What is automated trading?

Automated trading is a method of participating in financial markets by using a programme that executes pre-set rules for entering and exiting trades. As the trader, you’ll combine thorough technical analysis with setting parameters for your positions, such as orders to open, trailing stops and guaranteed stops.To get more news about automated trading, you can visit wikifx.com official website.

Auto trading enables you to carry out many trades in a small amount of time, with the added benefit of taking the emotion out of your trading decisions. That’s because all the rules of the trade are already built into the parameters you set. With some algorithms, you can even use your pre-determined strategies to follow trends and trade accordingly.
How does automated trading work?
First, you will choose a platform and set the parameters of your trading strategy. You’ll use your trading experience to create a set of rules and conditions, and then your custom algorithm will apply the criteria to place trades on your behalf. These factors are normally based on the timing of the trade, the price at which it should be opened and closed, and the quantity. For example, ‘buy 100 Apple shares when its 50-day moving average goes above the 200-day average’.

The automated trading strategy that’s been set will constantly monitor financial market prices, and trades will automatically be executed if predetermined parameters are met. The aim is to execute trades faster and more efficiently, and to take advantage of specific, technical market events.
What platforms can you use for automated trading?
The platform you’ll use for automated trading will depend on your trading preferences. At IG, we have several automated trading options available to our clients.

ProRealTime
Automate your trading with assisted creation tools, enabling you to build simple or advanced strategies without the need for coding. With ProRealTime, you get access to an advanced, yet easy-to-use, backtesting suite to test your system. The platform has over 100 indicators and has been optimised to suit new and experienced traders alike. Get it for free if you trade at least four times a month.

MetaTrader4
Customise your trading experience by building your own expert trading algorithms, creating indicators, and placing a range of orders. Plus, import Expert Advisors (EAs) to help you find opportunities according to your pre-defined parameters. EAs can either notify you of an opportunity or open a position automatically.

APIs
Build your own platform and create advanced trading solutions from scratch. This platform enables you to code your algorithms from the ground up. Orders are filled using market-leading IG technology, ensuring you get the best execution. You can view real-time and historical market prices, analyse market instruments and trader sentiment information, maintain watchlists and more.