Quote from Big Game Hunter:
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=2018854
Screenshots...
Also how should the volume available be read. Is 5 meaning 500k
or 5 million?
5.0 is 5mm. Standard size on FXi is 1MM. Standard size on FXr (retail) is 100k with sizes as low as 10k.
HS vs IB:
IB pros:
- cheaper commissions
- ability to trade futures vs spot in one account
- account protection with SIPC and Lloyds of London insurance for up to 30MM cash and securities (1MM in cash)
HS pros:
- larger (much) liquidity pool on retail (institutional by multiples)
- ability to close a trade at once (try to push thru a 1MM EURUSD trade on IB and you will see it broken up into pieces because it goes thru it's customers' own book to cross trades before going out into market
- no dangling balances (search ET for problems closing out IB forex trades)
That being said, I have seen IB's EUR spread sometimes as low as .0, but generally .5 to 1, almost HS rates.
They each serve a function for the different type of trader. I use both platforms. I especially like the prospect of hedging futures and spot.
Just a note, on the HS platform, it's not the prettiest lil' thing out there. In fact, it's a little clunky. But Ninja will connect to them within 2 - 3 months, so that should make things easier, and if you are oe to trade using charts or DOM, then more of what you are used to.
And yes, all new customers are now paying commissions based on dollar volume, not bcu's. Only those grandfathered still pay the old rate.
regards