Australian (ASX) Stock Market Forum

MetaStock vs. AmiBroker

Re: MetaStock V AmiBroker

I am using www.justdata.com.au but previously used Paritech.

In terms of AmiBroker vs MetaStock I have used both extensively although I don't require intraday data. They are both products capable of system development, scanning and testing, although Metastock really needs TradeSim to shine when it comes to system testing.

My strong preference is for Amibroker. I rarely use MS these days although I used it intensely for some years. Changing was quite difficult but there are things I can do with AB that I struggled with in MS. I did develop my key systems on Metastock though.

You might like to look at Roy's site http://www.metastocktips.co.nz/ Roy is brilliant when it comes to coding MS and opened my eyes to system development possibilities.

I guess it depends on what you are trying to achieve since the program costs are relatively minor in the medium term - the real time data feeds will cost you a lot more.

Steve
 
Re: MetaStock V AmiBroker

stevo said:
My strong preference is for Amibroker. I rarely use MS these days although I used it intensely for some years. Changing was quite difficult but there are things I can do with AB that I struggled with in MS. I did develop my key systems on Metastock though.
Steve

Could you kindly elaborate on what AB is able to do that MS might struggle with ? I am curious as to the capabilities and/or flexibility and/or ease of usage of the programming language of both these packages. Presumably, you are suggesting that the AB programming language is more powerful than MS and there are things that you can achieve with AB that you cannot with MS....
 
Re: MetaStock V AmiBroker

Could you kindly elaborate on what AB is able to do that MS might struggle with ?

I think that the last time I used MS (V 7.02?) was over a year ago so I have probably forgotten a lot of the features that it has. I also have quite an old version so I don't know how much better it might be now. I notice they have version 10 out.

For starters manually scanning through lots of stocks quickly. I set up wachlists with my current trades and can quickly flip through current trades.

I like the way I can set up each system on a tab and click on it to quickly change from one system to another.

AB code contains everything in the system in one place. From memory MS could have code in an explorer and also in a template. I am not into drag and drop and just code all the indicators and chart parameters, the buy and sell signals and the explores in one place.

I started with MS and moved across to AB. It took a while to understand just how it worked and how to replace the "PREV" function in MS. After a while I found that I did not use MS to check my stocks.

I am not sure how you would go trying to optimise parameters in MS across 500 stocks. AB also has 3D optimise charts that give a very nice visual on how the different parameters perform and interact. I can also use something like Intelligent Optimiser to do some pretty intense optimising.

But both packages can give a trader what they need to develop and trade systems - I prefer AB whilst others prefer MS. I am sure that I could go back to MS if I had to and trade just as well.

It should be noted that I trade quite long term and really only need weekly data so my circumstances will be different to many others. Data feeds and specific trader requirements and knowledge will have a bearing on which package suits.

regards
Steve

drawdown.blogspot.com
 
Re: MetaStock V AmiBroker

stevo said:
I think that the last time I used MS (V 7.02?) was over a year ago so I have probably forgotten a lot of the features that it has. I also have quite an old version so I don't know how much better it might be now. I notice they have version 10 out.

For starters manually scanning through lots of stocks quickly. I set up wachlists with my current trades and can quickly flip through current trades.

I like the way I can set up each system on a tab and click on it to quickly change from one system to another.

AB code contains everything in the system in one place. From memory MS could have code in an explorer and also in a template. I am not into drag and drop and just code all the indicators and chart parameters, the buy and sell signals and the explores in one place.

I started with MS and moved across to AB. It took a while to understand just how it worked and how to replace the "PREV" function in MS. After a while I found that I did not use MS to check my stocks.

I am not sure how you would go trying to optimise parameters in MS across 500 stocks. AB also has 3D optimise charts that give a very nice visual on how the different parameters perform and interact. I can also use something like Intelligent Optimiser to do some pretty intense optimising.

But both packages can give a trader what they need to develop and trade systems - I prefer AB whilst others prefer MS. I am sure that I could go back to MS if I had to and trade just as well.

It should be noted that I trade quite long term and really only need weekly data so my circumstances will be different to many others. Data feeds and specific trader requirements and knowledge will have a bearing on which package suits.

regards
Steve

drawdown.blogspot.com

Many thanks !!
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

I'm looking at getting one of the following in the next few months, so I have some questions.

Can someone explain to me the reason for the difference in price between Metastock and Amibroker? For the price of the basic Metastock 10, I can get the Amibroker Professional version (in case I want to advance my trading into the future).

Have the metastock bugs been ironed out?

Is the price difference simply because the metastock coding is much easier?

It seems like a no-brainer to me, but maybe there is something I am missing...

Cheers,
Chops.
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

I'm looking at getting one of the following in the next few months, so I have some questions.

