Best Algo Trading Course - A Comprehensive Review
Updated January 2024
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - A Comprehensive Review Of Top Algo Trading Courses
Chapter 2 - The Ultimate In Algo Education
Chapter 3 - A Word About Free Algo Trading Courses
Chapter 4 - A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Algo Trading
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - A Comprehensive Review Of Top Algo Trading Courses
Chapter 2 - The Ultimate In Algo Education
Chapter 3 - A Word About Free Algo Trading Courses
Chapter 4 - A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Algo Trading
Congratulations! You’ve decided to try out algo trading (algorithmic trading). For dedicated traders, this can be a very good option, with favorable risk adjusted returns possible.
It is quite different than chart based trading, where the rules are fuzzier, and the screen time is more intense. Why waste your time staring at a chart, guessing at when to open and close trades, when instead you can have an algorithmic strategy do the work for you?
Once you’ve made the algo trading decision, what is next? Having helped people master algo trading for many years, I see most people fall into one of the following categories:
Congratulations! You’ve decided to try out algo trading (algorithmic trading). For dedicated traders, this can be a very good option, with favorable risk adjusted returns possible.
It is quite different than chart based trading, where the rules are fuzzier, and the screen time is more intense. Why waste your time staring at a chart, guessing at when to open and close trades, when instead you can have an algorithmic strategy do the work for you?
Once you’ve made the algo trading decision, what is next? Having helped people master algo trading for many years, I see most people fall into one of the following categories:
Do-It-Yourselfer – This is the person who might read some algo trading books and attend some free webinars on algo trading. But ultimately, they decide to learn the craft themselves, with minimal outside help. That is actually how I learned to algorithmically trade!
The problem is that this route can be VERY expensive. I can tell you I spent much more money trying to do it myself than had I just learned from a master. I lost gobs of money to the market! Still, it is an option for new algo traders.
The problem is that this route can be VERY expensive. I can tell you I spent much more money trying to do it myself than had I just learned from a master. I lost gobs of money to the market! Still, it is an option for new algo traders.
Cheap Course Route – Just go to udemy.com or coursera.com and you’ll find plenty of algo trading courses. Usually these courses are $100 or less. The question is: will you really learn to algo trade properly from a simple, bare bones class? Most people cannot - the info is just too basic. So, are these classes really the best algo trading courses out there? Likely not. |
Algo MasterClass Course Enrollment – For those traders who are really serious about algo trading, a master level course is probably the quickest route to go. Note I did not say “cheapest” route to go, because frankly – good education costs money. No one is going to give secrets away for less than $100. Remember that. So, this is the route I recommend for serious algo traders. |
OK, let’s assume you decided to join a Master Algo trading course. Now the question becomes – which one? Which is the best algo trading course?
Thankfully, I did a lot of research for you. I uncovered 7 Master Level Algo Trading courses (full disclosure: 2 are my courses), and in the rest of this article, I am going to compare them all. This will help you find the class you want, with the features you need.
Let’s get started!
Current Enrollment Ability
You would think that once you decide on a class, then you simply have to enroll and pay. Not so fast my friends! Turns out many courses have closed enrollment. This means you can’t just sign up and immediately learn the material. You actually have to wait for the next enrollment period, which for some courses is only 1 or 2 times a year - and only for a week or two of open enrollment!
That is not the only hurdle, though. With other algo trading courses, you either have to sit through a long phone conversation (hint: usually a sales call) to find out the price, or you have to pass an interview to be admitted to the course. That means even if you like the course and teacher, you might not be allowed to join!
For my Strategy Factory workshop, enrollment is always open, and always simple. You just sign up at my website. You then get immediate access to ALL the material, and you are automatically invited to the next live class (which take place virtually 8 times a year). No waiting for the enrollment window to open, no sales call, no interview. (Of course, if you want to talk to me first, we can do that via Zoom. Go to bottom of this page for details.)
