Strategy Tester - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the TrendSpider Strategy Tester do?
The Strategy Tester simplifies backtesting trading strategies. It helps analyze how your strategy performs in different market conditions and optimizes it through experimentation. You can explore entry conditions while leaving exits flexible, making it an invaluable tool for understanding price behavior. Click here to learn more.
2. Where will my saved strategy appear?
Once saved, your scans will appear on the left side of your chart, where you can search and access them.
3. Do you offer prebuilt strategies?
Yes. You can access prebuilt strategies under the "Built-in" tab. If you'd like to adjust them, click "Make your own copy."
4. Can I import more scans from outside the platform?
Yes. Go to the "Store" tab to access additional strategies, many of which are free.
5. What is the difference between "Any," "All," and "None" in condition settings?
- Any: The scan will show results if any condition is met.
- All: The scan will only show results if all conditions are true.
- None: The scan will exclude results if any conditions are met.
6. Can I backtest on multiple timeframes at once?
You can't with traditional indicators, but you can backtest multiple timeframes using custom indicators that you create.
7. Can I combine long and short strategies?
Currently, long and short strategies must be kept separate.
8. Can I define a date range for backtesting?
Yes, you can customize the date range by selecting "candles" and adjusting the start and end dates.
9. Can I set multiple exit conditions?
Yes, you can select multiple exit conditions from the right side of the Strategy Tester.
10. What does "Price Units" refer to in exit conditions?
"Price Units" represents a fixed price value used for stops or position sizes, rather than volatility-based measures like ATR.
11. What is XATR(7) used for in exit conditions?
XATR(7) measures volatility based on the 7-period Average True Range, often used for stop-loss or target levels.
12. Can I backtest multiple tickers at once?
Yes, you can backtest multiple tickers using the Variance Explorer. Click here to learn more.
13. Can I backtest pre-market and post-market data?
Yes, you can include pre-market and post-market data by selecting "Settings" and checking the "Ext Hours" box.
14. What types of data can I backtest?
You can backtest based on price, indicators, candlestick patterns, AI models, analyst estimates, earnings dates, dividend dates, and stock splits.
15. Can I backtest with custom indicators?
Yes. You can use custom indicators in backtesting, such as seasonality, option data, support/resistance levels, and more.
16. What is the Price Behavior Explorer showing me?
It visualizes how your strategy’s trades would have performed over time, offering deeper insights into price movements. Click here to learn more.
17. What does the Performance Chart show?
The Performance Chart tracks important metrics like equity over time. Solid lines represent your strategy’s performance, while dashed lines show Buy & Hold comparisons. Click here to learn more.
18. Can I adjust the Tabular Data metrics?
Yes, you can customize the displayed metrics by clicking the three dots in the Tabular Data section. Click here to learn more.
19. Can I download my backtesting results to Excel or similar programs?
Yes. Click the arrow button and select "Download Test Results" to export your data via CSV or TSV file.
20. How can I buy the open or sell the close?
Use the Date & Time Indicator to execute strategies that involve buying the open or selling the close. Click here to learn more.
21. Can I share my strategy?
Yes, you can share your strategy by clicking the three-dot icon next to your strategy and selecting "Share." Click here to learn more.
22. Can I launch a strategy as a trading bot?
Yes. Once your strategy is refined, click "Launch as a Bot" to deploy it. Click here to learn more.
23. How can I use a script created in the Strategy Tester in Multi-Factor Alerts or the Market Scanner?
Save your script by pressing the three dots and selecting "Save as Template", then select "Load from Template" in the Multi-Factor Alerts or Market Scanner to transfer it.
24. How can I use a script from the Market Scanner or Multi-Factor Alerts in the Strategy Tester?
Click the three dots in the entry conditions (press "skip to editor" button first), and select "Load from Template" to import scripts from Multi-Factor Alerts or Strategy Tester.
25. What candle types does the Strategy Tester support?
The Strategy Tester supports all available candle types, including Traditional Candlesticks, Raindrops, Heikin Ashi, and Line Charts.