Two screens, two data feeds, and the discrepancy that follows

[Amanhasnoname]

Using a second platform for charting alongside the broker's terminal is common. Signals appear on one, orders go on the other. The trouble is that the two feeds rarely match perfectly.

Prices differ by a fraction of a pip, candles close at slightly different values, and time boundaries do not always line up. A level marked on one chart sits a pip off on the other. Setups that look perfect on the signal platform might be marginal on the execution platform.

The discrepancy matters most for tight setups, where a pip decides whether a stop is hit. Tests comparing the two feeds over a day show how often they diverge and by how much.

Using the execution platform for signals avoids the issue, at the cost of whatever charting features were wanted on the other. If a separate platform is needed, calibrating levels with an offset or checking at the moment of entry reduces errors.

Does a second charting platform get used, and how closely do the prices match the broker's?