Originally posted by Tahoe
vikana:
Can you tell me why you don't use MetaStock Pro for active trading?
TAHOE
I really don't want this to turn into metastock bashing, but here are the reasons why I don't use MS Pro for real-time trading
1. Cannot run systems in real-time. You have to break out the signals, attach them to whatever you are trading. If for instance your entry is mov(c,5,s) > mov(c,20,s) [5 bar simple moving average higher than 20 bar SMA] you would get alerted all the time, not just when the condition first happened. I know I can code around this, but it is just irritating that I cannot simply run a system in real-time automatically and continuously
2. Alerts [the proxy for systems, per above] has to be attached to an open chart to work. This in effect means that you have to open a chart of everything you trade. I trade about 40 stocks, and simply cannot have 40 charts open
3. Performance is terrible with more than a few charts open. My computer comes to a grinding halt if I have more than 5 charts open with indicators and Alerts running in real-time. Combined with 2 that is a real issue
4. System tester is very simple. Here are some of the limitations
* no ability to enter and exit on programmable STOPs and LIMITS. There are provisions for simple trailing point or percent stops and profit targets (again points or percent), but nothing programmable such as an ATR
* No way to access the price at which the system entered a position
* no control flow at all. Think of the language as large macros
The strong points:
* excellent integration with esignal
* great charting
* great if you want to play with ideas. Fast and easy
I hope the above helps you making a decision. You can always take Equis up on the 30 days money back guarantee and just decide for yourself.