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Algo & options trading, explained simply
Free, plain-English guides for Indian traders — what algorithmic trading is, whether it's legal, what SEBI's rules mean, how backtesting really works, and how to start without writing code or risking real money.
Last updated: 14 June 2026
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What is algo trading?
Plain-English explainer: what algorithmic trading is, how it works, and why Indian retail traders use it.
No-code algo trading in India
How to build and test trading strategies without writing code, using plain English.
How to start algo trading in India
A step-by-step starting point — from idea to backtest to verification on real historical data — without risking real money.
SEBI, legality & safety
Is algo trading legal in India?
What's allowed, what isn't, and how SEBI's framework treats retail algo trading.
SEBI algo trading rules (2026)
The 2025 retail-algo framework and what changes for brokers and traders by April 2026.
Is algo trading safe?
The real risks of automated options trading — and how verifying on real historical data first reduces them.
SEBI-compliant algo trading
How to approach algo trading the compliant way under India's current rules.
Deep dives
How options backtesting works
What a backtest actually does, why fees and slippage matter, and how to read the result honestly.
The honest backtest — costs, slippage & Deflated Sharpe
Current 2026 Indian cost stack, European cash-settlement, the Deflated Sharpe Ratio and Probability of Backtest Overfitting — why most retail backtests overstate returns and how to read one honestly.
SENSEX options algo trading
Trading BSE SENSEX index options systematically — what's different from NIFTY.
How we verify strategies
How verifying a strategy on real historical data with real costs works, and why to do it before risking money.
Options payoff calculator (free tool)
Build a NIFTY or SENSEX options strategy and instantly see its max profit, max loss, breakeven and payoff chart at expiry.
Strategy backtests
How to backtest options strategies
What a trustworthy NIFTY/SENSEX options backtest needs, and how to read the result honestly.
EMA crossover backtest (NIFTY)
Build and backtest a 9/21 EMA crossover options strategy on NIFTY — free, in plain English.
Short straddle backtest (NIFTY)
What a NIFTY short straddle is, its risks, and how to see its payoff free with the strategy builder.
Iron condor backtest (NIFTY)
The four legs, defined risk and breakevens of a NIFTY iron condor — plus a free payoff visualiser.
Options strategies
Options strategies (encyclopedia)
Every NIFTY/SENSEX options strategy — directional, neutral, debit, credit — with payoffs and breakevens.
Bull call spread
Bullish debit spread: buy a lower call, sell a higher call. Limited risk and reward.
Bull put spread
Bullish credit spread that collects net premium with defined risk.
Bear call spread
Bearish credit spread with capped risk and reward.
Bear put spread
Bearish debit spread: buy a higher put, sell a lower put.
Long straddle
Buy an ATM call and put to profit from a big move either way — fully backtestable in Shastra.
Short strangle
Sell an OTM call and put to collect premium in a quiet market — undefined (unlimited) risk.
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Educational information only, not investment advice. Options trading involves substantial risk; past or simulated results do not guarantee future outcomes.