Best Platform to trade Equity Options

stock2110 · Dec 20, 2003

I personally do not trade equity options, but a friend of mine
asked me if I knew what the best platform to trade equity options.
I know he presently uses the Redi with Spear Leeds.

Thank you

jpomerenke · Dec 20, 2003

Kawabunga from ABN Amro

TempusFugit · Dec 20, 2003

Quote from jpomerenke:

Kawabunga from ABN Amro

I use Thinkorswim and OptionsXpress.

Daryn · Dec 20, 2003

Quote from jpomerenke:

Kawabunga from ABN Amro

second that

stock2110 · Dec 20, 2003

Thank you!

Doubter · Dec 20, 2003

I use TOS and IB. How does Optionsexpress compare?

TempusFugit · Dec 21, 2003

Quote from Doubter:

I use TOS and IB. How does Optionsexpress compare?

OptionsXpress is entirely browser based whereas TOS has it's own software that you download to run.

TOS seems quicker and has some very interesting trade simulation and probability and volatility analysis capabilities.

OX provides full option chain quotes (TOS sticks to near-the-money) and has an on-line pricer.

Both provide decent customer service, which is why I prefer them to IB.

Also both TOS and OX are based in Chicago where much of this options stuff was invented.

More to the point: they are both explicitly designed for retail options traders.

resinate · Dec 21, 2003

Quote from TempusFugit:

....OX provides full option chain quotes (TOS sticks to near-the-money) and has an on-line pricer.
....

Just a quick correction: with TOS you can manually adjust how many options from each chain are on your screen all the way up to the entire chain..... just raise the # of contracts in the top right corner.

nitro · Dec 21, 2003

Do any of the option platforms mentioned here offer an API for executing trades by computer?

nitro

Daryn · Dec 21, 2003

Quote from nitro:

Do any of the option platforms mentioned here offer an API for executing trades by computer?

nitro

Kawabunga offers an API but orders must be submitted via a pigeon..