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 strategies will appear on the left panel of the Strategy Tester, 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 strategy will use an OR statement, checking for any of the conditions to be true.
- All: The strategy will use an AND statement, checking for all of the conditions to be true.
- None: The strategy will use an NONE statement, checking for none of the conditions to be true.
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 "Date Range", which is located to the right of the timeframe in the Strategy Tester.
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. This is not to be confused with 'portfolio backtesting', which is not available. Variance Explorer can run up to 52 unique backtests and display the results in one place. 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 price behaved pre and post entry over time, offering deeper insights into price movements. The graph shows # of candles since entry on the X axis and change% on the Y axis. Click here to learn more.
17. What does the Performance Chart show?
The Performance Chart tracks important metrics like equity curve over time. Blue lines represent your strategy’s performance, while grey line 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 "Deploy as a Bot". 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 on the top right of the condition group and selecting "Save as Template", then select "Send To" to transfer it elsewhere.
24. How can I use a script from the Market Scanner or Multi-Factor Alerts in the Strategy Tester?
Click the three dots on the top right of condition group (press "skip to editor" button first), and then select "Send To".
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.
26. Can Sidekick AI analyze my backtesting results?
Yes. After running a backtest, click the “AI Explain” button located to the left of the RUN button. Sidekick will interpret your results, explain the meaning of different data points, and even suggest potential ways to improve your strategy.
26. Can AI help build my strategies for me?
Yes. Select the 'AI' button in the upper right-hand corner of your Entry or Exit Condition box. Then you can define or alter your entry conditions there.
27. Do my monthly Sidekick messages count towards my monthly total when analyzing backtest results?
Yes, anytime Sidekick responds to a query, it will consume a message.
28. Do my monthly Sidekick messages count if I have AI help build my strategies entry and exit conditions?
No. When creating an entry or exit script, you can describe the script conditions—by text or voice— using our AI Visual Scripting tool. Using the AI Visual Scripting tool does not consume Sidekick messages. You can access this tool by clicking the AI button on the right side of your script condition group under Entry Conditions, as well as under Exit Conditions.