QM_Stream_PreviousClose for Real-Time Stock Data

The QM_Stream_PreviousClose function allows you to seamlessly stream the previous closing price of a given symbol directly into Excel. It uses MarketXLS’s real-time data delivery framework (RTD) to provide up-to-date values, ensuring traders, investors, or analysts always have the latest market data easily accessible. By automating data retrieval, this function simplifies portfolio tracking and real-time technical analysis.

Why Use This Function?

• Easily fetches the previous closing price for stocks in real-time.
• Helps in creating on-the-fly comparisons with current price data.
• Integrates seamlessly with other Excel formulas to build dashboards or watchlists.
• Ideal for traders and investors who need accurate data to make informed decisions.
• Automates data streaming, reducing manual data entry and potential errors.

How to Use in Excel

=QM_Stream_PreviousClose("symbol")

1. In a cell, type the function.
2. Replace "symbol" with the ticker symbol of the stock you want, such as "AAPL" or "MSFT".
3. Press Enter to display the streaming previous close price in that cell.

MarketXLS automatically handles the real-time connection and subscription to the data stream. As soon as you enter the function, MarketXLS will queue the symbol for RTD if it hasn’t been queued already.

Parameters Explained

• symbol: Enter a valid, recognized ticker symbol. Symbols are converted to uppercase internally. Blank or invalid symbols return “NA.”

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. =QM_Stream_PreviousClose("AAPL")

   • Displays the previous closing price of Apple Inc.
   • Automatically streams in real-time from MarketXLS.

2. =QM_Stream_PreviousClose("MSFT")

   • Displays the previous closing price of Microsoft.
   • Great for comparing with current market price side-by-side.

3. =QM_Stream_PreviousClose("GOOG")

   • Shows the previous closing price for Alphabet Inc.

Advanced Scenarios

• Tracking Multiple Symbols:
Create a watchlist table in Excel. In each row, list different ticker symbols, and in the adjacent column, use the QM_Stream_PreviousClose function. You can combine it with other real-time functions (e.g., current price or volume) for comprehensive market dashboards.

• Linking to Other Formulas:
If you want to show the percentage change from the previous close to the current price, you could reference the QM_Stream_PreviousClose output in another cell and combine it with a current-price function (e.g., =QM_Stream_Value("Last", A2)).

• Historical vs. Streaming Data:
Sometimes you may only want a one-time snapshot. However, QM_Stream_PreviousClose is purely for real-time streaming. For historical data, consider other MarketXLS historical functions.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• “Why do I see NA?”

• Check if the symbol is valid (e.g., "AAPL" instead of "APPL").
• Make sure the symbol parameter isn’t an empty string.
• Confirm your MarketXLS subscription is active and configured.

• “I get a license error message.”

• Ensure that your MarketXLS license is valid and not expired.
• Go to MarketXLS “Settings/Help >> Settings >> Data Subscriptions” to check your Data Seller configuration.

• “The data doesn’t change.”

• This function relies on real-time streaming. Confirm that RTD streaming is enabled in MarketXLS.
• Verify your Excel settings for external data refresh and that no macros or external data features are disabled.

• Edge Cases:

• If symbol or metric strings are blank, the function may return an empty string or “NA.”
• In low liquidity stocks or during off-market hours, the “previous close” might not refresh until the next market open.

Remember:

• QM_Stream_PreviousClose is ideal for up-to-date tracking of each symbol’s prior market close.
• The function integrates seamlessly with Excel, letting you reference or combine it with other MarketXLS formulas.
• Always confirm that your MarketXLS subscription is enabled for real-time data to avoid errors.

By leveraging the QM_Stream_PreviousClose function, you can make better, faster decisions in Excel—knowing that your data is accurate, reliable, and always up-to-date for each symbol you track.