Can someone explain to me the reason for the difference in price between Metastock and Amibroker? For the price of the basic Metastock 10, I can get the Amibroker Professional version (in case I want to advance my trading into the future).

Have the metastock bugs been ironed out?

Is the price difference simply because the metastock coding is much easier?

It seems like a no-brainer to me, but maybe there is something I am missing...

Cheers,
Chops.

Chops from my "limited although heavy" experience, trading has got sfa to do with available data. I recently bought metastock v10 and it throws up more oppurtunities than i know what to do with. BUT at the end of the day it boils down to what YOU can do with that info.
I wouldnt know what to do with 80% of what meta stock has to offer but i ask myself do i need it to to be a successful trader? For me its a NO.
Ive come to the realisation that you can screw up the best of oppurtunities regardless of how they are presented.
Which basically means that to be successful you need to be a
- mechanical trader
- or a strong discretionary trader

no fuzzy lines in activating stop losses.
Psychology is the single most important variable.
T/a or F/a it doesnt matter if you cant handle the stress or pressures pushing and a pulling your emotions.
Ive screwed up many would be successful day trades simply because i didnt have the nuts to hang on.
There should be more courses/programs helping you to attain a trading zen!
My 2 cents anyway!! Hope you find what your looking for!
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

I'm looking at getting one of the following in the next few months, so I have some questions.

Can someone explain to me the reason for the difference in price between Metastock and Amibroker? For the price of the basic Metastock 10, I can get the Amibroker Professional version (in case I want to advance my trading into the future).

Have the metastock bugs been ironed out?

Is the price difference simply because the metastock coding is much easier?

It seems like a no-brainer to me, but maybe there is something I am missing...

Cheers,
Chops.
As a user extensively of both, Amibroker is a no-brainer IMO... and it is improving all the time as well.
 
Re: Metastock Vs Amibroker

Hello All,

I'm after some advice please.

I've interested in hearing from posters who have used both products and which one they now prefer and why?


Thanks in advance...

I've had my copy of AB for two months now...and although the language has and will be a challenge for me, it still has many advantages like:

1.) the ability to scan the market EOD for all kinds of patterns and oppotunities, Backtesting with speed!

2.) a built in wizard to help with AFL

3.) Great support, constant updates and really cool library, Pattern Explorer and other plug ins and add ons.

4.) Value, Value and oh, did i say Value.

I agree, its a no brainer.

Cheers,
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Hi All,

Regarding specifically backtesting capabilities, which one would others recommend and why?? Metastock v9 or AmiBroker ??

Thanks...
 
Re: Metastock Vs Amibroker

I've had my copy of AB for two months now...and although the language has and will be a challenge for me, it still has many advantages like:

1.) the ability to scan the market EOD for all kinds of patterns and oppotunities, Backtesting with speed!

2.) a built in wizard to help with AFL

3.) Great support, constant updates and really cool library, Pattern Explorer and other plug ins and add ons.

4.) Value, Value and oh, did i say Value.

I agree, its a no brainer.



Cheers,



Thanks for the reply CanOz,

My PC crashed as i pressed submit during my last message so didn't have time to finish it....

As a result, what I'm specifically interested in is the BackTesting functionality, and how it compares to Metastock??

PS. At this rate I may need a new laptop as well :(
 
Re: Metastock Vs Amibroker

3.) Great support, constant updates and really cool library, Pattern Explorer and other plug ins and add ons.

Gday Canaussie,

Have you tried PatternExplorer? Funny you mention it today, I registered last night :) I wanted it for the Pattern Detection mainly. Only had a couple-hour play - I've found that you can't use the Pattern Detector in backtesting, it only applies Patterns against the last bar of data :( Apparently the bar-replay function of Amibroker will let me retrospectively look at patterns (but not backtest).....Will give it a go tonight.

woodo
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Ah the problem with this idea of retrospectivly looking at how patterns went in a system (If you could do it!!)

Is similar to the problem with the Zig Zag Function.

The pattern ofcourse will appear as a completed pattern in testing because history has completed and the pattern is evident.

In REALTIME,you'll take a trade in a pattern only to see the pattern breakdown which of course negates the trade.
This breakdown cannot be seen in backtesting as it wont have been taken as a trade (In hindsite). As the pattern that was at the time of the trade is no longer evident.

Takes a while to get your head around this but after youve investigated it a bit you'll see what I mean.
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Hi All,

Regarding specifically backtesting capabilities, which one would others recommend and why?? Metastock v9 or AmiBroker ??

Thanks...

When you are talking backtesting on just purely MS (not including Tradesim) vs Amibroker, Amibroker is miles better. There is NO comparison PERIOD. Amibroker's AFL language is a far more powerful and flexible language than MS, in that it is essentially a programming language in its own right.