Hours Of Live Instruction
That is not the only hurdle, though. With other algo trading courses, you either have to sit through a long phone conversation (hint: usually a sales call) to find out the price, or you have to pass an interview to be admitted to the course. That means even if you like the course and teacher, you might not be allowed to join!
For my Strategy Factory workshop, enrollment is always open, and always simple. You just sign up at my website. You then get immediate access to ALL the material, and you are automatically invited to the next live class (which take place virtually 8 times a year). No waiting for the enrollment window to open, no sales call, no interview. (Of course, if you want to talk to me first, we can do that via Zoom. Go to bottom of this page for details.)
Hours Of Live Instruction
When you join one of the courses, how do you know you’ll be receiving up to date, relevant trading information? Without live instruction, you could be receiving outdated algo trading info.
With my course, I provide 8 hours of up to date, live instruction in an all day algo trading workshop. This takes places virtually, in the comfort of your home or office. VERY convenient.
Hours Of Recoded Instruction
With my course, I provide 8 hours of up to date, live instruction in an all day algo trading workshop. This takes places virtually, in the comfort of your home or office. VERY convenient.
Hours Of Recoded Instruction
While my 8 hour live class is great, it does not teach you all you need to know to successfully algo trade. Other course creators understand this too, and that is why they provide many instruction modules, lectures and hours of instruction.
For my “Gold” Strategy Factory course, I include roughly 30 hours of videos, in addition to many articles and other helpful information. For my “Platinum” course, I include even more info – including all the lectures from my “Beyond The Strategy Factory” advanced class. My advanced class has 15 hours of expert level material, with insights and research you will not find anywhere else.
Award Winning Course
For my “Gold” Strategy Factory course, I include roughly 30 hours of videos, in addition to many articles and other helpful information. For my “Platinum” course, I include even more info – including all the lectures from my “Beyond The Strategy Factory” advanced class. My advanced class has 15 hours of expert level material, with insights and research you will not find anywhere else.
Award Winning Course
Helpful Trading Software
Some of the Master level algo courses offer you software to help you build strategies. These tools can be a very good thing!
My Platinum Strategy Factory course includes Multi-Opt software, a $450 value. This software, created by a Strategy Factory student, is so good I even bought it myself! It turns hours of testing into minutes, and really supercharges the strategy building process. Best of all, many of the concepts and steps I teach are built right into the software.
Analysis Spreadsheets
My Platinum Strategy Factory course includes Multi-Opt software, a $450 value. This software, created by a Strategy Factory student, is so good I even bought it myself! It turns hours of testing into minutes, and really supercharges the strategy building process. Best of all, many of the concepts and steps I teach are built right into the software.
Analysis Spreadsheets
Nothing helps make trading concepts easier to implement than spreadsheets. Most master courses only provide a few spreadsheets to help you out. The more the better here, for sure!
One-On-One E-mail Support
One-On-One E-mail Support
Learning new material – especially something as complicated as algo strategy building – demands one on one support. Surprisingly, some master classes have no support, or only group Q&A sessions, where you really have to be persistent to get your question answered.
One of the HUGE benefits of my Strategy Factory workshop is that you get your e-mail questions answered by a verified champion trader – me! Don’t underestimate the benefit of getting support directly from “the horse’s mouth!”
With the Platinum package, you can get a FULL YEAR of e-mail support directly from Kevin – WOW!
Course Creator Is A Verified Champion Trader
One of the HUGE benefits of my Strategy Factory workshop is that you get your e-mail questions answered by a verified champion trader – me! Don’t underestimate the benefit of getting support directly from “the horse’s mouth!”
With the Platinum package, you can get a FULL YEAR of e-mail support directly from Kevin – WOW!
Course Creator Is A Verified Champion Trader
If you wanted to become a great soccer player, would you want to be coached by Lionel Messi, or some unknown person on the Internet? That answer is easy – you’d want a champion to teach you.
Same goes for algo trading courses. Very few champion traders teach others how to trade. Some trading teachers don’t even trade at all. Your best bet is to stick with a teacher who is a verified trading champion.
