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I'm seeing this reality in quite a few things actually. Save here to pay there, so I understand. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. It seems that I'd want the $26 SC package though, #3 I believe it is...
Big Mike, thanks for the confirmation. I've had a tab open for each of these brokers - Velocity and Optimus, trying to figure-out which is "best" for me, and will continue that analysis. Velocity provides it's commissions info, while I cannot find the same for Optimus. RT for the ES is $3.62, and that includes data...
I believe Optimus uses Rithmic and Velocity, TT; at least that is what someone shared earlier. I had read on the SC forum some issues with Rithmic, so maybe I should lean toward Velocity for SC.
Speaking of data, SC accepts the feed from TDA. I've read nothing about this data, maybe for good reason, but does anyone have input on TDA data, particularly for SC?
Velocity offers Sierra package 3 for free, a $26/mo value. One thing that sets Velocity apart is the client portal on their website that gives you access to balances, funds transfer, account settings, and trading stats. Their TT data is as good as Zenfire and commissions are lower, too. They only offer futures trading, however.
I also have a TDAmeritrade account that I access via Sierra. The data seems reliable. I don't trade intraday with it, however, so I don't watch it continually.
TDA now owns Think Or Swim, but you cannot get TOS data in Sierra, if you're thinking of trading futures with them.
aslan, that's great to hear, thank you. To be honest, I was really hoping for a broker that does more than just futures, like MBT as an example, but just don't see it happening... I guess just another broker for stock, options and FOREX.
tomgilb, I appreciate your input. I had a ToS paper account prior to TDA acquiring them, so I was happy about that. I just recently got futures and FOREX account through TDA, which was actually TOS, so good to know I won't get that data. All the more reason to get another broker...
So, between Optimus and Velocity... It would seem it's Rithmic from Optimus vs Velocity's client portal, being the key differentiators between the two?
If I recall correctly, if I were to get SC free via one of these, I will not have the choice to connect to another broker, correct? If true, then I won't be able to trade stocks and options through SC, and that would a deal breaker for me. I would probably still get SC, just source it directly myself, or try find another broker who offers it, but that also does more than futures. There seems to be none though...
Thanks for the link to the backtesting documentation. If you have been using it, have you been happy with the results?
Mike, being respectful of the topic, might you be able to briefly explain your reasoning for seeking-out another broker, even though IB handles it all?
More back on topic... I never realized it, but SC does not handle options, on stock or futures. If wrong, please correct me. It's my understanding that MC does. I actually like ToS quite a bit for options, but it was my hope to have the platform handle all instruments of interest. While I can accept not having one broker do it all, I'd much rather prefer not compromise that thinking with respect to the platform. Geez, this is not easy...
LukeGeniol, that is helpful, thank you. If you use SC to trade options (via TDA), please do share your experiences.
This seems to be another reason to keep TDA... I'm guessing no complex order entry would be possible though, but I clearly need to get this started. If I can make SC work for my options trading, I'd be quite happy.
I'm surprised TDA has not purchased SC yet. Sort of hope they don't...