Table of Contents

Table of Contents ................................................................................................... 2 Workspaces............................................................................................................ 5 Dealing Rates Window ........................................................................................... 6 Navigation Window ................................................................................................ 7 Manual Trading Window ......................................................................................... 8 Account Manager Window .................................................................................... 10 Standard Main Toolbar ......................................................................................... 12 Chart Analysis Toolbar ......................................................................................... 13 Command Line Toolbar ......................................................................................... 14 Control Toolbar .................................................................................................... 14 Data Window........................................................................................................ 15 Drawing Tools Toolbar ......................................................................................... 16 Resolution Toolbar ............................................................................................... 18 File Menu.............................................................................................................. 18 Chart Window ...................................................................................................... 20 Strategy Language Editor ..................................................................................... 27 QuoteManager...................................................................................................... 30 View Menu............................................................................................................ 31 Insert Menu.......................................................................................................... 34 Drawings .............................................................................................................. 41 Gann Tools ........................................................................................................... 50 Horizontal Line ..................................................................................................... 54 Rectangle ............................................................................................................. 54 Regression Channel.............................................................................................. 55 Retracement calculator ........................................................................................ 56 Text...................................................................................................................... 57

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Time Line ............................................................................................................. 59 Trend Line ............................................................................................................ 60 Format Menu ........................................................................................................ 62 Format Indicator .................................................................................................. 65 Formatting an Indicator ....................................................................................... 66 Format stEA ......................................................................................................... 73 Format Drawing ................................................................................................... 75 Window Menu....................................................................................................... 79 Report Menu......................................................................................................... 80 Combined Account Statement .............................................................................. 81 Strategy Performance Report ............................................................................... 81 Periodical Analysis: .............................................................................................. 85 Strategy Optimization Report ............................................................................... 86 Help Menu ............................................................................................................ 88 How to Insert an Indicator? ................................................................................. 90 How to Add a stEA? .............................................................................................. 92 How to compile a stEA or Indicator? .................................................................... 94 How to Format a Chart? ....................................................................................... 95 Quote Manager ..................................................................................................... 96 Understanding QuoteManager .............................................................................. 96 Operating Symbol List .......................................................................................... 97 Setting Properties .............................................................................................. 102 Setting Custom Session Templates..................................................................... 103 Symbol Dictionary for Futures ............................................................................ 104 Setting Exchanges & ECNs.................................................................................. 105 Setting Holidays ................................................................................................. 107 Operating Data Sources ..................................................................................... 108 Collecting Data ................................................................................................... 110

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eSignal ............................................................................................................... 112 Universal DDE .................................................................................................... 112 Importing Data .................................................................................................. 114 Exporting Data ................................................................................................... 118 Editing Data ....................................................................................................... 118 Mapping ASCII ................................................................................................... 121 Online Mode Data Collection............................................................................... 124 Data Cache ......................................................................................................... 125 Import Symbol List............................................................................................. 125

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Workspaces
Workspaces are the main charting component of the Strategy Trader platform. A workspace typically contains one or more charts (referred to as Symbols in the platform) and can also include stEAs and indicators. They can also be saved for future use. Multiple workspaces can be open in a session. The example below contains 8 different charts. The default workspaces that come with the platform are for the Majors, Range Pairs and Commodity Pairs. To navigate between workspaces, simply click the different workspace tabs at the top of the workspace area located in the center of the screen.

Creating a workspace To create a new workspace, go to File Menu and click New Workspace.

Opening a workspace To open a workspace, go to File and click Open Workspace. Select the workspace you want to open.

Saving a workspace

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Go to File and click Save Workspace. If you want to save your workspace as another name, click Save Workspace As. All workspace files have the file suffix of *.fxw. Closing a workspace Go to File and click Close Workspace. Select the workspace you want to close. To rename a workspace, right click on the tab for the workspace and choose "rename". This can also be achieved by using the keyboard shortcut ctrl + F2.

Dealing Rates Window

The dealing rates window shows the live price feeds for all currency pairs currently subscribed to the account that are available for trading. These fields are identical to the Simple Dealing Rates shown on the Trading Station II. The default view of the dealing rates window is shown below. In addition to the fields shown below, the following columns can be added by right clicking in any column header: Spread, High, Low, Roll S, Roll B, Pip Cost, MMR and Time (of most recent update). The window can be re-sized by clicking and dragging either scroll bar on the right or bottom of the window. The window can be closed by clicking the "close" icon on the window itself, or by deselecting "Show Dealing Rates Window" on the View menu.

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Navigation Window
The Navigation Window, displayed in the lower left of the main user interface, provides a quick way for users to leverage the function of indicators and stEAs. All of the indicators and stEAs that are included with the platform are listed in their respective folders in the Navigation Window. To activate an indicator or strategy, simply drag it over to the desired chart, and a format window will pop up. The Navigation Window also has a folder for Accounts. This folder contains account number information for a user, and in cases where multiple accounts are held, will have multiple entries and can be used to navigate between accounts. A Favorites Folder is also included in the Navigation Window. This is where all custom indicators and stEAs are placed into their respective subfolders.

The window can be closed by clicking the "close" icon on the window itself, or by deselecting "Show Navigation Window" on the View menu.

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Manual Trading Window

The Manual Trading Window, displayed on the right side of the main user interface, provides a quick way for users to execute basic manual trades. After selecting the account number and currency pair, users can use the manual trading function to open Market or Entry orders. The Risk Management area is to be used for closing ALL positions of a given pair or for closing ALL open positions across the board. The window can be closed by clicking the "close" icon on the window itself, or by deselecting "Show Manual Trading Window" on the View menu.

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Account Manager Window

The Account Manager Window, displayed on the bottom of the main user interface, gives the user access to their account information. This includes account balances, open positions, orders, and logs on the account. Individual tabs for each of these items include filters to help refine the displayed results. The window can be closed by clicking the "close" icon on the window itself, or by deselecting "Show Manual Trading Window" on the View menu. Details on the individual tabs in the Account Manager Window are shown below:

Account Tab
The Account Tab shows overall account information. Column headings can be removed or added by right clicking any of the column headers and selecting or deselecting the checkbox of the respective column header.

Positions Tab
The Positions Tab shows all open positions, and can be filtered by symbol and account number. Column headings can be removed or added by right clicking any of the column headers and selecting or deselecting the checkbox of the respective column header.

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Orders Tab
The Orders Tab shows all orders that have been placed on the account. The display for this tab can be filtered by Symbol, State (All, Canceled/Rejected/ Pending/Filed) and date range. Column headings can be removed or added by right clicking any of the column headers and selecting or deselecting the checkbox of the respective column header.

Logs Tab
The Logs Tab shows all logged data with the platform. This includes all login times and each time that a workspace is opened or closed. The displayed data can be filtered by symbol, category, source and date range. Column headings can be removed or added by right clicking any of the column headers and selecting or deselecting the checkbox of the respective column header.

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Standard Main Toolbar

The Standard Main Toolbar, located in the upper left of the default layout, contains icons for managing workspaces, opening new charts, accessing the quotes manager, opening the ST Editor and opening the data window.

The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Main" under the View menu.

Details for the functionality of each of the icons on this toolbar are shown below: The The The The The The The The icon below will create a new workspace in the platform. icon is used for opening previously saved workspaces. icon below saves the current workspace. icon closes the current selected workspace. icon is used for opening a new chart. icon opens the QuoteManager. icon opens the ST Editor used for coding indicators, strategies and functions. icon opens and closes the data window.

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Chart Analysis Toolbar

The Chart Analysis Toolbar, located in the top center of the default layout, contains icons that run commands for managing charts. In this toolbar, the user can manage symbols, add new indicators and stEA's, change the chart type and pointers, and format the overall view of the window. The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Chart Analysis" under the View menu.

Details for the functionality of each of the icons on this toolbar are shown below: The The The The icon is used for inserting a symbol. icon is used for inserting an indicator in to the current selected chart. icon is used for inserting a stEA in to the current selected chart. icon can be selected to format a symbol. This includes the symbol itself, how

it's displayed, candle size, etc. The The The icon is used for formatting the appearance of the current selected chart. icon changes the chart type to bar chart. icon changes the chart type to candlestick chart. This is the default chart type

for the platform. The The The The The The icon changes the chart type to line on close chart. icon changes the chart type to line break chart. icon changes the chart type to renko chart. icon changes the chart type to kagi chart. icon changes the chart type to point & figure chart. icon changes the pointer to an Arrow pointer. This is the default pointer type for

the platform.

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The The

icon changes the pointer to cross pointer. icon toggles the cross on and off.

Command Line Toolbar

The Command Line Toolbar, located in the lower right of the default layout, is used for jumping directly to a new view of a currency pair or a new time interval, simply by typing in a new symbol or interval. Valid symbols are any of the currency pairs that the account is subscribed to. Valid intervals are: Tick, Contract, Point, change, Second, Minute, Hour, Day, Week, Month, Quarter, and Year. The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Command Line" under the View menu.

Control Toolbar
The Control Toolbar, located in the upper center of the default layout, contains icons for managing the view of the current active chart. In this toolbar these clickable icons can be used for zooming in and out of a chart, increasing the line weight on a line chart, and increasing and decreasing the bar spacing on a chart. The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Control" under the View menu.

Details for the functionality of each of the icons on this toolbar are shown below:

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A click on the

icon will decrease the bar spacing on the current chart. This will

increase the visible time span on the chart. The icon will increase the bar spacing on the current chart. This will decrease the

visible time span on the chart. The icon increases the line weight on a line chart. This icon is inactive for other

chart types. The types. The icon is used for zooming in on a chart. To do this, click on the icon then click decreases the line weight on a line chart. This icon is inactive for certain chart

once on the desired chart and hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse across the chart creating a rectangle of the zoom area. When the desired area is reached, release the button. The icon is used for zooming out the view of the active chart.

Data Window
The Data Window, which isn't displayed in the default layout, can be activated from the View Menu. This window shows the date, time, and price info for the pair and candle where the pointer is located. Additionally, the Data Window shows a bar number, volume, OHLC info, and instant values for indicators or strategies that may be activated.

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Drawing Tools Toolbar

The Drawing Tools toolbar, located in the lower left corner of the default layout, contains icons that run commands for adding drawings to the active chart. In this toolbar, the user can add many of the common drawings used for technical analysis. Details of what each drawing does and how it's used in the platform can be found by clicking the hyperlink of each icon.

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The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Drawing" under the View menu.

Details for the functionality of each of the icons on this toolbar are shown below:

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

The The The The The The The The The The The The The The The The The The

icon is used for drawing a trend line. icon is used for drawing a horizontal line. icon is used for drawing a time line. icon is used for drawing a regression channel. icon is used for drawing parallel lines. icon is used for drawing Andrew's Pitchfork. icon is used for drawing Fibonacci retracement price lines. icon is used for drawing a Fibonacci speed/resistance fan. icon is used for drawing Fibonacci speed/resistance arcs. icon is used for drawing Fibonacci timelines. icon is used for drawing a Gann fan. icon is used for drawing a Gann square. icon is used for adding text to a drawing. icon is used for drawing a rectangle. icon is used for drawing an ellipse. icon is used for drawing an arc. icon is used for drawing a down arrow. icon is used for drawing an up arrow.

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Resolution Toolbar
The Resolution toolbar, located in the lower center of the default layout, contains icons that run commands for managing the candle or time intervals to the active chart. This toolbar provides the same functionality as the resolution field on the Settings tab used for formatting a symbol. In this toolbar, the user can navigate through many different preset resolutions ranging from ticks and points (.1 pips) all the way up to a weekly button. . The toolbar can be moved by clicking and dragging, and closed by clicking the "close" icon on the toolbar. It can also be removed or opened by selecting "Toolbars" and "Resolution" under the View menu.

Details for the functionality of each of the icons on this toolbar are shown below:

o o o o o o o o o o

The The The The The The The The The The

icon is for ticks with a resolution from 1-5000 ticks. icon is points (.1 pips) with a resolution from 1 - 100 points. icon is used for 1 - 60 seconds. icon is used 1 -60 minutes. icon is used for hourly candles. icon is used daily candles. icon is used for weekly candles. icon is used for monthly candles. icon is used for quarterly candles. icon is used for annual candles.

File Menu
The File menu, on the main menu bar on the top of the screen, contains commands for linking to the Chart Window, QuoteManager Window and Strategy Trader Editor in addition to sending and saving a chart, managing workspaces, and exporting chart data.

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The File menu is also home to standard windows functions such as printing and exiting the platform. The following links detail the major items under the File Menu: Chart Window

QuoteManager Strategy Editor Window The details of the remaining commands on the File menu are shown below. Open Workspace (CTRL + O) Allows the user to open an existing Workspace (*.fxw) file. Close Workspace (CTRL + W) Allows the user to close any open Workspace. New Workspace (CTRL + N) Generates a new Workspace on the main interface. Save Workspace (CTRL + S) Saves a Workspace. Save Workspace As (Ctrl + Shift + S) Allows user to save active Workspace under a new name. Workspace Options. Allows user to manage Workspaces. Copy Image to Clipboard. This copies the current chart.

