Interactive Broker quotes useing Yahoo(Options)

[Bompa]

I understand that Interactive Brokers does not support online updates. So I use there QFX file downloads to keep my account current. In order to update Option prices using Yahoo(Options) server I have to delete the spaces after the ticker in the Option symbol, then the prices update.

Am I doing something wrong or is there a different quote server that I should be using? It's an aggravation to have to edit every new Option symbol so the price will update.

[Mark]

Hi Bompa,

For updating quotes through Yahoo (Options) you are doing it right. It sounds like IB and Yahoo just use different symbols for options. The other choice you have is to get your pricing from IB. If you download their QFX file and import it, it will also update pricing if present in the file.

[Bompa]

I was hoping for a better solution. IB is not the only brokerage that puts spaces in the option symbol. Scottrade does the same thing. I'm just tired of editing the spaces out of every symbol. Wish the import process would do it for me.

Thanks,

[Mark]

The only change you have to make is removing empty space at the end of the symbol?

[Bompa]

No the spaces are between the ticker & the option expiry, strike.
Example: DMND 130622P00015000 has to be edited to DMND130622P00015000.
T 130720P00035000 has to be edited to T130720P00035000.

[Mark]

Hi Bompa,

I see... thanks for the example. That is unfortunate they don't use the same symbol, without spaces.

[Bompa]

Mark:
Does Fund Manager 2014 Release address the Option symbol problem that we discussed in this thread last year? I did not see it specifically addressed in the release notes.

Thanks,
Dennis Kent

[Mark]

Hi Dennis,

We hadn't done anything here, but just did now. Please use "Help / FM on the Web / Check for Updates..." to download quote module 465. With this module, any space characters in your symbols are removed as part of making the request from Yahoo (Options). This will enable you to leave your spaces in the symbols, and successfully retrieve from this server.

[Bompa]

Great news, Thank you!