- Why Professional Traders Choose NinjaTrader for CFD Trading
- Top 3 CFD Brokers Supporting NinjaTrader
- Connecting NinjaTrader to Your Broker
- Available CFD Markets Through NinjaTrader
- Commission Structures for NinjaTrader Trading
- Key NinjaTrader Features for CFD Traders
- NinjaTrader Licensing Options
- Comparing NinjaTrader with Other Popular Platforms
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Professional Traders Choose NinjaTrader for CFD Trading
| Commision | Instruments | Min Dep | Leverage | Platforms | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Interactive Brokers | $0.08-$0.20 per lot (tiered pricing) | Forex Stocks Options Futures Crypto | $0 | Up to 1:50 | Trader Workstation IBKR Mobile | |
 IG | $0 (cost via spreads) | Forex Indices Commodities Stocks Crypto | $250 | Up to 1:200 | IG Platform MT4 Mobile App | |
 Swissquote | $0-$2.5 per lot (account dependent) | Forex Stocks Crypto Bonds Commodities | $1000 | Up to 1:100 | Advanced Trader MT4 MT5 App |
NinjaTrader is an industry-leading platform that attracts professional traders due to its extensive range of features tailored for active trading. The platform allows for advanced charting, automated trading, backtesting, and custom strategies—all essential tools for experienced CFD traders.
What sets NinjaTrader apart is its ability to integrate with a wide variety of brokers, allowing traders to access different CFDs such as forex, commodities, and stocks. Its precision in executing orders, fast trade execution speeds, and customization options make it a powerful tool for traders who rely on speed and accuracy to capitalize on market movements.
Key reasons why professional traders choose NinjaTrader:
- Advanced Charting: Real-time, customizable charts with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools.
- Automated Trading: Seamless integration with automated trading strategies and Expert Advisors (EAs).
- Comprehensive Backtesting: Traders can test strategies on historical data before executing live trades.
- Broker Integration: NinjaTrader connects with numerous brokers, allowing traders to execute CFD trades globally.
- Customizable Interface: Highly flexible user interface to suit the needs of different trading strategies.
Top 3 CFD Brokers Supporting NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a powerful trading platform that allows users to access various markets and execute trades seamlessly. To enhance the trading experience, several brokers integrate directly with NinjaTrader, offering traders a wide range of tools and features. Below are three of the top CFD brokers that provide robust support for NinjaTrader, ensuring an optimal trading environment.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) stands as one of the giants in the CFD and brokerage industry, known for its competitive pricing and comprehensive market access. With its advanced platform and global reach, IBKR seamlessly integrates with NinjaTrader, providing traders with all the tools necessary for efficient and low-cost trading.
Features of Interactive Brokers with NinjaTrader:
- Low Commissions: IBKR is renowned for its cost-effective commission structure. As traders increase their volume, they can benefit from reduced rates, making it a suitable option for active traders.
- Global Market Access: With access to over 120 global markets, traders can tap into a wide variety of CFD instruments, including stocks, forex, and commodities, ensuring a diversified trading portfolio.
- High Liquidity: IBKR offers excellent liquidity across a variety of asset classes. This is crucial for traders looking to execute larger trades with minimal slippage, ensuring optimal execution.
- Advanced Order Types: NinjaTrader users can benefit from a variety of order types available through IBKR, including market orders, limit orders, and stop orders. These features give traders better control over their executions, helping them optimize their strategies.
IG
IG
As a globally recognized leader in the CFD trading space, IG offers a comprehensive trading experience through NinjaTrader. IG’s transparent pricing, coupled with its diverse market offerings, ensures traders have access to a wide range of instruments, from forex to commodities.
Key Benefits of IG with NinjaTrader:
- Regulated and Trusted: IG operates in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia, ensuring it meets the strictest regulatory standards. This makes it a trusted broker for traders who value security and reliability.
- Competitive Spreads: IG is known for its tight spreads across major CFD markets. This allows traders to get in and out of positions more cost-effectively, enhancing overall trading performance.
- Range of Markets: With access to more than 17,000 markets, IG offers one of the most extensive lists of CFD instruments. Traders can engage in a wide variety of markets, from forex and indices to commodities and stocks.
- Risk Management Tools: IG’s advanced risk management features, such as guaranteed stops, provide traders with the tools needed to mitigate risks and protect their positions in volatile markets.
Swissquote
Swissquote
Swissquote is a well-established Swiss-based financial institution that offers comprehensive CFD trading services, integrating smoothly with NinjaTrader. Known for its strong regulatory environment and commitment to innovation, Swissquote delivers a secure and advanced trading platform for both beginner and professional traders.
Swissquote Key Features with NinjaTrader:
- Regulated by Swiss Authorities: Swissquote is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), ensuring that traders are operating in a highly secure and stable environment. This is particularly reassuring for those who prioritize safety and regulatory compliance.
- Wide Range of CFD Markets: Swissquote provides traders with access to a broad spectrum of CFD markets, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This ensures traders can diversify their portfolios and take advantage of various market opportunities.
