Relationship - Data Feed, Platform, Exchange, etc

Hi All,

I am somewhat new to futures trading. There seems to be lack of resources available which explains the relationships between:

1. What are Platform data feed, external data feeds (IQFeeds, CQG etc), exchange data fees, broker data, platform fee, esignal -->> how they all interlink each other and uses for each? I thought platform provided by the broker already has futures data, then what are all these IQfeed, Rithmic, CQG feeds (& then these guys also have platforms in AMP futures). Very confusing.

Any help in clearly and slowly demystifying the above would be very helpful.

Hi All,

I am somewhat new to futures trading. There seems to be lack of resources available which explains the relationships between:


....

that's not true.

Hi All,

I am somewhat new to futures trading. There seems to be lack of resources available which explains the relationships between:

1. What are Platform data feed, external data feeds (IQFeeds, CQG etc), exchange data fees, broker data, platform fee, esignal -->> how they all interlink each other and uses for each? I thought platform provided by the broker already has futures data, then what are all these IQfeed, Rithmic, CQG feeds (& then these guys also have platforms in AMP futures). Very confusing.

Any help in clearly and slowly demystifying the above would be very helpful.


Hi bm0899 - that's the same feeling I had when I started looking at futures. It gradually becomes better with experience.

You do need a trading platform and a data feed, either to SIM trade (means trade with simulated money) or trade live (means with your real money).

Platforms and data feeds vary in both quality and reliability. You should search for the terms you quoted (IQFeed, CQG, etc.) in this forum and form an opinion as to which is better suited to your needs.

I know it sounds vague but as I said, it was overwhelming for me too at first. In my opinion it's just a matter of getting stuck in.

Thanks But the above does not answer my original questions. I am still confused regarding what are the relationships between all of them? Can someone please point me a website where I can read more about relevant relationships?

We are not allowed to post direct links, but if you google "Datafeeds Optimus Futures" you will see that we have made a very clear distinction of data feeds, platforms and what FCMs permit it.

To make your life a little easier, consider that you have platforms that are data neutral, and you can stream through them any data you wish. For example MarketDelta, SierraChart or MultiChart, which allow to stream CQG, TT, Rithmic, etc.

The data vendors also own their own platforms, for example, CQG owns CQG Q Trader, TT owns X Trader, etc.
In the cases where a data vendor owns a platform, you can not stream a different data through it.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that there are data feeds that are not tradable such as DTN IQ.
Traders use it for charting, back up for their charting, Internals, etc.
You still need to supplement your platform with a data feed that can execute to the exchange.

As far as I recall eSignal makes you use their data for charting and data, but you need to attach another data for execution of futures.

I hope this helps.

Matt Z
Optimus Futures

There is a risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results.