A Quick Peek into Stock Software
Thursday, June 4th, 2009Applications for technical analysis or stock software can either multiple features. When selecting a particular software package, the range of use, data feed required and the features desired are usually considered. One important ability is the charting features of the software. The charts should be able to present price, volume and indicators using the different visual aids such as the line, candle stick, OHLC, and bar graphs. Retrieval, viewing, and analysis of historical data should also be possible.
The stock software should also have a scanning feature. Stocks, currencies, options, and other market factors are monitored and picked up by the program according to a criteria set by the user. Aside from the scanning feature, alerts are also very useful to the trader in doing his business. When specific conditions on the stock price and volume are met, the software prompts the user via email, instant message, text alert, or a screen pop-up.
Data feed features is another important thing to look for with one’s linux stock analysis software. Data feeds are either given as real-time, delayed data, end of day data. Real time data happen tick by tick and is licensed from the exchange. Delayed data feeds have a delay of up to thirty minutes depending on the exchange. End of day data feeds on the other hand, are given at the closing of the business day of the market and provides the closing prices. When selecting software, one can also choose between those that are installed on one’s computer or those that are online based. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. The installed software cannot be accessed for example if one is away from one’s computer, while the online software can be accessed from any computer that has a browser but obviously can’t be used if one is offline or internet connection is down. I myself really like DTN IQ feed.
