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What is algorithmic trading?
Algorithmic trading is when you use computer codes and software to open and close trades according to set rules such as points of price movement in an underlying market. Once the current market conditions match any predetermined criteria, trading algorithms (algos) can execute a buy or sell order on your behalf – saving you time by eliminating the need to manually scan the markets. Algorithmic trading is made possible through partnerships with cutting-edge platforms such as ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), as well as our native APIs.
Six real benefits
Why use algorithmic trading?
Algos can help you trade smarter, faster and with greater discipline.
Remove Human Error
Trade without letting emotions get in the way of realising profits, or cutting losses.
Capitalise on Rare Events
Act on infrequent events, such as the Dow closing 500 points below its 20-day moving average.
Supplement Your Strategy
Finely tune your risk management by using algos to implement stops and limits on your behalf.
Low Maintenance
Set your algorithms up and let them trade around your schedule.
Backtest
Refine your algorithms against historical data to establish the best combination of buy or sell parameters.
Instant Execution
Maximise your exposure to the underlying market with automated buy and sell orders.
What's the best algorithmic trading platform?
That depends on what you want from your platform — many traders use a combination to accomplish a range of goals.
For easy-to-build Algorithms.
Optimisation suite and unique coding language.
ProRealTime is the leading web-based charting package, and you can use it to create your own trading algorithms. Tools within ProRealTime — including the optimisation suite and unique coding language — make it easy to create, backtest and refine your own algorithms from scratch.
What are the main algorithmic trading strategies?
Most traders choose a price action strategy or a technical analysis strategy, but some combine the two.
Price action strategy
Popular with scalpers and high-frequency traders.
A price action strategy looks at previous open and close, or session high and low prices, triggering a buy or sell order if similar levels are achieved again. This is popular with scalpers who want a series of quick, small profits on highly volatile markets — a process known as high-frequency trading (HFT). You'll need to assess when to go long or short, and configure the algorithm by market, time frame, trade size and time of day.
Built for serious algo traders
Algorithmic trading with us
Build your own algorithms, or use off-the-shelf solutions, to trade with spread bets and CFDs.
Build Your Own Algorithms
Build your own algorithms, or use off-the-shelf solutions, to trade with spread bets and CFDs.
Advanced Technology
Rely on advanced technology to combat gaming and reduce signalling.
Cutting-Edge Strategies
Use cutting-edge trading strategies to monitor the order book and manage your execution.
No Extra Cost
Add advanced algorithmic strategies to your trading at no extra cost.
Expert Support
Get expert support 24 hours a day, from 8am Saturday to 10pm Friday.
Choose Your Platform
Choose different platforms depending on your algorithmic trading preferences.
Trading tools
Choose your trading tools
Compare features and decide when to use a particular tools
Algorithmic trading FAQs
The difference is open to interpretation, as some people use the two terms interchangeably.
Algorithmic trading is available through platforms such as ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4, as well as our native APIs.
No, you can add advanced algorithmic strategies to your trading at no extra cost.
Algorithmic trading removes emotion from trading, saves time, reacts to price movements faster than manual trading, and lets you backtest and refine your algorithms to perform at their optimum.