Metastock importer window

IMPORTANT NOTE: Metastock importer should be used ONLY if you want to import MS data to native, local AmiBroker database once. If you want AmiBroker to just read Metastock database DIRECTLY without need to import new data over and over please set up your database WITH METASTOCK PLUGIN as described in the Tutorial.

NOTE 2: if you setup your database with the MS plugin you should NOT use Metastock importer, because there is no point in using it when your data are already fed by the plugin.

Metastock importer opens AmiBroker to very rich source of historical data. The importer supports both old Metastock 6.5 and new 7.x (XMASTER) formats.

Basically Metastock data consist of:

• MASTER/EMASTER file which holds general information about the tickers, stock names, etc.
• F1.DAT....Fxx.DAT files which hold actual quotation data

The MASTER/EMASTER file is essential because it holds the references to Fxx.DAT files. Fxx.DAT files store only quotations in either 5 field (date/high/low/close/volume), 6 or 7 field (date/open/high/low/close/volume/openinterest) format. As you see MASTER/EMASTER and Fxx.DAT files are closely connected and you need them all to import the data.

Usage

To import Metastock data you should do the following:

• Choose Metastock import from the menu
• Using the directory requester (Browse...) select the location of data in Metastock format (the directory with MASTER/EMASTER and Fxx.DAT files)
• After choosing proper directory AmiBroker will display the list of available symbols and date ranges. By default all available symbol will be marked for importing (checkmark at the beginning of the list). Now you can exclude some symbol from the import list by clicking appropriate item in the list (checkmark will toggle when you click).
• You can decide to which group and watch list the new symbols are added using Group and Watch List combos.
• After making your selections push 'Import' button to start the process of importation.
• During the process you can cancel the operation by clicking 'Abort' button in the progress window