I’m not sure if you have tried something like this, in fact, you are probably way ahead of the game. This would be useful for testing automated trading. Something I did when I was searching for my “trading style” was to trade each and every setup in a live account.

I would only buy a few shares, maybe $1-2 thousand worth, depending upon the price of the stock. I knew I was most likely going to lose money but my reasoning was that this was training and education, and worth the cost. These mini-trades really helped me out and even though many were successful, the broker commisions still gave me a small loss.

Paper trading is great and I still do it today, as well as the mini-trades, to test new ideas. But it isn’t the same as having the coins on the line. I would most certainly do this if I was trading automated to test it out. For me, the difference was thinking about the profit or loss which took my mind off of my plan and successful trading. Using this “live but let live” technique allows me to focus on the trades instead of P/L.

It’s also fun trading the smaller amount. I have one account that I started with $500 a couple of years ago. I swing some weeklys and this this has balooned nicely. I just plunk it in on a weekly sto and MACD, check it once a week and let it ride. When the weekly turns over, I get out and do it again.

already tempted 6 times today to go on it. (sorry for the folks that don’t use it but i was one of the first facebook users and now the thing really has took a turn for the worst site ever.

ill be able to read more books and have more fun now. can’t wait!!
Mattgic addiction anytime over facebook crap

Take care traveling. It T’stormed here all day so I didn’t trade. I never lost my satellite internet, but I never know. I hate to be in a trade and have to make a phone call to get out of it. The TOS seems to have a lot of info SD does not. It is different though. Matt pushed me into it. Trade Station might be better, but I’m not going to put in the effort to learn 3 platforms. Don’t know now, but I might run TOS on my lap top to just show internals, and keep SD for charting and trading.

String

What TD AMERITRADE brings to the table are great account management tools, strong customer service skills, and some features that help fill in the “gaps” of the thinkorswim platforms. The goal of the acquisition is to redefine and set a new standard for the online brokerage industry. That’s what thinkorswim has always been about.

The plan is that you’ll continue to trade on your favorite thinkorswim platform, at your current commission rates, and talk to the same people (some new ones, too) when you need help. All you have to do is find your next trade.

I got TOS also. Haven’t played with it much. The TD rep. told me they had bought them out. Let me know what you think about it. I may be able to play with it some over the weekend except for the days I’ll be traveling.

If anyone can figure it out, you can – for sure.

I like your enthusiasm. Keep plugging away and you’ll have several strategies to choose from. Combine them and they may be unbeatable.

have a good one