2025 Stock Market Computer Monitoring Essentials! In-Depth Review of 5 Applications

In the contemporary investment environment, many traders still rely on desktop platforms for operations, and there are solid reasons for this. Compared to the limitations of mobile apps, why do desktop software still hold an important position?

Why Watching Stocks on a Computer Remains the Mainstream Choice

Screen Space and Data Display
A computer’s spacious display can show multiple windows simultaneously, allowing investors to easily monitor real-time changes across different markets such as Taiwan stocks, US stocks, futures, and more. Technical analysis tools that are difficult to operate on mobile—such as MACD, RSI, and other complex indicators—are clearly displayed on desktop versions, facilitating in-depth market trend analysis.

Performance and Stability
Computer hardware processing power far exceeds that of mobile devices, with faster data transmission, ensuring trades are not delayed during market volatility. Additionally, desktops do not face risks like battery depletion or accidental loss, allowing investors to monitor markets around the clock with peace of mind.

Operational Efficiency
Multitasking on a computer is effortless; investors can view charts on one screen while placing orders on another, making workflows more efficient.

Introduction to Five Popular Stock Market Desktop Software

Sanduo Stock: The Top Choice for Local Taiwan Market Monitoring

Sanduo Information has been deeply involved in Taiwan’s stock market since the 1990s. Over decades of evolution, Sanduo Stock software has become the preferred tool for many Taiwan stock investors.

The platform offers 24 technical indicators, ten viewing modes, and customizable interface styles, along with AI-powered stock selection tools and post-market data analysis. However, Sanduo itself does not provide order placement services; trading requires connecting to one of three brokerages (Yuan Fu, E.SUN, Uni-President). International stock information is relatively limited, and there are delays with US stock quotes.

Nevertheless, Sanduo excels in system stability and data accuracy, making it an ideal tool for investors focused on the Taiwan market.

Mitrade: International Market Trading Platform

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Australia, Mitrade specializes in CFD trading. Its stock monitoring interface is simple and intuitive, offering both a web version that requires no download and a full-featured desktop application.

The platform supports forex, commodities, US stocks, and cryptocurrencies, with various technical analysis tools. Taiwanese users can deposit and withdraw in New Taiwan Dollars, reducing currency exchange hassles. Mitrade emphasizes fast trade execution and fund security, supporting leverage trading and offering a 90-day free demo account. Its downside is that margin trading is not suitable for long-term holdings.

Futu NiuNiu: Hong Kong and US Stock All-in-One Platform

Futu NiuNiu successfully went public in 2019 (NASDAQ: FUTU) and holds securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore. Its desktop application features a clean design, defaulting to display price charts, company financials, options trading info, and order books comprehensively.

Particularly, Futu has built-in price calculation functions for options trading, helping users evaluate the underlying and time value of options. The platform covers real-time quotes for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect), with versions for Windows and Mac. However, Futu Securities does not support credit card deposits, only bank wire transfers and ACH transfers.

Interactive Brokers: Tools for Professional Traders

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers’ desktop platform Trader Workstation (TWS) is a powerful software designed for professional traders.

TWS offers highly customizable interfaces, multiple order types, algorithmic trading, and advanced technical analysis tools, connecting to over 120 markets worldwide. It is especially suitable for high-frequency trading and institutional investors, with convenient bond market trading. However, due to its complexity, it has a steep learning curve for beginners.

TradingView: Leading Global Chart Analysis Platform

Founded in 2011, TradingView has become a leader in global financial chart analysis. Its greatest advantage lies in its powerful charting features, with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools. Many mainstream financial websites embed its data for charting.

Its database covers Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and even Indian stock quotes. The platform includes a social community where investors can browse stock discussions, latest news, and technical analysis viewpoints. Its interface is simple and user-friendly, allowing quick onboarding for beginners. The downside is that TradingView does not offer native order placement; it requires third-party broker integration. Full features require a paid subscription.

Differences Between Using a Computer and Mobile Apps for Stock Monitoring

Sanduo Stock: The mobile version is Taiwan’s largest stock monitoring app (covering 47 brokerages), but its company info display is less comprehensive than the desktop version, and the price chart experience is inferior.

Mitrade: The mobile app maintains the clean style of the desktop version, friendly for beginners, but professional technical analysis features are limited on both ends.

Futu NiuNiu: The desktop version is feature-rich, but on mobile, access involves multiple clicks, reducing the usability of complex functions.

Interactive Brokers: The app’s extensive features make mobile design challenging, and security verification procedures are cumbersome, affecting trading speed.

TradingView: The desktop chart experience is excellent, but on small mobile screens, it’s difficult to utilize all its advantages.

Choosing the Right Stock Monitoring Tool on Desktop

For investors focused on the Taiwan market, Sanduo Stock is stable and reliable. To access international markets, especially CFD trading, Mitrade offers a user-friendly interface. Futu NiuNiu provides a balanced performance for Hong Kong and US stocks. Advanced traders and high-frequency operators may consider Interactive Brokers’ professional tools. For those seeking superior chart analysis, TradingView is undoubtedly the top choice.

Based on your investment goals, market preferences, and technical skills, selecting the most suitable desktop application will greatly enhance your monitoring efficiency and trading success rate.