Frequently Asked Questions

top ↑General Questions

Computer needs?

All of the Computer Specs for running Tradestone Trader, Tradestone Webtrader and use of the platform is covered in our system requirements section.

Can I use a Mac?

Yes! You can run the Webtrader in Safari or Firefox and if you want to run the desktop trader you’ll need Windows running in Bootcamp or in a virtual machine using software like VMware Fusion or Parallels. For more information please visit our system requirements section.

How do I Subscribe/Unsubscribe to News or live price feeds?

On the Live Platform, in the account tab, there is a drop down selection to “Manage Subscriptions”. You will be able to select the live pricing or news feeds that you require. The prices are laid out on the page next to the selection. In many cases, if you select live pricing and trade 5 times per month on the exchange Tradestone will refund your subscription. If not the price feed will be taken from your account at the end of the month.

Can I add further funds?

Many clients add to their intial funding contribution as their confidence with the system grows. Simply send more funds to Tradestone via one of the funding channels laid out in our funding section.

How can I learn to configure my platform?

Take a look at the Learning page of the Website, there are a number of videos that cover setting up your system to Charting and understanding the Margin and risk components. Information is available for both the Webtrader and downloadable platforms.

How do I fund my account?

All the instructions around account funding are found in the account funding section of our site.

How secure is trading through TradestoneTrader?

TradestoneTrader authentication relies on an RSA 1024-bit key generated and stored on the client workstation and data traffic betwwen TradestoneTrader and Tradestone is encrypted using an RCA 128-bit session key.  TradestoneTrader provides a highly secure trading environment using state of the art encryption.

Should I trade USD/CAD or CAD/USD?

Many Canadians are used to thinking of the US Dollar in Canadian dollar terms( ie number of US$ each Canadian $ can purchase). However international Market convention uses USDCAD as the normal market quote. Please make sure you are comfortable with the convention we quote in prior to trading

Do I need to send in any documents?

The Account opening process will step you through the information you will need to provide most of which is automated online. You will need to scan or fax a copy of a void cheque drawn on your Canadian Financial institution chequeing account as well as a copy the official ID you use to identify yourself.  Tradestone Markets uses equifax ID based verification procedures on line. In the event that this process does not identify you, you will need to come to a Tradestone Location to allow us to verify your identity to fulfil our Anti Money laundering procedures.

What products will I be able to trade?

Tradestone offers DMA markets in over a thousand North American stock cfds as well as 100s of names from the major exchanges around the World.  We also quote all the major Commodities , Global Stock Indices and  CAD and US $ FX crosses.  For a full list of products and their margin rates see here.

What client support is available from Tradestone?

Tradestone market will support their customers through initial set up phase, and thereafter on an when needed basis. Tradestone Markets does not provide investment advice, however if the issue is technical or specific to system issues or “how to’s” we would be happy be of assistance. Customers can reach us through “live chat” on our website

Can I load a demo platform without Microsoft?

The downloadable demo platform is set up to work with a PC with Microsoft. For customers who are interested in downloading a demo and using forinstance a Mac or Linux based system, they can either go through the process discussed in “Can I use a Mac” or they can email Info@tradestone.ca and we will set up a username and password, and then they can access the webtrader from any browser.

What is a Security key and how do I activate it

When you are using the software version of the platform you need to enable a security key the first time you log in. The client generates a security key when first logging in and then contacts Tradestone to ask them to activate the key. Once activated the client can log in. This security key is held locally on the user’s computer.Please call 1 877 325 3225 (option 1) to activate your security key. You will not be able to receive the security key until you have filled in an account opening form and your application has been successful.

What Investor Protection is available?

Tradestone Markets through its parent Stuart Investment Management Limited is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection fund. For more information about the fund and the way it protects you navigate to Account>Regulators or visit the CIPF website at www.cipf.ca

How can I find out what products are available to trade

There are literally thousands of products on the platform. They fall into four broad categories. FX, commodities, equities and indices. With FX we have over >25 currency pairs, pairs can be traded against each other to create an even wider array of options. We offer indices and CFDs on 11 Global Exchanges and >50 Metals and Commodities contracts.  The best way to see the full array of products is to enter the instrument selector on the live or demo platform and search by product type. Click on either “open live account” or “open demo account” on the home page to start this process

Can I set up a back up security key

When you are using the software version of the platform you need to enable a security key the first time you log in. The client generates a security key when first logging in and then contacts Tradestone to ask them to activate the key. Once activated the client can log in. This security key is held locally on the user’s computer. Therefore if the user wishes to alternate between 2 different computers they will need to make sure the same security key is saved on both computers. If they do not then when they log into the other computer the security key will not be found, the user will be asked to create a new key and contact Tradestone to have it activated, which they can but it will de-active the key on their original computer, the process will continue every time the user logs into the other computer.
Follow the process below to create a back up of the security key and copy it to another computer (it can be copied to more than one computer)
To create a backup copy of your security key, please follow the steps below:
Whilst logged into the Tradestone platform, follow the path: ‘Tools’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Key Management’ > ‘Backup Key’.
When prompted, enter a password. This must be at least four characters in duration, and will be used to protect your security key. Do not forget this password, as it must be entered correctly in order for the backup key to be installed on a second computer.
Click ‘Next’.
The ‘Backup Key Location’ window will appear. Save the backup key by selecting the drive and folder location of the memory device.
To load your backup key onto a second computer, please follow the steps below:
Insert the memory device containing the backup key into your computer.
In the Tradestone platform, follow the path: ‘Tools’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Key Management’ > ‘Backup Key’.
Locate the memory device containing the backup key by clicking ‘Browse’. Once located, click next.
Click ‘OK’.
A dialogue box will be displayed indicating that the key was successfully copied. Click ‘OK’ to close the dialogue and to connect to the server.

What do I need to do once I have filled in the Application form?

The most important thing is to fund your account. Once you have opened your account you cannot trade until there are funds in the account. We have laid out the steps in Application complete page on the site. This explains the time lines and things that need to be done .

The ID Verification process on line did not accept me?

The Equifax ID verification process is very sensitive, a small deviation from the expected answer will generate a negative response. In that event we will have to schedule a meeting at one of the Tradestone Markets offices to go through an ID verification in person.

How can I tell an equity from a CFD on the platform?

Being able to understand the difference between a CFD and a physical asset is important as CFDs are a margin product and physical equities are fully paid assets. Be sure to confirm the icon in the left hand corner of the trade box is either “CFD” or “EQ” depending on which you want to trade. Please go to the website page Products>equities for further information and a graphic

Who can open a Tradestone Markets Account?

Tradestone markets is registered in AB,BC,ON,QC, as such only residents of those Canadian provinces will be accepted. Tradestone Markets can only accept accredited investors for more information we have a full disclosure of this category of customer in website page Account>Account Documentation and laid out in the account application process. CFDs are a risky investment best suited to expert investors.