Data Sources Overview

Understanding Data Sources

MultiCharts is a trading platform, not a data source itself.

However, it includes a built-in Market Data Sim data source that allows you to download sample data for simulated trading from our servers.

Additionally, there are several data feeds available that do not require credentials, such as Free Quotes (Yahoo Finance end-of-day data) and various crypto feeds: Binance, Bitfinex, BitMEX, ByBit, Deribit, Kraken, and Poloniex.

For access to other types of data, you can get an account with a supported data source and set up a connection in QuoteManager.

Operating Data Sources

In QuoteManager → Tools → Data Sources you can configure data source connections as well as activate/deactivate them.

Activating and Deactivating Data Sources

Data sources can be activated and deactivated.
Only the activated ones will be displayed on your Data Sources list when adding symbols or creating charts.

To activate/deactivate a data source:

1. Open QuoteManager
2. In the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources icon on the toolbar.
3. Select the data source and click Activate or Deactivate.

Configuring Data Sources

To edit data source settings:

1. Open QuoteManager
2. In the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources icon on the toolbar.
3. Select the data source and click the Settings button.

See Built-in Data Sources for connection guides.

Adding Symbol(s) to Symbol List

To start working with a symbol, the symbol must be added to the symbol list. Adding can be done manually or from a list, downloaded from the data vendor.

Adding symbols manually is appropriate when the exact symbol name is known and the list of symbols is not available from the data vendor. For instance, with DDE there is no way to download a list, and the user is supposed to know the exact name for the query.

In all other cases, adding symbols manually is not recommended, as parameters in addition to the symbol name may be required by the data vendor. When a symbol is added from a list, provided by the data vendor, all required parameters are set automatically.

For details on specific data vendor symbols, see Built-in Datafeeds

Adding Symbols Manually

To add a symbol:

1. Open QuoteManager
2. In the Symbol menu, select Add Symbol, then click Manually, or click the Add Symbol icon on the toolbar.
3. Select aData Source from the list.
4. Enter Symbol name.
5. Select Category from the list.
6. Select Exchange from the list. If the desired exchange is not listed, it can be added manually. See Setting Exchanges & ECNs.
7. Click OK.

Adding Symbol from Data Source

To add a symbol:

1. Open QuoteManager
2. In the Instrument menu, select Add Symbol → From Data Source.
3. Choose a data source from the Data Source list; the Insert Symbols into Portfolio window will open.
   If a data vendor is not in the list:
   • Data source does not provide a symbol list. Symbols must be added manually).
   • Data source is deactivated. Activate it to see it on the list.
   • Data source is not supported. See Built-in Datafeeds for the list of supported providers.
4. Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added.
5. Enter all or part of the symbol name into the Symbol box and click Lookup.
   Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected.
6. Select the desired symbol(s).
7. Click Add. A message that you have added it to your database should appear.
   If there is a message “You must create *** exchange first”, add the required exchange to the list with correct corresponding abbreviation. The easiest way is to select an existing one and clone it putting the required abbreviation.
8. Click Close or continue to search for symbols.

Unique Features of Specific Data Sources in Insert Symbols into Portfolio Window

Interactive Brokers

When adding instruments from Interactive Brokers there is Cash tab instead of Forex. Enter the first currency of the instrument to search for all pairs starting with this currency. One can also specify the second currency of the symbol in Currency field on the tab to get the specific currency pair.
When adding futures contracts from Interactive Brokers, you can check Include Expired Contracts box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see Custom Futures).

IWBank QuickTrade

When adding Instruments from IWBank QuickTrade, you should enter the symbol name in the Symbol field, specify Category, select an Exchange from the list and click Search. There is no All Exchanges option in the Exchange list for IWBank QuickTrade.

TradeStation

When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Include Expired Contracts box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see Custom Futures).
When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Show Electronic Contracts Only box.
When adding stocks/indexes/futures/options/funds from TradeStation, you can check select All Countries, United States or Germany in Country field.

Rithmic 01

In Search Options field Symbol, Symbol Root or Description can be selected. It is also possible to specify the Exchange, however it is not recommended since exchange names on data source end and in MultiCharts may slightly differ.

Troubleshooting

Establishing connection and processing data requests can be reviewed in the Event Log window of QuoteManager when a chart is plotted or data is requested from QuoteManager or Portfolio Trader.
Event Log is located at the bottom of QuoteManager by default. One can show/hide it by clicking View in QuoteManager main window and selecting Event Log.
If you experience any issues with incoming data, the first step is to check Event Log messages.