Automated Trading Blog

Real talk about building, running, and not blowing up your trading algos

Apr 10, 2026 11 min read
Prop Firms

Prop Firm Trailing Drawdown Explained for Algo Traders: Apex vs Topstep in 2026

Trailing drawdown kills more algo accounts than bad entries. We break down Apex vs Topstep's drawdown rules, the new 50% consistency rule, and how to configure your NinjaTrader bot to survive.

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Feb 10, 2026 8 min read
Beginner Guide

How to Set Up Automated Trading on NinjaTrader 8

We walk you through getting your first algo running on NinjaTrader 8 -- from installing the platform to placing your first automated trade. No prior coding experience needed.

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Feb 3, 2026 10 min read
Comparison

NQ vs ES Futures: Which Is Better for Algo Trading?

NASDAQ-100 and S&P 500 futures are the two most popular contracts for algo traders. We break down volatility and liquidity, margin requirements, and which one fits your algo strategy better.

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Jan 27, 2026 12 min read
Strategy Guide

How to Pass a Prop Firm Evaluation with an Algorithm

Prop firms offer funded accounts, but passing their evaluations is no joke. Here's how to set up your algo to stay within drawdown limits, hit consistency rules, and clear the profit targets evaluators actually care about.

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Jan 20, 2026 9 min read
Data Analysis

Algo vs Manual Trading -- Which Actually Wins in 2026?

Is automated trading actually better than manual trading in 2026? We compare execution speed and emotional discipline. We dig into consistency metrics and actual performance numbers to settle this once and for all.

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Jan 13, 2026 14 min read
Deep Dive

Trading Gold Futures with an Algo: What You Need to Know

Gold (GC) futures trade differently than the index contracts most algo traders are used to. We cover session timing, how volatility shifts throughout the day, and what to tweak in your algo to actually make it work on gold.

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Jan 6, 2026 7 min read
Education

7 Common Mistakes in Algorithmic Futures Trading

From over-optimizing backtests to ignoring slippage, these seven mistakes cost algo traders real money. We've seen all of them firsthand -- here's how to dodge each one before you go live.

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