alpaca-trading

Execute trades and manage portfolios via the apcacli CLI against Alpaca's Trading API.

6|Updated Feb 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/lacymorrow/alpaca-trading-skill --skill alpaca-trading
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: alpaca-trading
Source: https://github.com/lacymorrow/alpaca-trading-skill/tree/main
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/lacymorrow/alpaca-trading-skill --skill alpaca-trading

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables command-line traders to execute trades, monitor markets, and manage portfolios using Alpaca's API via the apcacli CLI, reducing friction and enabling automation from the terminal.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Trading operations: Submit, modify, and cancel orders for stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto.
  • Portfolio management: View positions, P/L, and account balances; check buying power.
  • Market data & streaming: Retrieve asset information, market status, and real-time account activity.
  • Use case: Automate daily workflows that place orders, pull portfolio updates, and alert you to important events, all from your shell.

Quick Start

  • Install Rust toolchain if needed and then install apcacli:
  • cargo install apcacli
  • Verify it works:
  • apcacli --help
  • Configure environment:
  • export APCA_API_KEY_ID='your_key'
  • export APCA_API_SECRET_KEY='your_secret'
  • Try a test:
  • apcacli account get
  • apcacli market clock

Frequently Asked Questions about alpaca-trading

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I trade stocks from the terminal using the Alpaca API?

You can trade stocks from the terminal by installing the apcacli command-line tool, configuring your Alpaca API keys as environment variables, and executing commands to submit or cancel orders directly from your shell.

Can I manage my Alpaca portfolio and check buying power via command line?

Yes, you can manage your Alpaca portfolio via command line by running apcacli to view positions, check account balances, monitor real-time P/L, and verify your current buying power.

Does command line trading with Alpaca support options and crypto?

Command line trading with Alpaca supports stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The apcacli tool executes these trading operations and retrieves market data through Alpaca's Trading API.

What do I need to set up before automating trades with Alpaca CLI?

Before automating trades with Alpaca CLI, you need the Rust toolchain to install apcacli, a configured Alpaca account, and your API key ID and secret exported as environment variables.

Is paper trading the default environment for terminal-based Alpaca trading?

Yes, paper trading is the safe default environment for terminal-based Alpaca trading. This allows you to test order submissions and portfolio management workflows risk-free before switching to live trading.