Real-Time Timestamps with QM_Stream_Timestamp for Quick Market Insights

The QM_Stream_Timestamp function in MarketXLS is designed to provide real-time streaming of the latest timestamp data for a given stock symbol. By leveraging MarketXLS’s built-in RTD (Real-Time Data) services, you can monitor up-to-the-minute information, ensuring that your analysis and decision-making are always based on the most current market data. This function is especially useful for traders and analysts seeking to track rapid price changes or confirm exact times of trades.

Why Use This Function?

• Instant Market Updates: Displays the exact timestamp for real-time stock data, enabling you to make timely trading or investment decisions.
• Powerful Analysis: Incorporate precise timestamps into your spreadsheets for use in formulas, chart plotting, or time-series comparisons.
• Ease of Use: Works directly in Excel without requiring complex setup or code; you simply enter the function into a cell.
• Automation Friendly: Once you subscribe to symbols (via this function call), MarketXLS automatically queues symbol data for streaming, so the values refresh as new data arrives.
• Quick Troubleshooting: If the symbol is invalid or your license settings are off, the function will immediately return an error message like “NA” or “ERR,” allowing you to address issues quickly.

How to Use in Excel

=QM_Stream_Timestamp("SYMBOL")

1. Enter a valid stock symbol (e.g., "AAPL").
2. Place the formula in any cell where you want to display the real-time timestamp for that symbol.
3. Ensure your MarketXLS license is active and that data subscriptions are configured correctly.
4. The cell will update automatically with the most recent timestamp information from the market data feed.

Parameters Explained

• Only one parameter is required.
• The function specifically retrieves the timestamp metric from real-time streaming data.

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. =QM_Stream_Timestamp("AAPL")

   • Returns the live timestamp of Apple’s market data.
   • If Apple’s symbol is actively streaming, the cell updates in real time.

2. =QM_Stream_Timestamp("MSFT")

   • Retrieves the latest timestamp for Microsoft stock quotes.
   • Displays “NA” if the symbol is typed incorrectly or the subscription is not configured.

Advanced Scenarios

• Multiple Symbol Monitoring:

• In separate cells, you can track different tickers simultaneously, e.g., =QM_Stream_Timestamp("TSLA") and =QM_Stream_Timestamp("GOOG").
• This approach helps you compare timestamp updates across several companies in one glance.

• Integration With Other Excel Functions:

• Combine the timestamp return value with Excel’s built-in formulas (e.g., compare timestamps of multiple symbols or log them in a historical sheet).
• Useful in advanced dashboards to show the exact moment certain event-based triggers happen.

• Trading Strategy Applications:

• Continuously track intraday movements and capture the exact timestamp of sudden price movements.
• Automate notifications or highlight changes when a new timestamp indicates fresh market data.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• “NA” Returned:

• Verify you entered a valid symbol. Confirm that your license and data subscription are set up in MarketXLS’s Settings.

• “ERR” Message:

• Might indicate a general error or an unexpected exception. Check your network connection or license validity.

• Inconsistent Updates:

• Confirm that RTD streaming is active for that symbol and that you have not exceeded any vendor-imposed data limits.

• Data Subscription Not Configured:

• If you see a message about the data subscription not being configured, navigate to “Settings/Help ? Settings ? Data Subscriptions” in MarketXLS to complete setup.

By incorporating the QM_Stream_Timestamp function into your Excel workflow, you gain swift, precise access to real-time market timestamps. Whether you’re building a personal watchlist, automating time-based triggers, or performing high-level analytics, this function ensures that you always have reliable and up-to-date timestamp data to inform your trading strategies and decision-making.