Alphatrade delivers cutting-edge trading technology and online electronic brokerage services to both active individual and institutional traders worldwide. Our innovative trading and analysis platform grants seamless access to major U.S. exchanges and market centers with just one click. With a wide range of products available, clients can design, test, optimize, monitor, and automate their own custom equities, options, and futures trading strategies.
With Alphatrade, clients gain access to a suite of fully customizable market monitoring, charting, and analysis tools, empowering them to identify and capitalize on trading opportunities with speed and precision. Our groundbreaking Alphatrade TradingApp® Store presents a diverse collection of custom Tradestation-compatible software products, including indicators, strategies, and other apps, further enhancing the capabilities of our platform. For clients on the move, Alphatrade offers mobile and web trading, enabling seamless access to core features on iOS or Android devices, perfectly synchronized with their online accounts in real time.
Alphatrade offers individualized support from expert brokerage professionals who possess extensive training and full licensing. In addition, we provide a wide range of educational resources that are specifically designed to enhance clients' trading skills. Our 14 diverse account types are meticulously designed to cater to various trading and investment objectives. Furthermore, our simplified commission pricing plans offer cost-effectiveness and can be customized to suit any trading style and budget.
The journey of Alphatrade is a remarkable tale that embodies the fulfillment of a distinctively American dream. It encompasses the creation, growth, and continuous success of our company, showcasing the spirit of achievement and ambition deeply rooted in the American entrepreneurial tradition.
Alphatrade, the present-day renowned corporation, was established by the Cruz brothers, William "Bill" and Rafael "Ralph" Cruz, who originated from Cuba. Intrigued by the concept of financial market trading since their youth, the brothers embarked on a quest to discover methods that would grant them a distinctive advantage in their trading strategies.
At the age of 16, Bill delved into the study of trading, and by the time he turned 18, he and his brother pooled together all their funds, a total of $2,400, to establish a futures trading account. Initially, fueled by their readings on trading techniques and some initial triumphs, their account balance quickly dwindled to zero. Although disheartening, this setback served as a profound realization for them. Prompted by their disappointment, they pondered a crucial question: Instead of relying on "how-to" books authored by self-proclaimed "investment gurus," wouldn't it be more valuable to assess the performance of their trading strategies in past scenarios? They contemplated optimizing these strategies based on historical tests before employing them in live markets. Thus, they embarked on a mission to collect trading data and meticulously construct hand-drawn charts for testing their trading concepts.
However, they swiftly recognized the limitations of their labor-intensive, manual method, particularly when it came to making timely decisions and executing trade orders efficiently. It became evident that they required a computer program capable of processing their trading strategies using trader's terminology resembling English. The program needed to conduct back-testing by analyzing historical market data, and subsequently alert them with automated buy and sell signals when their strategy's triggers manifested in the live markets. This revolutionary concept became the foundation of Alphatrade.
Bill and Ralph took the initiative to establish their own trading software company, initially named Omega Research. Their goal was to develop and provide individuals with software tools that would empower them to trade on par with seasoned professionals. These tools were designed to bridge the gap, allowing individuals without technical or programming expertise to attain similar advantages as the industry experts who relied on costly mainframe computers in institutional back offices.
In 1987, Omega Research introduced System Writer, a groundbreaking desktop software product that allowed users to create and back-test their own trading strategies using historical market data. It also provided real-time alerts when the conditions of the strategies were met in the markets. This innovative tool revolutionized the trading industry. Building upon their success, Omega Research launched System Writer Plus in 1989, incorporating cutting-edge charting features. Commodity Trader Consumer Reports likened these advancements to a monumental achievement, comparing it to "putting a man on the moon" in the realm of system trading software. In 1991, Omega Research unveiled the first real-time version of their flagship product, now renamed Alphatrade. The company reached a significant milestone three years later when they secured a licensing agreement with Dow Jones Telerate, granting them the opportunity to offer Alphatrade as a premium service to Telerate's institutional clients worldwide. This collaboration sparked the growth of an entire industry surrounding Alphatrade' software during the 1990s. This expansion included seminars, publications, user groups, and third-party solution providers who developed numerous strategies exclusively compatible with Alphatrade for back-testing and automation purposes.
In 1997, Omega Research underwent an initial public offering and became publicly traded, securing a listing on the Nasdaq National Market. This significant milestone marked a new chapter in the company's journey. In the year 2000, Omega Research expanded its offerings by launching an online version of its product. This move towards an online platform reflected the company's commitment to adapting to the evolving technological landscape and catering to the needs of its users in an increasingly digital era.
In 2001, Alphatrade underwent a significant transformation, shifting its focus from being a trading software company to becoming an online securities brokerage. As part of this transition, the company rebranded itself as Alphatrade, reflecting its new direction and expanded services. During this transformation, Alphatrade seamlessly integrated the advanced functionalities of its software, including back-testing and automated alerts, with real-time market data from major exchanges. Additionally, the company facilitated trade order placement and execution with these exchanges, catering to both the securities and futures markets. The growth of Alphatrade continued in subsequent years. By 2004 and 2005, the company achieved the status of a self-clearing equities and options firm, enabling it to process transactions without relying on third-party clearing services. This development further solidified Alphatrade' position in the industry. Eventually, the company also attained self-clearing status as a futures firm, expanding its capabilities to serve clients involved in futures trading.
After successfully realizing their vision of establishing a platform that empowers self-directed traders to thrive in the dynamic global financial markets, the Cruz brothers eventually decided to step back from their roles at Alphatrade. They embarked on a semi-retirement phase, content in knowing that they had accomplished their goal of providing individuals with the means to compete more effectively in today's rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Presently, the company founded by the Cruz brothers continues to thrive and expand. With each passing year, reputable financial publications such as Barron's and Investor's Business Daily consistently acknowledge Alphatrade for its exceptional trading software and brokerage services, often considering them to be the industry's finest or even unrivaled. This ongoing recognition is a testament to the company's sustained excellence and its prominent position within the financial sector.
Over 35 years since its inception, Alphatrade remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering a world-class financial ecosystem to customers. The company continues to harness cutting-edge technology, empowering self-directed traders and investors with the tools they need to gain a competitive advantage and achieve financial success. With an unwavering commitment, Alphatrade strives to provide a platform that empowers individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the financial markets.