Difference between automated and algorithmic
trading
Let us find out how automated trading
and algorithmic trading are different from each
other with this table:
Automated Trading
|
Algorithmic trading
|
The instructions can not be in detail.
For instance, you can automate the trade
execution once and not put conditions
unlike trading with
algorithms
|
The computer program is used to follow
a defined set of instructions or rules
to calculate the price, quantity, timing
and other characteristics of the orders.
In other words, trading signals
(buy/sell decisions) are generated based
on a set of instructions.
|
The universe for trade execution is
limited to one of the financial markets,
say stock market and in one of the
products, say futures
|
Algorithmic trading efficiently
increases the universe being traded by
an individual trader. For instance, the
algorithms can be coded to execute
trades in more than one financial market
such as in stock, commodities, crypto
etc. and for a variety of products such
as futures, options etc.
|
Constant human intervention is needed
every time whenever a new condition is
needed to be set
|
Very less human intervention is needed
since the algorithms are coded with all
conditions at once
|
Example of automated trading and algorithmic
trading
In automated trading, the orders are executed
electronically according to the set parameters
and instructions as we saw in the image above.
For instance, automated trading does not work
with the detailed instructions regarding price,
volume etc. of your preference. The automated
trading system can be instructed to enter the
trade at 2 pm and exit at 3 pm. That’s
it!
Whereas, in the case of algorithmic trading,
you can create a set of rules and conditions via
algorithms. For instance, you can create the
algorithm to enter the trade in case the price
goes below 50$ or else exit the trade.
Therefore, the decisions can be taken by keeping
into account the details regarding price, size
of the position etc.
Prerequisites for practicing automated
trading
You can find the steps for learning algorithmic
trading and learn this contemporary process step
by step. There are not so many prerequisites for
learning automated trading since learning might
be difficult but is doable. Before you begin
practicing automated trading, these are the
prerequisites:
Knowledge of markets
Strategy creation
Coding experience
Knowledge of markets
Having a good knowledge of markets or being a
manual trader already helps in becoming an
automated trader. The manual trading experience
helps because automated trading requires the
trader to automate the trade order execution on
the basis of understanding of the market.
For instance, if you have manual trading
experience, you will be able to analyze whether
buying a particular stock at a particular price
will lead to desired returns or not. After
making the decision, you will be able to
automate the system accordingly.
Strategy creation
The other prerequisite for beginning the
practice of automated trading is knowing the
strategy creation process well. All the trades
must be executed with the right strategy (based
on the situation of the market and performance
of the stock, commodity etc.) for the best
outcome.
There are several quantitative trading
strategies and models that you can learn to be
able to use the most effective strategies for
your portfolio.
Coding experience
A good coding experience is a must for
automated trading since, then, you get the
option to automate all the strategies via
algorithms. Python programming is considered to
be the most popular programming language in
today’s time.
By learning the basics of python programming,
further, you can practice coding for your
trading journey. Moreover, practicing well can
help you become better at programming your
automated trading strategies.
Benefits of automated trading
Automated trading is an approach that is faster
and more efficient than manual trading. Let us
see the benefits in detail, which are:
Backtesting
Allows backtesting which is an important
inclusion for a successful trading strategy with
favorable results. When you backtest, you find
out if the strategy is favorable on historical
data or not. With the help of the results on
past data, the strategy you have built is
validated for current data. Hence, better
outcomes.
Emotions
Lesser emotions play a big role while trading.
Emotions such as fear, greed etc. drive your
trading decisions in a manual approach to
trading. Whereas, in the case of automated
trading, emotions are kept at bay since the
computerized system takes care of trading
according to the set preferences by you.
Approach
More disciplined approach is seen in automated
trading since in manual trading, it is not
always possible for humans to follow a
disciplined pattern due to situations such as
volatility in markets.
During
volatility it is possible for the manual traders
to make decisions based on incorrect
expectations of market falling or rising in
future. But, with a trading plan or trading
instruction given to the automated system, one
can maintain a disciplined approach.
This
disciplined approach will allow you to execute
trades with backtesting and a proper trading
strategy.
Time
Moreover, automated trading saves a lot of time
for the trader by monitoring the market quickly
(more quickly than is possible for any human
being). This helps in finding out the best
opportunities without wasting much time.