For anybody that has any kind of programming experience, Amibroker is without doubt the one to use. Having said that, because of the flexibility in AFL, there is also a significant learning curve (a point that has been raised before) and maybe therefore not be suitable for everybody.

Looping support is one major area that really separates Amibroker from MS. GP has put forward an excellent document on the usage of looping which illustrates what can be achieved with a powerful programming language. https://www.aussiestockforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7206

Therefore, the choice of Ami vs MS really comes down to the individual. If you are prepared to put in the hard yards and get down to the nuts and bolts of programming, AFL has the ability to support you.

I converted to Amibroker some 3-4 months back (from MS V9), at the suggestion of a poster here at ASF (Many thanks Glen), and have not looked at MS V9 since.

Just my :2twocents
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

I agree with bking6..
It is true that AB may have a steap learning curve for those who don't program. Also to add to that is the documentation is written in sub-optimal polish english. But I hear a good book is "Quantitive Trading Systems"...

It makes sence to me that the newer AB (written in plain C I think) would be more modular, and much faster than its archaic counterpart MS (though I am not sure how MS is programmed, its engine is old). Plenty of room to move in AB as a result of speed and modularity.

I chose AB, not really having any first hand experience with MS, based on my own research, and a very convincing presentation at ATAA.
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

It makes sence to me that the newer AB (written in plain C I think) would be more modular, and much faster than its archaic counterpart MS (though I am not sure how MS is programmed, its engine is old). Plenty of room to move in AB as a result of speed and modularity.

I don't what MS uses either but having coded some in a past life I always felt confined when coding in MS. When ever I code in AB I always try to do it in a nice structured way because I know in the future I may want to build on it and AB lends itself to that task rather well.
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Greetings all --

I am the author of Quantitative Trading Systems.

If you are interested in the development and testing of trading systems, AmiBroker is head and shoulders above MetaStock, and much more reasonably priced.

The book, Quantitative Trading Systems, uses AmiBroker as the trading system development platform to illustrate the topics about design and testing of trading systems. And it contains enough about AmiBroker that you can start from scratch and learn enough about AmiBroker to use it.

I am also the author of Introduction to AmiBroker.

This is a new book that will go to the printers in about one week and be available to customers at about the end of October. It is both a tutorial and a reference manual. You can learn more about the book (and order a copy at its pre-publication discounted price) at its web site:

www.introductiontoamibroker.com

The web site has been up just a few days and is not yet complete and polished, but you can see the covers (the back cover outlines the book) and the beginning of the Table of Contents. More will be added shortly.

(Over half of the sales of Quantitative Trading Systems go to address outside the US, and over half of those go to Australia. Most of the pre-publication orders already placed are going to Australia.)

Thanks,
Howard
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Hi, You should look at Phoenixai, you can get it on special from the Inside Trader. End of day data is $29.00 pcm, Intraday $48.00 pcm. Other bits of their program include Hawkeye, Alerts, Inquirer Scanner, Backtester etc all at low cost. You can search on Fundamentals, Technicals & Neilsen Smart Money. It is a pretty good product, It doesn't have a pattern search facility. But there is Nebadawn, CPfinder, Protrader V5 & Patternz for pattern searches.

Bluey
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Greetings all --

I am the author of Quantitative Trading Systems.

If you are interested in the development and testing of trading systems, AmiBroker is head and shoulders above MetaStock, and much more reasonably priced.

The book, Quantitative Trading Systems, uses AmiBroker as the trading system development platform to illustrate the topics about design and testing of trading systems. And it contains enough about AmiBroker that you can start from scratch and learn enough about AmiBroker to use it.

I am also the author of Introduction to AmiBroker.

This is a new book that will go to the printers in about one week and be available to customers at about the end of October. It is both a tutorial and a reference manual. You can learn more about the book (and order a copy at its pre-publication discounted price) at its web site:

www.introductiontoamibroker.com

The web site has been up just a few days and is not yet complete and polished, but you can see the covers (the back cover outlines the book) and the beginning of the Table of Contents. More will be added shortly.

(Over half of the sales of Quantitative Trading Systems go to address outside the US, and over half of those go to Australia. Most of the pre-publication orders already placed are going to Australia.)

Thanks,
Howard

No chance of a PDF Howard?

Cheers,


CanOz
 
Re: MetaStock vs AmiBroker

Greetings all --

No, no pdf -- at least not for the foreseeable future.

But Introduction to AmiBroker is a very nice printed and bound book. It is part tutorial, part reference manual. I think most people will have their copy tabbed and keep it open on their desk as they are working -- either charting or coding AFL. At 608 pages, a printed pdf is pretty unwieldy. Mine (the draft as I was writing the book) took up two large three ring binders.

The book's web site is:
www.introductiontoamibroker.com

Thanks,
Howard
 
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