Perhaps most critical to the trader is a broker-dealer’s platform capabilities. Due diligence, vis-à-vis your needs, will take some time and effort on your part. Here is what to look for in several categories. Learn everything possible before making a trade. Demo accounts are ideal for this purpose. Many brokers now offer one of several standard trading platforms from independent vendors. The three most popular platforms are NinjaTrader, MetaTrader, and eSignal. If you find a platform you like you will want to endeavor to trade only with brokers offering that platform. The trend today is clearly toward everything under one roof—quotes, charts, indicators, order-entry, and programming.
