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)
- In any cell, type “=QM_Stream_Change(…)”.
- Replace the symbol argument with a valid ticker symbol recognized by your data provider (e.g., "AAPL" for Apple).
- 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
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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).
-
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.
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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
-
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
-
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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.