Offline strategy optimization

[tradetree]

I have a full multi-broker license for NT. I need to do a bunch of optimizations of strategies and wanted to find out what I can do on a second machine? I don't need to be able to trade, I just need to be able to backtest. But I do need quality data, and I don't subscribe to a data provider, other than my brokers. If I have a set time-frame and instrument to backtest against, what is the best way to accomplish this? So, to review:
1) I need to have my regular trade machine connected and live.
2) 2nd machine can install NT, but I don't have a multi-machine license.
3) Broker connections are how I normally get live data, but I can used canned data for optimization.
4) Perhaps I can export the data set from my license machine NT, then use this for the canned data testing?

[NinjaTrader_Chip]

Hello tradetree,

Thank you for your post.

If you are just running backtesting & optimizations without placing Live trades then you can use the free version NinjaTrader license key (register here):

http://www.ninjatrader.com/download-registration.php

if your broker does not provide the data you need then you can connect NinjaTrader to a data-only provider; e.g. Kinetick and not have to purchase an additional Live license.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

[tradetree]

Hello tradetree,

if your broker does not provide the data you need then you can connect NinjaTrader to a data-only provider; e.g. Kinetick and not have to purchase an additional Live license.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

My broker does provide the data, but I don't know if I can connect to my broker (I believe I will not be allowed by NT) in order to get the data with a free license. I don't want Kinetick as that is a pay service and I've already paid for data with my broker. Is there something not understood in my scenario? Thanks.

[NinjaTrader_Chip]

Hello tradetree,

One option you may want to consider (if you broker supports historical data for the intervals you wish to test) is to use the Export utility in NinjaTrader to save your data to auxiliary text files and then import them into your testing/optimization PC. Here are the instructions:

For exporting data in NinjaTrader 7:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?exporting.htm

For importing data in NinjaTrader 7:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?importing.htm

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.