What are you gentlemen using for backtesting?

General
1

I am looking to quickly back test some option buying breakout strategies, some reversal strategies based on candlestick patterns and in general was looking to see where I could run my backtests … I used streak a few times to build strategies, but when it came to backtesting, I figured that only something like amibroker and me learning AFL seemed like a better option. Ihave access to historical data that I can use to backtest

Before plunging into amibroker or any other system, I wanted to check with you folks on what is the latest/greatest/most flexible backtesting softwares/systems for the Indian markets.

Thanks

2

If you’re looking to backtest quick option to technical analysis strategies, candlestick-based reversals, or other strategies your choice of platform depends on the level of flexibility and customization you need. For simpler technical analysis with an easy-to-use interface, platforms like Streak are great, but they may lack deep customization options. For more advanced, highly customizable backtesting, AmiBroker is a best choice, especially with its AFL scripting. If you’re comfortable with programming, Python or R offers even greater flexibility for complex strategies, allowing you to fully leverage your access to historical data.

3

I tried some of the existing platforms, but they were oriented towards option sellers and very limited in what they could do. So, I ended up writing my own scripts for backtesting option buying Algos.

4

My Suggestions
For Directional : Pine Script Trading View
For Option Sellers: AlgoTest
For Flexibility: Code your own , easiest to achieve this will be using python.

5

Thanks for the reply. To get a sense of what I am looking to backtest

  • Candlestick reversals
  • Taking trades when two stocks are in sync
  • Option breakouts and breakdowns at a pair level
  • Breakouts
  • Volume based breakouts in different symbols and then taking a trade in an index

Not comfortable with python/R. But if required, will work with someone competent to do that. Would that require rolling a new backtesting engine or are there existing backtesting engines that exist in python that you suggest?

With Amibroker are these things possible or at which point do they stop working? What are their limitations really - I haven’t been able to identify that… would you know?

6

For backtesting strategies like candlestick reversals, option breakouts, and pair-based strategies, can be achieved using AFL Language.
AmiBroker is highly flexible and widely used and you can create advanced backtesting models using AFL (AmiBroker Formula Language).
It’s fast, efficient, and handles large historical data well. Highly customizable for technical indicators, candlestick patterns, and custom conditions.

7

What are some of the top things you cannot do with Amibroker and AFL?