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Send Image via Email... This emails an image of the current chart. (MS OUTLOOK) Save Image as File... Allows the user to save an image of the active workspace or the active window. The following screen comes up and gives the user the option to choose between a workspace and window reduce the size of the image.

Chart Window
The Chart Window setting under the File Menu, gives the user the ability to create a new chart and customize it to their preferences. This includes choosing the symbol, settings such as chart type, resolution, style, scaling along with setting alerts preferences. The following details each of the tabs under the Chart Window.

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Symbol Tab

The Symbol tab is where the user chooses the trading pair they want to view in their chart. The Data Source gives the user the chance to toggle between different external data sources. FXCM is the default Data Source. The filter field narrows down the number of symbols. For example, putting a "C" in the field would show all pairs beginning with the letter "C".

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Settings Tab

The Settings tab is where the user chooses the chart type, and the attributes associated with that chart type. The chart types are Regular (default Candlestick), Point and Figure, Kagi, Renko, Line Break. Each of the chart types except for Renko, have a resolution setting, which is used for choosing the period associated with each mark on a chart. The default setting for this is 15 minutes. The Chart Settings section lets the user choose the Quote Field, Session and what to build the volume on. The Quote Field is either going to bid or ask, and the Session sets the open trading hours.

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The Data Range section allows the user to choose the size of the chart in terms of the number of periods. This is the entire period of data that is covered by the chart. Data Range can be defined by two different methods: By defining the number of bars, or days, back from a particular date; or: by defining the start and end dates. The Display section allows the user to choose the time zone data number and sub-chart, which is basically how the chart is displayed in the window. Style Tab

The Style tab lets the user choose the appearance of the chart including the colors for the candle type. The Chart Type, gives options when the user chooses "Regular" as the chart

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type settings tab. The last price marker shows the most recent price on the right hand side of the chart. OHLC Bar Chart visually presents the data series as a sequence of bars. Each OHLC bar is a vertical line connecting the High and the Low price points (ticks), and graphically represents the range of an instrument's price movement over a defined interval. The price of the first tick of the group, on which the bar is based, is indicated on the left side of the line by a mark known as the bar's Open component. The price of the last tick of the group, on which the bar is based, is indicated on the right side of the line by a mark known as the bar's Close component. An OHLC Bar has three components: Open, High/Low, and Close. The color and width of each of the bar's components can be customized in the Chart Style section. HLC Bar Chart visually presents the data series as a sequence of bars. Each HLC bar is a vertical line connecting the High and the Low price points (ticks), and graphically represents the range of an instruments price movement over a defined interval. The price of the last tick of the tick group, on which the bar is based, is indicated on the right side of the line by a mark known as the bar's Close component. An HLC Bar has two components: High/Low and Close. The color and width of each of the bar's components can be customized in the Chart Style section. Candlestick Chart visually presents the data series as a sequence of "Candlesticks". A Candlestick emphasizes the range between the Open and the Close price points (ticks), and the direction of price movement (trend) between them. Each candlestick consists of a "Body" and a "Wick". The body is a pillar-like rectangle, connecting the Open and the Close (the first and the last ticks) prices of the tick group, on which the candlestick is based. The bodys color indicates the trend the direction of price movement between the Open and the Close ticks. The wick consists of two vertical lines, one extending from the top and one from the bottom of the body, to the High and Low price points. Each part of the wick is displayed only if its corresponding price point falls outside of the bodys range. A Candlestick has three components: Up, Down, and Wick; Up is the body in an uptrend, and down is the body in a downtrend. The color of each of the components, the width of the wick, and the body's border is customized in the Chart Style section. Dot On Close chart visually presents the data series as a sequence of dots that are not connected by a line. Each dot graphically represents the Close (last tick's) price of each tick group. The color and size of the dots can be customized in the Chart Style section.

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Line On Close chart visually presents the data series as a sequence of dots that are connected by a line. Each dot graphically represents the Close (last tick's) price of each tick group. The color and width of the line can be customized in the Chart Style section. Selecting Line on Close Chart Type In an Invisible Chart the data series is present, but not visually presented. An invisible chart can be used when the data series is needed for a calculation, but the visual presentation of the data series is not required. Scaling Tab

The Scaling tab lets the user choose the scale of the chart window. This includes the viewable range, scaling type, the precision of the pricing. This tab also gives the user the ability to customize their charts by adding their own labels. The Scaling Range lets the user choose the settings for the Y axis. Details of the different range settings are listed below:

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Screen

The default value is "Screen" where the range of the price scale is equal to the range of the data series that's visible on the chart. The price scale will adjust automatically if the user scrolls to another part of the data series. Entire Series

Changes the range of the price scale to be equal to the range of the entire data series, including parts of the data series not currently shown on the chart. Since the range of the price scale is that of the entire data series, the range of the price scale will not change if the user scrolls to another part of the data series. User Defined

The range of the price scale is defined manually. Any part of the data series that falls outside of the defined range will not be displayed in the Chart Window. Movement Size

The range of the price scale is defined manually. The scale will be based on the number of points within a unit of length. For example, the user can specify that each inch of the price scale represents 10 points. Price Range

The range of the price scale is defined manually. The range of the scale will be based on the number of points above and below the Last Price Marker. For example, if the last price market is at 100, the user can specify that the range of the scale will be 20 points above and 20 points below the Last Price Marker (i.e., 120 to 80) Margins are the extra spaces between the visual representation of a data series and the chart's upper and lower borders, and are set as a percentage of the data series' price range. Margins cannot be set for a chart with a User Defined price scale. Scale Labels are the numbers that appear next to the marks on the price scale that indicate what value the marks represent. If a chart contains multiple objects, the object, for which the label values are displayed, can be selected. The object is selected separately for the right and for the left price scales, making it possible to display different label values on the right than on the left scale of the chart. The numbers displayed on the labels can be

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abbreviated, and either the increment (step size) between the labels or the total number of labels can be set. The Set Labels Manually checkbox lets the user choose specific steps on a chart along with the number labels to be shown. You can choose from three different settings that determine the increment (step size) between labels: Automatic - the increment is optimized dynamically to aid the visual assessment of price levels. Set Step Size - the increment between labels is set manually. Set Number of Labels - a set number of labels is always displayed. The Use as Default checkbox makes all future charts sets to the chosen attributes.

Strategy Language Editor

The ability to create trading strategies and indicators in a simple, commonly used language has been highly desired by many traders. The Strategy Language is just that, and the Strategy Language Editor is the application for coding the Strategy Language. The Strategy Language Editor is a programming application used by Strategy Trader for creating custom strategies and indicators and functions. The standard syntax associated with the programming language C# is used. This will provide a broad overview of the ST Editor, and explain the basics of creating a Function, Indicator, and Strategy. The three main "techniques" used in the Strategy Language Editor are: Functions Indicator stEAs

Functions are routines in the ST Language Editor that perform calculations and return values. Functions are created as unique *.fxd files, for the purpose of being portable. One

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function may be called by multiple strategies and indicators as needed. This is fairly common with the existing library of Functions found in the ST Language Editor. Functions, Indicators and stEAs can all call on other Functions. Functions can NOT call on indicators or strategies though, as they are considered to be components. They are also are not capable of standing alone in the ST Platform. The second technique in the ST Language is indicators. An Indicator is a visual technical analysis tool, used to analyze market conditions and identify and forecast trends and market patterns. An indicator is a visualization of a mathematical formula, and consists of one or more Plots lines, histograms, series of points or crosses, highs and lows, left and right ticks, or a combination of the above. Indicators are computed using the price, volume, and (occasionally) open interest data. Basic adjustments to the indicator's logic can be made by changing the Input Values. Indicators can call Functions, but cannot call or be called by stEAs. StEAs are automated trading strategies that are applied to charts to automatically open and manage trading positions. They are created to make trading decisions based on specific market conditions. Human emotion is removed from the equation with the use of stEAs. Once activated on a chart, a stEA will run during all open market hours, until deactivated. Multiple stEA can be run simultaneously on a single chart. StEAs can use functions to perform specific calculations. ***Included with the ST platform are several stEAs, and indicators and the functions created to run them. These can all be viewed and edited in the Strategy Language Editor. Reading through these and testing them in the platform are a good way to practice and understand how the Strategy Language works.***

Getting Started
With Strategy Trader installed, the Strategy Language Editor can be accessed by either choosing Strategy Language Editor from the File Menu in the Strategy Trader Platform or by directly opening the *.exe file, which will be in the same directory that the Platform has been installed on.

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Creating a file
To create a Technique file in the Editor, type either Ctrl + N or go to File/New. The following window will come up, and the Technique type should be chosen.

If Indicator or stEA are selected, the editor window will open up after choosing a name for the Technique. If Function is chosen, the window below will pop up. A name and return value type will be chosen here along with determining whether the technique will be a simple or series type. The Simple Base Technique is used for returning a single value. The Series Base Technique is used for returning a single value and archives the values.

File Components
Each file type (stEA, Indicator, Function) created in the Strategy Language Editor contain the following three base components:

Construct()

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The Construct() is a function, indicator or stEA is the section of code where new instances of all declared functions. Initialize()

Initialize is the section of code where declared variables are assigned values. Execute()

Execute is where stEA, indicators, and functions do the calculations associated with the file. In the case of stEAs, this is the section where orders are created based on given parameters. For indicators, this is where the indicator is plotted on the chart.

Compiling a file
To compile a file, either click the Compile button on the toolbar, or hit F7. Any syntax errors associated with the code will show up in the errors message at the bottom of the screen. Compiling a file doesn't catch logical errors, so thorough testing is highly recommended.

Studies Window
The Studies Window, located on the right side of the screen in the Strategy Language Editor, contains the library of available stEAs, indicators and functions.

QuoteManager
QuoteManager, a flexible and sophisticated quote data management system, is also provided with Strategy Trader Platform. Its main functions include: Displaying and editing the Symbol list, Exchange/ECN list, Holiday list, Data Source list Rapid search and editing the necessary information o Receiving the Symbol list on demand from data vendors that support this mode or adding symbols manually o Editing the symbol name database and associated settings

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o o o o

Editing data Importing 3rd party data Mapping ASCII files Connecting additional data vendors

The link below will navigate to the QuoteManager user guide.

View Menu
General Overview
The File Menu, on the main menu bar on the top of the screen, contains commands for viewing different workspaces, windows and toolbars. Additionally, the view menu contains commands to change the chart type, pointer type along with showing hints, and toggling between snap mode and drawing mode. The commands under the View Menu are as follows: Toolbars

This gives the user control over viewing the toolbars that they choose. This menu item has the following submenu items. (Click to find details on each Toolbar) Recent Workspaces

This command contains a submenu showing the recent workspaces used. Selecting an *.fxw will open up that workspace. Show Dealing Rates Window

This command will open or close the Dealing Rates Window. In the default layout this window is already opened and will be checked on the view menu. Show Navigation Window

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This command will open or close the Navigation Window. In the default layout this window is already opened and will be checked on the view menu. Show Account Window

This command will open or close the Account Manager Window. In the default layout this window is already opened and will be checked on the view menu. Show Manual Trading Window

This command will open or close the Manual Trading Window. In the default layout this window is already opened and will be checked on the view menu. Show Data Window

This command will open or close the Data Window. In the default layout this window is NOT opened and will be unchecked on the view menu. Arrow Pointer

This command will choose the pointer type to Arrow. This is the default pointer that will be selected with the default interface. Cross Pointer

This command will choose the pointer type to Cross. Show Chart Hint

This command will enable chart hints, which show the same fields as the data window on the chart where the pointer is located. This same window will show up with a left mouse click anywhere on a chart. Show Drawing Hint

This command will enable drawing hints, which show the starting and ending points as a drawing is being added to a chart. Transparent Hint

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This command toggles the hint window to transparent. The default setting for this is for the hint window to be solid where the chart isn't visible behind it. This is unchecked in the default layout. Show Cross

Enables the cross which displays price/time info for a given point on a chart. Tracking Settings

Toggles tracking settings for the cross between "Time and Price" and "Time". Bar Chart

This changes the chart type to bar chart. Candlestick

This changes the chart type to Candlestick. This is the default chart type with the main interface. Line on Close

This changes the chart type to line on close chart. Snap Mode

This enables snap mode for all open charts and workspaces. Remain in Drawing Mode

Allows the user to continue drawing lines on the same chart without re-enabling the drawing menu. Reload

This command can reload the active chart. This can be a simple refresh or change the candle width to days, weeks or month. Show Status Bar

This command shows the status bar at the bottom of screen which gives info on connection status and username and the time. The status bar is NOT on in the default interface layout.

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Insert Menu
General Overview
The Insert Menu is used for adding symbols, indicators and stEAs to the current active window. Details on what each menu item does can be found below. The term "Marketplace" can also be found under the insert menu. This will be used for purchasing and selling of stEA's from third parties. This functionality is currently disabled, but will be available with future revisions.

