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alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp

Preview, submit, and manage Alpaca paper-trading orders through MCP tool calls.

4|Updated Aug 28, 2026
Search Tags:#options#mcp server#stocks#crypto#alpaca#order execution#paper trading
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/alan-d-smith/synthetix-alpha --skill alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp-alan-d-smith
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp
Source: https://github.com/alan-d-smith/synthetix-alpha/tree/main/.agents/skills/alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/alan-d-smith/synthetix-alpha --skill alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp-alan-d-smith

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? It lets an AI agent execute Alpaca paper trades safely through the official Alpaca Trading API MCP Server, without writing API code or installing a CLI, while enforcing strict paper-mode verification and confirmation gates so no live trade is ever placed. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Full order lifecycle via MCP tools: preview, submit, monitor, replace, and cancel orders for US equities, options, and crypto using asset-specific placement tools discovered at runtime. - Paper-environment safety gate: verifies ALPACA_PAPER_TRADE from the MCP client config (reading only that single value, never credentials) and fails closed if paper mode cannot be proven. - Risk and confirmation controls: mandatory order preview tables, per-order confirmation by default, idempotency via client_order_id, and explicit confirmation for destructive operations like close_all_positions and options exercise. - Use Case: You tell your agent "buy 10 shares of AAPL with a limit at $185.50 in my paper account" — it restates the trade, verifies paper mode and buying power, shows a full preview, and submits only after your approval, then reports fills and portfolio impact. ## Quick Start Ask your agent to buy 10 shares of AAPL as a limit order in your Alpaca paper account and have it confirm the order preview with you before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions about alpaca-trading-paper-trading-mcp

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I place an Alpaca paper trade with an AI agent using MCP?▼

Configure the official alpaca-mcp-server in your MCP host with paper API keys, then ask the agent to place the trade. The agent discovers tools via GetDynamicTools, verifies paper mode, shows an order preview, and submits through the asset-specific place_stock_order, place_crypto_order, or place_option_order tool after your confirmation.

How does the agent verify the Alpaca MCP server is in paper mode?▼

The agent reads only the ALPACA_PAPER_TRADE value from the MCP client config file using a targeted query, never reading the whole file since it also contains credentials. The flag must be unset, true, 1, or yes; any other value or an unreadable config fails closed and stops the workflow.

What order types does Alpaca paper trading support for stocks, options, and crypto?▼

Stocks support market, limit, stop, stop-limit, and trailing-stop orders plus bracket, OCO, and OTO order classes. Crypto supports market, limit, and stop-limit with gtc or ioc time-in-force. Options support market and limit orders with day time-in-force and position intent parameters.

Can this skill place live trades on Alpaca?▼

No. The skill is exclusively for paper trading and requires proof of paper mode before every submission. If paper mode cannot be verified from the MCP configuration, the agent stops immediately and never falls back to direct API or CLI calls.

Why does an Alpaca MCP order call fail with invalid parameters?▼

The place_* tools flatten and constrain the REST order schema, so nested objects like take_profit are rejected by additionalProperties: false. The agent must build parameters from the discovered tool schema, not the REST API reference, and rediscover schemas after any schema error.

What happens when closing all positions through the Alpaca MCP server?▼

close_all_positions liquidates the entire portfolio, including positions the session never opened, and optionally cancels all open orders. The agent must list every affected position and order, state the total market value, and require explicit confirmation regardless of confirmation mode settings.

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