So I randomly came across GAIN Futures today, did not know GAIN had a futures brokerage, thought it was fx only. But I saw their API (they call it OneLink), it was originally developed by Open E Cry before GAIN bought them up.

The API is a .NET library (nuget package). Being .NET has good points and bad points, tho there is a windows COM interface. I'm sure its not fast, and execution lag seems to have plagued folks who have used the OEC Trader (not the API) in the past, which makes sense. But, from the documentation, the API seems rather robust and the code examples also seem to cover a great deal (and use lambda expressions and anonymous methods and types).

I'm curious if anyone has experience using the API and/or the brokerage itself. I know that GAIN is looked down upon in fx world but I'm less worried with futures.

For more info:

Here is the API .dll library (via nuget): https://www.nuget.org/packages/OECAPI/

Here are code examples (of a recent vintage, no less): https://bitbucket.org/GainFuturesDev/

Here is general info posted by GAIN: https://gainfutures.com/onelink

I'm a little geeked out to find this, hopefully it will be interesting. Apparently, the API can also trade forex instruments. The only problem I see is if they want to charge a fee for the API for single-user retail traders. The API ought to support it self through white label and introducing brokers. Plus, while the examples are new/recent, the API wrapper library has not been updated in over a year.

Would be also interested to hear if anyone has feedback on this? I am considering moving to Gain to use their FIX connectivity or API.

LaurentM 

Would be also interested to hear if anyone has feedback on this? I am considering moving to Gain to use their FIX connectivity or API.

The OEC API is built on top of CQG as far as I know, so I would try CQG API directly.
Gain capital now offers CQG as well.

Thank you,

Matt Z
Optimus Futures

There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Thanks I will check this with them. I can't trade with CQG as their margining system is a big buggy.

LaurentM 

Thanks I will check this with them. I can't trade with CQG as their margining system is a big buggy.

This is not my experience. CQG is one of the better margin based systems we work with.

Thanks,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

There is a substantial risk of loss in Futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

It is good for outright/spread trading but as soon as you trade butterflies/spreads and outrights it doesn't work. That was my experience around 1.5 years ago. Not sure if they have updated since then.

LaurentM 

It is good for outright/spread trading but as soon as you trade butterflies/spreads and outrights it doesn't work. That was my experience around 1.5 years ago. Not sure if they have updated since then.

Did you trade on a CQG based platform or a 3rd party that used CQG API?

Thanks,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

There is a substantial risk of loss in Futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

I traded on CQG SimpleTrader.

LaurentM 

I traded on CQG SimpleTrader.

You mean CQG Trader.

In any case, maybe your broker did not set up your risk the right way? We use CQG for Options, and so far we had no issues with any option strategy.


Thanks,
Matt Z
Optimus Futures

There is a substantial risk of loss in Futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

That was a simpler version but based on CQG Trader.

I meant spreads and flies on futures not options. Anyway, will enquire with Gain about this. Im not keen to try CQG again.