Symbol Indicator stEA

Symbol
Insert Symbol (F5) under the Insert Menu allows the user to place additional symbols to an existing chart and customize them. This can be used for overlays or in separate charts in that window. The settings for this menu, as shown below, are identical to the Chart Window on the File Menu. Details on each of these tabs can be found there. (see link below)

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Symbol Tab

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Settings Tab

Style Tab

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Scaling Tab

Volume Profile

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Indicator
Insert Indicator (F7) under the Insert Menu allows the user to insert indicators into the current active chart. The window below appears when this menu item is chosen. This window contains a list of all the indicators available in the platform, and shows their status. If an indicator shows to be uncompliled, revisions need to be made to its code. The indicator will need to be opened in the Strategy Language Editor to make the necessary revision. To select an indicator, left click on it and click OK (or hit Enter). To select multiple indicators for a chart, hold down the CTRL button and left click then hit OK (or hit Enter). This will then open up a window for formatting the indicator(s) chosen. Details on formatting an indicator can be found under "Format Indicator" under the Format Menu.

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Insert Indicator

stEA
Insert stEAs (F8) under the Insert Menu allows the user to insert stEAs into the current active chart. The window below appears when this menu item is chosen. This window contains a list of all the stEAs available in the platform, and shows their status. If a stEA shows to be uncompiled, revisions need to be made to its code. To make the necessary revisions, the stEA will need to be opened and compiled in the Strategy Language Editor. To select a stEA, left click on it and click OK (or hit Enter). To select multiple stEAs for a chart, hold down the CTRL button and left click on the desired stEAs, then hit OK (or hit Enter). This will then open up a window for formatting the stEA(s) chosen. Details on formatting a stEA can be found under the Format Menu.

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Insert stEAs

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Drawings

Understanding Drawings
Technical analysis is based on charts and the recognition of the appropriate trading pattern is the key to the successful technical trader. The appropriate drawing on the charts can aid in facilitating the analysis process and driving the right trading strategies. Strategy Trader provides a highly customizable, comprehensive drawing toolbox. The help documents here will detail how to add, edit and format drawings on a chart.

How to Draw
In general terms, to add a drawing to a chart, click on "Drawings" on the main toolbar located on the top of the screen. From there, click on the drawing tools you'd like and draw on the chart. Examples of the different options available for drawing are detailed on the following pages:

Andrew's pitchfork
Andrew's pitchfork is a technical indicator that uses three parallel trend lines to identify possible levels of support and resistance. The trend lines are created by placing three points at the end of identified trends. This is usually achieved by placing the points in three consecutive peaks or troughs. Once the points have been placed, a straight line is drawn from the first point that intersects the midpoint of the other two. To draw an Andrew's Pitchfork on a chart, pick Andrew's Pitchfork under the Drawings menu (alt-DP). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. From there, drag the mouse and click it to create the trend lines. Lastly drag the mouse to increase or decrease the width of the trend lines and click again to freeze it. When Andrew's Pitchfork is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small pitchfork.

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Formatting the drawing is as simple as using a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Andrew's Pitchfork" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Arc
An arc is a technical analysis indicator used to provide hidden support and resistance levels for a security. An arc is constructed by first drawing a trend line between two swing points on a chart. These two points should be between a clear peak and trough on the chart. Once the line is drawn, key fibonacci levels are placed on the chart at 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8% retracement levels. An arch is then drawn at each respective level to generate the arching angles on the price chart. To draw an Arc on a chart, pick "Arc" under the Drawings menu (alt-DA). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Arc is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small arc.

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Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Arc" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Arrows
Up and Down Arrows are non-analytical drawing tools drawn for the purpose of highlighting the desired segment of a chart. For instance, Arrows can highlight a specific bar, top or bottom. When a trend in the market is discovered, the ability to add arrows to chart is a quick and easy way to display a quick reminder of that trend. Arrows can also be used for manually back testing an stEA to mark when a position would be opened or closed.

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o o

Arrow Down To draw a downward pointing arrow on a chart, pick "Arrow Down" under the Drawings menu (alt-DD). From there, drag the mouse and click it in the desired location on the chart. When Arrow Down is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small downward pointing arrow. Arrow Up To draw an upward pointing arrow on a chart, pick "Arrow Up" under the Drawings menu (alt-DU). From there, drag the mouse and click it in the desired location on the chart. When Arrow Up is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small upward pointing arrow

o o

Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Arrow Down (or "Format Arrow Up")" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Ellipse
An Ellipse is a non-analytical drawing tool drawn for the purpose of highlighting the desired segment of a chart. For instance, Ellipses can highlight a top, bottom, or a group of bars.

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Ellipses identify underlying structure of price moves. In particular, Fibonacci ellipses circumvent price patterns. When a price pattern changes, the shape of the ellipse circumventing the respective market price pattern changes too. We can find long and short ellipses, fat and thin ellipses and ellipses that are flat or have a steep angle. There are very few market price moves that do not follow the pattern of a Fibonacci ellipse. In general, the shape of an ellipse is defined by the ratio of major axis to minor axis. Ellipse is turned into Fibonacci Ellipse where this ratio is a member of Fibonacci series.

To draw an Ellipse on a chart, pick "Ellipse" under the Drawings menu (alt-DE). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point on a chart. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Arc is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small ellipse.

Formatting the drawing requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Ellipse" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

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Equidistant Channel
An Equidistant Channel represents two parallel trend lines connecting extreme maximum and minimum close prices. Market price jumps, draws peaks and troughs forming the channel in the trend direction. Early identification of the channel can give valuable information including that about changes in the trend direction what allows for estimating of possible profits and losses. It is necessary to give the direction of the channel and its width to build the instrument. To draw an Equidistant Channel on a chart, pick "Equidistant Channel" under the Drawings menu (alt-DQ). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Arc is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small arc. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Equidistant Channel" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

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Fibonacci tools
Leonardo Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician who lived between 1170-1240. He is considered to have discovered his famous sequence of numbers during his observations of the Great Pyramid in Giza (Egypt). The Fibonacci sequence is a numerical series where every added number is the sum of the preceding two: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, etc. There are some interesting ratios between these numbers. For example, every number is approximately 1.618-fold as much as the preceding one, and every preceding number makes approximately 0.618 of the successive one (Golden Ratio). There are some widely known technical analysis tools based on Fibonacci numbers. General principle of interpretation of these tools is the following: If the prices approaches to the lines built using these tools, the changes in the trend development are highly probable.

Time zones
Fibonacci Time Zones is a sequence of vertical lines having Fibonacci intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc. Significant price changes are considered to be expected near these lines. To build this instrument, it is necessary to specify two points to determine the length of a unit interval. All other lines are built on base of this unit interval according to Fibonacci Numbers.

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Trend-based price extension lines Trend-based time lines Retracement price lines

Fibonacci Retracement are built as follows: first, a trend line is built between two extreme points, for example, from the trough to the opposing peak. Then, nine horizontal lines intersecting the trend line at Fibonacci levels of 0.0, 23.6, 38.2, 50, 61.8, 100, 161.8, 261.8, and 423.6 per cent are drawn. After a significant rise or decline, prices often return to their previous levels correcting an essential part (and sometimes completely) of their initial movement. Prices often face support/resistance at the level of Fibonacci Retracements or near them in the course of such a reciprocal movement. To draw a Fibonacci Time Zone on a chart, pick "Fibonacci Tools" under the Drawings menu (alt-DFZ). From there, move the point to a chart and click the mouse at the desired starting point. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Fibonacci Time Zones" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Speed/Resistance arcs
Fibonacci Arcs are built as follows: first, the trend line is drawn between two extreme points, for example, from the trough to the opposing peak. Then three arcs are built having their centers in the second extreme point and intersecting the trend line at Fibonacci levels of 38.2, 50, and 61.8 per cent. Fibonacci arcs are considered to be potential support and resistance levels. Fibonacci Arcs and Fibonacci Fans are usually plotted together on the chart, and support and resistance levels are determined by the points of intersection of these lines.

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Speed/Resistance fan
Fibonacci Fan as a line instrument is built as follows: a trend line for example from a trough to the opposing peak is drawn between two extreme points. Then, an "invisible" vertical line is automatically drawn through the second extreme point. After that, three trend lines intersecting this invisible vertical line at Fibonacci levels of 38.2, 50, and 61.8 percent are drawn from the first extreme point. These lines are considered to represent support and resistance levels. For getting a more precise forecast, it is recommended to use other Fibonacci instruments along with the Fan.

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Creating and Formatting The Drawings

To draw any of the Fibonacci Tools a chart, pick "Fibonacci Tools" under the Drawings menu, and choose the drawing from the submenu that shows up.. From there, simply move the pointer to a chart and click the mouse at the desired starting point. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Fibonacci ..." or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Gann Tools
Gann square
A Gann square is a method of forecasting future support or resistance levels by counting forward from the all-time low or high price of an instrument. The all-time low or high price serves as an origin point. Each higher price increment is entered in a grid organized in a clockwise manner around the origin point, beginning one place to the left of the origin. The resulting formation resembles a square, the x and y axes of which are known as the cardinal-cross. Higher price increments that fall in the cardinal-cross are, according to Gann, the most likely future support or resistance levels. When you plot Gann Squares on a chart, the geometric formations can determine significant support and resistance levels.

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Gann fans
The Gann Fan was developed by the famous trader W. D. Gann who applied a combination of mathematical and geometric principles to trading. He presupposed that there is a specific relationship between price and time that is some unit of price equals some unit of time. A Gann Fan is an analytical drawing tool used to indicate time and price movements from important highs and lows and identify price breakouts. To create a Gann Fan the middle line of time relative to price is drawn through two selected points. The first point is the one from which a series of angled lines extends. And the second point is drawn to the right of the first and determines the rate of equivalence between time and price. The middle line can be of any angle. The middle line which has a 45-degree angle is known as the 1x1 price/time line. That is the price unit equals the time unit, so price and time are in perfect balance.

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The angled lines drawn from the first point indicate a price to time relationship that may be relatively fast or relatively slow, depending on the size of the Gann angle. These angled lines, relative to an assumed horizontal line and the middle line, subdivide this horizontal line into eighths (or thirds). The direction of a Gann Fan should depend on the current trend. To evaluate an upward trend, the Gann Fan should be drawn upward to the right, starting at a market low. To evaluate a downward trend, the Gann Fan should be drawn down from the right, starting at a market high. Lines of Gann Fan are built at different angles from an important base or peak at the price chart. The trend line of 11 was considered by Gann the most important. If the price curve is located above this line, it is the indication of the bull market, if it is below this line it is that of the bear market. Gann thought that the ray of 1x1 is a powerful support line when the trend is ascending, and he considered the breaking this line as an important turn signal. Gann emphasized the following nine basic angles, the angle of 1x1 being the most important of all: o o o o o o o o o 18 82.5 degree 14 75 degree 13 71.25 degree 12 63.75 degree 11 45 degree 21 26.25 degree 31 18.75 degree 41 15 degree 81 7.5 degree

The considered ratios of price and time increments to have corresponding angles of slope in degrees, X and Y axes must have the same scales. It means that a unit interval on X axis (i.e., hour, day, week, month) must correspond with the unit interval on Y axis. The simplest method of chart calibration consists in checking the angle of slope of the ray of 11: it must make 45 degrees.

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Creating and Formatting The Drawings

To draw any of the Gann Tools on a chart, pick "Gann Tools" under the Drawings menu, and choose the drawing from the submenu that shows up.. From there, simply move the pointer to a chart and click the mouse at the desired starting point. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Gann ..." or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

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Horizontal Line
A Horizontal Line is an analytical drawing tool used to indicate price levels as well as the support and resistance levels. However, you should apply other analysis techniques to confirm price breakouts and make more precise decisions. The ability to add view a static on a price a chart can be valuable for help in understanding trading ranges. The Horizontal Line drawing does this, by placing a horizontal line on a chart with a specific price. To draw a Horizontal Line on a chart, pick "Horizontal Line" under the Drawings menu (alt-DH). From there, click the mouse at a desired location on a chart. When Horizontal Line is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small horizontal line. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Time Line" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Rectangle
A Rectangle is a non-analytical drawing tool drawn for the purpose of highlighting the desired segment of a chart. For instance, Rectangles can highlight a top, bottom, or a group of bars. The ability to review a chart in given time/price range can be valuable for the technical analyst. To draw an Rectangle on a chart, pick "Rectangle" under the Drawings menu (alt-DR). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Rectangle is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small rectangle

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Formatting the drawing only takes a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Rectangle" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Regression Channel
The Regression Channel is an analytical drawing tool used to precisely define a price trend and its boundaries with regard to the support and resistance levels. To create the Regression Channel two parallel equidistant lines are drawn above and below a linear regression channel that is based on a user specified price (High, Low, Open, Close). The bottom line is the support level, and the top line - the resistance level. All these channels are based on the linear regression channel. A Linear Regression Channel consists of three parts: o o Linear Regression Line: A line that best fits all the data points of interest. Upper Channel Line: A line that runs parallel to the Linear Regression Line and is usually one to two standard deviations above the Linear Regression Line.

