SIM Account vs. Broker Account

[edgeliner]

I have a strategy that when run on my sim account, makes constant and good profits. When I take the same strategy and run it with my MB Trading account, it does just the opposite! I am using EnterLongLimit(10000, GetCurrentBid(), "") and EnterShortLimit(10000, GetCurrentAsk(), "") and think that is probably the reason. Is it safe to assume that the inconsistent spreads on my live account is the reason for that? It is very frustrating because when I run it on the sim account, it is so encouraging, then WAM..... back to reality once I put it to work on my live account! :-(

[NinjaTrader_Joydeep]

Hello edgeliner,
Sim trading can only replicate certain condition. Unfortunately it cannot replicates all the vagaries of real life trading. Besides the spread, latency can also affect your trading result to name a few.

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

Please let me know if I can assist you any further

[edgeliner]

Thanks JoyDeep! Does Ninjatrader deal with any brokers who offer commission accounts with no spreads or commission accounts with minimal spreads?

[NinjaTrader_Joydeep]

Hello edgeliner,
Unfortunately I am not aware of any such broker.

The spread will depend on how liquid the instrument is. If it is not liquid then the spread will be high.