Rebate Available to Get Course Free
Same goes for algo trading courses. Very few champion traders teach others how to trade. Some trading teachers don’t even trade at all. Your best bet is to stick with a teacher who is a verified trading champion.
Rebate Available to Get Course Free
Master classes in algo trading are expensive, no doubt. But a few in this list have a special rebate program with Tradestation. You can find details here: https://kjtradingsystems.com/tradestation.html - so say goodbye to the high price tag – the course can be free if you qualify!
Tradable Strategies Given With Course Material
Tradable Strategies Given With Course Material
It is always nice to have tradable strategies included in a trading course. You may or may not actually trade these yourself – that is obviously your own personal decision – but many people like example strategies to base their own trading system development on.
Only 3 of the courses in this list give out more than 2 strategies, and the Strategy Factory Platinum package actually includes 15 strategies. Some of these strategies I actually trade myself!
Private Discussion Forum – Students
Only 3 of the courses in this list give out more than 2 strategies, and the Strategy Factory Platinum package actually includes 15 strategies. Some of these strategies I actually trade myself!
Private Discussion Forum – Students
One great way to learn the material is to talk to and ask questions of other students. The best master class packages include a private discussion forum. Make sure the course you choose has an area where students can help other students – you’ll be very happy with the results.
Time Limit On Material Access
Time Limit On Material Access
For expensive master classes, I think the material should be available to you whenever you want it, without restrictions. Unfortunately, not all these master courses agree, and some limit your access to the material.
Consider if you have to take a break from your algo trading education – will the material still be accessible to you?
Strategy Sharing Club - Strategies Proven With 6 Months Real Time Performance
Consider if you have to take a break from your algo trading education – will the material still be accessible to you?
Strategy Sharing Club - Strategies Proven With 6 Months Real Time Performance
Strategy sharing is what makes the Strategy Factory workshop unique. With Kevin’s Strategy Factory Club, student traders create strategies using the trademarked Strategy Factory process, then submit them to Kevin. Once the strategy is accepted into the Club, the strategy is monitored in real time for 6 months. If, after 6 months, it passes certain performance goals, it is shared with other traders who also have passed the 6 month test.
With the Club, a trader can submit 1 passing strategy, and get 5-10 or more strategies from other students in return!
One member recently stated that the Club is how he continually gets new and fresh trading ideas to fuel his own strategy development.
The Strategy Factory Club is unique – you will not find this Club offered in any other algo masterclass.
Easy Language Instruction
With the Club, a trader can submit 1 passing strategy, and get 5-10 or more strategies from other students in return!
One member recently stated that the Club is how he continually gets new and fresh trading ideas to fuel his own strategy development.
The Strategy Factory Club is unique – you will not find this Club offered in any other algo masterclass.
Easy Language Instruction
Easy Language (the programming language for Tradestation and Multicharts [they call it Power Language]) is an extremely powerful tool for building strategies. And it is pretty easy, once you work with it a bit. But for traders new to the platform, the language can be confusing and overwhelming.
The best algo master classes include full support for Easy Language. It is nice to know that when you run into a thorny programming problem, your questions will be answered competently and efficiently. Without this support, you’ll eventually run into trouble programming your own strategies.
Quizzes On Course Material To Gage Progress
The best algo master classes include full support for Easy Language. It is nice to know that when you run into a thorny programming problem, your questions will be answered competently and efficiently. Without this support, you’ll eventually run into trouble programming your own strategies.
Quizzes On Course Material To Gage Progress
How do you know you are learning and understanding the material as you go? The best algo trading courses and masterclasses have quizzes along your journey to make sure you are on track.
Ability To Re-attend Live Workshop At No Additional Cost
Ability To Re-attend Live Workshop At No Additional Cost
Nothing is worse than thinking you have to absorb all the material in a live class immediately. Especially in a virtual environment – what happens if your internet goes down for a minute – and you miss some material?
Only the Strategy Factory workshop allows you to attend future live sessions at no additional cost. Some students have returned for 3 or 4 live sessions.