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Lower Channel Line: This line runs parallel to the Linear Regression Line and is usually one to two standard deviations below the Linear Regression Line.

To draw a Regression Channel on a chart, pick "Regression Channel" under the Drawings menu (alt-DS). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Regression Channel is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to 3 parallel lines. Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Regression Channel" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Retracement calculator
The Retracement Calculator computes the price retracement in percents in order to anticipate future trading opportunities. To calculate Percent Retracement three points are selected on a chart: a significant high or low, the opposite to the first point high or low and an intermediate point between the first two for which the calculations will be performed. The price range between the first two points is considered to be 100%. Retracement levels, or ranges that a currency pair retracts after a movement, are often used by investors to determine stop losses. The retracement calculator gives the ST trader the ability to determine these values simply by choosing three points on a chart.

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To draw a Retracement Calculator on a chart, pick "Retracement Calculator" under the Drawings menu (alt-DC). From there, click the mouse at a desired location on a chart for the first point under evaluation. From there pick the next two points and a message box will show up with the retracement value in terms of the percentage gained or lost.

Text
Text is a non-analytical drawing tool used to display text, the user's remarks and so on directly on a chart. The ability to add text to a chart is valuable for taking and adding notes for specific market conditions. Formatting the Text drawing requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Text" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

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Inserting Text
o To draw Text on a chart, pick "Text" under the Drawings menu(alt-DX). From there, drag the mouse and click it in the desired location on the chart. A format box will pop up. Type in the desired text and make any necessary cosmetic changes to the text, and click "OK". -oro Click the Text icon on the Drawing toolbar.

Moving Text
To move a Text: o Point the cursor at the text that is to be moved (the cursor Pointer will change into Hand) o Then keeping the left mouse button pressed drag the drawing tool to the desired position, then release the button.

Formatting Text
On Strategy Trader, All the formatting changes are performed in the Format Text window. Each instance of a Text has its own Format window. The number (if there are 2 or more Text instances in the same Chart Window) are shown in the titlebar of each Format Text window. One can select the font, its style, size and color of the text that should be entered as well as the character set and the font back color. It is possible to apply the Strikeout, Underline, Transparent and Framed effects to the text. One can place the text to the left, right or in the middle of the initial point at which the text is entered that is move the text along the time axis. One can also move the text along the price axis and place it at the top, bottom or in the center.

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Cloning Text
To clone a Text: o o o Drag the cursor to the Text that is to be cloned. The cursor Pointer will change into Hand , then right-click Select Clone Drawing from the shortcut menu.

Time Line
A Time Line is a non-analytical drawing tool used to show on the time axis the desired moment of time, the beginning or the end of the needed period of time.

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The ability to add view a static point in time on a chart can be valuable for technical analysis. The Time Line drawing does just that, by placing a vertical line on a chart with a specific timestamp.

To draw an Time Line on a chart, pick "Time Line" under the Drawings menu(alt-DT). From there, click the mouse at a desired location on a chart. When Time Line is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small vertical line.

Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Time Line" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

Trend Line
A Trend Line is an analytical drawing tool used to indicate the direction of price movement. A trend line is formed when you can draw a diagonal line between two or

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more price pivot points. They are commonly used to judge entry and exit investment timing when trading securities. A trend line is a bounding line for the price movement of a security. A support trend line is formed when a securities price decreases and then rebounds at a pivot point that aligns with at least two previous support pivot points. Similarly a resistance trend line is formed when a securities price increases and then rebounds at a pivot point that aligns with at least two previous resistance pivot points. To draw an Trend Line on a chart, pick "Trend Line" under the Drawings menu(alt-DL). From there, click the mouse to establish a starting anchor point. Next, drag the mouse and click it at the desired end point. When Trend Line is chosen, the mouse pointer will change to a small line with two points Formatting the drawing only requires a right click on the drawing and choosing "Format Trend Line" or by going through the Format Menu on the main menu bar.

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Format Menu
General Overview
The Format Menu, on the main menu bar on the top of the screen, contains commands for formatting symbols, indicators and stEAs, in addition to commands for formatting the appearance of the current active window and current chart. The Format Menu also includes the command to begin automated trading with a stEA. The following links detail the major items under the Format Menu. The next 4 items all go to the "Format Objects" Window. This window has 4 different tabs for formatting each of the following items. Details for each item can be found by clicking their respective links. Symbol - This is for formatting symbols in the active chart window. Indicator - This is for formatting indicators in the active chart window. Drawing - This is for formatting drawings in the active chart window. stEA - This is for formatting stEAs in the active chart window. The details of the remaining commands on the Format menu are shown below. Automate Order Execution This command initiates any stEAs in the current active window. The default setting for this is OFF, meaning it will not have a check mark next to it. When a stEA is initiated, all back testing data on the chart is removed, and AUTO notification in the active chart window will be GREEN. Window This will take the user to Format Window. This area is used for making changes to the appearance of the active chart window. Study Templates This command is for importing and exporting study templates via quote manager.

Increase Bar Spacing

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This command will increase the bar spacing on the current chart. This will decrease the visible time span (x-axis) on the chart.

Decrease Bar Spacing This command will decrease the bar spacing on the current chart. This will increase the visible time span (x-axis) on the chart.

Compress Price Scale This command will decrease the spacing on pricing of the current chart. This will increase the visible prices (y-axis) on the chart.

Expand Price Scale This command will increase the spacing on pricing of the current chart. This will decrease the visible prices (y-axis) on the chart.

Move Up This command will move the chart in the current active chart window up.

Move Down This command will move the chart in the current active chart window down.

Scroll Left This command will move the chart in the current active chart window to the left (back in time).

Scroll Right This command will move the chart in the current active chart window to the right (forward in time).

Increase Weight

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Increases the line weight on a line chart. This icon is inactive for other chart types.

Decrease Weight Decreases the line weight on a line chart. This icon is inactive for other chart types. Display Entire Series Shows the entire time span in the chart window

Zoom In This is used for zooming in on a chart. To do this, click on the icon then click once on the desired chart and hold down the mouse button and drag the mouse across the chart creating a rectangle of the zoom area. When the desired area is reached, release the button.

Zoom Out This is used for zooming out the view of the active chart.

Reset Scales This is used for resetting both the x and y axis to its initial state on the active chart.

Reset Time Scale This is used for resetting the x axis to its initial state on the active chart window.

Reset Price Scale This is used for resetting the y axis to its initial state on the active chart window.

Hide Object This is used for hiding the selected object in the active chart window.

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Format Indicator
By choosing Indicator, on the Format menu, the Format Objects Window(below) opens with the Indicator's tab selected.( Formatting an indicator can also be done by clicking on an indicator on a chart, and right clicking and choosing "Format.....Indicator".)If there isn't an indicator listed, it's because one has not been initiated for the current active chart window. The window below has the following column headings: o o o o o o o o o Name This is the file name of the indicator. Input String These are the input values set for the indicator. Status This shows if the indicator is activated for the chart. Sub Chart This details where the indicator shows up on the chart. Sub Chart #1 Base Data #

This number indicates which time series the indicator will calculate. If only one symbol is shown on the chart, this number will always be one. If there are multiple symbols, this can be changed in Format/Indicator/Format/Properties Tab.

The Buttons on the Format Objects Window perform the following functions: Format

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This is for formatting the indicator chosen in the format objects window. (Details on formatting indicators are listed below.) Remove This will remove the selected indicator. Status This will either activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF) the indicator. Add This is used to insert an indicator. Open Script This is used to open the code for the indicator in the Strategy Language Editor.

Formatting an Indicator
Inputs Tab
An Input is a constant used in the indicator calculations. Indicators can have one or more inputs or none at all. Each input is assigned a name. There are three types of inputs: Numeric, True/False, and String. Indicators can be modified by changing the input Values. One of the main advantages of using the inputs is that basic adjustments to the study's logic can be made by simply changing the input values, without the need to edit the studies' actual code. Most, but not all, indicators use input values; to learn more see Default Studies Inputs.

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The inputs can be modified before as well as after the indicator has been inserted.

Style Tab
The Type, Color, Style, and Weight of the indicator's plot can be customized; if an indicator consists of multiple plots, each plot can be set individually. Changes to indicator style settings will be applied to the Chart Window in real time.

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Properties Tab
The Properties Tab allows the user to be able to change the appearance of an indicator. All indicators based on past data use a certain number of bars for their calculations. The number of bars is called Maximum number of bars a study will reference, or Maximum Bars Back. You can elect to set this value manually, or to have it set automatically (Auto-Detect). An indicator can be based on any one of the data series in a multi-symbol chart. The Base Study refers to which pair the indicator is pulling data on. When applied to a multi-symbol chart, an indicator is based on the data series with the Data # 1 by default. Sub Chart shows where the indicator shows up on the window. You can elect whether to recalculate an indicator every time a new tick is received, or only at the close of each bar. One or the other may be more appropriate, depending on the indicator's algorithm. Update on Every Tick option is enabled by default. Updating a large number of complex indicators on every tick will require substantial system resources.

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Scaling Tab
The Scale is located on the left or/and on the right side of the chart, and consists of a vertical line with marks, indicating values, and identified by Labels. The values on the scale are specific to the indicator plotted on the chart. The scale represents the value range, within which the indicator is plotted. To determine the value of a point on a chart, the vertical position of the point is referenced to a value on the scale. The Range of the scale and the top and bottom Margins can be set. The Labels, identifying scale's marks, can be customized. A Linear or a Semi-Log (percent-of-change) type of scaling can be chosen. Scaling Range o The range of the Screen scale is equal to the range of the plot segment that is actually visible in the Chart Window. o The range of the Entire Series scale is equal to the range of the indicators entire plot, including any part of the plot that extends beyond the segment actually visible in the Chart Window. o o The range of the User Defined scale is set by the user. The range of the Same as Symbol scale is equal to the range of the base symbol's data series price scale. Margins o Margins are the extra spaces between the visual representation of an indicator and the chart's upper and lower borders, and are set as a percentage of the range of the plot's scale. Margins cannot be set for a chart with a User Defined scale. To do this: o In Use Margins section, check the Use Margins check box to add margins; uncheck the box to not add margins. o In the Top Margin text box enter the top margin as a percentage of the series price range. o In the Bottom Margin text box enter the bottom margin as a percentage of the series price range.

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Scale Labels o Scale Labels are the numbers that appear next to the marks on the scale that indicate what value the marks represent. o If a chart contains multiple objects, the object, for which the label values are displayed, can be selected. The object is selected separately for the right and for the left scales, making it possible to display different label values on the right than on the left scale of the chart. o The numbers displayed on the labels can be abbreviated, and either the increment (step size) between the labels or the total number of labels can be set. o Dividing Scale Labels- The numbers displayed on the labels can be abbreviated by dividing the values they represent by a set factor. You can elect to set the division factor automatically or manually. The Set Labels Manually checkbox lets the user choose specific steps on a chart along with the number labels to be shown. You can choose from three different settings that determine the increment (step size) between labels: o Automatic - the increment is optimized dynamically to aid the visual assessment of price levels. o o Set Step Size - the increment between labels is set manually. Set Number of Labels - a set number of labels is always displayed.

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Volume Profile
Volume Profile displays a histogram of the transaction volume at each price level over a certain time period. It's currently inactive in Strategy Trader.

Alerts
Alert is a visual or/and audio notification triggered when the market conditions meet the criteria specified in the indicator. Audio and visual alerts can be enabled simultaneously. Alerts can only be used with the indicators containing Alert Triggering Conditions code. Many indicators contain alerts. To learn how to add alerts to indicators' code refer to the Strategy Language Editor Help File. Alert Conditions Check You can elect whether to check for Alert Triggering Conditions every time a new tick is received, or only at the close of each bar. Audio Alert A PC speaker beep or a sound file played by the PCs sound card can be set as the audio alert type.

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Visual Alert Visual Alerts produce on screen messages when an alert is triggered.

Email Alert
E-mail alerts can be sent when market conditions meet your defined criteria. This feature can be used to stay informed about market conditions while away from the computer. To do this: Enter the email addresses of the sender. Enter the email address of the recipient. To send the email to multiple recipients, separate each email address with a semi-colon. Enter the SMTP Server Name or IP address, and Port number into the textboxes. Please get this information from your email provider. Check the SMTP Server authentication data checkbox if your SMTP server requires authentication to send emails. Enter the User name and Password. Press the Test button to send a test email.

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Format stEA
By choosing stEA, on the Format menu, the Format Objects Window (below) opens with the stEAs tab selected (Formatting a stEA can also be done by clicking on a drawing on a chart, and right clicking and choosing "Format.....Strategy Advisor"). If there isn't a stEA listed, it's because one has not been initiated for the current active chart window. The window below has the following column headings: o o o o o Name This is the file name of the stEA. Input String These are the input values set for the stEA. Status

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This shows if the stEA is activated for the chart.

