Scaling a trading strategy

Let’s assume you have backtested a trading strategy. How do you scale a back-tested trading strategy in the live environment? Is there any book around it? Any standard strategies around it? Probably something like, first deploy certain dollars and if it works then deploy on low vol stocks etc and then grow the deployment using this strategy. Need to understand this. Thanks.

 

Scaling a trading strategy is indeed an art rather than a science. It's based on several factors such as the nature of the opportunity, the capacity of the market, liquidity, and your level of conviction. It's important to understand your strategy thoroughly - why it works, who you're taking money from, and what kinds of risks you're bearing.

As for books, I'm afraid the context doesn't provide any specific recommendations. However, there are many resources available on Wall Street Oasis and other platforms that can guide you in understanding the nuances of scaling a trading strategy.

When it comes to standard strategies, it's crucial to start small and gradually increase your investment as you gain confidence in your strategy. This could mean starting with a smaller dollar amount or lower volatility stocks, as you suggested.

Remember, even if you have a backtested strategy that shows good performance, it's not enough. You need to understand how your model will react to new circumstances, which can be extremely rare but very impactful.

Lastly, it's always a good idea to seek advice from experienced professionals in the field. They can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Sources:

  1. Trump = Quant-mageddon?
  2. Raising Capital--Track Record?
  3. HF PM Q&A
  4. Great Trading Performance, But Would a Shop Take Me Seriously?
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