Rithmic trading data feeds provide fast, real-time market data for futures traders, with pricing tailored to both retail and professional users. The service includes a $25 monthly connection fee for retail traders and $100 for professionals, plus $0.10 per contract. Exchange fees vary by market and user type. For retail traders, costs are relatively low, while professionals benefit from scalable pricing for high-volume trading.
To optimize performance, many traders pair Rithmic with TraderVPS, a hosting service offering plans from $69 to $299 per month. TraderVPS ensures 24/7 uptime, low latency, and stable performance, which is especially useful for automated strategies or areas with unreliable internet. Choosing between these options depends on your trading style, budget, and setup requirements.
Rithmic – Completing the Market Data Subscription and Self-Certification Agreements
1. Rithmic Trading Data Feeds
Rithmic operates on a subscription model, charging a $25.00 connection fee per User ID (which includes access to R | Trader Pro) and $0.10 per contract [1]. This contract fee was previously $0.25, so users now save $0.15 per side [1].
For professional traders or those handling higher volumes, the pricing structure shifts. Professionals and API users pay a $100.00 connection fee per User ID, while the $0.10 per contract fee remains unchanged. Additionally, professional market data comes with an $111.00 per-exchange fee [1].
Exchange data fees depend on the specific market and whether the trader is classified as retail or professional. For detailed costs, refer to the current exchange fee pages [1].
The subscription also includes access to R | Trader platforms. However, using platforms like NinjaTrader or Tradovate requires separate licensing. Direct integration with Rithmic simplifies the setup process [3].
"Rithmic™ puts your trades first. Whether you are part of a prop shop or are a professional trader, Rithmic’s market data and trade execution software delivers to you the low latency and high throughput performance formerly seen only by the very large trading houses and boutique hedge funds." [2]
For retail traders, Rithmic is often a cost-effective option for active futures trading. For example, trading 100 contracts per month would cost $25.00 in connection fees plus $10.00 in routing fees, totaling around $35.00, not including exchange fees. Professional traders using Rithmic’s API for automated strategies face higher initial costs but benefit from the same low per-contract fees, making it a scalable option for high-volume trading.
Rithmic also provides a 14-day free trial, which includes paper trading with live market data from CME Group and Nasdaq [2]. This trial period allows users to evaluate the platform before committing.
It’s worth noting that certain specialized feeds, such as Bookmap‘s CME Market by Order, require a separate subscription through Bookmap, which adds to the overall monthly costs [4].
2. TraderVPS (as a complementary service)
When using Rithmic data feeds with trading platforms like NinjaTrader, many traders realize that their home internet and personal computer setups often struggle to keep up. This is where TraderVPS steps in, offering specialized VPS solutions to ensure your trading platform runs smoothly, even when local setups fall short.
TraderVPS provides four pricing tiers, each designed to work seamlessly with Rithmic’s data feeds:
- VPS Lite: Priced at $69.00 per month, this plan is ideal for traders using 1–2 NinjaTrader charts. It includes 4× AMD EPYC cores and 8GB DDR4 RAM.
- VPS Pro: At $99.00 per month, this plan supports 3–5 charts and comes with 6× AMD EPYC cores, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and dual monitor support.
- VPS Ultra: Designed for higher-volume traders running 5–7 charts, this plan costs $199.00 per month and features 24× AMD EPYC cores, 64GB DDR4 RAM, and support for up to 4 monitors.
- Dedicated Server: The top-tier option at $299.00 per month, it’s optimized for setups with 7+ charts, offering 12×+ AMD Ryzen cores, 128GB RAM, and support for up to 6 monitors.
TraderVPS offers several key advantages for serious traders. With 24/7 uptime, ultra-low latency connectivity, and NVMe storage with automatic backups, it ensures that real-time data feeds remain reliable, even during periods of high market activity. This is particularly valuable for minimizing disruptions and maintaining performance during volatile trading sessions.
For NinjaTrader users, the VPS enhances performance by reducing connectivity interruptions, supporting automated trading strategies, and enabling access from anywhere. Its high-speed, low-latency environment ensures swift execution, which is critical for traders relying on precision.
For those on a budget, the VPS Lite plan is often sufficient for basic automated strategies. However, traders managing multiple timeframes or running complex algorithms may benefit from the additional power and features offered by the VPS Pro or Ultra plans.
Pros and Cons
When deciding between Rithmic data feeds and TraderVPS, understanding the trade-offs can help you make smarter, cost-conscious trading decisions. Below is a comparison table summarizing the key points, followed by a deeper dive into how each option stacks up.
| Aspect | Rithmic Data Feeds | TraderVPS |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Entry Level) | $25.00 connection fee (+ exchange fees) | $69.00 (VPS Lite) |
| Setup Complexity | Straightforward platform integration | Optimized for NinjaTrader |
| Reliability | Dependent on local internet and hardware | 24/7 uptime guarantee |
| Scalability | Dependent on local hardware limitations | Four-tier plans up to $299.00/month |
Cost and Accessibility
Rithmic offers a budget-friendly entry point with a $25.00 monthly connection fee, making it appealing for retail traders. It also includes access to the R|Trader Pro platform at no additional software cost. However, you’ll need to account for exchange fees, which can add up depending on the markets you trade.