The Buttons on the Format Objects Window perform the following functions:

o o

Format This is for formatting the stEA chosen in the format objects window. (Details on formatting indicators are listed below) Remove This will remove the selected stEA. Status This will either activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF) the stEA. Add This is used to insert a stEA. Open Script This is used to open the code for the indicator in the Strategy Language Editor. Optimize This is used to find the optimal input settings for a stEA. Properties This button is used for adjusting the properties of the stEA chosen in the window. This includes rules on auto trading, back testing and trading specifics.

o o o o o o o o o o o o

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Format Drawing
By choosing Drawing, on the Format menu, the Format Objects Window (below) opens with the Drawing's tab selected (Formatting a drawing can also be done by clicking on an drawing on a chart, and right clicking and choosing "Format.....Drawing") If there isn't a drawing listed, it's because one has not been initiated for the current active chart window. The window below has the following column headings: o o o o o o o o o o Name This is the file name of the indicator. Input String These are the input values set for the indicator. Status This shows if the indicator is activated for the chart. Sub Chart This details where the indicator shows up on the chart. Sub Chart #1. Base Data # This number indicates which time series the indicator will calculate. If only one symbol is shown on the chart, this number will always be one. If there are multiple symbols, this can be changed in Format/Indicator/Format/Properties Tab.

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The Buttons on the Format Objects Window perform the following functions: Format This is for formatting the drawing chosen in the format objects window (Details on formatting drawing are listed below). Remove This will remove the selected drawing. Status This will either activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF) the drawing.

Formatting a Drawing
The type of drawing will determine the tabs available for customizing a drawing. The most widely used tabs are detailed below: Data Tab/Style Tab The Type, Color, Style, and Weight of a drawing can be customized. Changes to drawings' data settings will be applied to the Chart Window in real time.

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Properties Tab The Properties Tab of a drawing typically contains the values of the exact coordinates of the drawing. These can be changed for fine tuning the exact location of a drawing.

Alerts Tab Alert is a visual or/and audio notification triggered when the market conditions meet the criteria specified in the drawing. Audio and visual alerts can be enabled simultaneously. Alert Conditions Check You can elect whether to check for Alert Triggering Conditions every time a new tick is received, or only at the close of each bar. Audio Alert A PC speaker beep or a sound file played by the PCs sound card can be set as the audio alert type. Visual Alert Visual Alerts produce on screen messages when an alert is triggered. Email Alert

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E-mail alerts can be sent when market conditions meet your defined criteria. This feature can be used to stay informed about market conditions while away from the computer. To do this: o o Enter the email addresses of the sender. Enter the email address of the recipient. To send the email to multiple recipients, separate each email address with a semi-colon. o Enter the SMTP Server Name or IP address, and Port number into the textboxes. Please get this information from your email provider. Check the SMTP Server authentication data checkbox if your SMTP server requires authentication to send emails. Enter the User name and Password. o Press the Test button to send a test email.

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Window Menu
Controls under this menu helps you manage chart windows.

Arrange All: Arranges all of the chart windows in the current workspace. Arrange Horizontally: This option arranges all of the chart windows horizontally. Arrange Vertically: This option arranges all of the chart windows vertically. Cascade: This option cascades the chart windows one on top of another. Default Chart Layout: This option arranges all of the windows in the current workspace.

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Default Toolbar Layout: This option restores the default toolbars on the User Interface. Close Window: Closes the current window Detach Window: This option detaches current window from the workspace. This option can be used if you need to take out the window from the user interface.

Report Menu
You can use Report Menu to generate account report and also Strategy performance and optimization reports.

Account Report:
Combined Account Statement

Strategy Reports:
Strategy Performance Report Strategy Optimization Report Walk-forward Optimization Report

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Combined Account Statement

The FXCM Strategy Trader offers up to the minute account statements. Account Statements can be accessed directly for the platform and run for time frames ranging from the date your account was opened through the current trading day. To generate a report (alt-RS) go to Report on Menu bar and click on Generate Combined Account Statement. You can generate report in HTML, .pdf and Excel formats.

Strategy Performance Report

Strategy Analysis:
Strategy Performance Summary Displays the performance summary for all trades, long trades and short trades. Time Analysis The information in the Time Analysis tab (table) evaluates results strictly from the Performance Ratios Displays most important performance ratios to quickly analyze performance of the trading strategy. Equity Curve Detailed This graph allows greater insight into trading performance than a usual equity curve

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standpoint of time. You set the time frame for displaying the results using the Display tab of the Settings dialog box.

graph. It displays net profit on a bar-by-bar basis revealing equity drawdowns and runups. Flat or non-trading periods are also shown to present a detailed overview of equity performance.

Equity Curve Detailed Long Equity Curve of only long positions Equity Curve Detailed with Drawdown This graph allows greater insight into trading performance than a usual equity curve graph. It displays net profit on a bar-by-bar basis revealing equity drawdowns and runups combined with both Drawdown ($) and Drawdown (%). Flat or non-trading periods are also shown to present a detailed overview of equity performance. Equity Run-up & Drawdown (%) This graph illustrates equity' drawdown vs. equity' run-up in (%).

Equity Curve Detailed Short Equity Curve of only short positions Equity Run-up & Drawdown This graph illustrates equity' drawdown vs. equity' run-up in ($).

Equity Curve Close To Close This graph displays an equity (in $) vs. trade number for all closed trades. The equity curve line charts presents trading performance on a trade-by-trade basis. This chart does not use time on its x-axis, but rather the realized profit per trade. This allpurpose equity chart is best used for general analysis of trading performance.

Equity Curve Close To Close With Drawdown This graph displays an equity (in $) vs. trade number for all closed trades combined with both Drawdown ($) and Drawdown (%). The equity curve line chart presents trading performance on a trade-by-trade basis. This chart does not use time on its x-axis, but rather the realized profit per trade. This allpurpose equity chart is best used for general

Buy & Hold Return This graph displays the return achieved if security had bought and held for the duration of the test period.

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analysis of trading performance and drawdown. Value Added Monthly Index This graph displays VAMI. VAMI is an index that tracks the monthly performance of a hypothetical 1000$ investment.

Trade Analysis:
List of Trades Displays complete trade -by-trade report of each trade. Total Trade Analysis Displays overall performance of the trading strategy and should be used to gauge the total performance. Outliers The information in the Time Analysis tab (table) evaluates results strictly from the standpoint of time. You set the time frame for displaying the results using the Display tab of the Settings dialog box. Trade Series Analysis Displays statistical measures based on winning and losing trades. Total Trades This graph illustrates the profit in $ vs. trade number for all trades. Horizontal line stands for the average profit/loss. Run-up/Drawdown The information in the Outliers tab (table) evaluates results strictly from the standpoint of time. you set the time frame for displaying the results using the Display tab of the Settings dialog box. Trade Series Statistics Displays information on the consecutive winning (losing) trades series. Winning Trades This graph displays profit in $ vs. trade number for all winning trades for the period tested. Horizontal line stands for the average trade.

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Losing Trades This graph displays profit in $ vs. trade number for all losing trades for the period tested. Horizontal line stands for the average trade. Drawdown P/L This graph displays each trade's drawdown together with Realized Profit/loss in $ vs. Trade Number in a bar graph format. The smaller the bar, the closer the trade was to its individual maximum drawdown. Maximum Adverse Excursion (%) Produces the Maximum Adverse Excursion graph, but uses percentages rather than dollar amounts. This graph is best used for longer-term evaluations. Run-up P/L Graphs each trade's run-up to realized profit bar, the closer the trade was to its individual maximum run-up.

Drawdown This graph illustrates each trade's drawdown vs. trade number for all trades.

Maximum Adverse Excursion This graph is best used to determine protective money management stops for a trading strategy. It graphs each trade's realized Profit/Loss vs. Drawdown in a scatter graph format. Run-up The Run-up graph displays each trade's runup vs. trade number for all trades.

Maximum Favorable Excursion This graph is best used to determine trailing Favorable Excursion graph shows the realized profit/Loss vs. Drawdown in a scatter graph format. The green up arrows represent winning trades, and the red arrows represent losing trades.

distance in bar graph format. The smaller the stops for a trading strategy. The Maximum

Maximum Adverse Excursion (%) Produces the maximum Favorable Excursion graph, but uses percentages rather than dollar amounts. This graph is best used for

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longer-term evaluations.

Periodical Analysis:
Daily Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation performed at the end of each day. Daily Rolling Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation of progression between the periods performed at the end of each day. Monthly Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation performed for each month type. Monthly Rolling Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation of progression between the periods performed at the end of each month. Annual Rolling Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation of progression between the periods performed at the end of each year. Monthly Returns & Drawdowns (%) This graph displays monthly profit, loss, runup and drawdown in percents. Monthly Accumulative Net Profit This graph displays monthly profit, loss, runup and drawdown in dollars. Monthly Returns & Drawdowns This graph displays monthly profit, loss, runup and drawdown in dollars. Monthly Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation performed at the end of each month. Annual Period Analysis Displays complete performance evaluation performed at the end of each year.

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Average Profit By Month This graph displays each trade's drawdown together with Realized Profit/loss in $ vs. Trade Number in a bar graph format. The smaller the bar, the closer the trade was to its individual maximum drawdown. Annual Returns & Drawdowns (%) This graph displays annual profit, loss, runup and drawdown in percents.

Annual Returns & Drawdowns This graph is best used to determine protective money management stops for a trading strategy. It graphs each trade's realized Profit/Loss vs. Drawdown in a scatter graph format. Annual Accumulative Net Profit This graph displays accumulative net profit on year-by-year basis.

Strategy Optimization Report

To optimize a stEA and generate a strategy report, first apply the stEA to the chart. Next, right click on the chart and select Format Strategy Advisor. There you will see your applied strategy in the "on" status. You can optimize any strategy that has user input.

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Next, click on Optimize.

Exhaustive: Exhaustive, also called Brute-Force, optimization systematically goes through all the potential combinations in search for the best solution. The advantage of this approach is every single combination will be checked and the absolute optimum solution identified. The length of time required for Exhaustive optimization is proportional to the total number of all possible solutions. The drawback of this approach is that, unless relatively few parameters are involved, the period of time required to reach a solution may turn out to be unacceptably long. Thus, exhaustive optimization may only be suitable when there are a limited number of possible solutions. Genetic: Genetic Algorithms optimization evaluates only the more promising combinations, finding near-optimum solutions in a fraction of time that would be required by the brute-force approach, making Genetic Algorithms optimization powerful enough to analyze stEAs with hundreds of parameters. Genetic Optimizer settings add flexibility to this technique.

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Walk forward: Walk Forward Optimization is an optimization process that addresses the issue of curve fitting in stEAs development. Walk Forward Optimization segregates the data series into multiple segments, and each segment is divided into an in-sample (IS) portion and an out-of-sample (OOS) portion. Parameter optimization for the stEA is performed using the IS portion of the first segment. The same parameters are then used to back test the stEA on the OOS portion of the same segment. The process is repeated for the remaining segments. Pick the appropriate option and click OK. After the process is complete, you will be able to find the Optimization Report in Report menu.

Help Menu

FXCM Strategy Trader Help This help file is located in this menu. Short-cut key: F1 Chat You can access FXCM's live chat feature here.

Remote Desktop...

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This will launch the Quick Support application which will allow the technical support staff to connect to your computer. Please provide the support person the ID and Password that appears in the Quick Support window. Discussion forums This link will take you to dailyfx forum where you participate in discussions on Strategy Trader. Home Page This link will take you to official FXCM website homepage. Check for Updates You can update your Strategy Trader Platform by clicking this option. About

This tells you the version of Strategy Trader installed on your computer.

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How to Insert an Indicator?

1. Load the appropriate chart that you want to run the indicator on. 2. Double click on Indicator folder. 3. Double click on the indicator to add it to the chart (If a Format Indicator dialog box appears, select the appropriate input value and click ok).

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4. If the indicator is added in a separate panel like figure 2, simply drag the indicator into the top window. Drag will work by clicking on ay indicator lines. Alternative way: 1. Press F7. 2. Double click on the appropriate compiled indicator. 3. Follow step 4 above. Note: Any customized indicator that was installed manually will be located in Favorites folder in Figure 1. Note: Only compiled indicators can be added to a chart.

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How to Add a stEA?

1. Load the desired chart that the user wants to run the strategy on. 2. Double click on Strategy Advisors folder. 3. Double click on the stEA to add it to the chart. 4. A format dialog box will open. From there, choose to format any input by clicking the Format... button. You can also optimize any stEA with inputs by clicking on Optimize... button. The status button turns the stEA on or off. 5. If everything looks as it should be, click Close and the stEA will be applied to the chart.

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6. In Figure 2, we applied Trade_Every_Bar strategy to the chart. 7. To trade based on the stEA, click on the AUTO button on the top left of the chart window. When the auto button changes from red to green, the stEA is trading live.

Alternative way:
1. Press F8. 2. Double click on the appropriate compiled strategy. 3. Follow step 4 above. Note: Any customized strategy that was installed manually will be located in Favorites folder in Figure 1. Note: Only compiled strategy can be added to a chart.

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How to compile a stEA or Indicator?

