Excel like a finance pro.
Lookup function
RTD
Retrieves real-time data from a COM automation server, like a market data feed.
When to use it
Pulls live data from a registered COM server, such as a market data terminal, and refreshes it in the cell. The server must be installed on the machine.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=RTD(progID, server, topic1, [topic2], ...)
Worked examples
Live price
=RTD("bloomberg.rtd",,"AAPL US Equity","LAST_PRICE") → 189.42
A live price from a Bloomberg terminal.
Another provider
=RTD("tos.rtd",,"LAST","AAPL") → 189.42
The same idea from a trading platform.
Custom server
=RTD("myserver.progid",,"topic1") → live value
A custom server written for the workbook.
Worth knowing
- Throttle updates under File, Options, Advanced, or via Application.RTD.ThrottleInterval.
- Values update on the server's schedule, not on recalculation.
- Copying to a machine without the server shows #N/A.
Where it goes wrong
- #N/A while the server is starting or when it is not installed.
- Macros and security settings can block the server.
Related
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