Sierra Chart is a professional-grade desktop trading and charting platform for financial markets. It offers comprehensive real-time and historical charting, advanced technical analysis tools, and powerful trading functionalities. The platform supports live and simulated trading, manual and automated strategies, and integration with multiple exchanges and data sources. Known for its high performance, extensive customization options, and robust feature set, Sierra Chart caters to serious traders and institutions seeking a flexible and powerful trading solution.
Overview and Key Benefits
Sierra Chart is a professional desktop Trading and Charting platform for the financial markets, supporting connectivity to various exchanges and backend trading platform services. It offers comprehensive real-time and historical charting capabilities, advanced technical analysis tools, and powerful trading functionalities. Key benefits include:
- Support for live and simulated trading
- Manual and automated trading capabilities
- Advanced order types and risk management features
- Highly customizable interface and functionality
- Efficient market data processing and low-latency execution
While Sierra Chart offers extensive features and flexibility, it may have a steeper learning curve compared to some more beginner-friendly platforms.
Features and Functionalities
- Real-time and historical charting with customizable timeframes
- Advanced technical analysis tools and indicators
- Automated trading systems and algorithmic trading support
- Order management and execution across multiple exchanges
- Portfolio tracking and risk management tools
- Market depth visualization and analysis
- Customizable spreadsheets for data analysis and strategy development
- Backtesting and optimization capabilities for trading strategies
Competitive Advantages
Sierra Chart stands out from competitors due to its:
- High-performance, native C++ codebase for speed and stability
- Extensive customization options and flexibility
- Advanced Custom Study Interface and Language (ACSIL) for developing custom indicators and strategies
- Direct connections to data and trading services without relying on third-party APIs
- Comprehensive documentation and active user community
User Experience and Interface
Sierra Chart offers a professional-grade interface designed for efficiency and functionality. While it may not have the most modern look, it provides:
- Customizable layouts and workspaces
- Detachable chart windows for multi-monitor setups
- Extensive keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation
- Comprehensive documentation and video tutorials for getting started
New users may find the interface initially overwhelming, but the platform offers extensive resources for learning and customization.
Customization and Flexibility
Sierra Chart is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the platform to their specific needs:
- Customizable chart settings, colors, and styles
- User-defined keyboard shortcuts
- Custom indicators and studies using ACSIL or built-in spreadsheets
- Flexible order entry and execution options
- API support for external connectivity and integration
Integration and Compatibility
Sierra Chart supports integration with various data and trading services:
- Direct real-time data feeds for major exchanges (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX, EUREX, etc.)
- Support for forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrency markets
- Integration with multiple trading services and brokers
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows native, Linux/Mac OS via Wine)
Pricing and Value Proposition
Sierra Chart offers different service packages to cater to various user needs:
- Standard Package: $26 USD/month
- Advanced Package: $36 USD/month
- Integrated Packages (for external data/trading services): $36-$56 USD/month
Additional costs may apply for real-time data feeds and exchange fees. Sierra Chart provides a free trial period for users to evaluate the software.
Performance and Reliability
Sierra Chart is known for its:
- High-performance, low-latency execution
- Stable and consistent design
- Efficient market data processing
- Regular updates and improvements
- Robust error handling and automatic reconnection to data servers
Suitability for Different User Segments
Sierra Chart caters to a wide range of users, including:
- Professional traders and institutions
- Algorithmic traders and quant developers
- Technical analysts and chart enthusiasts
- Portfolio managers and risk managers
The platform's extensive features and customization options make it suitable for both experienced traders and those looking to develop advanced trading strategies.
Community and Support
Sierra Chart offers various support options:
- Comprehensive online documentation
- Active user support forum
- Video tutorials and guides
- Email support for account-related issues
The platform benefits from a large and active user community, contributing to shared knowledge and custom studies.
