Sierra Chart, Ninja Trader and TradeStation

I think it also depends on what programming language was used to program these software. If it was programmed in C/C++ (I believe Sierra Charts is), it would be fast and smooth.

Platforms that are written in C# or similar languages would be bloated, heavy and laggy.
 
I'm not saying I dislike NT.....I own a multi-broker lifetime license.

But after using Sierra Chart, I'd be lying if I said they weren't superior.

ST is by far and away the deepest trading software I've ever used (think Photoshop deep).

And I just love all the little things where the developer paid such close attention to detail.

Things like the cross-hair becoming lighter as you scroll over darker areas of your chart, and darker as you scroll over lighter areas and the wicks on the candlesticks changing color as you hover over them...leaving no room for doubt that yes, you are indeed looking at that particular candle.

As for order entry, I have to give the nod to Sierra's DOM....because unlike NT, you can initiate a stop limit order with the left mouse button. With Ninja you have no choice but to use the mouse wheel, which is irritating as hell, as the mouse wheel can and does slip when it's depressed. Not the kind of thing you want to experience during the high stress of trading!

A good analogy for Sierra Chart is the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars....at first glance, it looks like a hunk of junk....but then when you get in the cockpit and take it for a spin, you quickly realize it's anything but.
 
Last edited:
Question for those using Sierra for algo trading. Can you right in full C or only in their scripting language?

For me, one of the best benefits of NT (besides price and amazing support) is the fact that I have full power of C# at my disposal.
 
bitmexican said:
As for order entry, I have to give the nod to Sierra's DOM....because unlike NT, you can initiate a stop limit order with the left mouse button. With Ninja you have no choice but to use the mouse wheel, which is irritating as hell, as the mouse wheel can and does slip when it's depressed. Not the kind of thing you want to experience during the high stress of trading!
More...

With NinjaTrader 8 you can set either the middle mouse button or the left mouse button to submit a stop order in the SuperDOM.
 
NinjaTrader_Ray said:
With NinjaTrader 8 you can set either the middle mouse button or the left mouse button to submit a stop order in the SuperDOM.
More...

Yes, you can switch them for stop-market but not stop-limit.

I use the latter exclusively for order entry for two reasons. One, in fast moving markets there's virtually no chance if prices take off, that I won't get filled. Two, I can control the price I'm filled at.

The same can't be said for stop markets. With big sudden moves, I've gotten some atrocious fills using stop-markets. Never had the same happen though with stop-limits.
 
Crickets from Ray since pointing out that the left mouse button can't be used for stop-limit orders.

I still can't believe this option isn't available on NT. There are many, many professional traders who only use stop-limits for order entry.

When you comprehend the difference between them and stop-markets, why wouldn't you use them?
 
bitmexican said:
Crickets from Ray since pointing out that the left mouse button can't be used for stop-limit orders.

I still can't believe this option isn't available on NT. There are many, many professional traders who only use stop-limits for order entry.

When you comprehend the difference between them and stop-markets, why wouldn't you use them?
More...

I did not realize you were seeking a response. You are correct, you can only swap the mouse buttons for stop market and not stop limit. I added this as a potential feature request for future development.
 
Good, because I can't tell you how irritating it is to have use the mouse wheel when initiating orders.

What about adding crypto support? Your competitor Sierra Chart offers trading through BitMEX.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top