This weekend FXCM changed the lot size of CFDs. Although theoretically the change went smooth, we noticed two problems that also affect the Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z12 strategies.

The first problem is that the FXCM API did not adapt its rollover values to the new lot size. Consequently, simulated rollover is now 10 times higher. This has no effect on live trading, but it affects backtests when new asset parameters are downloaded. We'll work with FXCM for solving this issue in the next Zorro update.

The second problem is that the FXCM API must be restarted for taking over the new lot size. For this, just stop and restart your live trading Zorros on Monday. Open trades can be kept open. It is not dangerous to continue without restarting, but Zorro will then trade CFDs with only 1/10th the volume from Monday on.

Thanks jcl.

Re. "on Monday", can we do the stop & restart earlier? Like now, over the weekend, while I'm thinking of it?!

Thanks.

A little late for the answer, but you should always restart when the broker server is online, not during a weekend. Otherwise it can't load the recent price history on start, and will give you an error message.

Just to be sure: the FXCM lot size changes do expressly not pose a problem for running Z5(S)? Or do you still recommend a restart of the FXCM API and Zorro?

Thanks.

Thanks jcl. Yes, I restarted on Sunday before trading but after the broker came online - prices got loaded.

A US30 trade has been closed and seems to have been handled OK (aside from the major price smash giving back 90% of the profit ). trades.csv recorded it using the pre-change lots (1, not 10).

Tompsi: Z5 can be continued, as currencies are not affected by the lot size change.

Just found out for anyone running demo accounts on FXCM, they changed the CFD sizes already starting in January without telling anyone. So for the last two months my Z12 demo has been trading CFDs at 1/10th... It's only a demo account, but the difference would only be +$440. Very annoying...