New students benefit from this too, since returning students tend to ask more complicated questions, and this helps new students understand the material better and more quickly.
Money Back Guarantee
Only the Strategy Factory workshop allows you to attend future live sessions at no additional cost. Some students have returned for 3 or 4 live sessions.
New students benefit from this too, since returning students tend to ask more complicated questions, and this helps new students understand the material better and more quickly.
Money Back Guarantee
Since you are investing a significant amount of money in an algo trading masterclass, you’d like to know that if things don’t work out, you can get your money back. Amazingly, not all courses offer this guarantee. Make sure the class you choose does!
Special Onboarding Zoom Call
Special Onboarding Zoom Call
With all the information given in a masterclass, navigating it can be overwhelming. The best classes offer an introductory “on-boarding” call to familiarize you with the material, and give you tips on how to best utilize this. For the Strategy Factory Platinum workshop, you’ll sit down with Kevin for 30 minutes and go through the material at a high level.
After the on-boarding call, you’ll know exactly what first steps to take to get you up to speed quickly!
Pricing
You can see, all of the master algo classes reviewed require a significant investment. Which is best? Well, the lowest price offering doesn't mean it is the best, since it may lack essential features. And on the flip side, the highest price course may not be the best either.
The "best" in this category is the class that provides the maximum amount of benefits for the price. I'll leave the "best" decision for you to decide.
After the on-boarding call, you’ll know exactly what first steps to take to get you up to speed quickly!
Pricing
You can see, all of the master algo classes reviewed require a significant investment. Which is best? Well, the lowest price offering doesn't mean it is the best, since it may lack essential features. And on the flip side, the highest price course may not be the best either.
The "best" in this category is the class that provides the maximum amount of benefits for the price. I'll leave the "best" decision for you to decide.
Conclusion
WOW! There are a lot of features and benefits to consider when choosing the best algo trading course. And the answer is not always simple. I hope this guide helps you make a good decision!
Sign Up For My Award Winning Course NOW!
Kevin's Award Winning Strategy Factory Workshop
NOTES:
All information compiled in Jan-April 2022. Last Updated January 2024
All data shown above is believed to be accurate, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
If you find errors/omissions/issues with data provided, simply e-mail kdavey at kjtradingsystems.com with details.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Kevin's Award Winning Strategy Factory Workshop
The "Best" Of Algo Trading
The Ultimate Guide To Algo Trading
Interested in algo trading, but still unsure of Kevin's Strategy Factory Workshop? Book a FREE Zoom call with Champion Trader Kevin Davey, and together you will determine the best path forward for your trading! https://kjtradingsystems.setmore.com
Kevin's Award Winning Strategy Factory Workshop
NOTES:
All information compiled in Jan-April 2022. Last Updated January 2024
All data shown above is believed to be accurate, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
If you find errors/omissions/issues with data provided, simply e-mail kdavey at kjtradingsystems.com with details.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Kevin's Award Winning Strategy Factory Workshop
The "Best" Of Algo Trading
The Ultimate Guide To Algo Trading
Interested in algo trading, but still unsure of Kevin's Strategy Factory Workshop? Book a FREE Zoom call with Champion Trader Kevin Davey, and together you will determine the best path forward for your trading! https://kjtradingsystems.setmore.com
Chapter 2
The Ultimate In Algo Education
Are you ready to level up your trading game with some algo trading education? Knowing the ins and outs of the stock market can be tricky, but with the right guidance and resources, you can become an effective algorithmic trader in no time! Our comprehensive guide above gave you all the tools needed to get started with algo trading.
That said, here is some more general guidance on algo courses and algo education - before you decide on a course.
That said, here is some more general guidance on algo courses and algo education - before you decide on a course.
Learn The Basics Of Algo Trading
An important first step in algo trading education is to familiarize yourself with the basics. This includes understanding what algorithmic trading or system trading is and how it works, as well as researching the different types of algorithms that exist. You’ll also need to get acquainted with some key technical analysis concepts including support and resistance levels, chart patterns, and technical indicators.
