Introduction
Recently, algorithmic trading has begun to penetrate retail practice in India. This is facilitated by Zerodha Streak, Dhan Algo, Tradetron, AlgoTest, and others which promise fully automated trading, free from the constraints of human emotion, scalable, and devoid of errors.
Yet, the glossy marketing and triumphant user stories of these platforms oversimplify a much more nuanced reality.
What is Algo Trading?
What is called algo trading is the use of comprehensive computer programs or set rules that execute trades automatically whenever specific conditions are met.
Buy Nifty 50 if 50 EMA crosses above 200 EMA.
Sell options when India VIX spikes above 15.
Platforms for Retail in India:
No-Code: Streak, Tradetron, Dhan Studio
Low-Code/Code: Python with Zerodha Kite API, Upstox API, Interactive Brokers
Why it’s a Dream (Pros for Indian Retail Traders)
1. Emotionless Trading
Drastic improves discipline by eliminating revenge trading, FOMO, panic selling.
2. Backtesting Made Easy
With Streak and Tradetron, backtesting on NSE data has become effortless. Traders are now able to confirm their ideas before putting money on the line.
4. Speed of Execution
Automated systems are able to place and execute trades faster than any human, especially during news events or during scalping.
5. Potential for Passive Income
Algo traders can earn passive income through public sharing of their algos and collecting subscriber fees on platforms like Tradetron.
Why It Might Be a Trap (Risks and Myths)
1. GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out)
Because many traders assume profit can be made from poorly designed algorithm inputs like RSI 14, they end up with losses.
The end-result: a never ending cycle of losses and losing faith.
2. Overfitting in Backtesting
Some traders fail to execute algos in live markets as they assume strategies derived from historical data are profitable.
Many traders focus on previous performance instead of looking for flexibility to change in the future.
3. Constraints of the Platform
The no-code platforms are bound to some basic logic structures which are not capable of real-time adjustment (news events or multi-timeframe logic) in real-time.
Also, lagging and slippage issues during high volatility.
4. Black Box Syndrome
Several users don algos bought from the markets or Telegram groups which they don’t comprehend the logic behind.
A statement like “buy this algo, earn ₹20,000/month” is always a red flag.
5. Undefined Legal Boundaries
Algo marketing for retail clients is subject to regulation as of 2025, and SEBI is targeting those providing algo systems for retail clients.
Algo creators have responsibilities and retail users have to be careful with the algos they subscribe to.
Case Studies / Real Life Examples
Example 1: Intraday Breakout Algorithm on Bank Nifty
Logic: Execute buy orders when high of the day is breached and volume is substantial.
Reality: Performance is strong on trending days. There is a significant failure on rangebound or chop days.
Trap: With no volatility filters or news integration, it is a capital shredder.
Example 2: Option Selling Algorithm on Tradetron
Logic: Automatic selling of straddles when India VIX is below 12.
Profitable at first. Then, a sudden market move occurs. Algo unequally adjusts to the market and leads to a significant drawdown.
Tips to Avoid the Trap
1. Perform a backtest and then paper trade. Don’t start with a live account.
2. Know each rule in detail. Don’t import strategies from other traders without understanding the logic.
3. Be mindful of slippage. This is especially critical for options.
4. Avoid over-optimization. A pristine backtest is often a signal of hidden weakness.
5. Maintain simplicity. Added layers of logic do not ensure greater efficacy.
6. Live track performance metrics. Win rate, average profit and loss, drawdown—assess these metrics weekly.
7. Follow SEBI’s algo trading guidelines.
Final Judgment: Trap or Dream
Algo trading is not a shortcut: It’s a powerful, sophisticated tool.
A disciplined and data-driven trader makes it a dream.
Expecting a plug-and-play profit system makes it a trap.