When there is a stEA or indicator that is installed but not available in the Navigation pane, it is most likely uncompiled. To confirm this, open the stEA's or Insert Indicators dialog box by going to the insert menu. In figure 1, note that MACD_LE_SE stEA is in its uncompiled state. To compile a stEA or indicator please follow the following steps: 1. Click Start, click Programs, click FXCM Strategy Trader, and then click Strategy Trader Editor 2. Click Compile on the top menu bar or hit F7. This will compile all the indicators and strategies installed on your computer.

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How to Format a Chart?

Right click and click Format Window... Background: Background color of chart. Type of grid and its color used in the chart. Session break line style and color

Appearance: All the Scroll Bar and Title Bar controls are located in this tab.

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Y-Price Scale: Timer settings, Axis color, and Font Settings for Y-axis are located here. Volume Profile: Index settings on the left and right of the chart can be changed here. Status Line: Text labels on the chart can be edited in this tab. User can remove or add more text labels on the chart. X-Time Scale: Axis color, Font Settings can be changed here.

Quote Manager
QuoteManager, a flexible and sophisticated quote data management system, is also provided with Strategy Trader. Some familiarity with basic trading concepts and terminology on the part of the reader is assumed.

Understanding QuoteManager
QuoteManager is a tool for managing the database. Its main functions include: Displaying and editing the Symbol list, Exchange/ECN list, Holiday list, Data Source list. Rapid search and editing the necessary information. Receiving the Symbol list on demand from data vendors that support this mode or adding symbols manually. Editing the symbol name database and associated settings.

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Editing data. Importing 3rd party data. Mapping ASCII files. Connecting additional data vendors. To run QuoteManager click the New QuoteManager Window toolbar. icon on the Main

Operating Symbol List

Symbol List is a list of commonly used financial instruments. Modern-day investors need easy access to any of the trading vehicles. QuoteManager has been developed based on those needs, the basic requirements being: The program must function with numbers of symbols in tens of thousands. Rapid data access, which means powerful search, sorting, and selection capabilities. Convenient adding and editing of data. Simple data backup and restore. Minimal setup and maintenance effort.

Adding Symbol(s) to Symbol List

To start working with a symbol, the symbol must be added to the symbol list. Adding can be done manually or from a list, downloaded from the data vendor. Adding symbols manually is appropriate when the exact symbol name is known and the list of symbols is not available from the data vendor. For instance, with DDE there is no way to download a list, and the user is supposed to know the exact name for the query. In all other cases, adding symbols manually is not recommended, as parameters in addition to the symbol name may be required by the data vendor. When a symbol is added from a list, provided by the data vendor, all required parameters are set automatically.

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Adding Symbols in Manual Mode

To add a symbol: 1. On the Symbol menu, select Add Symbol, then click Manually, or 2. Click the Add Symbol icon on the toolbar.

3. Select a Data Source from the list. If the desired data vendor is not listed, it could be that the vendor is not installed. 4. Enter the Symbol name. 5. Select the Category from the list. 6. Select the Exchange from the list. If the desired exchange is not listed, see the Exchanges section. 7. Click OK. 8. Enter the symbol Root. Tip: Stock root is the same as the stocks name. 9. Click OK to add symbol with current properties or set Symbol Properties.

Adding Symbol from Data Vendor Supplied List

To add a symbol: 1. On the Symbol menu, select Add Symbol. 2. Select From Data Source. 3. Choose a data source from the Data Source list; the Insert Symbols into Portfolio window will open. If a data vendor is not in the list: o o o data source does not support a symbol list (the symbol must be added manually) data source is currently deactivated (the data source should be activated) data source is not supported.

1. Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added. 2. Enter all or part of the symbol name into the Symbol box and click Lookup. 3. Note: Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected. 4. Select the desired symbol(s). 5. Click Add. 6. Click Close or continue to search for symbols.

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7. Note: If necessary, Symbol Properties can be changed (not recommended). Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List: Symbols can be selected by using the keyboard or a mouse. Using the keyboard, move the selection pointer to the line containing the symbol. If the selection is not visible, press the down arrow button twice, the selection will be visible on the uppermost symbol; selection with the mouse is simpler and can be achieved by leftclicking the line once. To select several sequential symbols at once keep shift pressed and select with up or down arrow buttons. To select several sequential symbols at once with the mouse keep shift pressed, scroll using the vertical scroll bar to the required position, and click it. To select many sequential symbols at once, select the starting symbol, keep CTRL pressed and move the selection with the home/end or page up/page down buttons, then release CTRL, press shift and press up/down arrow buttons depending on the direction of selecting. To select many sequential symbols at once with the mouse keep CTRL pressed and click the symbols. If you need to select several non-sequential symbols using the keyboard, start on the first symbol, press and keep down CTRL and move the selection border to the desired position using the up/down arrows, home/end or page up/page down, then press space. To perform such selection with the mouse keep CTRL pressed and click the symbols to be selected. Note: To select all symbols, select edit in the main menu and then click select all or use the CTRL + A keyboard shortcut.

Deleting Symbol(s) from the Symbol List

To delete one or more symbols: 1. Select the symbols to be deleted. 2. Selected symbols can be deleted by one of the following methods:

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o o o o

Click the Delete Symbol

icon on the toolbar.

Right-clicking on the selected symbols and then clicking Delete Symbol. Selecting Symbol on the main menu and then clicking Delete Symbol. Pressing the Delete key on the keyboard.

Sorting the Symbol List

The list is sorted based on the contents of one of the available columns. For example, text data is sorted alphabetically, but months in calendar order. For sorting: 1. On the view menu, click sort by. 2. Select the column to sort by, i.e. symbol. 3. Select the sorting direction - sort ascending or sort descending. -or1. Click the corresponding column heading to sort by that column. 2. The arrow on the heading indicates the sorting direction; click the column to reverse the sorting direction. 3. Right-click a column heading to call up a context menu with sorting options. Two types of a search can be performed: an Incremental search and a Full String search. An Incremental search locates a symbol as the symbol name is typed. Please note that an incremental search can be performed by the signal name only, and not by any other attributes. To perform an Incremental search: 1. Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category. 2. Click on any symbol in the right panel. 3. Start typing the symbol name; as the name is being typed, the selection will move between symbols seeking for a match. Note: Each consecutive character in a symbol name must be typed with an interval of no more the one second; if you pause for more than one second, a new search will be started, for a symbol name beginning with the first character that was typed after a pause of more than a second.

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To start a new search without waiting for the second to be over, simply press the ESC key. To search for AMD, type a + m + d with an interval of less than a second between each. Example: character; if you pause for more than a second after typing a, once you type m, the first symbol, beginning with the character m, will be located instead. A Full String search can be used to find multiple symbols that satisfy the search criteria. To perform a Full String search: 1. Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category. 2. Select Edit in the main menu, and then click Find, or use the CTRL + F keyboard shortcut; a Find dialog box will open. 3. In the Find what text box, enter a string to search for. 4. In the In column list box, select the column to search in. 5. Click Find Next to begin the search. 6. To continue the search, click Find Next again. A previously performed search can be repeated by simply pressing the F3 key, without opening the Find dialog box.

Customizing the Symbol List

The program supports workspace customization. The user can select the data columns and set their widths, including: Symbol, Description, Exchange Listed, Data Source, Contract Month, Price Scale, CUSIP, Root, Margin, Contract Year, Expiation Date, Expiration Rule, Expiration Status, Daily Limit, Min. Movement, Big Point Value, Strike Price, and Option Type. To customize the Symbol List: 1. On the View menu, click Columns. 2. Select the checkboxes, corresponding to the columns to be displayed. 3. Use the Move Up and the Move Down buttons to change the order in which the columns are displayed. 4. Enter the desired width, in pixels, in to the selected column should be N pixels box. 5. Note: Column width can also be resized by using the mouse

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Setting Properties
It is possible to modify symbol properties in QuoteManager. Every symbol has a set of properties. Data Source, Category, Exchange & ECN, Symbol Name and Symbol Root are the mandatory properties. In case the symbol was added from a list supplied by data vendor all mandatory and most optional properties are already set according to data vendor requirements. It is possible to modify properties only after the symbol is already added to the symbol list. In case the symbol was added manually all mandatory (except Symbol Root) and some optional properties are already set. It is possible to modify properties while creating a symbol as well as after the symbol is already added to the symbol list. Important: This information can be obtained from the exchanges where the symbol is listed or from a brokerage firm. The properties are edited in the Edit Symbol window:

Editing an existing symbol properties

1. Double-click the necessary symbol in the symbol list. 2. Select appropriate tab in the Edit Symbol window opened. 3. Note: First tab name dynamically changes according to the symbol category set. 4. Set necessary properties. -or1. Select the necessary symbol. 2. Click the Edit Symbol icon on the toolbar. 3. Select appropriate tab in the Edit Symbol window opened. 4. Note: First tab name dynamically changes according to the symbol category set. 5. Set necessary properties. -or1. Select the necessary symbol. 2. Under menu select Symbol and click Edit Symbol....

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3. Select appropriate tab in the Edit Symbol window opened. 4. Note: First tab name dynamically changes according to the symbol category set. 5. Set necessary properties. -or1. Right-click on necessary symbol and select Edit Symbol.... 2. Select appropriate tab in the Edit Symbol window opened. 3. Note: First tab name dynamically changes according to the symbol category set. 4. Set necessary properties.

Editing a new symbol properties

After filling information in the Add Symbol window the Edit Symbol window appears automatically making possible setting properties. Important: The Category property cannot be changed for a symbol. Important: It is required to set the Symbol Root property. Tip: Symbol Root for stocks is the same as the Symbol Root property.

Setting Custom Session Templates

This tool allows creating templates for rapid access to the session configurations. This is especially useful for non-standard sessions used with several symbols. Create a template once and activate it for the desired symbol with just a few clicks. Adding Session Templates 1. On the Tools menu, click Session Templates, or click the Session Templates icon on the toolbar. 2. Click Add. 3. Enter the Description (up to 50 characters long). 4. Select Session Time. This option indicates the time used for setting sessions. 5. Use the Add/Delete buttons to add or delete sessions.

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Editing a Session Templates 1. On the Tools menu, click Session Templates, or click the Session Templates icon on the toolbar. 2. Click Edit. Deleting Session Templates 1. On the Tools menu, click Session Templates, or click the Session Templates icon on the toolbar. 2. Click Delete.

Symbol Dictionary for Futures

The Symbol Dictionary in QuoteManager contains a list of futures symbol roots with predefined contract specifications and session times. The user can use these pre-defined settings to add new symbols quickly without needing to manually complete each field. For example, if the user wants to add the ES#F symbol from eSignal and the Symbol Dictionary has the ES symbol root defined, then QuoteManager will recognize the ES root symbol and automatically fill in the contract specifications. The contract specifications are important because the specifications are used to plot the chart and calculate dollar amounts. If the contract specifications are not correct, then the chart may not plot properly and the strategy may not function properly. It is also possible to add new symbol roots into Symbol Dictionary and edit existing symbol roots. Symbol Dictionary contains symbol roots for most futures contracts. However, it is not possible for the list to be 100% complete, and contract specifications may change. Adding a Symbol Root to Symbol Dictionary 1. Click Tools in the main menu and select Symbol Dictionary, or click the Symbol Dictionary icon on the toolbar.

2. Click the Add button. The New Edit Root Settings window will appear. 3. Complete the Settings and Sessions sections on the form. 4. Click the OK button.

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Editing a Symbol Root in Symbol Dictionary 1. Click Tools in the main menu and select Symbol Dictionary, or click the Symbol Dictionary appear. 3. Edit the fields. 4. Click the OK button. icon on the toolbar.

2. Select the symbol root to edit. Click the Edit button. The Edit Root Settings window will

Using the Symbol Root in Symbol Dictionary 1. Add a new symbol into QuoteManager. Make sure the new symbols root is the same as the symbol root in Symbol Dictionary.

How? o o Double-click the symbol in the symbol list, or Select the symbol in the symbol list, then select Symbol in the main menu and select Edit Symbol, or o o Right-click on the symbol and select Edit Symbol. Note: Edit Symbol window is already open in Step 1. It is possible to leave it open and continue working with it. 1. Select the Settings tab in the Edit Symbol window. 2. In the Settings Source section, select the Use Symbol Dictionary Settings radio button to use the symbol roots contract specifications in Symbol Dictionary. 3. Select the Sessions tab in the Edit Symbol window. 4. In the Sessions Source section, select the Use Symbol Dictionary Sessions radio button to use the symbol roots sessions information in Symbol Dictionary.

