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What is Algorithmic Trading?

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Algorithmic trading or algo trading, is a way of placing trades using a computer program that follows a set of rules. When certain conditions are met, the program automatically places orders at a speed and frequency that humans can't match.

Traders can create algorithms to generate buy or sell signals, but they still need to manually place orders as full automation isn't allowed for individual traders. If you're interested in algo trading but don't know how to code or understand the technical details, there are resources available to help you get started.

What is Algo Trading Meaning?

Algorithmic trading is the process of using a computer program or algorithm to automatically carry out a trading strategy. It’s especially useful for large investment firms or fund houses that need to place a high volume of orders quickly and efficiently, something that would be impossible for humans to do manually.

To explain how it works, let’s consider an example.

Mr. A, an algorithmic trader, decides to use a new strategy. He wants to buy a stock every time its Relative Strength Index (RSI) goes above 60. Instead of logging into his account, entering the trade details, and manually clicking to execute the order, Mr. A creates an algorithm. This algorithm automatically places a buy order whenever the RSI of a stock goes above 60. Mr. A also sets the details like the quantity to buy and the stop-loss level. Once set, the algorithm will monitor the market and place the trade automatically whenever the conditions are met

Additional Read: Scalping Trading

What are The Strategies of Algorithmic Trading

You can automate any trading strategy by giving sufficient instructions. Here are some of the most commonly used algorithmic trading strategies.

Arbitrage strategy

In arbitrage trading strategy, algorithms analyze stock prices from different stock exchanges. It then buys a stock trading at a lower price from a specific exchange and sells it into a different stock exchange where the price of the same stock is relatively higher. This strategy aims to profit from price differences of the same stock in different stock exchanges. This process of buying and selling is done within seconds!

Trend-following strategy

This is one of the most commonly used and simple Algo trading strategies adopted by most investors and traders. What makes this simple is that the trades in this strategy are executed by following the trend and the market’s momentum. Trend-following tools such as moving averages, trendlines, and chart patterns are used to identify an entry and exit in the trade. When the algorithm meets with a proper set of instructions required for this strategy, the strategy gets executed automatically.

Index fund rebalancing strategy

Index funds have to adjust frequently to match their underlying asset’s performance. This strategy aims to take advantage of this minor opening and grab the opportunity by taking a trade for making a profit as low as .20 to .80 basis points.

These orders are executed in microseconds which is why they are humanly impossible to execute.

Mean reversion strategy

“Mean” means the average price of a stock. It is said that the underlying fluctuation in a stock is temporary, and the stock will always revert to its mean. In this strategy, algorithms define a specific range for a stock. And similarly, they buy and sell orders as the price of the stock gets in or out of the defined range.

Also Read : Benefits of Using Automated Trading Tools

Benefits of Algorithmic Trading

Here are some of the reasons why algorithmic trading is being adopted so quickly by many investors and traders.

  • Algorithmic trading executes a trade at a very high speed and a precise price.
  • Issues like slippage are not a problem when it comes to algo trading.
  • It helps big fund houses to punch in huge orders without significantly affecting the market price, which can otherwise result in huge losses for retail traders.

Examples of Algo Trading

Algorithmic trading, or algo trading, uses computer programs to execute trades at high speeds based on predefined criteria. Examples include:

Trend-Following Strategies: These algorithms identify and follow market trends, buying in an uptrend and selling in a downtrend.

Index Fund Rebalancing: Algorithms manage large-scale buy and sell orders efficiently during periodic rebalancing.

Market Making: Algorithms continuously place buy and sell orders to profit from the bid-ask spread.

High-Frequency Trading (HFT): These algorithms execute numerous trades within milliseconds to capitalize on tiny price changes.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of algorithm trading?

Answer Field

The different algorithmic trading strategies involve trend-following strategies, index fund rebalancing, and mathematical model-based strategies. 

Can every category of investor use algo trading?

Answer Field

Yes, every category of investor can use this trading system for different purposes. Hedge funds can use it to take opposite positions and hedge their investments. Institutional investors use it to buy large quantities of stock without creating an impact on the price of the quantity. 

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