Economy
All You Need To Know About Algorithmic Trading
There are now more options to improve or expand existing apps due to the rapid advancement of computer science and communication technology. The current developments have opened up fresh trading avenues.
Trades are placed using a computer program that follows a predetermined set of instructions (an algorithm). This kind of trading is also known as automated, black-box trading, or algo-trading. Profits may be generated at a pace and frequency inconceivable for a human trader to achieve in principle.
Just because it’s computer-driven doesn’t imply no one is involved. As a result of automated trading, human involvement has been shifted to a more back-office position, where new alpha-seeking techniques are developed on a regular basis.
High-frequency trading (HFT) is the most common kind of algo-trading today, and it relies on preprogrammed instructions to place a large number of orders quickly across a variety of markets and decision factors.
In this article, we’ll provide you with information on what are the main things that every trader should know about algorithmic trading.
How does algo trading work?
Pre-programmed instruction is used in algorithmic trading to execute transactions. Input characteristics like price, time, volume, and more are taken into consideration by these laptop applications. In order to make use of the processing power and speed of modern computers, several types of systems are employed. Automated trading is primarily a rapid, reliable, and accurate technique of placing orders. However, not everyone can apply this strategy, and some people may have doubts about its efficacy.
Because the decision to buy or sell is based only on the composite programs, algorithmic trading is a generally recognized method. There is no human intervention in making the transactions, which eliminates the influence of emotions. There are several ways to learn more about the way algorithmic trading works. One of the most common ways for investors is to visit an education section of Elite Currensea, where they can get more information about algo trading and its benefits. In addition to that, the section allows traders to generate trading strategies based on AI. Computers are better at completing tasks quickly than people are. Depending on the specifications, it can execute and monitor a variety of stocks at the same time.
There are no trades left unattended, thus it is quite skilled and resourceful. When traders take a break, the robot takes care of online share trading orders.
As a primary benefit, algorithmic trading removes human emotions from the trading process. Trades are carried out in accordance with a predetermined set of guidelines. Human trading, as opposed to algorithmic trading, is more susceptible to illogical trading choices due to human emotions. Thus, algo-trading often pushes traders to avoid taking on more risk than they can manage in order to prevent feelings of uncertainty.
For those interested in learning about algorithmic trading, the online education market has grown rapidly in the last several years. Getting into this field is now feasible without having to go through the lengthy academic path (8-10 years).
What are the main pros of algorithmic trading?
Individual involvement is minimal when it comes to algorithmic trading. Orders made on the basis of various technical indications are automatically distributed using digital means. Simple data access is all that is required for these gadgets. By not having to worry about losing money, they are safer than human dealers. Another advantage of these systems is that they may be quite profitable. However, there are several difficulties to overcome. Basic computer abilities are required for success in algorithmic trading.
Algorithmic trading’s performance is heavily reliant on precision and timeliness. The margin of error in algo trading is often extremely large if humans are involved. It’s possible for a computer to conduct transactions under a set of instructions, but this isn’t the case for algo-trading banks. As a result, strategic thinking is emphasized in order to help businesses make better, more accurate trade choices.
Moreover, there is no opportunity for traders to be influenced by their emotions since the tactics are pre-formulated. This means that once the pre-specified goals are satisfied, the deal is automatically performed, and the trader is left with no choice except to accept it as is. Over- and under-trading are kept in check by algo trading. As a result, there is no tolerance for error or divergence from the original trading plan.
A trader’s job is to identify the weak points in their trading system and devise workarounds as early as possible in order to prevent more losses. Trading algorithms allow traders to back-test their trades using historical data and compare them to the current market conditions. Using this approach, traders may determine for certain if their deals would have turned out identically.
Trading algorithms used in algo trading execute deals without human intervention. In response to market changes, the algorithm creates orders as soon as they are met. The trading process relies heavily on the quickness of entry and exit. Even a delay of a few seconds might result in losses. Better entry and exit speeds allow traders to catch market moves at their precise moment of entrance.
With the advent of automated trading, traders now have the chance to experiment with a wider range of trading platforms. Individuals and businesses may effectively and quickly exchange huge volumes of shares. Market participants may thus acquire a large number of shares and then sell them nearly immediately for a significant profit.
Algorithms and computers are used in algo trading. Because of this, executing many trades and strategies simultaneously becomes quite simple. Humans just could not have accomplished this.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange weakened further by 1.75 per cent on Tuesday, August 18, triggered by losses recorded by the duo of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and Food Concepts Plc.
CSCS Plc, the Nigerian securities depository company, lost N8.48 to settle at N90.02 per share compared with the previous value of N98.50 per share, while Food Concepts Plc, the parent company of fast food franchise, Chicken Republic, dropped 15 Kobo to end at N2.35 per unit versus N2.50 per unit.
Consequently, the NASD Security Index (NSI) further declined by 77.26 points to 4,348.76 points from Monday’s 4,426.02 points, while the market capitalisation dipped by N46.37 billion to N2.610 trillion from N2.656 trillion.