Setting Exchanges & ECNs

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This tool allows adding/removing Exchanges/ECNs and editing their parameters. The Exchanges/ECNs parameters are inherited by the symbols, so the better are the Exchanges/ECNs tuned in, the higher will be the overall quality of the system performance. Sometimes the Exchange/ECN settings aren't the same for all the symbols traded on a given Exchange/ECN. So the user is able to edit settings on a symbol-by-symbol basis, although in the majority of cases the Exchange/ECN settings are exactly the same as the individual symbol settings. Adding an Exchange/ECN 1. On the Tools menu, click Exchanges & ECNs, or click the Exchanges & ECNs icon on the toolbar. 2. Click Add. 3. Enter the Exchange/ECN name. This name must be informative for convenience and consist of the full exchange name, up to 50 characters long. This full name will not be used on the Symbol list and in the symbol settings. 4. Enter the Abbr. This short name, up to 7 characters long will be used for exchange identification, use the standard abbreviations as they will be used for symbol searches. 5. Select the Holiday List. 6. Select a Price Scale corresponding to most symbols traded at the selected Exchange/ECN. 7. Enter the Daily Limit. 8. Enter the Min. Movement. 9. Enter Big Point Value. 10. Add the sessions in the Sessions section. Use the Add/Delete buttons to add or remove them; the sessions must be set in the local time of the corresponding exchange. 11. On the Time Zone tab set the exchange's time zone. This can be done either using From System Options or Custom options. Selecting From System Options will set the OS time zone settings, which is usually correct; you might have to set the time zone and daylight savings settings by using Custom. Removing Exchange/ECN 1. On the Tools menu, click Exchanges & ECNs, or click the Exchanges & ECNs icon on the toolbar.

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2. Click Delete. Editing the Exchange/ECN 1. On the Tools menu, click Exchanges & ECNs, or click the Exchanges & ECNs icon on the toolbar. 2. Click Edit.

Setting Holidays
This tool is used to indicate the days when the exchanges do not work to avoid gaps on the charts. The holidays are divided into groups so can one select holiday by nation or other parameter. Sometimes it makes sense to group the holidays into national and international to avoid double-listing. In other cases sorting holiday by countries may be more convenient. Adding Groups 1. On the Tools menu, click Holidays, or click the Holidays 2. Click the Add Group button. 3. Enter the group name in the Description field (up to 15 characters). 4. Enter the Data Source Abbr (up to 3 characters). icon on the toolbar.

Adding Holidays 1. On the Tools menu, click Holidays, or click the Holidays icon on the toolbar. 2. Click the desired group in the Date or Duration area or press Enter to open it so the sign to the left of the group changes to 3. Click the link or the Add Holiday button. 4. Enter the holiday name in the Description field (up to 15 characters). Removing Holidays 1. On the Tools menu, click Holidays, or click the Holidays icon on the toolbar. 2. Click the desired group in the Date or Duration area or press Enter to open it so the sign to the left of the group changes to 3. Select the desired holiday. sign. sign.

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4. Click the Remove Holiday button. Removing Groups 1. On the Tools menu, click Holidays, or click the Holidays 2. Click Remove Group. 3. Select the desired group. 4. Click the Remove Group button. icon on the toolbar.

Operating Data Sources

This tool is used for managing data sources. It allows adding/removing data sources,
editing their settings, names and abbreviations, receiving data source information, their states and versions.

Adding Data Sources

Data sources are added automatically. The system auto-adds a data source as soon as the data feed's DLL is placed in the DataFeeds folder. This data source appears in the data sources list but it is still inactive. To activate the data source press Activate button. Please, contact betatest@fxcm.com to receive further information concerning the API for developers.

Activating Data Sources

Activation/deactivation is used to set the list of daily used data sources or for activating a newly added data source. For full access the data source must be activated. If the data source is present in the list but marked in red, this data source must be activated.

To activate a Data Source:

1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar. 2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click Activate. The data source is now marked in green and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters can now be edited. icon on the

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Deactivating Data Sources

If a data source is not used, it can be deactivated. In this case, it will not be displayed in the list of available data sources when a symbol is added; if necessary, the data source can be reactivated later. To deactivate a data source: 1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar. 2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click Deactivate. The data source is now marked in red and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters cannot be edited. icon on the

Configuring Data Sources

Most data sources have unique parameters, e.g. server IP address, port, user name/login information, etc. See the Built-in Data Sources section for more detailed descriptions. All the parameters for the integrated data sources are described there.

To edit a data source's settings: 1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar. 2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Settings button. icon on the

Cloning Data Sources

To use a data source with different sets of settings it must be cloned. Cloning creates a virtual copy of the data source with modified parameters. For instance, to receive data from several DDE data vendors one needs to have several DDE templates. In this case for every DDE data feed a unique data source must be created. If there are two DDE data feeds, Universal DDE and Universal DDE 2 must be created and a DDE template selected for each. To clone a data source:

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1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar.

icon on the

2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Clone button. 3. Enter a Data Source Name (up to 3 characters). 4. Enter a Data Source Abbr (up to 3 characters).

Editing Data Sources

1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar. 2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Edit button. icon on the

Deleting Data Sources

1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources toolbar. 2. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Delete button. icon on the

Collecting Data
The program provides optimal performance with various data feeds. Its behavior depends on the data feed connected; there exist three kinds of data feeds - data feeds that provide real-time only, data feeds that provide both history and real-time and data feeds that provide history only. See the Built-In Data Sources table for more detailed information on data feeds. The program's behavior depending on the data feed type is described below:

Data feed provides real-time only

Most brokers do not provide history data. In this case the program receives only real-time data and stores it in the local database. The data is saved immediately, at the same time as it is charted and may be used in the future. The program creates 1 minute and 1 day resolutions automatically and stores them in the database along with ticks. All other

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resolutions are generated from stored data. I.e. if we need a 100 tick chart, the program automatically builds it from existing ticks. If a 2 minute chart is required, the program builds it from 1 minute data. In case of gaps in data 1 tick, 1 minute or 1 day must be imported correspondingly.

Data feed provides both history and real-time

Most professional data vendors as well as a number of advanced brokers provide history data for the ultimate trader convenience. The amount and quality of data provided varies from vendor to vendor, though; see the table for a general overview of history data feeds. The program demonstrates the best performance with such data vendors, freeing the user from the need to download missing data manually. The history data is stored in the local database and needs minimal effort for reuse, as only missing data has to be downloaded instead of the entire period. Besides, as data is stored locally, it is accessible even when vendor servers are not; all real-time data from the vendor is stored in the database as well, so no repeated queries must be sent when charts are created again. This cuts down on the Internet traffic and accelerates work. 1 tick, 1 minute and 1 day resolutions are stored in the database.

Data feed provides only history data

There exists a multitude of End-of-Day and intraday historical data vendors. Data from such vendors is used by in-depth analysis by experienced traders or for filling gaps in data from other vendors. When this data is used on its own, without requiring combination with data from other vendors, we insist on importing data into symbols of real-time only vendors, such as Universal DDE. This guarantees that the data will not be mixed up with already existing data and will be charted exactly the way it was downloaded. The program saves to the database 1 tick, 1 minute and 1 day resolutions and generates all others from them. When data is imported, existing data in the database will be overwritten by the data from the file if the timestamps are the same.

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eSignal
eSignal is one of the leading professional data vendors. The company has been working in the financial information area for decades, constantly improving its services. The program performance and stability is the best with this data vendor. Click here to subscribe to eSignal at a special price. Pro Affordable price Widest coverage High reliability Con Not enough history data No history data for options No continuous contracts for international markets

Universal DDE
DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) is a widely used protocol for exchanging data between applications in the MS Windows environment. Please see the developer's website for more detailed information on DDE. Pro Widest choice of data sources Data preprocessing with Excel or other programs possible, additional features such as bad tick filtering and creating synthetic symbols Con Lack of historical quotes Average stability and performance

Features and limitations

Features

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User-definable DDE Server/Topic/Item for Trade Price, Trade Volume, Bid Price, Bid Size, Ask Price, Ask Size Rapid creation, editing and application of DDE Templates Testing the functionality of a DDE server or a newly created template Support for various server types. Some DDE servers contradict the Microsoft specifications. For maximal user convenience the program has a set of deeply customizable options (not described here). If you're not able to receive data from a required DDE server, please write to betatest@fxcm.com and our support service will aid you as soon as possible

Automatic reconnection in case the connection to the DDE server is lost

Limitations Presently the following field types are not supported: Time, Open, High, Low, Close, Total Volume, Change The program receives ticks only and assigns the current system time to them. Sometimes the tick's real time may differ from the assigned one due to delay The Status Bar is not displayed on the chart as there aren't enough fields to chart it

Setting up
To create a DDE Template: 1. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources. 2. Select Universal DDE and click Settings. 3. Indicate a template name in Template (up to 20 symbols long). 4. Indicate the DDE Links in the corresponding sections (the sections include Trade, Bid and Ask. The Price and Volume/Size must be indicated in each section; if Volume/Size cannot be used (e.g for Forex), indicate Price instead. Since for every price the program queries for a volume, this field will never be empty as the program will be waiting for volume data to form a new tick. 5. Before creating DDE links in Universal DDE make sure they are functional in Excel. After that, copy the link to the corresponding field in Universal DDE and replace the static symbol name with the asterisk symbol *. For instance, replace =WINROS|LAST!MSFT with =WINROS|LAST!*. After that the program will automatically use the symbol name for which the given template is used. Do the same for all fields.

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6. To make sure that the created template is functional, click Test. Enter the symbol name in Symbol and click OK. If the DDE Server is running, the template is properly created and the queried symbol is accessible, you'll see the current value for each field and the number of updates. If quotes do not arrive, check the template and symbol name. If fixing them does not resolve the problem, please send an e-mail to betatest@fxcm.com and indicate the DDE Server, symbol and template names, confirm that an identical template functions in Excel and share any other information you deem important. To create a symbol using Universal DDE as the Data Source see Adding Symbol(s) to Symbol list section for more detailed information. To use several DDE servers at once you should clone the Universal DDE and assign new settings.

Importing Data
The program supports importing from most known text (ASCII) files. The principal requirement for the file is a clear structure, data integrity and absence of logical errors. See Invalid ASCII files section for information on the most common file faults. The program is based on analyzing several hundreds of quote files, most in unique formats, which served as principles for file structure analysis. Despite successful automatic recognition of over 95% of files, there are still situations requiring the user to interfere, mostly because of improper file structure or if the program cannot make up a conclusion on its structure. Note: For more information on known import limitations see ASCII Import Limitations section. Be careful when importing files.

How to import ASCII data

To import data:

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1. Select a symbol (see Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol list section). If the selected symbol contains quotes with the same timestamp as in the file, they'll be overwritten without warning. Make sure the symbol's price scale matches the price scale of the input data file. The program always uses the symbol's price scale when importing. 2. Make sure the file you wish to import is a 1 Tick, Minutes or 1 Day. If a file contains bars, but has no static time increment, this is a Tick\Volume Bar file and must be processed using ASCII Mapping. 3. On the File menu, click Import Data, or click the Import Data toolbar. 4. Select ASCII or press Ctrl + I. 5. Indicate the Path. The path can be typed in, pasted from the clipboard or selected using the mouse. The selected path persists after converting the file so on next operation the previous path will be used by default. If it is necessary to move up a level, click the Up icon. To change the method of displaying files click the rightmost icon Views and select an option from the drop down menu. 6. Select the desired file from the indicated folder. 7. If the Contents of the selected file field the information is garbled, choose the proper encoding in the File origin. 8. Make sure the Resolution is valid. If the value is not correct, the possible causes may be the reason: The Date field is not defined or not properly defined To set date: 1. Click the Date column heading. 2. Select Date and the corresponding template. 3. Click Custom if there is no such template. 4. Create a template. If the number of symbols in the date changes, use an asterisk * to replace the symbol, e.g. 9/9/2004 changed to 10/9/2004. The number of symbols changes from 6 to 7. 5. Apply the created template by selecting it from the list. The Time filed is not defined or not properly defined To set time: icon on the

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1. Click the Time column heading. 2. Select Time and the corresponding template. 3. If the template does not exist, click Custom. 4. Create a template. If the number of symbols in the date changes, use an asterisk * to replace the symbol, e.g. 8:30 changes to 10:10. The number of symbols changes from 4 to 5. 5. To set a time template, e.g. 5:22 PM, the template must look like H:MM tt@PM, where tt means the postfix placeholder and after @ the PM value stands. 6. Apply the created template by selecting it from the list. Wrong detection of the starting line of quotes To set Start at Row you should indicate how many lines to skip. After those parameters have been properly set, the program analyses the file again and sets the proper Resolution. 1. Select Field Ask, Bid or Trade to define what king of data the file contains. 2. In the Time Zone please select the time zone of the quotes' origin. 3. If the price or volume needs to be multiplied or divided, select a proper factor in Price Multiplier or Volume Multiplier. 4. To select the time period for importing data set the Start Date/Start Date Time and End Date/End Date Time.

Invalid ASCII files

In most cases the invalid files are lacking the required fields, lacking data in some column, mixed up time and dates, irregular bar intervals. The program filters most faults and informs the user of them, but it is not possible in each and every case. Please see the analysis of typical invalid files below.

