OANDA Discussion

hm, I just had a 5 min disconnect with the API, but FXtrade was running nice.

Could be they had some problems.

still c an't login only web interface works.

Is Oanda market maker?

yes.

http://www.oanda.com/corp/

And here a description of what the difference is between a market maker and a no dealing desk:

http://www.babypips.com/school/diffe...f-brokers.html

I am demo trading with oanda. I noticed that the spreads on the EURUSD can increase to 10 pips during news events. Is this usual?

Yes, can be 5-10 on medium impact too.

Spreads also widen late Friday---Early Sunday due to thin market. Plan your stops accordingly if you're holding over the weekend.

Oanda severs are down again. Obviously they don't need clients anymore.

yes FXTrade was momentarily down... but API Connection was up.... even the dramatic USD JPY Jump was nicely done.... so far so great..

API up all the time ? is this mostly the case ?

yes, absolutely!

...the way I see it, this Java FXTrade App is just highly unstable.

Since with API you have to create your own programs you have the possibility to create lightweight fast programs with C++ or whatever..

Also, I imagine that I connect with other oanda servers when using API.

I DO also get disconnects with API, but its like ten times rarer

Is there any simple api connected application out there?
Or you have to create one from scratch?

they give you simple Command Window style Examples... But you sure must have at least intermediate programming skills to be able to create something for yourself.

Georgm, would you mind showing a pic of your API trading interface. Just to get an idea. Do you trade discretionary or automated?

Thanks

My oanda API engine is based on Java for the Backend, and Flash for the Frontend (Graphics and Control). Both of them are communicating through Sockets.

I am preparing a website where I will show and offer oanda API programming services. It seems to be a good idea since I see a lot of people getting pi**ed about the FXTrade App.

Please be patient, you might leave a comment at my profile and I will get back to you once everything gets a little more momentum.

If this is really the case , how do you explain then that http://marketindex.rbs.com/uk/Home.aspx that uses the Oanda application NEVER goes down ??

I am running both side by side

he is talking about the fxtrade java platform from oanda, not the api system.

But i doubt it's caused by the java platform, maybe the operation server from their end.

It can be both

Certainly, if you have unstable java app that runs to 100% CPU Usage and therefore disconnects or freezes AND ADDITIONALY there might be problems with the oanda server(s) because of high load.... you then get a lot of angry customers.

The only thing I have in my favor today after the "4" disconnects and EXTREME slippage (post news) is that I lowered my leverage because I knew I was dealing with Oanda.

Oanda is a good broker for most the time but they are severely lacking during volatile times.

Heres a thought.

MBT was a superb broker which used to lack one thing. "Lower commissions" MBT was smart and finally cut their commissions in half. Now they truly are top notch because they listened to the customers. Thankfully they didnt just say "well we already have awards so we don't need to meet the needs"

Oanda, you are top notch as well but are lacking in two areas.

1. Your platform is archaic. Step it up a bit. Get it more like NinjaTrader and for darn sake, GET SOME HISTORY! (if you cant at least do this, then you must offer reasonable API so people have other options, the prices are WAY TOO HIGH for this service)
2. Get whatever is needed for those times of high volumes of trades. you cant have your platform just shutting down 4 times post news or not even having the trades show up on the platform for 15 sec after you place them! This is just totally unacceptable for a company as renown as yourself.

Dont yield to the temptation to say "Now everyone is at 50:1 so we have the advantage" Listen to the people and give them these things and you will not only be number one, but will be respected greatly.

For now, what other choice does one have who wants to trade highly volatile times but to go to another broker.