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Backtest Runner

The Backtest Runner is an interactive visualization tool that lets you watch your trading strategy execute against historical market data in real-time or fast-forward to see the results.

Overview​

After creating a backtest, you're taken to the Backtest Runner page where you can:

  • Watch candle-by-candle execution
  • See buy and sell signals in real-time
  • Track profit and loss (PNL) movements
  • Monitor portfolio value changes
  • Skip ahead to final results

Playback Controls​

The runner provides several playback options:

⏸️ Pause​

Stop the backtest at any point to analyze the current state:

  • Review recent trades
  • Check current position
  • Examine indicator values
  • Analyze market conditions

▶️ Play (Normal Speed)​

Run the backtest at a steady pace (300ms per candle):

  • Best for: Learning how your strategy behaves
  • Use case: Understanding entry and exit timing
  • Speed: Comfortable viewing speed

⏩ Fast Forward​

Run the backtest quickly (50ms per candle):

  • Best for: Quick overview of strategy performance
  • Use case: Scanning through long time periods
  • Speed: 6x faster than normal play

⏭️ Skip to End​

Jump directly to the final results:

  • Best for: When you just want the bottom line
  • Use case: Quick performance check
  • Speed: Instant results

🔄 Stop/Restart​

Reset the backtest to the beginning:

  • Use case: Rewatch the simulation
  • Resets: All positions, trades, and metrics

Real-Time Metrics​

As the backtest runs, you'll see live updates of:

Current Portfolio​

  • Cash Balance: Your available quote currency
  • Asset Holdings: Amount of base currency held
  • Total Value: Combined value of cash + holdings
  • Unrealized PNL: Profit/loss on open positions

Performance Indicators​

  • Total Return: Overall profit/loss percentage
  • Annual Return: Annualized return rate (APY)
  • Number of Trades: Total buy/sell operations
  • Current Position: Whether you're holding or in cash

Comparison Metrics​

  • Bot Performance: Your strategy's results
  • Buy & Hold Performance: Simple buy-and-hold comparison
  • Outperformance: How much better (or worse) than buy-and-hold

Visual Elements​

Candlestick Chart​

  • Price Action: Historical price movements
  • Buy Signals: Green markers showing entry points
  • Sell Signals: Red markers showing exit points
  • Current Candle: Highlighted candle being processed

Signal Indicators​

Watch for signal badges:

  • 🟢 BUY: Strategy generated a buy signal
  • 🔴 SELL: Strategy generated a sell signal
  • ⚪ HOLD: No action taken
  • 🛑 STOP LOSS: Position closed by stop loss
  • 🎯 TAKE PROFIT: Position closed by take profit

Progress Tracking​

Completion Percentage​

A progress bar shows:

  • How much of the historical data has been processed
  • Estimated candles remaining
  • Current date in the simulation

Time Range Display​

Shows the backtest period:

  • Start Date: When simulation began
  • Current Date: Current position in time
  • End Date: When simulation will end
  • Days Elapsed: Total trading days simulated

Why Watch Step-by-Step?​

Understanding Strategy Behavior​

Running the backtest slowly helps you:

  1. Identify Entry Patterns

    • What market conditions trigger buys?
    • Are entries occurring at good prices?
    • Is the strategy too aggressive or too conservative?

  2. Analyze Exit Timing

    • Are exits happening too early?
    • Is the strategy holding too long?
    • Are stop losses being triggered frequently?

  3. Spot Problem Areas

    • Consecutive losing trades
    • Periods of no activity
    • Volatile drawdowns

  4. Learn Market Dynamics

    • How the strategy handles bull markets
    • Performance during bear markets
    • Behavior in ranging/sideways conditions

Example Insights​

Scenario: You notice the strategy buys right before a major price drop.

Insight: Your buy signal might be too eager. Consider:

  • Adding a confirmation indicator
  • Adjusting oversold thresholds
  • Implementing a trend filter

Scenario: You see multiple small wins followed by one large loss.

Insight: Your risk management needs improvement. Consider:

  • Tightening stop loss
  • Implementing trailing stops
  • Adjusting position sizing

Interactive Features​

Click to Pause​

Click anywhere on the chart to pause and examine that specific moment in detail.

Hover for Details​

Hover over:

  • Candles: See OHLC prices
  • Signals: View entry/exit details
  • Trades: Check profit/loss for that trade

When to Use Each Mode​

ModeBest ForDuration
PlayLearning strategy behavior5-15 minutes
Fast ForwardQuick review of long periods1-3 minutes
Skip to EndJust checking final metricsInstant
Step-by-Step PauseDeep analysis of specific eventsVariable

Next Steps​

Once the backtest completes (or you skip to the end), you'll be directed to the Backtest Results page for detailed analysis.

Tips for Effective Analysis​

  1. Watch the First Few Trades: See how the strategy begins
  2. Pause During Drawdowns: Understand what caused losses
  3. Note Winning Streaks: Identify optimal market conditions
  4. Compare Against Chart: See if entries/exits make visual sense
  5. Use Fast Forward for Long Periods: Save time on ranging markets

Common Observations​

Healthy Strategy Behavior​

  • ✅ Wins and losses are distributed evenly
  • ✅ No catastrophic single losses
  • ✅ Respects stop losses and take profits
  • ✅ Trades align with visible market patterns

Warning Signs​

  • ⚠️ Long periods with no trades (too conservative)
  • ⚠️ Excessive trading on every candle (too aggressive)
  • ⚠️ Buying right at tops, selling at bottoms (poor timing)
  • ⚠️ Stops frequently triggered (incorrect parameters)

Understanding these patterns helps you refine your strategy before risking real money.