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API trading, short for application programming interface trading, enables the integration of two platforms—like a brokerage account and a custom-built trading system. Through this connection, traders can gain direct access to the trading ecosystem, supporting faster order execution and greater trade control.

Using API trading allows for efficient retrieval of live market data, access to historical price details, and automated trade execution. This direct setup streamlines trading by delivering real-time data and executing transactions swiftly, maximizing speed and operational efficiency in trading strategies.

What is API Trading?

An API, or application programming interface, is a software tool allowing two programs to communicate. In trading, API functionality connects trading platforms to share data and execute trades automatically, offering a customized approach to real-time monitoring, analysis, and algorithmic trading strategies.

Why Use API Trading?

API trading facilitates a direct connection between a trader’s account and custom-built systems, optimizing several key aspects of trading.

Trade Automation: Traders can automate complex strategies, allowing for high-speed decision-making based on predefined conditions without manual intervention, which is essential in fast-moving markets.

Real-Time Data Access: APIs provide instant data on market trends, price movements, and technical indicators, allowing traders to make informed, timely decisions.

Enhanced Execution Efficiency: The direct link reduces latency and enhances trade speed by routing orders straight from the API to the market, securing optimal prices and reducing the risk of slippage.

Advanced Data Processing: APIs help gather and process large volumes of market data for in-depth analysis and backtesting. This data flow supports robust strategy development and rapid response to market conditions.

This combination of features gives traders greater control over their trades, allowing for precise execution and optimal strategy deployment.

How API Trading Works

API trading enables traders to integrate their accounts with custom platforms to access:

Real-Time Data Feeds – Retrieve live market data, historical prices, and technical indicators automatically.

Automated Trading Execution – Develop scripts to automate buy and sell orders based on set conditions.

Data Management – Access relevant market data directly to streamline trading analysis and strategy development.

Getting Started with API Trading

To start trading via an API, you’ll need:

API Key and Access: Obtain the required API keys from your trading provider to authenticate your software.

Platform Setup: Integrate the API with your preferred platform or custom-built software, which may involve coding if using a unique setup.

Customization: Configure the platform for live data feeds, historical price records, and trading options for your chosen markets.

Key Benefits of API Trading

Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: APIs offer faster trade execution and direct price access without manual input.

Access to Market Data and Analysis: Easily obtain real-time market data and historical pricing for in-depth analysis and backtesting.

Automated Trading: APIs allow for autonomous, algorithm-based trading, enabling strategies to run around the clock at optimal speed.

Why Choose API Trading?

API trading is beneficial for those who value control, efficiency, and automation, providing advanced tools and direct market access suitable for both professional and institutional traders. It supports streamlined management of complex strategies and real-time data processing for effective decision-making.

Ready to take your trading to the next level? Orient Futures Singapore brings global opportunities and specialized market access right to your fingertip.

Start Trading with Orient Futures Singapore

Being an Overseas Intermediary of Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE), and Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (ZCE), when foreign clients participate in internationalised futures contracts in these Chinese markets with us, they have direct access to trading, clearing, and settlement. Our parent company, Shanghai Orient Futures, is the largest broker in terms of aggregated volume across the five regulated exchanges in China.

Orient Futures Singapore also currently holds memberships at the Singapore Exchange (SGX), Asia Pacific Exchange (APEX), and ICE Futures Singapore (ICE SG). Starting August 2023, corporate clients can also gain access to the B3 Exchange through us, opening additional trading avenues.

Expect streamlined processes and an easy-to-use interface designed for minimal latency, accompanied by our team’s round-the-clock availability on trading days to provide assistance for all your trading needs.

Disclaimer

We, Orient Futures International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (“OFIS”) (UEN No. 201831776Z), hold a capital markets services licence (CMS100869) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore for dealing in capital market products such as futures/derivatives contracts, and spot foreign exchange contracts for the purposes of leveraged foreign exchange trading, and is an Exempt Financial Adviser. For more information about OFIS, please check the MAS Financial Institutions Directory by clicking here.

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