- Access to Financial News: Real-time financial news is a crucial aspect of trading, and Swissquote ensures traders have access to up-to-date information. This enables traders to make well-informed decisions, responding swiftly to market developments.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Swissquote integrates several advanced trading tools, including automated trading capabilities, backtesting, and real-time data feeds. These features help traders develop, test, and implement effective strategies, enhancing the overall trading experience.
Each of these brokers offers unique features, but all provide seamless integration with NinjaTrader, allowing traders to take full advantage of the platform’s capabilities while enjoying competitive pricing and enhanced tools.
Connecting NinjaTrader to Your Broker
Connecting NinjaTrader to your broker is an essential step for executing trades and accessing market data. This process is designed to be user-friendly, but it does require some attention to detail. Below, we break down the essential steps and requirements for setting up NinjaTrader with your broker.
Account Requirements for NinjaTrader Access
Before you can start trading with NinjaTrader, you need to meet certain account requirements. These are necessary to ensure the platform works seamlessly with your broker. Here’s a closer look at what you need:
- Live Trading Account: To use NinjaTrader, you need to have an active trading account with a broker that supports NinjaTrader. This account should be set up for live trading and not just for demo use.
- Minimum Deposit: Each broker has a different policy regarding minimum deposits. It’s important to verify the deposit requirements for your specific broker and account type.
- Identity Verification: Brokers typically require you to complete an identity verification process, which can involve submitting identification documents such as your passport, driver’s license, or utility bills to confirm your identity.
- Download NinjaTrader: Install the NinjaTrader platform on your computer. The software is available for Windows users, and there’s also a mobile version for iOS and Android that offers limited functionality.
- API Setup: Your broker must provide API credentials or a connection interface that allows NinjaTrader to link to their trading platform. This connection ensures that data can flow between your broker and NinjaTrader, enabling you to place trades, receive market data, and more.
Setting Up NinjaTrader
Once you meet the account requirements, the next step is to install and configure NinjaTrader for use. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the setup process:
- Install NinjaTrader:
Download and install NinjaTrader from the official website. Make sure to select the appropriate version for your operating system. The installation process is simple, and once it’s complete, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step. - Connect to Your Broker:
After installation, NinjaTrader provides a connection wizard. Follow this wizard to link your broker account. This typically involves entering the API credentials or using a predefined broker profile from NinjaTrader’s list of supported brokers. - Configure Trading Preferences:
Once connected, you can customize your NinjaTrader interface to suit your preferences. Adjust the chart layouts, set up your preferred order execution modes, and implement risk management tools. These settings ensure that the platform works the way you want it to during live trading. - Test Connection:
After successfully setting up the connection to your broker, it’s crucial to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Test the connection by checking that live market data is streaming and attempting a few test trades. This will help you identify any issues before you go live.
Available CFD Markets Through NinjaTrader
One of the main advantages of using NinjaTrader is its support for a wide variety of CFD markets. This provides traders with the ability to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure to multiple asset classes, such as forex, commodities, indices, and stocks. Here’s a deeper dive into the CFD markets you can trade on NinjaTrader:
Forex Trading via NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader offers a comprehensive selection of forex pairs, ranging from the most traded major currencies to more exotic pairs. The platform allows traders to implement various strategies using real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and automated trading options.
Popular Forex CFDs Available on NinjaTrader:
- EUR/USD – The most traded currency pair in the world.
- GBP/USD – Another highly liquid pair, often considered a barometer for the strength of the British pound.
- USD/JPY – A favorite among traders due to its liquidity and volatility.
- AUD/USD – Popular for its exposure to the commodity markets and the Australian economy.
- EUR/GBP – A key pair for traders focused on European currencies.
Exotic Pairs:
- USD/TRY – Turkish lira, known for its volatility and high interest rates.
- EUR/ZAR – Euro and South African rand, popular among traders looking to speculate on emerging market economies.
Commodity CFDs on NinjaTrader
For traders who wish to speculate on commodity price movements without taking physical ownership of the goods, NinjaTrader offers access to commodity CFDs. These allow traders to speculate on global commodities like oil, gold, and silver, all of which have significant demand and impact on global markets.
Common Commodity CFDs Available on NinjaTrader:
- Gold (XAU/USD): Gold is often seen as a safe-haven asset and is popular during times of economic uncertainty. It’s a key choice for traders looking to hedge against inflation.
- Crude Oil (WTI): Crude oil CFDs offer the ability to trade on one of the most active and volatile markets in the world. Price fluctuations are driven by global geopolitical events and economic data.
- Silver (XAG/USD): Silver is another metal frequently traded as a CFD. Like gold, it’s often used as a hedge but can also be highly volatile.
- Natural Gas: This market is influenced by seasonal demand shifts and geopolitical factors, making it a popular choice for short-term traders.
Index and Stock CFDs
If you’re more inclined toward trading equities and indices, NinjaTrader allows access to stock and index CFDs, which enable you to speculate on price movements without owning the actual asset. This is particularly useful for traders who prefer trading market indices or individual stocks.
