TJ:
Through the years, AB's charting has definitely improved but there is certainly
room to grow. As you have pointed out, the tools for doing just about anything
in AFL have been provided. However, I can assure you that much is beyond many
either because of coding ability and/or time availability.
You ask for comments so I'll throw out a number that quickly come to mind. I'm
sure this is not a complete list and others undoubtedly have their own
additions. In general, I view AB's charting improvements in two categories -
built-in functionality and coding aids for custom charting.
In the built in area, I suggest the following:
1. Increased available price styles, particularly those requiring X-axis
adjustment such as Point & Figure, Renko, Equi-volume, etc. Metastock, Ensign
and StockCharts are good models.
2. Expand the functionality of current charting tools to their full
potential. Examples are warning and Fibonacci lines for Pitchfork, internal
and external Alternate Fibonacci Price Projections (trend-counter trend),
Fibonacci Time Retracements (internal, external, and trend-counter trend).
Dynamic Trader is a good model.
3. Calendar day scaling (Gann studies). Dynamic Trader is a good model.
4. Simple Fibonacci and standard pattern (e.g., triangle and wedge) display
(scanned or pivots chosen by user). Market Warrior and Ensign are good models.
5. A variety of Gann studies, including repeating price-time boxes with Gann
angles (follow the price action) and Pyrapoint. Gannalyst, Ensign and Dynamic
Trader are good models.
6. Independent font control for axis and text.
In the coding area for custom charting I suggest providing some "building
blocks" that can be "included" in custom charts.
A number of custom charts involve clicking on specific bars in a manner similar
to the way that the Pitchfork tool works. This leads to some difficulties,
including:
a. The built-in charting tools provide a sharp cross pointer for
choosing the desired bar. However, the much coarser selection arrow is
provided for the same function with custom charts. This is a problem when many
bars are on the chart (i.e., longer times) that could be resolved by making the
fine pointer available for inclusion in codes.
b. Selecting three points (e.g., DGL), as with the Pitchfork tool,
involves (at least that is how I do it) setting the range (to get BeginValue
and EndValue) and then clicking on the third point. The resulting chart has a
range marker at the first two points and the selector line at the third point.
Unlike the Pitchfork tool, if the selector line is moved the chart changes.
For this type of chart Pitchfork tool functionality is desired. One way to go
might be to provide an AFL "building block(s)" that functions along the lines
of the Pitchfork tool (i.e., bars chosen by click, charted lines locked, and no
visible range marker or selector line on the plot). Another way is to provide
this type of plot as a built in. Dynamic Trader is a good model.
c. Facilitate locating the correct bar by providing a "building block"
that highlights the bar without clicking as the selector moves. This feature
could also be included as a built in. Dynamic Trader is a good model.
2. Presently, plotted lines that intersect the axis are bent instead of
being terminated at the axis. Mentioned software are good models.
3. Indicator pane size is unequal when the number of panes exceeds 4.
Mentioned software are good models.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: Tomasz Janeczko
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:33 PM
Subject: Re: [amibroker] 'Rule Based' versus 'Discretionary' trading...
Hello,
Not wanting to hijack this thread but whenever I ask
about some itemized list of what is exactly "weak" in AB charting,
I don't receive any meaningful reply. I would really want to know
some objective list instead of statements I heard on ET that
"charts are ugly" which for me unfortunatelly means nothing,
considering the hunderds of ways charts can be customized
according to user taste in AB.
Best regards,
Tomasz Janeczko
amibroker.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "sidhartha70" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 9:16 PM
Subject: [amibroker] 'Rule Based' versus 'Discretionary' trading...
> Thought I'd try and start a discussion on this very important topic...
>
> Over the years I seem to have come full circle... back in 1994
> starting as a largely discretionary trader, I moved into 'rule based'
> systems while working for Merrill Lynch back in 1997. I spent about 7
> years trading various types of rule based system. All variations on
> statistical arbitrage themes.
>
> Over recent years I have migrated away from rule based trading back to
> discretionary, and find myself developing some quite strong opinions
> about rule based trading (opinions which I happy to have changed!!!).
>
> One thing that strikes me about this forum is the focus on 'rule
> based' trading and backtesting/optimization of systems. Perhaps this
> relates to the grounding of the product. I have been an owner of
> AmiBroker for about 5 months now I guess... and it seems to me it's
> strengths lie in backtesting & optimization (if only I had a product
> like this back in 1997 my life would have been an absolute joy).
> However, it's weaknesses seem to lie in it's charting (as has been
> commented on a couple of reviews on Elite Trader) and particualrly the
> openness & adaptability of it's charting framework.
>
> Anyway, I'd love to start an open discussion on 'rule based' versus
> 'discretionary'... Pros, cons, differences, potential returns from
> each route, does one route lead to the other etc..etc...
>
> I'm very much wanting to learn from opening this subject up.
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Please note that this group is for discussion between users only.
>
> To get support from AmiBroker please send an e-mail directly to
> SUPPORT {at} amibroker.com
>
> For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check DEVLOG:
> http://www.amibroker.com/devlog/
>
> For other support material please check also:
> http://www.amibroker.com/support.html
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
------------------------------------
Please note that this group is for discussion between users only.
To get support from AmiBroker please send an e-mail directly to
SUPPORT {at} amibroker.com
For NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS and other news always check DEVLOG:
http://www.amibroker.com/devlog/
For other support material please check also:
http://www.amibroker.com/support.html
Yahoo! Groups Links
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