NinjaTrader is a broker independent trading platform. This means that you can use one piece of software with several different brokers. NinjaTrader is available as a free download (after providing your email address). The free download version can be used for simulation and testing. Before you download this software you should ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements shown below:
NinjaTrader 6.5 Minimum System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista or Windows XP.
- Monitor Resolution: Minimum of 1024 x 768.
- CPU: Minimum Pentium 4 or higher.
- RAM: 1GB RAM or higher if you are running Windows XP and 2GB or higher if you are running Windows Vista.
- Additional Software Requirements: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.
NinjaTrader has a vast number of brokerage and market data providers for you to connect to these include:
- Barchart.com
- eSignal
- FuturesBetting
- GAIN Capital/FOREX.com
- Interactive Brokers
- IQ Feed from DTN
- MB Trading
- OpenTick Patsystems
- PFGBEST.com
- TD AMERITRADE
- Track Data
- TradeStation
- Trading Technologies
- Yahoo
- Zen-Fire
- Text file based historical data import
It is due to these large amount of providers of data and brokerage services that I have decided to use NinjaTrader as my main trading platform. I will test it solidly for a month and then purchase a Live trading licence if it meets all my needs, which at this stage it appears to do.
I found the download and install process to be seamless, you will need to enter your free licence key on first use. One thing you will have to do is allow NinjaTrader to send and receive data over your network and you may get a dialog box like the one below whilst using Vista.
After loading NinjaTrader you will be greeted with a screen similar to the one below. This is NinjaTrader’s control center, as the name suggest you will launch most of NinjaTraders functionality from here.
The first thing I did after installing was to add my demo MB Trading account details. This is a very simple process to setup and with in no time I was receiving currency data. Another great feature of NinjaTrader is that you can enable the MB Navigator window this allows for easy transition for users that are used to Navigator. At the moment I am still getting to grips with NinjaTrader so far I am very impressed. I will post some more info and tutorials as I come to grips with all the functionality. You can download the free version of NinjaTrader here. Below is my current workspace setup as I learn more about NinjaTrader I am sure this will change.
UPDATE: I have noticed slow load times and sometimes NinjaTrader stops responding all together whilst Outlook 2007 is open. I am not sure if this is a widespread issue or not however I will be looking into it. I am sure this is probably just a issue related to my configuration but would be interested to hear if others have problems.
About the author
Mark - Is a 28 year old form Australia. He has a Bachelor in Economics and a Major in CS. He is currently working towards his CFP. His interests include algorithmic trading systems, artificial intelligence, game theory and poker.
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I have found it is very hard to open Ninja if there are any other programs open.
Obviously I have to open Ninja first before I even turn on my browser.
I wonder whether the good people of the Ninja platform can help us and fix this ‘bug’.
Robert
I cannot install in the Vista environment
Ninjatrader running on Vista results in recurring “apphangs”. I have been using it for over a year and very few weeks it goes into the “Not Responding” mode whereby the application hangs and stops working. NT customer support has plenty of band aid solution but the hangs will continue as long as you use Vista. Very annoying so be prepared to lose money every now and then.
Im using Ninja trader 6.5 on vista,
i have not had anyproblems so far, it works great.
sometimes its slow due to my computer has only 1G of ram on vista,
which is the minimum requirment for ninja 6.5 on vista. but it still does the job, specially when other heavy duty application such is msn messager,outlook, skype etc are closed. i prefer to close everything else when using ninja trader.
looking to upgrade the ram on my compuer soon, that will help it alot.
ninja is one of the best trading flatform that i have used.