This is why I've switched to cTrader

[slipshod]

Its not that the platform is perfect yet (though it is very good in many ways), but that they're listening to feedback from users and interacting with their community.

As an example, here's a thread of suggestions I posted recently on their forum...
http://ctdn.com/forum/suggestions/2413?page=1#1

Contrast this to how MetaQuotes treat their userbase, its just night & day.

[kwanann]

Hmm which broker is using ctrader?

[dudest]

There are quite a few brokers offering cTrader

See here: http://www.stevehopwoodforex.com/phpBB3 ... =66&t=3141

Cheers

[slipshod]

I've been with IC Markets for a while now, so far so good.

[Baluda]

How is the switch to cAlgo from a coder's perspective?

Paul

[bfis108137]

I have tried ctrader and calgo as a coder. Like the poster said they are attentive also but it is somewhat limited. For starters the data only goes back a few years and they offer no way of importing more data. I haven't used it in a while but I recall there were issues with mtf, and money management type issues with access to tickvalue like you have in MT. A good part (I guess this depends on where you stand with microsoft) is that it uses c# and therefore provides full access to the .NET framework allowing you to do pretty much anything without a dll. Also a big plus is that it is event driven which cleans up the code significantly and obviously makes it faster since you don't have to check every tick for most things.

Also like another poster said, the lack of broker support is a good sign. This is because ctrader was not intended to be used with the broker taking a cut on the spread but rather just to make his money on the commissions or more commonly known as ecn/stp. Any platform could probably be set to screw the trader but MT is ready for the brokers to screw the trader out of the box and ctrader is the opposite.

I personally don't use it due to the fact that it isn't supported by many brokers and the ones that do support it require larger minimums. On top of that I am big into optimization and I don't remember if ctrader/calgo has it but if it does, the lack of data is a deal breaker for me. It's great platform but imo much like Windows, MT wins out simply because of it's wide usage.

[Jemook]

Also like another poster said, the lack of broker support is a good sign. This is because ctrader was not intended to be used with the broker taking a cut on the spread but rather just to make his money on the commissions or more commonly known as ecn/stp.

This is factually incorrect. A broker can definitely take the other side of a clients trades using cTrader. There is readily available functionality in cTrader which allows a broker to internalise trades (B-Book) or send trades out to the banks (A-Book). Customers can be allocated to either book and moved between books when required (with open positions and in the live environment). This means a broker can be a market maker using cTrader.

In saying this cTrader looks amazing but don't for a second think that there's no B-Book functionality!

In terms of plugins available for cTrader for a B Book broker to stop hunt etc I haven't seen any reports of any yet which is refreshing.

Regards,
Jeremy

[slipshod]

This is factually incorrect. A broker can definitely take the other side of a clients trades using cTrader. There is readily available functionality in cTrader which allows a broker to internalise trades (B-Book) or send trades out to the banks (A-Book). Customers can be allocated to either book and moved between books when required (with open positions and in the live environment). This means a broker can be a market maker using cTrader.

On their website (http://www.spotware.com/products/client ... ns/ctrader) Spotware are extremely explicit about this, and I quote (the use of bold is theirs):-

"We route your trades using STP networks, allowing you to trade directly with prominent global banks, freeing you from the inefficiencies of market maker models and opening the door to transparent trading in a live environment.

Dealing desk intervention is impossible, guaranteeing you a level trading field that helps you reach your trading goals."

So are they bare-faced liars? It'd certainly be good to know the truth of this.

I have tried ctrader and calgo as a coder. Like the poster said they are attentive also but it is somewhat limited. For starters the data only goes back a few years and they offer no way of importing more data ... the lack of data is a deal breaker for me.

That hasn't been true since September 2013 - see below screenshot from cAlgo.

[Jemook]

slipshod - here's how the conversation went between myself and cTrader.

Jeremy:

hi Ctrader, I have a quick question about cBroker.

I can see A book and B book under the groups. Are brokers able to run a b-book through cBroker? I have a client that is under the impression that if he trades using cTrader it is impossible for the broker to take the other side of his position.

Please confirm.

cTrader:

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for the note.

Both A and B books are available to Brokers. Customers can be allocated to either book and moved between books when required (with open positions and in the live environment).

I would be happy to provide a WebEx to further demonstrate the benefits of cTraders A/B book functionality; just let me know a good time for you.

Jeremy:

Thanks for clearing that up – further to this, we all know about Empty4 and the plugins that can be attached such as Virtual Dealer Plugin which allows brokers to manipulate clients trades. Is it possible in any way with cTrader for brokers to manipulate/mess around with their clients trades on the B book?

cTrader:

The platform does allow for the manipulation of client deals post trade on an exceptional basis e.g. An amendment would need to be processed by our technical department to correct an error as opposed to change a clients trade rate to the benefit of the broker. The lack of routine post trade intervention has given cTrader and its Brokers an enviable reputation for fairness by the customers trading over the platform.

Jeremy:

Great – exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks again.

[slipshod]

Thanks for sharing that Jemook

If I understand correctly then, your trade may either be sent to market or the broker can be the counterparty, but there's no way for the broker to fiddle with spreads or prices to artificially force a loss on the trader - they'll see the same prices etc regardless of whether they're A book or B book?