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  • Getting Real-Time CME Data in Sierra Chart at Non-Professional Rates

Getting Real-Time CME Data in Sierra Chart at Non-Professional Rates

Quick Overview

To access real-time CME futures data in Sierra Chart at non-professional rates and trade with prop firms like The Futures Desk or Lucid Trading, you need a funded futures account. This guide shows you the easiest way to fulfill this requirement with minimal capital.

Why You Need This

The Problem:

  • CME Group (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX) requires a funded live trading account to access non-professional data rates
  • Prop firm evaluation accounts (Apex, TopstepTrader, etc.) do NOT count as funded accounts
  • Without a qualified account, you cannot receive real-time data even if you’re paying for it

The Solution:

  • Open a small funded account ($100 minimum) with Stage 5, Edge Clear, or Cannon Trading
  • This unlocks non-professional CME data rates in Sierra Chart
  • Use Rithmic data feed to trade with your prop firm evaluations

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

Step 1: Open Your Funded Account

Choose ONE of these brokers:

Option A: Stage 5 Trading (Recommended – Easiest)

  • Website: stage5trading.com
  • Minimum balance: $100 USD
  • Sets you up on Teton Order Routing automatically
  • Advantage: Automatic authorization (no monthly login required)

Option B: Edge Clear

Option C: Cannon Trading

  • Website: cannontrading.com
  • Minimum balance: $200 USD (or contact them)
  • Another solid option

Application Process:

  1. Visit your chosen broker’s website
  2. Complete the online account application
  3. Provide required identification documents
  4. Fund your account with the minimum balance
  5. Request setup on Sierra Chart Teton Order Routing (Stage 5 does this automatically)

Step 2: Configure Sierra Chart

Once your funded account is approved:

A. Add the Trading Service Connection:

  1. Open Sierra Chart
  2. Go to Global Settings โ†’ Data/Trade Service Settings
  3. Add a new service connection for your broker (Teton Order Routing)
  4. Enter your account credentials provided by the broker
  5. Click Connect

B. Activate CME Exchange Fees:

  1. Log into your Sierra Chart account at sierrachart.com
  2. Navigate to Account Control Panel โ†’ Services Activation
  3. Select Denali Exchange Data Feed
  4. Activate the CME Group exchanges you need:
    • CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)
    • CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade)
    • NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange)
    • COMEX (Commodity Exchange)
  5. Select Non-Professional subscription level
  6. Complete payment for exchange fees

Step 3: Verify Data Authorization

For Stage 5 / Teton Order Routing:

  • Authorization is automatic – no monthly connection required
  • Sierra Chart automatically verifies your funded account
  • Data should activate within 24 hours

For Edge Clear / Cannon Trading:

  • You must connect to your trading account once per month to maintain authorization
  • Set a calendar reminder
  • Simply open Sierra Chart and connect to the service (you don’t need to trade)

Step 4: Set Up Rithmic for Prop Trading

Now you can use the Rithmic data feed with your prop firm evaluations:

For The Futures Desk or Lucid Trading:

  1. Obtain Rithmic Credentials:
    • Your prop firm will provide Rithmic login credentials
    • These are separate from your Stage 5/broker credentials
    • Usually received after passing evaluation or purchasing instant funding
  2. Add Rithmic Connection in Sierra Chart:
    • Go to Global Settings โ†’ Data/Trade Service Settings
    • Click Add New Service
    • Select Rithmic from the list
    • Enter your prop firm’s Rithmic credentials
    • Check Use for Trading (not for data)
  3. Configure Data vs Trading Services:
    • For Market Data: Use Denali Exchange Data Feed (your CME subscription)
    • For Order Routing: Use Rithmic (connected to your prop firm account)
    • In chart settings, select Denali for data, Rithmic for trading
  4. Test Your Setup:
    • Open a chart (e.g., ES, NQ, CL)
    • Verify real-time data is flowing
    • Place a test order in sim/demo mode first
    • Confirm orders route through your prop firm account

Cost Breakdown

Initial Setup Costs:

ItemCostFrequency
Stage 5 Account Balance$100 USDOne-time deposit (you keep this)
Sierra Chart License$36 USDMonthly
CME Exchange Fees (Non-Pro)~$10-15 USDMonthly per exchange
Total First Month~$146-151 USD–
Monthly After Setup~$46-51 USDOngoing

Important Notes:

  • The $100 in your Stage 5 account is your money – you can withdraw it later
  • You are NOT required to trade with Stage 5 if you don’t want to
  • This setup allows you to trade with ANY Rithmic-based prop firm
  • Non-professional rates are much cheaper than professional rates (~$150+/month difference)

Key Advantages of This Setup

โœ… Minimal Capital Required: Only $100 to unlock non-pro rates
โœ… Automatic Authorization: With Stage 5/Teton, no monthly login needed
โœ… Best Order Routing: Teton provides industry-leading reliability
โœ… Flexibility: Trade with any prop firm using Rithmic
โœ… Professional Platform: Sierra Chart’s superior charting and analysis tools
โœ… Cost Effective: Non-pro rates save $100-150/month vs professional fees

Common Questions

Q: Do I have to trade with Stage 5?
A: No. The account just needs to exist and remain funded. You can trade exclusively through your prop firm.

Q: Can I withdraw my $100 later?
A: Yes, but you’ll lose CME data authorization if your account balance drops below the minimum.

Q: What if I already have a funded account elsewhere?
A: Unless it’s with a Sierra Chart-supported broker that can verify programmatically, you’ll still need this setup.

Q: Will this work with Apex/TopstepTrader/Earn2Trade?
A: Yes! Once you have CME data authorization, you can use it while trading any prop firm evaluation (if they provide Rithmic access).

Q: How long does setup take?
A: Account opening: 1-3 business days. Data activation: Usually within 24 hours of account approval.

Q: What’s the difference between Denali and Rithmic?
A: Denali = Sierra Chart’s data feed (for charts/analysis). Rithmic = Your prop firm’s order routing (for placing trades).

Technical Support

Stage 5 Trading:

  • Support: Available via their website
  • Setup questions: They specialize in Sierra Chart users

Sierra Chart Support:

Your Prop Firm (The Futures Desk / Lucid Trading):

  • Contact for Rithmic credential issues
  • Account-specific trading questions

Summary: Your Complete Workflow

  1. โœ… Open Stage 5 account with $100 โ†’ Enables CME data authorization
  2. โœ… Activate CME exchange fees in Sierra Chart โ†’ Access real-time data
  3. โœ… Pass your prop firm evaluation โ†’ Receive Rithmic credentials
  4. โœ… Connect Rithmic in Sierra Chart โ†’ Route orders to prop firm
  5. โœ… Trade with professional tools at non-pro rates โ†’ Save money, trade better

Ready to Get Started?

Next Steps:

  1. Open your Stage 5 account: stage5trading.com
  2. While waiting for approval, download Sierra Chart: sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/SoftwareDownload.php
  3. Familiarize yourself with the platform using the free trial period
  4. Once your account is funded, activate your CME exchange fees
  5. Start trading with professional-grade tools!

Last updated: January 2026
For the most current information, always refer to Sierra Chart’s official documentation and your broker’s requirements.

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