Is real-time data necessary?

Beginners do not need live data because they have to put all their attention into learning to trade with daily and weekly charts. Once you start pulling money out of the markets, it might be a good idea to apply your new skills to intraday charts. When longer-term charts give you a buy or a sell signal, use live data not to day-trade but to dance into or out of positions.

Once you decide to use live data, make sue it is real and not delayed. Most exchanges charge monthly fees for real-time data, while they Internet is full of websites offering free data, delayed by 20 minutes. That delay does not interfere with the entertainment value, but trading with it is suicidal. If you need real-time data, be sure to get the best.

Stock and option trading