What Is Algorithmic Trading And How Does It Work?

Shreyas Bisara
3 min readMay 21, 2022

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Photo by Nicholas Cappello on Unsplash

Algorithmic trading is a trading method that uses complex mathematical models and formulas to initiate high-speed automated financial transactions. It uses computer programs to trade at high speed and volume based on pre-set criteria such as stock prices and specific market conditions. It is a process of using pre-programmed trading instructions to execute high-speed trading orders in the financial market. Algo Trading uses a mechanism that facilitates buy and sell orders in financial markets using an algorithm that is executed automatically by computer programs.

It leverages advanced mathematical tools and computer programs to facilitate trading and decision-making in the financial markets. When algorithms are used as trading systems, complex formal and mathematical models are combined to make trading decisions in financial markets. Technically, there are several mathematical algorithms that make trading decisions based on current market data and then send and execute orders in financial markets.

Once current market conditions meet any predefined criteria, the trading algorithm can execute buy or sell orders by itself. Once the set order is triggered in the market, the trading software will execute the order set by the investor. Once the procedure is in place, traders can rest easy knowing that the trade will take place automatically once the conditions are met.

For example, a trader can use algorithmic trading to quickly fill orders when certain stocks reach or fall below a certain price. The trader can be sure that trades are executed exactly at the right time, order amounts are accurate, and you can check multiple market indicators at the same time, simultaneously reducing the risk of manual errors. Nowadays, do-it-yourself algorithmic trading has become popular, which allows ordinary investors to facilitate the execution of transactions in financial markets using high-frequency computers.

High-Frequency Trading (HFT) means that the algorithm places a large number of trades in quick succession, making money on each trade, which then adds up to a large amount. The implementation of the algorithm with a computer program is the last component of algorithmic trading, followed by backtesting (testing the algorithm on past stock market historical periods to see if it will be profitable to use). The biggest challenge is to turn the original algorithm into one that can actually be integrated into your trading account.

I hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what algorithmic trading is. As we’ve seen, algorithmic trading is a relatively new form of investing that uses computer-generated orders to trade in the financial markets. While there are some risks associated with this type of investing, the potential rewards can be significant. If you’re intrigued by the idea of automating your investment strategies and would like to learn more about how algorithmic trading works, I recommend reaching out to one of the many online resources available.

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