During the session, the volume of securities bought and sold by investors slumped by 82.6 per cent to 113,728 units from the previous session’s 652,081 units, and the value of securities slid by 12.4 per cent to N9.4 million from the preceding day’s N10.7 million, while the number of deals increased by 47.6 per cent to 31 deals from 21 deals.
Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units traded for N8.4 billion, followed by Infrastructure Credit Guarantee (Infracredit) Plc with 2.3 billion units sold for N6.5 billion, and CSCS Plc with 79.7 million units transacted for N5.8 billion.
GNI Plc was also the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, trailed by Infracredit Plc with 2.3 billion units worth N6.5 billion, and Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units exchanged for N415.7 million.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The value of the Nigerian Naira further appreciated against the US Dollar by N6.22 or 0.46 per cent in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) on Tuesday, August 18, to N1,343.32/$1 from the previous rate of N1,349.54/$1.
This occurred amid steady growth in Nigeria’s external reserves, rising to $52.32 billion as of August 17, 2026, giving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) enough arsenal to defend the local currency when the need arises in the FX market.
Also, the domestic currency improved its value against the Pound Sterling in the official market yesterday by N10.85 to close at N1,819.26/£1 compared with the previous day’s N1,830.11/£1, and gained N8.55 on the Euro to sell at N1,556.24/€1 versus Monday’s N1,564.79/€1.
In the same vein, the Naira appreciated against the Dollar in the black market during the trading session by N5 to quote at N1,390/$1, in contrast to the N1,395/$1 it was traded a day earlier, and strengthened at the GTBank forex desk by N7 to N1,357/$1 from N1,364/$1.
NAFEM interbank FX turnover declined as financial institutions’ activities moderated. Interbank FX turnover dropped by 16.6 per cent to $364.709 million from $437.529 million, with the number of deals down by 39.3 per cent to 108 deals from 178 deals.
As for the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at $64,120.36, as most other major cryptocurrencies closed in the green amid a global selloff in chip stocks.
An Asian semiconductor gauge dropped more than 3 per cent, following a 5 per cent slide in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index on Tuesday, its worst session since late July, while investors await US Federal Reserve minutes and are widely expecting no rate change in September.
Solana (SOL) gained 1.4 per cent to sell at $76.66, Cardano (ADA) added 0.9 per cent to trade at $0.1748, Ethereum (ETH) grew by 0.6 per cent to $1,905.54, Ripple (XRP) appreciated by 0.4 per cent to sell at $0.9986, TRON (TRX) improved by 0.3 per cent to $0.3327, and Dogecoin (DOGE) soared by 0.2 per cent to $0.0698.
However, Binance Coin (BNB) depreciated by 0.4 per cent to $600.88, while the US Dollar Tether (USDT) and the US Dollar Coin (USDC) remained unchanged at $1.00 apiece.
By Dipo Olowookere
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has recently struggled to regain its spark due to continued selling pressure from investors reducing their exposure to equities in favour of fixed-income investment instruments.
Yesterday, the stock market further shed 0.35 per cent on the back of profit-taking in the banking sector, which closed lower by 1.83 per cent. The consumer goods space lost 0.13 per cent, and the energy counter depreciated by 0.01 per cent, while the insurance index gained 0.04 per cent, with the industrial goods segment closing flat.
Business Post reports that the All-Share Index (ASI) decreased on Tuesday by 843.42 points to 241,611.23 points from 242,454.65 points, and the market capitalisation shrank by N545 billion to N155.973 trillion from N156.518 trillion.
Like the previous session, investor sentiment was weak after Customs Street ended with 22 price gainers and 37 price losers, indicating a negative market breadth index.
Red Star Express weakened by 10.00 per cent to N16.20, Trans-Nationwide Express crashed by 9.94 per cent to N2.81, Meyer depleted by 9.88 per cent to N15.05, Chellarams plunged by 9.77 per cent to N9.70, and Fortis Global Insurance moderated by 9.70 per cent to N2.14.
On the flip side, Haldane McCall surged by 9.97 per cent to N3.20, Veritas Kapital climbed by 7.09 per cent to N1.36, Tantalizers rose by 5.26 per cent to N4.00, RT Briscoe appreciated by 4.31 per cent to N10.90, and Regency Alliance grew by 3.66 per cent to 85 Kobo.
A look at the activity chart for the day showed the volume of transactions significantly retreated by 66.94 per cent as a result of the absence of big-ticket trades, and the number of deals dropped by 21.57 per cent, while the value of trades increased by 20.09 per cent.
Market participants traded 429.8 million stocks valued at N27.5 billion in 35,683 deals during the session compared with the 1.3 billion stocks worth N22.9 billion transacted in 45,494 deals on Monday.
Sterling Holdings led the activity chart with a turnover of 51.6 million units for N390.6 million. FCMB traded 50.0 million units worth N584.8 million, Chams sold 32.4 million units valued at N134.5 million, Veritas Kapital exchanged 180 million units for N24.3 million, and First Holdco transacted 17.0 million units worth N2.2 billion.
