any low cost real-time market data source??

[kmiklas]

Unfortunately no such thing.
I have multiple brokers, and I pay about $500 /month for the data.

Agreed. All brokers give you some form of free MD, but I wouldn’t describe it as “solid.” You get what you pay for; and MD is the life blood of this industry.

For comparison, BB charges about 2K/month—all the pros have it, for good reason.

 

[blueraincap]

I see your point, but looking at delayed data makes me uncomforable—even the IB 250ms delay doesn’t sit well with me.

Which data vendor do you use then? Or suggest for say 100ms data?

 

[cafeole]

the broker will look at your account and see the log times and your monthly profit. they see you are logged 40 hours a week, and making huge profits at market makers expense===your a professional. BUT if you are losing money you NOT a professional

No. Read the agreements you sign up for when you open an account. Nothing is said about profit. Period

 

[kmiklas]

Which data vendor do you use then? Or suggest for say 100ms data?

I make money speculating, about a 1-2month horizon for profit-taking. No ULL, LL, or scalping. I don’t trade trends, but will map them to observe support of or opposition to my thesis.

I typically watch the 1min or 5min candles at market open, and the 15min candles during the day. I often zoom out to hour, day, week, and even month.

So.... the standard IB data for under $20/month is fine for me.