概要
What is Alpaca MCP Server?
An MCP server implementation for Alpaca's Trading API that enables LLMs (like Claude Desktop, Cursor, or VS Code) to interact with Alpaca's trading infrastructure using natural language. It supports stock and options trading, portfolio management, watchlists, and real-time market data.
How to use Alpaca MCP Server?
Install Python 3.10+, clone the repo, and install dependencies (mcp, alpaca-py, python-dotenv). Configure Alpaca API keys in a .env file or Claude Desktop config, then run python alpaca_mcp_server.py. Configure compatible MCP clients such as Claude Desktop via claude_desktop_config.json.
Key features of Alpaca MCP Server
- Real-time and historical stock market data
- Account balances, positions, and portfolio overview
- Place and cancel stock and option orders (market, limit, stop, trailing)
- Options trading with multi-leg strategies and Greeks
- Watchlist creation, update, and retrieval
- Market status, calendar, and corporate announcements
Use cases of Alpaca MCP Server
- Natural language stock trading and portfolio management
- Options strategy execution and Greeks analysis
- Real-time market data queries and historical price lookups
- Watchlist and asset research for investment tracking
- Combined multi-step workflows (e.g., check market clock then place order)
FAQ from Alpaca MCP Server
What dependencies are required to run the server?
Python 3.10+ and the packages mcp, alpaca-py, and python-dotenv.
How do I switch from paper trading to live trading?
Update both your claude_desktop_config.json environment variables and your .env file with live Alpaca API keys, and set PAPER = False in the .env file.
Can I place complex options trades?
Yes, the server supports multi-leg option orders (e.g., bull call spreads) via place_option_market_order and provides Greeks and snapshots.
Where are my API keys stored?
API keys are configured locally in a .env file or in the MCP client configuration JSON file. They are never sent to external services.
What transport or authentication does the server use?
The server uses the Model Context Protocol stdio transport and authenticates to Alpaca's REST API using standard API key/secret key pairs.
