Affordable Charting Software for Trading: Access to Old Historical Data

When it comes to trading, having access to extensive historical data is crucial for making informed decisions. While many traders rely on premium charting tools, there are several affordable options that offer substantial historical data. This article will explore cost-effective charting software that can meet the needs of traders who require access to really old historical data.

TradingView: A Versatile and Affordable Option

Cost: TradingView offers a free tier with limited features, and paid plans start at a reasonable price.

Historical Data: This platform provides access to historical data for various asset classes, including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. TradingView's extensive data coverage enables traders to analyze long-term trends and historical price movements.

MetaTrader 4/5: Free and Highly Functional

Cost: While MetaTrader 4/5 is free to download and use, you may need to find a broker that offers it.

Historical Data: MetaTrader 4/5 supports extensive historical data, especially when used with a broker that provides data access. This software is particularly useful for those interested in forex and CFD trading. However, the amount of historical data available can vary based on the broker's offerings.

NinjaTrader: A Suitable Choice for Advanced Users

Cost: NinjaTrader is free for basic features, but advanced features and live trading require a paid license.

Historical Data: NinjaTrader offers historical market data for futures and forex, with additional data available through data providers. This software is ideal for traders who require detailed historical data and want to explore advanced trading features.

Thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade: A Free Resource for Account Holders

Cost: Thinkorswim is free for TD Ameritrade account holders.

Historical Data: This platform provides a wide range of historical data for stocks, options, futures, and forex. Thinkorswim's extensive data coverage is particularly beneficial for traders who need to analyze a broad range of assets.

Yahoo Finance: A No-Strings-Attached Option

Cost: Yahoo Finance is free.

Historical Data: Yahoo Finance offers historical price data for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies, which can be downloaded in CSV format. This platform is ideal for traders who require historical data without incurring any fees.

Choosing the Right Software

When selecting charting software, consider the specific asset classes you are interested in and the depth of historical data you need. Always check the software's terms and conditions regarding data access and usage. Whether you need forex, stocks, or cryptocurrency data, the options listed above can help you make informed trading decisions based on comprehensive historical data.

Remember, access to old historical data is just one aspect of trading. It's important to combine these resources with your own analysis and market understanding to achieve success in the trading world.