthrough above this level could ignite a stronger rally towards the $89.20-$90.00 zone. 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 on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou Market Analyst HMarkets 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 perfrmance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs 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.
    • Date: 18th April 2024. Market News – Stock markets benefit from Dollar correction. Economic Indicators & Central Banks:   Technical buying, bargain hunting, and risk aversion helped Treasuries rally and unwind recent losses. Yields dropped from the recent 2024 highs. Asian stock markets strengthened, as the US Dollar corrected in the wake of comments from Japan’s currency chief Masato Kanda, who said G7 countries continue to stress that excessive swings and disorderly moves in the foreign exchange market were harmful for economies. US Stockpiles expanded to 10-month high. The data overshadowed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as traders await Israel’s response to Iran’s unprecedented recent attack. President Joe Biden called for higher tariffs on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum.   Financial Markets Performance:   The USDIndex stumbled, falling to 105.66 at the end of the day from the intraday high of 106.48. It lost ground against most of its G10 peers. There wasn’t much on the calendar to provide new direction. USDJPY lows retesting the 154 bottom! NOT an intervention yet. BoJ/MoF USDJPY intervention happens when there is more than 100+ pip move in seconds, not 50 pips. USOIL slumped by 3% near $82, as US crude inventories rose by 2.7 million barrels last week, hitting the highest level since last June, while gauges of fuel demand declined. Gold strengthened as the dollar weakened and bullion is trading at $2378.44 per ounce. Market Trends:   Wall Street closed in the red after opening with small corrective gains. The NASDAQ underperformed, slumping -1.15%, with the S&P500 -0.58% lower, while the Dow lost -0.12. The Nikkei closed 0.2% higher, the Hang Seng gained more than 1. European and US futures are finding buyers. A gauge of global chip stocks and AI bellwether Nvidia Corp. have both fallen into a technical correction. The TMSC reported its first profit rise in a year, after strong AI demand revived growth at the world’s biggest contract chipmaker. The main chipmaker to Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp. recorded a 9% rise in net income, beating estimates. 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 on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Andria Pichidi Market Analyst 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 FX and CFDs 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.
    • Date: 17th April 2024. Market News – Appetite for risk-taking remains weak. Economic Indicators & Central Banks:   Stocks, Treasury yields and US Dollar stay firmed. Fed Chair Powell added to the recent sell off. His slightly more hawkish tone further priced out chances for any imminent action and the timing of a cut was pushed out further. He suggested if higher inflation does persist, the Fed will hold rates steady “for as long as needed.” Implied Fed Fund: There remains no real chance for a move on May 1 and at their intraday highs the June implied funds rate future showed only 5 bps, while July reflected only 10 bps. And a full 25 bps was not priced in until November, with 38 bps in cuts seen for 2024. US & EU Economies Diverging: Lagarde says ECB is moving toward rate cuts – if there are no major shocks. UK March CPI inflation falls less than expected. Output price inflation has started to nudge higher, despite another decline in input prices. Together with yesterday’s higher than expected wage numbers, the data will add to the arguments of the hawks at the BoE, which remain very reluctant to contemplate rate cuts. Canada CPI rose 0.6% in March, double the 0.3% February increase BUT core eased. The doors are still open for a possible cut at the next BoC meeting on June 5. IMF revised up its global growth forecast for 2024 with inflation easing, in its new World Economic Outlook. This is consistent with a global soft landing, according to the report. Financial Markets Performance:   USDJPY also inched up to 154.67 on expectations the BoJ will remain accommodative and as the market challenges a perceived 155 red line for MoF intervention. USOIL prices slipped -0.15% to $84.20 per barrel. Gold rose 0.24% to $2389.11 per ounce, a new record closing high as geopolitical risks overshadowed the impacts of rising rates and the stronger dollar. Market Trends:   Wall Street waffled either side of unchanged on the day amid dimming rate cut potential, rising yields, and earnings. The major indexes closed mixed with the Dow up 0.17%, while the S&P500 and NASDAQ lost -0.21% and -0.12%, respectively. Asian stock markets mostly corrected again, with Japanese bourses underperforming and the Nikkei down -1.3%. Mainland China bourses were a notable exception and the CSI 300 rallied 1.4%, but the MSCI Asia Pacific index came close to erasing the gains for this year. 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 on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Andria Pichidi Market Analyst 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 FX and CFDs 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.vvvvvvv
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

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