Update - Aug 2018

REALLY out of date blog. Stopped using OX years ago.

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Update - 14 April 2015 - minor changes to grammar and extra small details added....

A few tips I've learned from others and my own stupid mistakes. So far I've made some silly trades, nothing special. Still learning and not a pro! (yet)

--- Pro's ---

Can create multiple Watchlists

Trades seem to action smoothly.

Orders go through pretty well. No complaints.

Can right click on chart at price to action which helps for Limit Orders.

Virtual Trader works great alongside Streaming Charts. Great way to get into the habit of making trades.

Rarely has OX not been able to open the chart I'm after.

OX fee's seem low to me. As a noob it allows me to waist $20-30 messing around and learning the do's and don'ts. Not a big deal though for those who know what they're doing.

Long term trades:  Good for Options, buying stocks for the long term.

White website which is very hard on the eyes. Some windows can be changed to darker colours.

 

--- Negatives ---

Can only Short stock over $5.

All web-based software which can run slowly (changing chart, opening new windows).

Software has a med to high learning curve. Once you know the layout it's very easy.

Can only view 2 charts at any one time.

1min Streaming charts are Bar only (have the second window as 1m Candles).

Not all Streaming charts will allow streaming under 1 min.

Windows inside windows: New links to open windows are part of the page (2nd Level) and can't be relocated outside the window its joined too. A little hard to explain here so trust me ha!

Highly recommend a 2nd or 3rd monitor due to all windows you will have open.

Not the best broker for Day Traders. It's ok but needs work. Doesn't feel very streamlined.

 

--- Website Colour Layout ---

The website layout is white which is like looking into a lightbulb. Be sure to change these settings to dark and set to 'default'.
Streaming Charts - Settings (top right of chart window). Be sure to Save the settings as default.
XTEND - Settings button can be found on any window in the top right. Its a circle icon.

 

--- Virtual Trader ---

I like to use this during my trading. It's a good way to throw away money and see what happens. Open this before you do anything else... Or not.

Under the tab: TOOLBOX \ Virtual Trading

Be sure to open this before you open Streaming Charts.

 

--- Watchlist ---

I create a new Watchlist everynight (I name them by date) but you can stick to one and add\remove as you wish. 

Be sure to tick the Default button.

There are three ways to action your Watchlists...

Choose Watchlist from the drop-down list before logging into website.

Under the tab: QUOTE \ Watchlist

STREAMING XTEND \ Watchlist

To change to another list you created just look for the Watchlist name above current list and choose from the drop-down menu. You might have a green\red button next to it.

 

-- Trading --

Be sure to have your Watchlist ready and open your windows well before market open...

1. Open Streaming Charts:  Tabs \ QUOTE \ STREAMING CHARTS.

Streaming Charts will allow you to watch most of your charts in realtime.

For any chart you wish to view in a new window; open the chart then press FULL SCREEN found top right of screen under your Account number. This will give you a secondary window.

***NOTE: The secondary window can be all dark whis is great for your eyes. The previous window with the "full screen" button can now be changed to another website page if required while keeping Streaming Charts open.

2 .Once open, look to the bottom-right of window and choose STREAMING XTEND.

Xtend will allow you to view you watchlists, various realtime stats, trading and 2nd Level.

 

-- 2nd Level --

2nd Level allows you to watch the trades from other users. This is a must learn tool otherwise you're flying blind.

Bottom of XTEND window should have tabs. Choose "Regional BBO".

For a new window...
On the XTEND window under 'trade ticket' click on the ticker name. There will be a verticle green or red line next to it.
New window chose "regional BBO" .  You can now see the ASK and BID prices in realtime on a new window.

--- TIPS ---

You can BUY\SELL shares multiple ways:

1. Streaming Charts - Big green button that says "BUY" or "SELL" top of window.
2a. XTEND - Right click on ticker name in Watchlist. 
2b. XTEND - Fill in fields under Watchlist under the Trade Ticket window. <<ONLY for buying>>
2c. XTEND - Right click on a current position under Postions window top right. Good way to sell.
3. Streaming Charts - Right click on chart. Be sure to do this at price you wish to action for Limit Orders, not anywhere unless you wish to use Market price.