Problems with order quantity

[CriticalMind]

I have a few questions about quantity with regards to EnterLong() and EnterShort()

How does default quantity work?

If you are in a short position, and you enter a long position does it exit the short position?

Is there code for finding the cash value of the current position?

Are there any general tips for determining order quantity?

[CriticalMind]

Is there a reason that my current quantity method works with back-testing, but returns errors with simulated trading?

[NinjaTrader_CodyB]

Hello,
Default Quantity will set it so that all Enter and Exit orders use the same default quantity. This is set either in the Order from the Strategies parameter menu or can be set in Initialize(). Please see the following link on Default Quantity. http://ninjatrader.com/support/helpG...ult%2Bquantity

If you are using Default Quantity and EnterLong() and then EnterShort this would not leave you in a flat position. EnterLong() would bring you into a long position and then when EnterShort() would then reverse the position, first bringing it to a flat position and then leaving you in a Short position equal to your Default Quantity.

You can find Profit and Loss of the current position using a Strategy by calling Position.GetProfitLoss(). Please see the following link on Position.GetProfitLoss(),http://ninjatrader.com/support/helpG...profitloss.htm

You can get your Positions Quantity by calling Position.Quantity. Please see the following link on Position.Quantity, http://ninjatrader.com/support/helpG...7/quantity.htm
If you are looking for recommendations on determining what your trading quantity should be we would not be able to provide this information as this would be trading advice.

Can you elaborate on what quantity method you are using and what errors you are receiving?

[CriticalMind]

Thanks for the quick reply.

DefaultQuantity = (int)(GetAccountValue(AccountItem.CashValue) +
(Position.Quantity * Close[0]));
This would set trade amount to the account size, right? If this was combined with CalculateOnBarClose = true then DefaultQuantity would be updated ever bar. I know this seems obvious, but I'm just making sure.


On a side note, I can't find the code for the commission rate for the current instrument. Could you please tell me what it is?

[CriticalMind]

The above code to change default quantity makes the program unusable by the optimizer. Is there a way around that?

[CriticalMind]

Disregard the previous posts, fixed the problem. May I still have the commission codes, please? Thanks!

[NinjaTrader_CodyB]

Hello,
There is not a supported way to get the commissions values set from the instrument manager. You can get the Commission as part of the TradePerformance, this will be the performance of the strategies run. Please see the following link on TradePerformance.Commission. http://ninjatrader.com/support/helpG...commission.htm

Through unsupported code users have been able to get the commissions from the instrument manager. Please see the following post on this. http://ninjatrader.com/support/forum...ad.php?t=39019
If we can be of any other assistance please let us know.

[CriticalMind]

I continue to get error messages with regards to trying to trade too much. What is the best way to find the max quantity that I can trade?

[NinjaTrader_PatrickH]

Hello CriticalMind,

Your broker will have this information for your you. If you are trading in Sim101 and getting such a message please detail the message in your response.

[CriticalMind]

Thanks for the advice.

I am still getting errors that I'm ordering too much. My code goes as follows:

int quantityToTrade = (int)(GetAccountValue(AccountItem.CashValue)/Close[0]);
EnterLong(quantityToTrade);

Why would this give a value greater than the size of the account?

[NinjaTrader_CodyB]

Hello,
From the code I do not see the code taking in account for the commissions. The commissions would need to be added in as you would need to cover this for your entry trades.

[CriticalMind]

Great! Sounds like a solid answer to what's going on. I've been scratching my head on this for a bit too long LOL.
So it should be
(Cash Amount of Account - Commisison) / current price

What is the best code to find the commission? I suppose I could hard code it, but that seems a bit inelegant.

[NinjaTrader_CodyB]

Hello,
There is not a supported way to get the commission set. The supported method would be to hard code in the commissions.
Through unsupported code users have been able to get the commissions from the instrument manager. Please see the following post on this.

http://ninjatrader.com/support/forum/showthread.php?t=39019

If we can be of any other assistance please let us know.

[CriticalMind]

Alright, hard code it is.
So I am using Ninjatrader Brokerage with a Ninjatrader Lease. That means .73 per contract, right? So that means .73 per quantity to trade?

So max trade quantity is
Cash / (current price + .73)

Is that right? I feel really dumb asking such basic questions, but I'm getting a bit frustrated. Thanks.

[NinjaTrader_CodyB]

Hello,
As I am not a broker I would not be able to confirm what your commissions are. Please send a note to brokeragesupport[AT]ninjatrader[DOT]com to verify your commissions.

Your logic is correct. You would use Account Cash Value / (current price + commission)