Mechanical trading, or algorithmic trading, has become an integral part of the modern financial landscape. By leveraging computer programs to make trading decisions, traders can systematise their strategies and eliminate many of the behavioral biases that plague human decision-making. This article will explore the numerous advantages of mechanical trading and emphasise the significance of testing strategies holistically, considering all its components including entry, exit, and stop mechanisms.
1. Elimination of Emotional Bias:
One of the primary benefits of mechanical trading is the elimination of emotions from trading decisions. Human traders are often swayed by fear, greed, and other emotions which can lead to suboptimal decisions. Mechanical strategies, once designed and set in motion, stick to the rules without being influenced by the ebbs and flows of psychological pressures.
2. Consistency in Application:
Mechanical strategies apply the same criteria and logic in every situation. This means that over a large sample of trades, the system will act consistently. This consistency is difficult to achieve for human traders, who might interpret situations differently even when they appear similar.
3. Ability to Process Large Amounts of Data:
Modern trading strategies often rely on analysing vast amounts of data. Computers can sift through this data quickly and apply complex calculations in real-time, a feat that would be impossible for human traders.
4. Scalability:
Mechanical strategies can be applied to multiple assets or markets simultaneously. A trader can potentially oversee hundreds of markets at once if their system is designed for scalability.
5. Speed of Execution:
In markets where fractions of a second can make a difference in trade outcomes, the speed of mechanical trading gives them a significant edge over manual trading.
The Importance of Comprehensive Strategy Testing:
While the advantages of mechanical trading are evident, its effectiveness is largely determined by the robustness of the underlying strategy. It's crucial to test strategies comprehensively, factoring in all components like entries, exits, and stops etc.
Predictability of Outcomes: Testing a strategy over historical data provides insights into how it might perform in the future. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, a strategy that has been thoroughly backtested provides a level of confidence.
Optimisation of Parameters: Comprehensive testing allows traders to optimise strategy parameters. This might include determining the optimal stop-loss level, profit target, or other variables. Strategy builders must exercise caution against over-optimisation, as it can inadvertently result in curve-fitting, which is undesirable.
Risk Management: By considering all components of a strategy, traders can better understand the potential drawdowns, the win-to-loss ratio, and other risk metrics. This understanding allows for better capital allocation and risk mitigation.
Identification of Weak Points: Comprehensive testing can reveal weak points in a strategy, allowing traders to make necessary adjustments before implementing the strategy in real-time.
Cost Evaluation: Testing strategies holistically can help in understanding various costs associated with trading, such as slippage, commissions, and the potential impact of bid-ask spreads.
In conclusion, mechanical trading offers a structured approach to the markets, eliminating many of the challenges human traders face. However, the effectiveness of the mechanical method is only as good as the underlying strategy. Thorough, comprehensive testing is crucial to ensuring that a strategy is robust, optimised, and ready for the unpredictable nature of the markets.
Visit: titansecurities.net/how-to for further information.
Titan Securities Pty Ltd | AFSL: 307040 | FREE-CALL: 1800 228 600
NOTE: Investing entails risk.
Disclaimer: Any advice contained within this correspondence has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You must therefore assess whether it is appropriate, in light of your own individual objectives, financial situation or needs, to act upon any such advice.
Titan Securities Pty Ltd is solely Australian owned and operated.