Want to start trading, learning C++

T

The Manny

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9/18/08
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Ok, so i want to start trading my own strategy electronically.

What brokerage should i use? Is interactive Brokers good? But don't they charge per share therefore making high-volume trading a headache? Does the brokerage have Direct Access Trading?

Where do i start writing my C++ trading strategy?

I've read what an API is, but can anyone explain it in a simpler way?

How long did it take you from the time you first started learning C++ until you actually started trading?

Is making 25% profit per day impossible? Or is it that no one's been able to do it? :D

Well thanks guys. All these questions may sound a bit stupid to you guys, but it'll really help me get started. ANy other tips will be GREAT!
 
- what do you mean by trading your strategy electronically?
- Use the brokerage you feel comfortable with.
- What do you mean by "where"?
- it depends. Some people have the reverse problem. The traded for a while and then, they learned C++
- It's not impossible. unlikely but not impossible
 
Thanks for the answers, i really appreciate it.

Ok, this is my main problem, i never took a class on programming, so it's hard for me to understand how some of it works. When i asked "where" i meant where do i actually start typing, where do i start writing C++, is there an application i should download, or do i use regular Microsoft Word.
When i said trading my strategy electronically, i mean i want it all to be done by my computer. Is this possible? Can i literally sit back at 9:30 and watch this thing work without having to interfere at all?
 
The Manny said:
What brokerage should i use? Is interactive Brokers good? But don't they charge per share therefore making high-volume trading a headache? Does the brokerage have Direct Access Trading?
Click to expand...

Interactive Brokers pretty good. Browse their web site - there are tons of useful info. What do you mean by high volume? How much money you want to start with? To day trade stocks you must have at least $25K on your account.


The Manny said:
Where do i start writing my C++ trading strategy?
Click to expand...

Why do you want to use C++? Use one of the already made packages - like AmiBroker for example. It will save you a lot of time which could be spend on developing and back testing your strategy. If you choose Fidelity as your broker, they will give you WealthLab for free (some requirements to trade volume apply) which is good software too.


The Manny said:
I've read what an API is, but can anyone explain it in a simpler way?
Click to expand...

API is a language which you will have to use to make your program communicate with your broker's platform to place and execute orders, retrieve market data etc. If you use software like AmiBroker of WealthLab you don't have to worry about API.

The Manny said:
How long did it take you from the time you first started learning C++ until you actually started trading?
Click to expand...

Learning C++ and trading are two completely different things. Decide what is more important/attractive for you at this point and do one thing at a time. If you are successful trader you can hire as many C++ programmers as you need. If you are successful programmer, I doubt that you can hire even one successful trader ;)


The Manny said:
Is making 25% profit per day impossible? Or is it that no one's been able to do it? :D
Click to expand...

To make that much you'll have to take a huge risk. It might work out one day and you can loose everything next day. If you make 25% return per year it will be pretty impressive. One day - better take your money to casino an bet everything on one hand of Black Jack. Your risk will be much lower this way :)

Good luck!
 
Nice, & thanks. Although C++ and trading are to completely things, i want to do both :)
I have a cousin who works as a market maker at the NYSE and i was told by everyone there that C++ was the best for program trading.
 
Thanks andy, so a day trader who makes his own strategy is considered a programmer, or a quant?
 
I believe wealth lab pro for fidelity is only free if your account is eligible i.e. you must "average" 120 trades per year.
 
This is correct, however 120 trades per year is not that much. Especially considering the fact that you were concern that Interactive Brokers "charge per share therefore making high-volume trading a headache" ;)
 
maxrum said:
This is correct, however 120 trades per year is not that much. Especially considering the fact that you were concern that Interactive Brokers "charge per share therefore making high-volume trading a headache" ;)
Click to expand...

i think you confused me for someone else. :)
But yea, thanks.
 
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