Operating Symbol List: Difference between revisions
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Symbol List is a list of commonly used financial instruments. Modern-day investors need easy access to any of the trading vehicles. | Symbol List is a list of commonly used financial instruments. Modern-day investors need easy access to any of the trading vehicles. | ||
QM has been developed based on those needs, the basic requirements being: | |||
<br> | |||
* The program must function with numbers of symbols in tens of thousands | * The program must function with numbers of symbols in tens of thousands | ||
* Rapid data access, which means powerful search, sorting, and selection capabilities | * Rapid data access, which means powerful search, sorting, and selection capabilities | ||
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
* Minimal setup and maintenance effort | * Minimal setup and maintenance effort | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Adding Symbols to Symbol List == | |||
To start working with a symbol, it must be added to the symbol list first. Symbols can be added from a data vendor list or manually. | |||
When a symbol is added from a list provided by the data vendor, all required parameters are set automatically. | |||
Adding symbols manually is usually not recommended. You can add the symbol manually if the list of symbols is not available from the data vendor. For instance, with Free Quotes, there is no way to download a list, so the user should know the exact name for the query. | |||
=== Adding Symbol from Data Source === | |||
You can add the symbol from a data vendor when creating a chart: | |||
# Open a new chart via '''File → New → Chart Window'''. | |||
# In the '''Instrument''' tab select the desired data source from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list and click '''Add Symbol'''. | |||
# In the '''Insert Symbols''' menu select the tab depending on the category you need to add (Stock, Future, Forex, etc.). | |||
# Enter the symbol name or symbol root in the '''Symbol''' field and press '''Lookup'''. | |||
# Select the desired symbol(s). | |||
# Click '''Add'''. | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
You can also add the symbol in QuoteManager. To add a symbol: | |||
# Open '''[[QuoteManager]]'''. | |||
To add a symbol: | # In the '''Instrument''' menu, select '''Add Symbol''' → '''From Data Source'''. | ||
# Open ''' | |||
# In the '''Instrument''' menu select '''Add Symbol''' | |||
# Choose a data source from the '''Data Source '''list; the '''Insert Symbols into Portfolio''' window will open.<br>If a data vendor is not in the list: | # Choose a data source from the '''Data Source '''list; the '''Insert Symbols into Portfolio''' window will open.<br>If a data vendor is not in the list: | ||
#* | #* Data source does not provide a symbol list. Symbols must be [[Operating_Symbol_List#Adding Symbols in Manual Mode|added manually]]). | ||
#* | #* Data source is deactivated. [[Data_Sources_Overview#Activating_and_Deactivating_Data_Sources|Activate]] it to see it on the list. | ||
#* | #* Data source is not supported. See [[:Category:Built-in_Data_Sources|Built-in Datafeeds]] for the list of supported providers. | ||
# Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added. | # Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added. | ||
# Enter all or part of the symbol name into the '''Symbol''' box and click '''Lookup'''. | # Enter all or part of the symbol name into the '''Symbol''' box and click '''Lookup'''.<div class="note">Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected.</div><div class="tip">It is possible to put '''*''' in search field and click the '''Lookup''' button to get the list of all available instruments. Available for Dukascopy, eSignal, QFeed, LMAX, MetaStock, GAIN Capital, Rithmic 01, TradeStation (for Forex only). </div> | ||
# Select the desired symbol(s). | # Select the desired symbol(s). | ||
# Click '''Add'''. A message that you have added it to your database should appear | # Click '''Add'''. A message that you have added it to your database should appear.<div class="note">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 '''[[Setting Exchanges & ECNs#Cloning the Exchange/ECN|clone]]''' it putting the required abbreviation. </div> | ||
# Click '''Close''' or continue to search for symbols. | # Click '''Close''' or continue to search for symbols. | ||
=== Adding Symbols | === Adding Symbols Manually === | ||
To add a symbol: | To add a symbol: | ||
# Open ''' | # Open '''[[QuoteManager]]'''. | ||
# In the '''Symbol''' menu, select '''Add Symbol''', then click '''Manually''', or click the '''Add Symbol''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/6/67/Add_Symbol.png" width="24"> icon on the toolbar. | |||
# | # Select a '''Data Source''' from the list. | ||
# Select a '''Data Source''' from the list | # Enter '''Symbol''' name. | ||
# Enter | # Select '''Category''' from the list. | ||
# Select | # Select '''Exchange''' from the list. If the desired exchange is not listed, it can be added manually. See [[Setting Exchanges & ECNs]]. | ||
# Select | |||
# Click '''OK'''. | # Click '''OK'''. | ||
== Deleting | == Deleting Symbols from the Symbol List == | ||
To delete one or more symbols: | To delete one or more symbols: | ||
