Stock trading software
Stock trading software scripts are used to create web and mobile platforms for trading equities, ETFs and other listed instruments. A good solution combines real-time data, fast order execution and intuitive user interfaces so traders can focus on decisions rather than fighting with the tools they use.
1. Core modules of a stock trading platform
1.1 Market data and charting
- Real-time or delayed quotes from exchanges and data vendors.
- Candlestick, line and bar charts with multiple timeframes.
- Indicators such as moving averages, RSI, MACD and volume studies.
- Watchlists, alerts and screeners for tracking many symbols at once.
1.2 Order management system (OMS)
- Support for market, limit, stop and bracket orders.
- Real-time status updates for open, filled and cancelled orders.
- Order modification and partial fill handling.
- Routing logic to brokers, exchanges or internal dealing desks.
1.3 Position and portfolio tracking
- Live positions with average entry price, unrealised and realised PnL.
- Day-trading and swing-trading views with separate statistics.
- Risk metrics such as exposure by sector, instrument or currency.
- End-of-day reports and exports for accounting and tax reporting.
2. Broker connectivity and back-office integration
Most stock trading software does not clear trades directly. Instead, it connects to one or more brokers, banks or clearing firms using APIs or FIX gateways.
2.1 Broker APIs and FIX gateways
- REST/JSON APIs for account details, balances and basic trading.
- FIX (Financial Information eXchange) for low-latency order routing.
- Session management, reconnection logic and heartbeat monitoring.
- Support for multiple brokers with unified internal abstractions.
2.2 Back-office processes
- Daily reconciliation of fills, balances and corporate actions.
- Corporate actions handling (splits, dividends, symbol changes).
- Compliance reports and blotters for internal and external regulators.
- Role-based screens for operations, risk, compliance and support teams.
3. Front-end UX design for stock traders
Professional traders demand fast, keyboard-friendly and highly configurable interfaces. Retail investors prefer simplicity and clear guidance. Good stock trading software can comfortably serve both groups.
- Customisable layouts with detachable panels and saved workspaces.
- Keyboard shortcuts for rapid order entry and management.
- Dark and light themes for different display environments.
- Responsive design for tablets and smaller screens.
4. Risk management features
Risk management is essential for brokers and prop firms. Many stock trading scripts include dedicated risk modules, or they can be integrated with external risk engines.
- Per-account and per-instrument position size limits.
- Daily loss limits with automatic trading lockouts.
- Pre-trade checks for restricted instruments or news halts.
- Real-time margin calls and liquidation logic where applicable.
5. When to use stock trading software scripts
Stock trading software scripts are ideal when you need a production-ready front-end and back-end with proven architecture, but still want the freedom to brand and extend the platform. Typical clients are brokers, proprietary trading firms, fintech startups and educators running simulated trading environments.