The Matrix is the TradeStation Desktop DOM.
Display 5 columns of cells on the Matrix: P/L, Orders, Bid Size, Price, Ask Size. P/L = current profit loss for an open order; Orders = current order(s); Bid Size = buy order; Price = price, with the current price highlighted (as gray); Ask Size = sell order.
Prices
The Matrix has signifiers in displaying prices.
The current price is highlighted by reverse luminance.
The session’s High and Low are marked by a light horizontal line, with prices above the High and below the Low shaded to make them less distinct.
There is an “active” white zone and “inactive” gray zone of prices. Prices that have been traded at recently are active. The active zone is a volatility-adapted band around Last. The inactive zone is defined by no recent trades having happened there and no current bid/ask nearby. As price moves, the white zone moves with it. Previously white prices turn gray as they fall outside the active band. TradeStation does not publicly document its algorithm for active/inactive zoning.
Preferences
Set preferences for the Matrix via its Settings menu.
There are 3 sections to the Matrix Preferences dialog. Suggested settings are shown.
Auto-centering
Matrix auto-centering – where the price ladder automatically moves without warning – can be a consequential hazard, and it is not obvious how to stop it. Right-click on a cell the “Orders” column for a popup menu to stop auto-centering from happening. Select “Keep Last Visible” to stop auto-centering. You will need to keep the Last price visible yourself to avoid auto-scrolling.
Columns
Suggested settings for the Quote Bar and Detail Pane are shown below.
Window
Set Quantity to # (shares) via the Window menu. This can also be done on the Trade Bar.