# Open ''' | # Open '''[[QuoteManager]]'''. | ||
# Select the symbols to be deleted. | # Select the symbols to be deleted. | ||
# Selected symbols can be deleted by one of the following methods: | # Selected symbols can be deleted by one of the following methods: | ||
#* Click the '''Delete | #* Click the '''Delete Instrument''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/ad/Delete_Instrument.png" width="24"> icon on the toolbar. | ||
#* Right- | #* Right-click on the selected symbols and then click '''Delete Symbol'''. | ||
#* | #* Select '''Symbol''' on the main menu and then click '''Delete Symbol'''. | ||
#* | #* Press the '''Delete''' key on the keyboard. | ||
== Sorting the Symbol List == | == Sorting the Symbol List == | ||
The list | The symbol list can be sorted by columns. | ||
For sorting: | For sorting: | ||
Line 94: | Line 68: | ||
or: | or: | ||
# Click the corresponding column heading to sort by that column. | # Click the corresponding column heading to sort by that column.<br> | ||
# The arrow on the heading indicates the sorting direction; click the column to reverse the sorting direction. | # The arrow on the heading indicates the sorting direction; click the column to reverse the sorting direction.<br> | ||
# Right-click a column heading to call up a context menu with sorting options. See [[#Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List|Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List]] section. | # Right-click a column heading to call up a context menu with sorting options. See [[#Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List|Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List]] section. | ||
== Finding Symbol(s) in Symbol List == | == Finding Symbol(s) in Symbol List == | ||
Two types of a search can be performed: an Incremental search and a Full String search. | Two types of a search can be performed: an Incremental search and a Full String search. | ||
Incremental search locates a symbol as the symbol name is typed. Please note that an incremental search can be performed by the signal name only, and not by any other attributes. | |||
To perform | To perform Incremental search: | ||
# Select | # Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category. | ||
# Click on any symbol in the right panel. | # Click on any symbol in the right panel. | ||
# Start typing the symbol name; as the name is being typed, the selection will move between symbols seeking for a match. | # Start typing the symbol name; as the name is being typed, the selection will move between symbols seeking for a match. | ||
<div class="note">Each consecutive character in a symbol name must be typed with an interval of no more the one second; if you pause for more then one second, a new search will be started, for a symbol name beginning with the first character that was typed after a pause of more than a second.</div> | |||
To start a new search without waiting for the second to be over, simply press the ESC key. | |||
<div class="example">To search for AMD, type '''a m d''' with an interval of less than a second between each character; if you pause for more than a second after typing '''a''', once you type '''m''', the first symbol, beginning with the character "m", will be located instead. | |||
</div> | |||
Full String search can be used to find multiple symbols that satisfy the search criteria. | |||
To perform a Full String search: | |||
# Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category. | |||
To perform a | |||
# Select | |||
# Select '''Edit''' in the main menu, and then click '''Find''', or use the CTRL+F keyboard shortcut; a '''Find''' dialog box will open. | # Select '''Edit''' in the main menu, and then click '''Find''', or use the CTRL+F keyboard shortcut; a '''Find''' dialog box will open. | ||
# In the '''Find what''' text box, enter a string to search for. | # In the '''Find what''' text box, enter a string to search for. | ||
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# Click '''Find Next''' to begin the search. | # Click '''Find Next''' to begin the search. | ||
# To continue the search, click '''Find Next''' again. | # To continue the search, click '''Find Next''' again. | ||
A previously performed search can be repeated by simply pressing the F3 key, without opening the '''Find''' dialog box. | <div class="tip">A previously performed search can be repeated by simply pressing the F3 key, without opening the '''Find''' dialog box.</div> | ||
== Customizing the Symbol List == | == Customizing the Symbol List == | ||
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# Use the '''Move Up '''and the '''Move Down '''buttons to change the order in which the columns are displayed. | # Use the '''Move Up '''and the '''Move Down '''buttons to change the order in which the columns are displayed. | ||
# Enter the desired width, in pixels, in to the '''The selected column should be N pixels '''box. | # Enter the desired width, in pixels, in to the '''The selected column should be N pixels '''box. | ||
<div class="note">Column width can also be resized by using the mouse.</div> | |||
[[Category:Setting Symbols|I]] | |||
[[Category:Setting |
Latest revision as of 16:24, 16 September 2024
Symbol List is a list of commonly used financial instruments. Modern-day investors need easy access to any of the trading vehicles.
