Trading the Markets With FOSS Software?

Robert writes "Along with many other techies, I share an interest in the world of finance (bubble-era stock options pulled me in). Unfortunately, as someone with a strong preference for GNU/Linux as my operating system of choice, I have found that software in this area seems quite sparse. For awhile I have made do with Python, R, Gnumeric, Gnucash and a telephone, along with some small utilities I have written myself. What I would like to know is: what FOSS software do you use for financial analysis, trading, system development, and testing in a Un*x environment? Are there programs you would like to see written or ported? Do any brokerages, data providers, or other services provide good support for we the few? And finally, what commercial entities do you know of that are using FOSS software in their operation?"

buy Nortel buy Nortel

[Anonymous Coward]

this stock is great buy nortel buy nortel good north american stock nortel is great buy buy buy
recommended +5 AAA

Signed,
Anonymous Coward

The best tool...

[Anonymous Coward]

is a dartboard.

It's unfortunately not available on most distros, but building yourself isn't too hard.
The dependencies are merely a wall, and Newton's three laws of motion.

Re:Hmmm

[DigitAl56K]

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*offer applies with enrollment in triple advantage and is subject to a vote for John McCain

Re:buy Nortel buy Nortel

[actionbastard]

I find your views on investing interesting and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Re:Hmmm

[ObsessiveMathsFreak]

Quants screwed over my life and I want them to pay.

That's the thing. They can't!

Re:Hmmm

[CSMatt]

screw McCain-Bush

No thanks.

Re:Hmmm

[sonsonete]

Not to mention that the United States is now the largest sponsor of Manchester United [manutd.com].

Re:The best tool...

[Firehed]

Yeah, but it's part of physics.h so get over it.

Re:Hmmm

[Hal_Porter]

Maybe Man U can get Uncle Sam to assign an Apache gunship to defend their goal during matches. God knows they need it.

Re:The best tool...

[martin-boundary]

Another option, for those who cannot afford their own wall, is to take a ordinary pack of playing cards, and write the word SELL! in biro on each and every one.

Then, each day, just pick a random card and follow the instructions...