TraderVPS, on the other hand, starts at $69.00 per month for its Lite plan. While the cost is higher, it includes a robust server environment designed to handle demanding trading applications. For traders managing multiple strategies or automated systems, the added reliability can make the price worth it.
Performance and Reliability
Rithmic’s performance largely depends on your local setup. A stable internet connection and capable hardware are essential to avoid latency or disruptions during high-volume trading sessions. This can be a limiting factor, especially for traders operating in areas with inconsistent connectivity.
TraderVPS eliminates many of these risks by hosting your trading applications on high-performance servers. With features like AMD EPYC processors and NVMe storage, TraderVPS ensures 24/7 uptime and minimizes the impact of power outages or internet issues. This makes it a solid choice for traders in regions with unreliable infrastructure.
Scalability and Flexibility
Rithmic’s scalability is tied to the capabilities of your local hardware. If your computer or internet connection struggles to keep up with the demands of complex trading, you may face performance bottlenecks.
TraderVPS offers more flexibility with its tiered plans, ranging from $69.00 to $299.00 per month. These plans cater to a variety of needs, from basic setups to high-end dedicated servers capable of supporting advanced, automated strategies.
Ease of Use
Rithmic requires users to navigate exchange fee structures and configure platforms, which may involve a bit of a learning curve. However, for those already familiar with trading platforms, the setup is relatively straightforward.
TraderVPS simplifies the process by offering a remote desktop environment pre-optimized for popular trading applications like NinjaTrader. This makes it easier for traders to hit the ground running without worrying about complex configurations.
Geographic Considerations
For traders in areas with stable internet and power, Rithmic’s lower costs might be more appealing. However, if you’re in a location prone to connectivity issues, TraderVPS’s infrastructure can provide a significant advantage by ensuring uninterrupted access to your trading systems.
Ultimately, the choice between Rithmic and TraderVPS comes down to your specific needs – whether you prioritize cost-efficiency or require the added reliability and performance of a VPS setup.
Conclusion
Combining high-performance market data with dependable VPS hosting is key to building a reliable trading system. For traders on a budget, starting with a basic data subscription and upgrading as trading activity grows can be a smart approach. On the other hand, professional and automated traders often see the value in pairing quality market data feeds with VPS hosting to manage multiple strategies and handle demanding operations.
Your choice of trading infrastructure will depend on factors like your trading style, budget, technical needs, and location. If you’re in an area with unstable internet or power, a VPS can help ensure uninterrupted trading. Meanwhile, traders with a stable local setup might focus more on keeping costs low. TraderVPS provides flexible plans – from basic options to dedicated servers – so you can tailor your setup to meet your specific performance goals.
Ultimately, your trading frequency, strategy complexity, and risk tolerance should guide your infrastructure decisions. Investing in reliable data feeds and VPS hosting can help reduce interruptions and improve overall trading performance.
FAQs
What are the pricing differences for Rithmic trading data feeds between retail and professional traders?
Rithmic trading data feeds come with pricing that varies depending on whether you’re a retail trader or a professional trader.
For retail traders, monthly fees are typically lower, ranging from $7 to $25. This pricing covers essential data access and routing services, making it a practical choice for individual traders managing smaller accounts.
In contrast, professional traders pay higher fees, usually between $111 and $147 per month. These higher costs reflect access to advanced, low-latency data services, along with potential additional charges for market data and connectivity.
This tiered pricing structure ensures that traders only pay for the services that match their specific trading needs and account sizes, allowing them to manage expenses while benefiting from reliable, high-quality data feeds.
What are the advantages of using TraderVPS with Rithmic data feeds for futures trading?
Using TraderVPS alongside Rithmic data feeds delivers lightning-fast performance, with execution speeds reaching as low as 0.52 milliseconds. For high-frequency traders, where every fraction of a second can make a difference, this level of speed is a game-changer. It ensures quick, reliable connections for smooth and efficient order execution.
TraderVPS also provides a secure and stable trading environment, minimizing risks from power outages or internet disruptions. This reliability is crucial for professional traders who need uninterrupted operations to stay on top of their game.
The integration of TraderVPS and Rithmic data feeds offers traders a powerful combination of speed, accuracy, and dependability – an excellent setup for executing precise strategies in the fast-paced futures market.
What should I consider before choosing a VPS service like TraderVPS for trading?
When choosing a VPS service like TraderVPS for trading, there are a few critical aspects to keep in mind. Server location is a top priority – select a server that’s geographically close to your broker’s data center. This helps minimize latency, ensuring faster trade execution, which can be crucial in volatile markets.
Make sure the VPS provides high-performance resources, such as sufficient CPU power and RAM, to keep your trading platform running smoothly, even during busy market periods. Another essential factor is uptime reliability – opt for a provider that guarantees at least 99.9% uptime to avoid disruptions during trading sessions.
Finally, don’t overlook security features. Look for services that include firewalls and data encryption to safeguard your trades and protect sensitive information. By focusing on these elements, you can set up a trading environment that’s fast, stable, and secure, helping you execute your strategies with confidence.
