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Trading the Markets With FOSS Software?

Posted by timothy on from the free-markets-deserve-free-software dept.

Robert writes "Along with many other techies, I share an interest in the world of finance (bubble-era stock options pulled me in). Unfortunately, as someone with a strong preference for GNU/Linux as my operating system of choice, I have found that software in this area seems quite sparse. For awhile I have made do with Python, R, Gnumeric, Gnucash and a telephone, along with some small utilities I have written myself. What I would like to know is: what FOSS software do you use for financial analysis, trading, system development, and testing in a Un*x environment? Are there programs you would like to see written or ported? Do any brokerages, data providers, or other services provide good support for we the few? And finally, what commercial entities do you know of that are using FOSS software in their operation?"

10 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. buy Nortel buy Nortel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    this stock is great buy nortel buy nortel good north american stock nortel is great buy buy buy
    recommended +5 AAA

    Signed,
    Anonymous Coward

    1. Re:buy Nortel buy Nortel by actionbastard · · Score: 3, Funny

      I find your views on investing interesting and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

      --
      Sig this!
  2. The best tool... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    is a dartboard.

    It's unfortunately not available on most distros, but building yourself isn't too hard.
    The dependencies are merely a wall, and Newton's three laws of motion.

    1. Re:The best tool... by Firehed · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yeah, but it's part of physics.h so get over it.

      --
      How are sites slashdotted when nobody reads TFAs?
    2. Re:The best tool... by martin-boundary · · Score: 2, Funny
      Another option, for those who cannot afford their own wall, is to take a ordinary pack of playing cards, and write the word SELL! in biro on each and every one.

      Then, each day, just pick a random card and follow the instructions...

  3. Re:Hmmm by DigitAl56K · · Score: 5, Funny

    Did you lose billions of dollars in the stock market? Don't have enough cash to cover your debts? Call the Federal Reserve hotline! You could have $85bn in your checking account by tomorrow, no collateral or responsibility required! 1-800-FED Call now and we'll start a commission to get investors off your back for free!*

    *offer applies with enrollment in triple advantage and is subject to a vote for John McCain

  4. Re:Hmmm by ObsessiveMathsFreak · · Score: 3, Funny

    Quants screwed over my life and I want them to pay.

    That's the thing. They can't!

    --
    May the Maths Be with you!
  5. Re:Hmmm by CSMatt · · Score: 2, Funny

    screw McCain-Bush

    No thanks.

  6. Re:Hmmm by sonsonete · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not to mention that the United States is now the largest sponsor of Manchester United.

    --
    "Folks bent on reinventing the wheel should understand that if it's not round, it ain't a wheel." - Jonah Goldberg
  7. Re:Hmmm by Hal_Porter · · Score: 5, Funny

    Maybe Man U can get Uncle Sam to assign an Apache gunship to defend their goal during matches. God knows they need it.

    --
    echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;