How to Use Simulated Trading

Simulated Trading is a mode that allows playing back historical data on charts and in DOM windows and using manual and auto trading during playback.
Level 1 and 2 data for simulated trading can be downloaded or collected from any supported data provider or from our servers using Market Data Sim feed.

Simulated Trading Setup

Choose a mode

Use the dropdown to switch between Standard and Advanced Simulated Trading.
Advanced Simulated Trading uses Level II data as well as Level I.

Choose a resolution

Use the dropdown to select data replay resolution.

Set a starting point to begin simulation

To set the starting point on your chart, click the Start Simulated Trading button and click the place on your chart to begin simulation from. It’ll start automatically after the starting point is set and data is loaded.

You can also set the starting point using the calendar. Once the date in the calendar is set, click the Set the date and time to start Simulated Trading button next to it to start.

Manage the replay

Use control buttons to Pause, Resume, Step Forward
Click Go to Realtime to exit Simulated Trading mode.
Change the simulation speed by dragging the control.

Switch to Workspace Mode

Click the Workspace Mode button to enable it.
In Workspace Mode Simulated Trading will start on all charts, Scanner and DOM windows within the selected workspace.

Manual Simulated Trading

Use Chart Trading Panel or Depth of market (DOM) window to place orders manually during simulation.
To monitor your orders, use the Order and Position Tracker.
See Chart Trading for more info.

Simulated Auto Trading

Apply signals and start auto trading during simulation by using the SA/AA button or via Format → Automate Order Execution.
See Getting Started with AutoTrading for more info.

Collecting Data

Note: Not available in the free version.

Click the Simulated Trading Collect Data button to open the data collecting menu.

Custom Symbols

On the Custom Symbols tab you can start collecting real-time data for the symbols in the selected workspace.

1. Check/uncheck the listed instruments as needed. The list will only include instruments open in the selected workspace.
2. Click Collection settings to expand the menu.
   Set when to Start collecting: Immediately, Next Hour, Session, Day, etc. or set a specific date and time.
   Set when to Stop collecting: By user command; After X Hours, Days, etc. or set a specific date and time.
   
3. Click Start to begin collecting.
   Note: Do not shut down your PC or put it into hibernate mode while data is being collected. Click the icon in the system tray if you want to stop collecting data.

Sample Data

On the Sample Data tab you can download historical data for sample instruments from MultiCharts servers:

1. Check the instruments you'd like to download.
2. Click Start to begin downloading.
   There are no collection settings for this tab. Data downloading will begin after you click Start and will stop after all the available data is downloaded. If needed, manage it in the Data Downloading Progress menu.
   
3. After the data is downloaded, the Data Loaded message will appear. Click it to open up a workspace with the downloaded sample data.

Data Collecting Progress

To monitor data collection, click the Data Collecting Progress icon in the system tray or go to QuoteManager → Tools → Data Collecting Progress.
Click the gear icon to open the collection settings.
Click the stop button to delete the data collection task.

After collecting is finished, a pop up will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen.