Trade Flash is a valuable tool within the thinkorswim platform that provides real-time insights into trade-related events, often referred to as “flashes.” These events encompass a wide range of market activity, including analyst upgrades and downgrades, block trades, significant trade imbalances, and noteworthy occurrences on the trading floor. This article will guide you on how to effectively utilize Trade Flash to enhance your trading decisions.
Accessing and Utilizing Trade Flash
Trade Flash, like other thinkorswim gadgets, can be integrated into your trading platform in two ways: as a dedicated section within the left sidebar or as a separate, independent window. You can customize its placement based on your workflow preferences.
To add Trade Flash to the left sidebar, simply click the “+” button located beneath the sidebar and select “Trade Flash” from the menu. Alternatively, you can replace an existing gadget with Trade Flash by clicking the gadget’s “Show actions menu” button and choosing “Switch gadget.”
Symbol and Watchlist Selection
Trade Flash allows you to focus on specific symbols or entire watchlists. To select a symbol, utilize the integrated symbol selector within the gadget. For watchlist monitoring, click the “gear” icon adjacent to the symbol selector. This feature enables you to tailor the information stream to your specific trading interests.
Interpreting the Trade Flash Feed
The main area of the Trade Flash gadget displays a chronologically ordered feed of events, with the most recent flashes appearing first. Highlighted symbols within the feed offer direct access to the “Trade” tab for immediate action. Right-clicking on a symbol reveals the “Symbol Actions” menu, providing options for order placement, alert creation, and in-depth symbol analysis.
Customizing Trade Flash Categories
To refine the information displayed, Trade Flash allows you to select specific categories of flashes. By clicking the “Select categories” icon, you can activate or deactivate categories to filter the feed according to your preferred criteria. This customization ensures that you only see the most relevant trade events.
Linking Trade Flash to Watchlists
For enhanced workflow efficiency, link Trade Flash to a specific watchlist using the color-coded clipboard accessible via the “clip icon” menu. When Trade Flash and a watchlist share the same color code, clicking through the watchlist automatically displays the corresponding symbols within the Trade Flash feed.
Trade Flash Availability
Trade Flash provides real-time updates throughout the U.S. trading day. Flashes typically disappear shortly after the market closes, ensuring that the information displayed remains current and relevant to active trading hours. By understanding and utilizing Trade Flash effectively, traders can gain a significant edge in identifying and reacting to crucial market events.
