What software do you use to research and track your stock investments?

Question

I'm interested in a real-time software product. Cost is not the most important criteria; I'm interested in product quality and support. I'm not asking for websites, but those could be informative.

OK, let me revise: I'm no interested in web sites. I'm interested in professional software packages that I can install on my PC.

Answer 1

For research, there's nothing better than Bloomberg. The cost, however, is significant ($1,200-1,400 per month), and you really need some training to learn how to use it (and the APIs that come with it). Training is free though.

For tracking, you really don't need much more than what your broker gives you.

Answer 2

go to http://www.tradestation.com/

Their program used to be downloadable onto your own computer but they have changed it to a web-based system. There are many plug-ins that allow you to search for certain types of equities, such as forex, commodities, etc.

Another one that allows you to develop a system for picking commodities is Modus. I don't have any direct experience with this product but I checked it out online and it looked really good. It also allowed you to back-test your theories, which will help you tweak the system even further.

There is a site that specialises in actually testing these systems for consumers. It is like a Consumer's Reports for trading systems. Of course, I can't find it now...
If I were you, I wouldn't rely too much on these automated systems. I mean, it would be nice to just leave it to the computer and simply wait for the checks to come in. Sounds too good to be true..

Answer 3

Yahoo fiance is by far the easiest one out there. Can make mulitple portfolios and track them.

Answer 4

morningstar.com

Answer 5

nasdaq.com