Take your time to wrap your head around these fundamentals before you begin actively trading.
Take your time to wrap your head around these fundamentals before you begin actively trading.
Understand Market Structure And Order Types
Once you have a handle on the basics, it’s time to understand the different components of market structure and order types. This includes familiarizing yourself with terms like bid-ask spread, market depth, limit orders and stop losses.
You should also learn how to read market data in order to make informed decisions when trading algorithmically. Ultimately, this step is essential to ensure successful execution of your trades.
You should also learn how to read market data in order to make informed decisions when trading algorithmically. Ultimately, this step is essential to ensure successful execution of your trades.
Choose The Right Technologies And Data Sources
Once you’ve understood the basics of algo trading, your next step should be to equip yourself with the right technologies. This includes choosing an appropriate trading platform, and ensuring that you have access to high-quality market data and news feeds. Knowing what data sources and technologies are available to traders is critical when it comes to making informed and successful trades.
Research the different technologies, platforms and data sources that are out there, so that you can make an informed decision when selecting the best fit for your needs.
For me, I use Tradestation for my platform and my data.
Research the different technologies, platforms and data sources that are out there, so that you can make an informed decision when selecting the best fit for your needs.
For me, I use Tradestation for my platform and my data.
Develop Your Algorithmic Strategy
After researching the different trading technologies and platforms available to you, the next step is developing an algorithmic strategy. This could involve analyzing your current trading strategies and determining how they can be optimized using algorithms.
It’s important to remember that while algorithms can increase your speed of execution, they should not replace your own judgement when it comes to decision making. Make sure to plan out a robust strategy before diving into algorithmic trading.
It’s important to remember that while algorithms can increase your speed of execution, they should not replace your own judgement when it comes to decision making. Make sure to plan out a robust strategy before diving into algorithmic trading.
Backtest and Optimize Your Algorithms For Success
Backtesting is essential for any algorithmic trader looking to optimize their performance. By testing your strategy on historical market data, you can see how your algorithm would have reacted in different market conditions and understand the risks associated with it.
Additionally, make sure you monitor market changes and adapt your strategies accordingly to maximize profits or minimize losses.
Additionally, make sure you monitor market changes and adapt your strategies accordingly to maximize profits or minimize losses.
Chapter 3
A Word About Free Algo Trading Courses
You know the old saying "you get what you pay for?"
That is especially true with free algo trading courses.
So I'll keep this chapter short and sweet.
DON'T RELY SOLELY ON FREE EDUCATION IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT ALGO TRADING.
Use the free info to get you started, but realize the investment you make in algo education will be well worth the cost.
How do I know this?
Back in the day, I took the cheap or free route. I thought I could do it all myself. Sure, I saved a bunch of money by avoiding useless education (hint: 90% of education out there is indeed useless). But I ended up paying "tuition" to the market in losses. Any mistake I made in developing my algo strategies with "free" education showed up eventually as market losses!
So, my advice: use free education to get started, but plan of good algo education and good algo trading courses to cost you money.
That is especially true with free algo trading courses.
So I'll keep this chapter short and sweet.
DON'T RELY SOLELY ON FREE EDUCATION IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT ALGO TRADING.
Use the free info to get you started, but realize the investment you make in algo education will be well worth the cost.
How do I know this?
Back in the day, I took the cheap or free route. I thought I could do it all myself. Sure, I saved a bunch of money by avoiding useless education (hint: 90% of education out there is indeed useless). But I ended up paying "tuition" to the market in losses. Any mistake I made in developing my algo strategies with "free" education showed up eventually as market losses!
So, my advice: use free education to get started, but plan of good algo education and good algo trading courses to cost you money.
Algo trading can seem intimidating, but with the right resources and guidance, it can be a powerful tool for traders of any level. This guide will help you understand the fundamentals of algo trading, explore the various strategies used by professionals in the industry today, and give you practical advice on how to get started with your own automated trading system.
What is Algorithmic Trading?
