Global Forex Trading Launches DealBook Web

The first forex trading platform I ever used was Global Forex Trading's DealBook FX software, which I liked for its many charting options and indicators and fast trading performance. But I always felt a little limited by the fact that it wasn't a web-based application, which meant I always had to access it from the same computer unless I went through the install process on every PC I planned to trade with. Despite all those nifty trading tools, I eventually ended up switching to an entirely web-based trading platform, and while I missed some of GFT's features, I felt the ability to do all my trading through a website was worth the switch.

So I was very pleased to see that GFT has finally gotten around to releasing a web-based trading platform, called DealBook Web. Though it did take them long enough, and in their introduction they explain why they waited to offer an online trading application: "You might be surprised that we waited so long to develop a web-based trading platform. But, the forex market moves fast, and we knew that web-based trading platforms couldn't keep up - until now." And it is true I've heard some horror stories about trading lags on web-based platforms at key moments of high volatility - won't name any names, but you've probably heard of them. It sounds like GFT had these breakdowns in mind when they put together DealBook Web, which I hope means it'll perform more robustly when the market's running wild.

Here are some of the trading tools and features of DealBook Web:

• All the trading features of DealBook 360 (GFT's current desktop platform) in a web environment
• Access from your computer or any computer
• Requires only an internet connection and browser
• Multiple, full-screen charting capabilities
• Track and trade 60+ currencies

And they list lots more on the DealBook Web site. So if you're scouting around for a new web-based broker and trading platform it's probably worth a look - though as with any trading tool I'd take it for a thorough road-test in demo mode before committing any real funds. If you try it out and have any opinions on its performance and functionality you'd like to share, please feel free to post them in the comments below.

GFT's New DealBook 360 Trading Software

Global Forex Trading (GFT), which was my first forex broker and whose DealBook software I've discussed favorably in the past, recently released a new version called DealBook 360 which you can download for free and try out on a demo basis. (Before funding an account with any broker it's always good idea to demo their platform and see how it suits your trading style.)

Here are some of the options GFT has added to this latest version of DealBook:

• Create customized news feeds for specific currencies and events via RSS. Add any XML or RSS (really simple syndication) feed from a blog, data provider, or news service.
  
  
• Trade from behind a corporate firewall with http tunneling (though I'm sure none of you would ever trade while at work ;-)
  
  
• Copy and paste charts to easily recreate duplicate charts
  
  
• Voice-recognition functionality allows traders to access key features with voice commands, allowing hands-free operation of the software.
  
  
• Pending feature: set up an automatic trading system based on trading rules you specify (to be launched shortly according to GFT).

GFT has also added the following seven currency pairs to their list of tradable currencies, bringing the total number available to 64 pairs:

• EUR/NZD: Euro/New Zealand Dollar
  
• ZAR/JPY: South African Rand/Japanese Yen
  
• AUD/HKD: Australian Dollar/Hong Kong Dollar
  
• HKD/JPY: Hong Kong Dollar/Japanese Yen
  
• EUR/CZK: Euro/Czech Koruna
  
• USD/HKD: US Dollar/Hong Kong Dollar
  
• EUR/HKD: Euro/Hong Kong Dollar
  

Here's where to download the software from the GFT site:
DealBook 360 Download

If you try it out and have any feedback you'd like to share, please feel free to post your comments below.

Related topic:
Comparing Forex Platforms - Global Forex Trading & DealBook FX

TradeBolt Software

I'm always on the lookout for trading software that would allow me to fully automate my trades. Right now my full set of trading rules is too complex to code into FX Engines so I've been taking a look at another automated platform, called TradeBolt. What's appealing about TradeBolt is that I'd be able to code in both my forex system and my Signal Monster stock trading rules and consolidate all those trades onto one platform.

Their pricing plan is pretty reasonable, though certainly more than I'm currently paying for my forex and equities brokers - but then the benefits of being able to fully automate my system would probably be worth the extra cost. One thing that especially caught my eye was this capability: "TradeBolt automatically places your orders in the exchange server. This ensures that your orders will be placed and filled before manual orders and minimizes your connectivity risk and slippage." Having seen some pretty serious slippage in my equity trades this seems like a big deal, and could potentially offset or recoup the monthly and per-trade fees for the service.

On the flip side, I suspect I'd be checking on my automated trading quite frequently to make sure nothing had gone horribly wrong, since that's how I am - so it's hard to say whether I'd actually save much time over placing manual orders.

Anyway, just something I'm considering and thought it might be of interest to other folks looking to automate their trading.

Related links:
TradeBolt.com
Automated Trading Systems

FX Engines Launches an Affiliate Program

I just got an email from FX Engines announcing that they've launched a multi-tiered affiliate program, allowing current clients (like me) to earn commissions by referring new traders to their automated trading services.

If you're currently trading with FX Engines and want to refer them new clients, you can learn more about the affiliate program on this page.

If you're a forex trader and are interested in trying out FX Engines, here's where to register. They offer a free demo account so you can practice automated trading before putting any real money on the line.

(Fair disclosure: yes, those are affiliate links - I am in this for the money, after all! And the fun, of course...but mostly the money.)