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Real-Time Streaming Change: Immediate Updates for Financial Instruments

The Real-Time Streaming Change function (fn_00011) lets you instantly see how much a symbol’s price has changed from its reference value (often the previous closing price), all within Excel. By leveraging MarketXLS or a compatible data seller, this function gives you continuously updating information on stocks, currency pairs, and other tradable securities. Whether you are a day trader, longer-term investor, or curious market enthusiast, this function can help you quickly identify intraday volatility and act with confidence.


Why Use This Function?


• Instant Tracking of Price Fluctuations – Monitor live changes in share price (or currency exchange rates) without repeatedly refreshing.
• Seamless Excel Integration – Incorporate real-time updates directly into spreadsheets, dashboards, or models.
• Automated Symbol Subscription – Subscribes new symbols to streaming data on-the-fly (if your license and data feed are properly configured).
• Adaptable for Different Scenarios – Use it for single stocks, entire watchlists, or specialized currency pairs.
• License & Configuration Checks – Returns friendly error messages (e.g., if you need to configure your data feed or renew your license).

When the function detects a valid symbol, you will receive an up-to-the-second price change. If the symbol is invalid or your data feed isn’t prepared, it returns warnings or errors so you can take necessary measures.


How to Use in Excel


=QM_Stream_Change(symbol)
  1. In any cell, type “=QM_Stream_Change(…)”.
  2. Replace the symbol argument with a valid ticker symbol recognized by your data provider (e.g., "AAPL" for Apple).
  3. Press Enter. If configured correctly, the cell will update in real time as the price changes throughout the trading day.

• Make sure your MarketXLS (or equivalent) add-in is active and that you have a valid subscription supporting real-time data.
• The function automatically converts your symbol to uppercase internally but ensure you spell it correctly (e.g., "AAPL" vs. "APPL").


Parameters Explained


Parameter Description Example Values Notes
symbol The ticker or instrument ID for which you want real-time change. "AAPL", "TSLA", "EURUSD", "MSFT" Ensure the format matches your data provider’s specifications. An invalid ticker returns "NA" or "ERR".

Example Usage


Basic Examples

  1. Stock Change – Apple (AAPL)

    • Cell A1: =QM_Stream_Change("AAPL")
    • Explanation: Displays Apple’s real-time stock price change (e.g., +1.25, -0.35).
  2. Currency Pair – EUR/USD

    • Cell A2: =QM_Stream_Change("EURUSD")
    • Explanation: Shows how much the Euro-to-US Dollar rate has moved from its reference point.
  3. Multiple Tickers in a Table

    • A3: AAPL ? B3: =QM_Stream_Change(A3)
    • A4: MSFT ? B4: =QM_Stream_Change(A4)
    • Explanation: Retrieves real-time price changes for each listed symbol in column A, automatically updating in column B.

Advanced Scenarios

  1. Dynamic Watchlist Dashboard

    • Create a list of 20+ tickers in column A.
    • In column B, use =QM_Stream_Change(A2), =QM_Stream_Change(A3), etc.
    • Explanation: Quickly see which stocks have the largest gains or losses by sorting or filtering on the change column.
  2. Automated Triggers & Alerts

    • Use conditional formatting to highlight when the change exceeds ±2%.
    • Combine with Excel’s built-in features or simple VBA macros to email you when a certain threshold is hit.
  3. Integrating with Other Excel Functions

    • Pair with =IF or =ABS to customize numeric display or highlight extreme movements.
    • Example: =IF(ABS(QM_Stream_Change("AAPL"))>1, "High Volatility", "Stable")

Common Questions and Troubleshooting


  1. Why Do I Get "NA"?

    • Usually indicates an invalid or unrecognized symbol. Double-check spelling (e.g., “AAPL” vs. “APPL”).
    • Ensure the symbol format is correct for your data provider. International tickers might need extensions or special formatting.
  2. Why Am I Seeing "ERR"?

    • Often due to a license issue or a data feed configuration error. Confirm your MarketXLS subscription is active and up to date.
    • Check that your data feed is correctly configured under the provider’s settings.
  3. How Often Does the Value Refresh?

    • Real-time streaming typically updates several times a second, but exact refresh rates depend on your provider and internet connection.
    • If you notice slower updates, consult your data provider’s documentation or subscription details.
  4. What If I Need Historical Data Instead of Streaming?

    • QM_Stream_Change is specifically for real-time “Change.” For historical or end-of-day data, use other dedicated functions (e.g., historical-specific MarketXLS formulas).
  5. Performance Concerns with Large Sheets

    • Each streaming call can consume resources. In massive spreadsheets, consider limiting the number of real-time calls or turning off auto calculation.
  6. Invalid License or Forgotten Configuration

    • If your license is not valid, you may see messages like "License Is Not Valid" or "DataSeller not configured."
    • Resolve by reactivating your subscription or re-entering credentials in MarketXLS’s settings panel.

Remember: • Always confirm your data feed subscription includes real-time streaming access.
• Large-scale use of streaming calls may impact performance; test scaling in a controlled environment.
• For mission-critical trading, verify the returned data against another reliable source, especially during peak market volatility.

Whether you’re monitoring a single symbol or building a complex trading model covering dozens of tickers, QM_Stream_Change provides instant transparency into each asset’s price change. By merging this function with Excel’s powerful analytics, you achieve a dynamic, continually updated marketplace view—directly in your spreadsheet.

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