Invalid structure
Example 1. Two of the four necessary bar components are missing: 05-12-69 46.4 33.9 12-12-69 51.7 34.5 19-12-69 55.2 31

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Example 2. Date is missing: 1.2061, 1.2065, 1.2061, 1.2065 1.2065, 1.2069, 1.2065, 1.2069 1.2069, 1.2070, 1.2066, 1.2066

Incomplete data
Example 1. File has a damaged string: 2/28/2002 10:45 31505 31530 31480 31480 125 86 2/28/2002 10:50 31480 31505 31480 31500 44 2/28/20 Example 2. File has variable number of columns: 12-D,10/01/1995,3.51,3.53,3.5,3.5,0,2643200,,, 12-D,11/01/1995,3.44,3.53,3.43,3.44,0,501600,0,, 12-D,12/01/1995,3.45,3.5,3.41,3.45,0,1545600,0.017544,, 12-D,13/01/1995,3.34,3.47,3.34,3.44,0,2353600,-0.038184,, 12-D 16/01/1995,3.39,3.41,3.34,3.35,0,1897600,-0.023325,, 12-D,17/01/1995,3.47,3.5,3.38,3.41,0,7425600,-0.011461,, 12-D,18/01/1995,3.45,3.5,3.41,3.5,0,766400,0.002903,-3.518377, 42

Logical errors
Example 1. The file has a 60 minute interval, but with 1759 instead of 1800: <TICKER>,<PER>,<DTYYYYMMDD>,<TIME>,<OPEN>,<HIGH>,<LOW>,<CLOSE> EURUSD,I,19980420,160000,1.1005,1.1010,1.1005,1.1010 EURUSD,I,19980420,170000,1.1003,1.1003,1.1003,1.1003 EURUSD,I,19980420,175900,1.1012,1.1012,1.1012,1.1012 EURUSD,I,19980420,200000,1.1012,1.1016,1.1009,1.1015 EURUSD,I,19980420,210000,1.1017,1.1020,1.1000,1.1006 Example 2. Time is not ordered chronologically: GBPUSD,19890627,0,2200,15457,B,N,N GBPUSD,19890627,0,2200,15462,A,N,N

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GBPUSD,19890627,1,0100,15485,B,N,N GBPUSD,19890627,1,0100,15493,A,N,N

ASCII Import Limitations

Important: Local data storage saves the following resolution types: 1 Tick, 1 Minute, 1 Day. All other resolutions are sampled from those. Other data types may not be added to the database - use ASCII Mapping to process such files.

Exporting Data
The quotes saved in the storage can be exported to a text file (ASCII) and imported into most of existing programs. The program allows the user to specify the necessary data columns and their order as well as the start/end date/time.

How to export data

To export data: 1. Select a symbol (see Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol list section). The program always uses the symbol's Price Scale when exporting. 2. On the File menu, click Export Data, or click the Export Data toolbar. 3. Select ASCII or press Ctrl + E. 4. Select the Resolution and Field. 5. In the Time Expressed in indicate the time zone for the quotes date/time. 6. To select the time period for exporting data set the Start Date/Start Time and End Date/End Time. 7. To change column order, click the header and keep down the left mouse button as you drag the column to its desired place. icon on the

Editing Data
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This tool is necessary to review and edit data. It helps quickly find and correct the bad ticks as well as add or delete new data.

Operating with Data

It is possible to modify data settings, add, insert, delete and find the necessary data. All these arrangements are performed in the Edit Data window.

Accessing Edit Data Window

There are 3 ways to access the Edit Data window: 1. In the Edit menu click Edit Data 2. Right-click on the selected symbol and select Edit Data 3. Use the Ctrl + R combination of hotkeys.

Modifying Data Settings

To load the data from the data storage one should define the data settings in the Edit Data window. It is possible to select the desired resolution type, field and time zone. One can also specify the start date/time and the end date/time for the loaded data. When the data is loaded it is possible to change the data values. To modify data settings: 1. In the Data Settings section, select the necessary resolution type from the Resolution drop-down list. 2. In the Data Settings section, select the necessary field from the Field drop-down list. 3. Note: In the field section only those fields are displayed for which the data is collected. 4. In the Data Settings section, select the necessary time zone from the Time Zone drop-down list. 3 time zones are available: Local, GMT and Exchange. 5. In the Data Range section, enter the necessary date in the Start field or use the dropdown calendar. Then enter the necessary time. 6. Note: The time field is available with the tick and minute resolutions only 7. In the Data Range section, enter the necessary date in the End field or use the dropdown calendar. Then enter the necessary time. 8. Note: The time field is available with the tick and minute resolutions only. 9. Press the Load button and the loaded data will be displayed in the Data section.

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10. Note: For the quotes with the tick resolution there will be displayed the Date, Time, Price and Volume value 11. Note: For the quotes with the minute resolution there will be displayed the Date, Time, Open, High, Low, Close, Up Volume, Down Volume, Unchanged Volume, Total Volume, Up Ticks, Down Ticks, Unchanged Ticks and Total Ticks values. 12. Note: For the quotes with the day resolution there will be displayed the Date, Time, Open, High, Low, Close, Up Volume, Down Volume, Unchanged Volume, Total Volume, Up Ticks, Down Ticks, Unchanged Ticks, Total Ticks and Open Interest values.

Inserting New Data

To insert a new quote: At the beginning of the quote list press the Insert button in the Edit Data window. If the distance between the quotes is more than minimal increment for the given resolution type, it is possible to insert a new quote between these quotes. Note: Only in this case, the insert button becomes active.

Deleting Data
To delete a quote or several quotes: In the Data section select the necessary quote or quotes and press the Delete button.

Finding Data
To find the necessary quote or quotes: 1. Press the Find button and the Find and Goto window will appear. 2. Select the Find tab. 3. On the Find tab select from the 1st drop-down list according to what value the necessary quote or quotes should be found. 4. On the Find tab select from the 2nd drop-down list the necessary condition of the search. 5. Enter in the field (s) the necessary number (or percent) corresponding to the selected condition.

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6. To find quote by quote, press the Find button. The Find button will change in the Find Next button, if you want to find more than one quote with the selected conditions. 7. To mark all the quotes corresponding to the selected conditions, press the Mark All button. 8. Press the Close button to close the Find and Goto window.

Going to Data
To go to the necessary quote: 1. Press the Find button and the Find and Goto window will appear. 2. Select the GoTo tab. 3. On the GoTo tab select from the 1st drop-down list according to what value the necessary quote should be found. 4. On the GoTo tab in the 2nd field enter the necessary date or use the drop-down calendar. 5. On the GoTo tab enter the necessary time. 6. Note: The time field is available with the tick and minute resolutions only. 7. Press the GoTo button to go to the necessary quote. 8. Press the Close button to close the Find and Goto window.

Selecting All Quotes

Press the Select All button to mark all the quotes. It is useful when all the quotes should be deleted.

Mapping ASCII
Sometimes importing data to the database is extremely complicated or outright impossible.

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In such a case ASCII mapping is the solution; there are two principal reasons for using ASCII mapping: 1. If one or several ASCII files constantly used are periodically updated. Even if there are just a few updates per day, re-importing hundreds of symbols is difficult or just not feasible; 2. If tick/volume bars must be displayed on a chart. When mapping, the file path and format is indicated once, and every time a chart is created the program finds the file automatically, converts it into the necessary format based on the preset configuration and displays the data.

How to map ASCII files

1. On the File menu, click Map ASCII. 2. Click Browse to indicate the path containing the files to be mapped. 3. In the Get Symbol From indicate File Name for the program to extract the symbol name from the filename. If along with quotes the file contains the symbol name as one of the columns, indicate File's Field. 4. Use Get name from two characters, if a part of the word must be used. 5. If the symbol name needs to be edited manually, click the corresponding cell. 6. Make sure the program has correctly defined the Resolution for every file you intend to map. If you see an error, click the hyperlinked file name. In the window that appears check:

The Date field is not defined or not properly defined

To set date: 1. Click the Date column heading. 2. Select Date and the corresponding template. 3. Click Custom if there is no such template. 4. Create a template. If the number of symbols in the date changes, use an asterisk * to replace the symbol, e.g. 9/9/2004 changed to 10/9/2004. The number of symbols changes from 6 to 7. 5. Apply the created template by selecting it from the list.

The Time filed is not defined or not properly defined

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To set time: 1. Click the Time column heading. 2. Select Time and the corresponding template. 3. If the template does not exist, click Custom. 4. Create a template. If the number of symbols in the date changes, use an asterisk * to replace the symbol, e.g. 8:30 changes to 10:10. The number of symbols changes from 4 to 5. 5. To set a time template, e.g. 5:22 PM, the template must look like H:MM tt@PM, where tt means the postfix placeholder and after @ the PM value stands. 6. Apply the created template by selecting it from the list.

Wrong detection of the starting line of quotes

To set Start at Row you should indicate how many lines to skip. Wrong sequence of columns To change the sequence: 1. Click the column heading. 2. From the drop-down field select the correct filed. 3. Repeat for all improperly defined columns. After those parameters have been properly set, the program analyses the file again and sets the proper Resolution. The program will automatically apply the edited template for all files with the same structure, so the user does not have to edit every file manually. 1. Indicate the Category, Exchange, Field, TimeZone, Price and Volume Multiplier for all symbols. If the same value is to be used in several cells, the program supports copying and multi-pasting. 2. Make sure the check box is checked for files to be mapped. If all fields are filled, the program checks the check box on the left, indicating that the file is ready for mapping. Click ok to complete the procedure.

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Online Mode Data Collection

Online mode allows for the collection of data without creating any charts. The unlimited number of symbols can be connected to a data feed and the received quotes are stored in the database. The symbol's connection status as well as the number of the quotes received is displayed in the real-time status column.

Connecting symbols
1. Select a symbol or several symbols. Note: Use CTRL and/or Shift buttons to select several symbols. Right-click and select Fields to collect -or In the menu select edit and click fields to collect. -or Use CTRL + Alt + S hotkey combination 1. In the settings window select the fields and the resolution type to collect. Note: click the check all button to select all the fields and resolution types. Check the apply to all symbols check box to apply these settings to all symbols. Note: if several symbols are selected this check box will not be available. Click OK. 2. Right-click anywhere on selected symbol(s) and select connect symbol(s) -or In the menu select edit and click connect symbol(s) .

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Disconnecting symbols
1. Select the symbol(s) to be disconnected. 2. Right-click anywhere on selected symbol(s) and select disconnect symbol(s) -orIn the menu select edit and click disconnect symbol(s).

Data Cache
The subsequent loading of previously created charts with multi-tick count-based resolutions is drastically accelerated by use of "Cache" technology. Whenever the basic tick data is converted to a complex count-based resolution (for example, to 64-tick bars), the converted data is stored in the cache for future use. As much of the stored data segment as possible is used when another chart with the same resolution is plotted. When a previously created chart is reloaded, the stored data is also used. The cache can be cleared, forcing a fresh set of data to be loaded and used.

To clear the Cache:

1. Open the QuoteManager by clicking the new quoteManager window the main toolbar. 2. Right-click on the symbol, for which the cache must be cleared, and then click clear cache. 3. In the dialog box that appears, click OK to clear the cache for that symbol, or click cancel to cancel the operation. icon on

Import Symbol List

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Import Symbol List enables the user to import a text file that contains a list of symbols and their parameters. The feature allows the user to import a list of symbols into QuoteManager quickly instead of manually adding the symbols one by one.

Preparing the Text File

The text file should contain four fields per row: Symbol Name, Description, Exchange, and Category. Of the four fields, only the Symbol field is required. QuoteManager will prompt the user for the missing information during the import process. The missing fields can also be entered manually into QuoteManager one by one after the symbol is imported. Each field should be separated by a delimiter. The delimiter can be a comma, semi-colon, space, tab, or other character. An example of the contents of a text file is shown below: Symbol Name, Description, Exchange, Category XYZ, XYZ Corporation, NYSE, Stocks ABC, ABC Company, NASDAQ, Stocks ESU9, S&P E-mini, GLOBEX, Futures The order of the columns does not matter. However, each column must contain the same type of data. In the example above, the second field of every row must be the Description field. The third field of every row must be the Exchange field.

Importing a Symbol List

To import a list of symbols: 1. Select file in the main menu and then select import symbol list. The Import Symbols Wizard window will appear. 2. Use the browse button to select the text file. Select next. 3. In the start import at row number box, enter the row number to start the import. Select next. For example, if the first row of the text file contains header names instead of symbol data, then start the import at row 2.

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4. In set data delimiters, select the type of delimiter used in the text file. 5. Select the treat consecutive delimiters as one checkbox to consider consecutive delimiters the same as one delimiter. If this box is checked, consecutive delimiters will not be considered as an empty field. 6. Choose the text qualifier from the text qualifier drop down list. Select next. For example, if a text field can have double quotes around it (e.g., MSFT). If the double quote text qualifier is selected, then Strategy Trader will recognize that the user wishes to import MSFT without the quotes. 7. Use the drop down lists to assign the column names to the columns in the text file. Select next. 8. In the select data source drop down list, select the data source for the symbols. 9. If the exchange and category columns were not previously assigned to a column in the text file, then use the exchange and category drop-down lists to specify the information. 10. Select finish. The symbols will be imported into QuoteManager.

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