Machine Learning is the secret ingredient in my algorithmic trading.
Here are 5 steps to get started (with Python code):
1. Define the Problem and Gather Data
Start by deciding what you want to predict (e.g., stock price direction, volatility) and collect relevant data (e.g., historical prices, volume, economic indicators). Use APIs like yfinance or Alpha Vantage for financial data.
2. Preprocess and Feature Engineering
Clean the data (handle missing values and incorrect prices) and create features like moving averages, RSI, or lagged returns to give the model predictive power.
3. Choose and Train a Model
Pick an ML model for trading (e.g., regression for price prediction, classification for buy/sell signals). Split data into training and testing sets, then train the model.
4. Evaluate and Optimize
Test the model’s performance using metrics like accuracy, precision, or annualized returns. Tune hyperparameters to improve results and avoid overfitting.
5. Backtest and Deploy
Simulate the model’s performance on historical data to estimate profitability and risk. If successful, integrate it into a trading system with proper risk management.
Want to learn how to get started with algorithmic trading with Python?
Then join us on March 5th for a live webinar, how to Build Algorithmic Trading Strategies (that actually get results)
A trading bot is a software program that automates buying and selling financial assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies based on pre-defined strategies and rules.
These automated systems can manage portfolios without human intervention, operating 24/7.
12 Python libraries for free market data everyone should know:
yfinance
Data for stocks (historic, intraday, fundamental), FX, crypto, and options. Uses Yahoo Finance so any data available through Yahoo is available through yfinance.
pandas-datareader used to be part of the pandas project. Now an independent project. Includes data for stocks, FX, economic indicators, Fama-French factors, and many others.