Popular Index CFDs on NinjaTrader:
- S&P 500: One of the most widely traded indices, representing the 500 largest U.S. companies.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: A barometer of the U.S. economy, this index includes 30 major companies.
- NASDAQ 100: Focuses on tech-heavy stocks, including big names like Apple and Microsoft.
- FTSE 100: The most prominent index in the UK, representing the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Popular Stock CFDs on NinjaTrader:
- Apple: One of the most traded stocks in the world, known for its influence on global markets.
- Tesla: A highly volatile stock, often favored by traders looking to speculate on its massive price swings.
- Microsoft: A key player in the tech sector, with consistent growth over the years.
- Amazon: Another tech giant, with a diverse portfolio of online retail, cloud computing, and entertainment services.
- Google (Alphabet): A leader in the digital advertising industry, also offering a wide range of products and services.
Commission Structures for NinjaTrader Trading
Different brokers offering CFD trading through NinjaTrader have varying commission structures. Understanding these fees is essential to managing costs effectively and optimizing your trading strategy. Below is a summary of the commission structures for some leading brokers.
Interactive Brokers Fee Schedule
Interactive Brokers offers a tiered commission structure, benefiting high-volume traders.
Key Aspects:
- Tiered Commission Structure: Lower fees with increased trading volumes.
- Low Spread Costs: Tight spreads for forex and commodities.
- Account Fees: Additional fees like inactivity charges for certain account types.
- Market Access: A wide range of global markets and asset classes.
IG Trading Costs with NinjaTrader
IG provides transparent pricing with many commission-free CFDs, though some asset classes incur small commissions.
Key Aspects:
- Fixed Spreads: Predictable costs, especially in volatile markets.
- Commission on Stocks: Small fees for stock CFDs.
- Low Financing Fees: Competitive swap fees for overnight positions.
- Global Market Access: A broad range of global markets.
Swissquote Pricing Structure
Swissquote offers competitive spreads and commissions, with commission-free trading on many instruments.
Key Aspects:
- Competitive Spreads: Tight spreads on major markets.
- Stock Commission: Fees for stock CFDs, competitive within the industry.
- Overnight Financing: Financing costs for holding positions overnight.
- Range of CFDs: Diverse selection of CFDs across forex, indices, and commodities.
Key NinjaTrader Features for CFD Traders
NinjaTrader provides a comprehensive set of tools for advanced CFD traders, focusing on analysis, automation, and real-time data to enhance trading performance.
Key Features:
- Advanced Charting: Customizable chart types and over 100 technical indicators for in-depth market analysis.
- Automated Trading: Use custom strategies or third-party algorithms for automatic trade execution.
- Real-Time Market Data: Live feeds for CFDs, forex, and commodities ensure up-to-date trading decisions.
- Comprehensive Order Types: Supports stop-loss, take-profit, limit orders, and trailing stops to manage risk and capture market movements.
- Backtesting: Test strategies using historical data to evaluate performance before live trading.
NinjaTrader Licensing Options
NinjaTrader offers both free and paid versions, with advanced features available in the paid plan for traders who need more customization and detailed market data.
Free Features:
- Charting: Basic charting tools for essential analysis.
- Market Data: Real-time data feeds for forex, stocks, and CFDs.
- Basic Order Execution: Essential trade execution and position management.
Paid Features:
- Strategy Builder: Create, backtest, and deploy custom automated strategies.
- Advanced Data Feeds: Access tick data for advanced backtesting and strategy refinement.
- Enhanced Customization: More control over charts and reports for personalized trading setups.
Comparing NinjaTrader with Other Popular Platforms
When choosing a trading platform, it’s important to compare features that suit your trading style. Here’s a brief look at how NinjaTrader stacks up against MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
NinjaTrader vs MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a popular platform offering automation, charting, and multi-asset support. However, NinjaTrader excels in backtesting and strategy automation, making it ideal for high-frequency traders.
Key Differences:
- Backtesting: NinjaTrader’s backtesting tools are more advanced.
- Trading Automation: NinjaTrader offers more customization options for automated strategies.
- Data Handling: NinjaTrader handles high-frequency trading data more efficiently.
NinjaTrader vs TradingView
TradingView is best known for its charting and social features, while NinjaTrader excels in trading automation and backtesting, making it more suited for serious CFD traders.
Key Differences:
- Charting: TradingView is highly visual and social; NinjaTrader offers deeper customization for charting.
- Automation: NinjaTrader supports automated strategies, unlike TradingView.
- Data Feeds: NinjaTrader provides real-time, high-quality market data, while TradingView uses third-party sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use NinjaTrader with Mobile Devices?
Yes, NinjaTrader offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing traders to manage accounts, place orders, and monitor markets on the go.
What Types of CFDs Can I Trade with NinjaTrader?
Is NinjaTrader Suitable for Beginners?
What are the System Requirements for NinjaTrader?
How Does Order Execution Compare Between the Three Brokers?
