What is Algo Trading and How Does It Work?

Algorithms are everywhere. From our smartphones to laptops to anything with technology, algorithms power the functionality of billions of entities. With the rise of more advanced technologies, this piece of logical code is now used in almost every field. Algorithms use user data, patterns from the past, and a set of instructions that have already been decided on to reach their goals. Mutual Fund companies, for example, use an algorithm to take the set amount out of your bank account every month for a SIP Algorithms are used in the virtual transaction system to make sure that trading is clear, that users have a good experience, and that there aren't any hiccups or delays. But depositories and stockbrokers aren't the only ones who use algorithms. Traders use algorithms to avoid mistakes made by retail traders and increase their chances of making money. Algorithmic Trading or Algo Trading is the name for this process. Before we get into what is Algo trading it is important that you understand that it requires a powerful tool. As a share broker company, we understand the requirements of an avid trader and offer a seamless . online trading platform with the lowest brokerage options. How does algorithmic trading work? Algorithmic trading is a way to trade quickly on the financial market by using trading instructions that have already been programmed. Traders and investors use trading software, which they tell what to do based on time, volume, and price. When the market triggers the set instructions, the investor's orders are carried out by the trading software. In general, Mutual Funds, Hedge Funds, Insurance Companies, Banks, etc. use algorithmic trading to make a large number of high-volume trades that would be impossible for humans to do. Algorithmic trading lets investors make more deals in less time without human emotions and mistakes. Take a look at the following example to better understand what algo trading is. The following set of instructions can be given by an investor for algorithmic trading to take place: Instruction 1: Buy 200 shares of XYZ company if the price goes above its 15 minute high. Now, if the price of a share goes above the 15 minute high, the algorithmic trading system will automatically place an order for 200 shares of XYZ company. But the algorithmic trading software won't do anything with the order unless the conditions are met. Instruction 2: Sell 200 shares of XYZ company if its 20-day moving average falls below the 200-day moving average on the 5-minute time frame. In this case, the algorithmic trading software will sell 200 shares of XYZ company if its 20-day moving average falls below its 200-day moving average.. If it doesn't, the order will not be executed. For algorithmic trading to work, each set of instructions must be carried out only once. For example, in Instruction 1, the algorithmic trading software will place a buy order if the price stays above the 15-minute high for even a few seconds. After those few seconds, the price might drop back below the entry point and develop a loss. But the order would have already been placed as soon as the conditions are met. Algo trading has come a long way in India and is all set to reach greater heights. You can simplify your trading system or add as many data points to it as you want but it is crucial to understand its working and monitor it closely. As we mentioned earlier Algo trading requires a powerful tool. As a share broker company, we understand the requirements of an avid trader and offer a seamless online trading platform with the lowest brokerage options.