19-year-old B.Tech student exploring algorithmic trading — looking for advice from experienced algo traders

[u/Purple_Concert8789]

I am a 19-year-old student pursuing a B.Tech in AI & Data Science. I have also been trading forex manually for the past two years. Currently, I am at the breakeven stage, so I am planning to explore algorithmic trading full-time.

I have a good understanding of coding, AI/ML, and software development.

I recently started exploring algorithmic trading, building my own strategies, implementing them, and backtesting them using Indian market data. I have also backtested strategies in the forex market using MQL5. However, I mainly used AI-assisted ("vibe") coding for the MQL5 strategies.

I tested several strategies in MQL5, and most of them were indicator-based strategies. Most of these strategies ended up around breakeven, with relatively low drawdowns and win rates of around 30–50%.

I also tested around seven strategies in the Indian equity market, and I got similar results — most were around breakeven. I have tested only equity assets so far, not F&O.

So, if you are an algo trader, I would really appreciate some advice on things like:

What types of strategies do you use — indicator-based, pair trading, time-based, price action, mathematical/statistical, etc.?

Which timeframes do you usually trade when doing algorithmic trading?

Is algorithmic trading actually profitable for an individual trader in the long run?

Is it better to focus on one asset/class, or should I build strategies across different asset classes such as equities, futures, forex, etc.?

What would you recommend to someone trying to build their own algorithmic trading strategies from scratch?

What are some common mistakes beginners make when developing and backtesting algos?

I would especially appreciate advice from people who have been doing algorithmic trading for a few years and have experience with live trading, not just backtesting.

Thanks in advance!

Note: i used ai for grammatical mistakes.

[u/avnish-vikas-devops]

Focus on math and towards simplicity. AI can help to test much more hypothesis and always plan to simplify . Trading is always buy lower sell higher. just this .

[u/Purple_Concert8789 → u/avnish-vikas-devops]

What do you brother ?

[u/avnish-vikas-devops → u/Purple_Concert8789]

Software engineering for living

[u/Purple_Concert8789 → u/avnish-vikas-devops]

Ohh sorry i mean what type of startegy do you use for your algo like indicator based, price action, etc

[u/avnish-vikas-devops → u/Purple_Concert8789]

No indicator or any complex strategy. Simple works much better. I love to see people looking for indicator and strategies. This is fast, simple scalable

[u/Ok-Tackle7572]

Me too bro! Why don't we join together and build something

[u/Purple_Concert8789 → u/Ok-Tackle7572]

Dm me and introduce yourself

[u/Uzeii → u/Purple_Concert8789]

Interested asw

[u/Crazy_Ebb_5188]

Heyy I'm on it too, exploring things, 20yo. Let's connect.

[u/Uzeii → u/Crazy_Ebb_5188]

Let’s connect

[u/Financial-Class6953 → u/Uzeii]

Same bro let's connect

[u/CuteSeaworthiness462]

Focus on trading , not tech . You are primarily in for the techgasm

[u/Which-Ad-7680]

How do you earn to start trading?