Algorithmic trading, also known as algo trading or automated trading, is the process of using computers algorithms to execute trades in the financial markets. Algorithmic trading programs are designed to monitor financial markets, identify profitable opportunities and place trades automatically without any human intervention.
This form of trading reduces (but does not eliminate) human emotions and enables traders to make decisions based on data rather than emotions.
This form of trading reduces (but does not eliminate) human emotions and enables traders to make decisions based on data rather than emotions.
Understand the Benefits and Risks of Algo Trading
Algorithm trading can bring many benefits to traders, including faster transactions and reduced transaction costs. Automated markets are usually more efficient than manual markets since automated trades can be done in seconds. Additionally, algo trading can help reduce the risk of errors and improve accuracy, as well as provide the opportunity for quick action in volatile or rapidly changing market conditions.
However, there are also risks associated with algorithm trading, such as loss of control over trades and increased exposure to market risk. It is important to understand both the benefits and risks before investing in algo trading.
However, there are also risks associated with algorithm trading, such as loss of control over trades and increased exposure to market risk. It is important to understand both the benefits and risks before investing in algo trading.
Backtesting Your Algo Strategies
An important part of mastering algo trading is ensuring that your algorithms are working correctly. One way to do this is through backtesting, which allows you to simulate actual trading scenarios to see how your algorithm would perform under real-world conditions.
Backtesting involves running your algorithm on historical market data so that you can gauge its performance over a given period of time. This will help you gain an understanding of your strategies and verify their accuracy before going live with trading orders.
Backtesting involves running your algorithm on historical market data so that you can gauge its performance over a given period of time. This will help you gain an understanding of your strategies and verify their accuracy before going live with trading orders.
Apply Risk Management Strategies
As with any type of trading, risk management is a key component of algo trading. You need to make sure that your algorithms are built with risk in mind and that you’re managing your decisions accordingly. Risk management strategies should be put in place to limit losses that can occur from sudden market fluctuations or volatility.
For example, you may want to set a stop-loss order which will automatically cut off trading when losses reach a certain level. Other strategies such as position sizing, diversification, and hedging can also be used to mitigate potential risks.
For example, you may want to set a stop-loss order which will automatically cut off trading when losses reach a certain level. Other strategies such as position sizing, diversification, and hedging can also be used to mitigate potential risks.
Implementing Your Strategy with an Automated Trading System
Automated trading systems (ATS) are computer programs designed to manage and execute large orders swiftly and accurately. These systems allow traders to set up their algorithms with predetermined parameters, such as stop-loss orders, portfolio diversification, position sizing, etc.
Once the algorithm is ready, it will execute the trades automatically according to pre-defined rules without any human intervention (or at least, with little human involvement). Automated trading can be a great way to save time and increase accuracy while defending against potential losses.
Once the algorithm is ready, it will execute the trades automatically according to pre-defined rules without any human intervention (or at least, with little human involvement). Automated trading can be a great way to save time and increase accuracy while defending against potential losses.
Comment Form is loading comments...
About Author: Kevin Davey is an award winning private futures, forex and commodities trader. He has been trading for over 25 years.Three consecutive years, Kevin achieved over 100% annual returns in a real time, real money, year long trading contest, finishing in first or second place each of those years.
Kevin is the author of the highly acclaimed algorithmic trading book "Building Algorithmic Trading Systems: A Trader's Journey From Data Mining to Monte Carlo Simulation to Live Trading" (Wiley 2014). Kevin provides a wealth of trading information at his website: http://www.kjtradingsystems.com
Copyright, Kevin Davey and KJ Trading Systems. All Rights Reserved. Reprint of above article is permitted, as long as the About The Author information is included.
Kevin is the author of the highly acclaimed algorithmic trading book "Building Algorithmic Trading Systems: A Trader's Journey From Data Mining to Monte Carlo Simulation to Live Trading" (Wiley 2014). Kevin provides a wealth of trading information at his website: http://www.kjtradingsystems.com
Copyright, Kevin Davey and KJ Trading Systems. All Rights Reserved. Reprint of above article is permitted, as long as the About The Author information is included.