QM has been developed based on those needs, the basic requirements being:
- The program must function with numbers of symbols in tens of thousands
- Rapid data access, which means powerful search, sorting, and selection capabilities
- Convenient adding and editing of data
- Simple data backup and restore
- Minimal setup and maintenance effort
Adding Symbols to Symbol List
To start working with a symbol, it must be added to the symbol list first. Symbols can be added from a data vendor list or manually.
When a symbol is added from a list provided by the data vendor, all required parameters are set automatically.
Adding symbols manually is usually not recommended. You can add the symbol manually if the list of symbols is not available from the data vendor. For instance, with Free Quotes, there is no way to download a list, so the user should know the exact name for the query.
Adding Symbol from Data Source
You can add the symbol from a data vendor when creating a chart:
- Open a new chart via File → New → Chart Window.
- In the Instrument tab select the desired data source from the Data Source drop-down list and click Add Symbol.
- In the Insert Symbols menu select the tab depending on the category you need to add (Stock, Future, Forex, etc.).
- Enter the symbol name or symbol root in the Symbol field and press Lookup.
- Select the desired symbol(s).
- Click Add.
You can also add the symbol in QuoteManager. To add a symbol:
- Open QuoteManager.
- In the Instrument menu, select Add Symbol → From Data Source.
- 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.
- Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added.
- 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.It is possible to put * in search field and click the Lookup button to get the list of all available instruments. Available for Dukascopy, eSignal, QFeed, LMAX, MetaStock, GAIN Capital, Rithmic 01, TradeStation (for Forex only).
- Select the desired symbol(s).
- 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.
- Click Close or continue to search for symbols.
Adding Symbols Manually
To add a symbol:
- Open QuoteManager.
- In the Symbol menu, select Add Symbol, then click Manually, or click the Add Symbol icon on the toolbar.
- Select a Data Source from the list.
- Enter Symbol name.
- Select Category from the list.
- Select Exchange from the list. If the desired exchange is not listed, it can be added manually. See Setting Exchanges & ECNs.
- Click OK.
Deleting Symbols from the Symbol List
To delete one or more symbols:
- Open QuoteManager.
- Select the symbols to be deleted.
- Selected symbols can be deleted by one of the following methods:
- Click the Delete Instrument icon on the toolbar.
- Right-click on the selected symbols and then click Delete Symbol.
- Select Symbol on the main menu and then click Delete Symbol.
- Press the Delete key on the keyboard.
Sorting the Symbol List
The symbol list can be sorted by columns.
For sorting:
- On the View menu, click Sort By.
- Select the column to sort by, i.e. Symbol.
- Select the sorting direction - Sort Ascending or Sort Descending.
or:
- Click the corresponding column heading to sort by that column.
- The arrow on the heading indicates the sorting direction; click the column to reverse the sorting direction.
- Right-click a column heading to call up a context menu with sorting options. See Selecting Symbol(s) in Symbol List section.
Finding Symbol(s) in Symbol List
Two types of a search can be performed: an Incremental search and a Full String search.
Incremental search locates a symbol as the symbol name is typed. Please note that an incremental search can be performed by the signal name only, and not by any other attributes.
To perform Incremental search:
- Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category.
- Click on any symbol in the right panel.
- Start typing the symbol name; as the name is being typed, the selection will move between symbols seeking for a match.
To start a new search without waiting for the second to be over, simply press the ESC key.
Full String search can be used to find multiple symbols that satisfy the search criteria.
To perform a Full String search:
- Select All Symbols in the left panel to search a list of all symbols, or select a particular symbol category.
- Select Edit in the main menu, and then click Find, or use the CTRL+F keyboard shortcut; a Find dialog box will open.
- In the Find what text box, enter a string to search for.
- In the In column list box, select the column to search in.
- Click Find Next to begin the search.
- To continue the search, click Find Next again.
Customizing the Symbol List
The program supports workspace customization. The user can select the data columns and set their widths, including: Symbol, Description, Exchange Listed, Data Source, Contract Month, Price Scale, CUSIP, Root, Margin, Contract Year, Expiation Date, Expiration Rule, Expiration Status, Daily Limit, Min. Movement, Big Point Value, Strike Price, and Option Type.
To customize the Symbol List:
- On the View menu, click Columns.
- Select the checkboxes, corresponding to the columns to be displayed.
- Use the Move Up and the Move Down buttons to change the order in which the columns are displayed.
- Enter the desired width, in pixels, in to the The selected column should be N pixels box.