Investor Education Center

Quantitative Trading Basics
Quantitative trading utilizes mathematical models and computer algorithms to identify trading opportunities and automate trades. It combines quantitative analysis and techniques from the financial markets and aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of trading decisions. This page will explore the fundamentals of quantitative trading, common terms, types of algorithms, and how to build a quantitative model.
Basic principle
At its core, quantitative trading automates trading decisions through algorithms (a series of pre-defined instructions). These decisions are based on quantitative analysis, which is the use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze market data and financial indicators.
Commonly used terms
Algo-Trading

The use of a computer program to automate the execution of trades according to a predetermined strategy.

Backtesting

Test the performance of a trading strategy on historical data to evaluate its effectiveness.

High-Frequency Trading (HFT)

Execute a large number of trades in a very short period of time to take advantage of small price movements.

Market Microstructure

The study of the trading process and price formation mechanisms in the market.

Quantify the model-building process

Data Collection

Collects historical market data and financial indicators as the basis for model analysis.

Strategy Hypothesis

Hypothesis for building a trading strategy based on market analysis and financial theory.

Model Development

Use statistical and mathematical methods to develop mathematical models for executing strategies.

Backtesting

Test the model on historical data to evaluate its performance and stability.

Optimization

Adjust model parameters based on backtest results to improve strategy performance.

Real Execution

Apply strategies in the real market and continuously monitor and adjust in response to market changes.

Algorithm Type
Quantitative trading strategies can be divided into various types, including but not limited to:
Momentum Strategy

Predict the future direction of an asset based on its historical trend.

Hedging strategy

Reduce the risk of your portfolio by hedging.

Arbitrage strategy

Taking advantage of market inefficiencies, such as differences in the price of an asset in different markets.

market analysis technology

Market analysis is an integral part of the investment decision-making process.
It involves the study of market trends, including two main aspects: technical analysis and fundamental analysis.

Technical analysis basics

Technical analysis is based on the study of market behavior and focuses on historical data on price and volume to predict future market trends.

Moving Average (MA)

The moving average is one of the most commonly used technical analysis tools that helps smooth price data to identify trend direction. Simple Moving Average (SMA) and Exponential Moving Average (EMA) are the two main types.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and variability of recent price movements to assess overbought or oversold conditions in a stock or other asset.

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

MACD is based on the difference and convergence between two moving averages and is used to identify the strength, direction, momentum, and potential reversals of a market trend.

Fundamental analysis

Fundamental analysis aims to evaluate the intrinsic value of an asset by analyzing a company’s financial statements, industry conditions, economic indicators and other information.

Financial Statement Analysis

Includes analysis of the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to evaluate a company's profitability, financial health, and operating efficiency.

Economic indicators

including GDP growth rate, unemployment rate, inflation rate, etc. These indicators can help analyze the economic environment and market sentiment.

Industry analysis

Understand the status of your industry, including market size, growth prospects and competitive landscape.