Last Updated on 20 April, 2023 by Samuelsson
Backtesting is a crucial step in developing a trading strategy, but it is also an area where many traders make mistakes. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes traders make when backtesting and how to avoid them.
1. Not Using an Out-of-Sample Test
One of the most common mistakes traders make when backtesting is not using an out-of-sample test. An out-of-sample test is a test of a trading strategy that is conducted on data that the strategy has not been trained on. This is important because it allows traders to see how their strategy would perform on new data and can help identify overfitting.
To avoid this mistake, traders should always use an out-of-sample test when backtesting their strategies. This can be done by dividing the data into two sets, one for training and one for testing. The strategy should be trained on the training set and then tested on the testing set.
2. Not Considering the Impact of Slippage and Commissions
Another common mistake traders make when backtesting is not considering the impact of slippage and commissions. Slippage is the difference between the price at which a trader intends to enter a trade and the price at which the trade is actually executed. Commissions are the fees that traders pay to their broker for executing a trade.
Both slippage and commissions can have a significant impact on the profitability of a trading strategy. To avoid this mistake, traders should always factor in the estimated costs of slippage and commissions when backtesting their strategies.
3. Not Using a Robust Risk Management Plan
A third common mistake traders make when backtesting is not using a robust risk management plan. Risk management is the process of identifying and mitigating the risks associated with trading. A robust risk management plan should include position sizing, stop loss orders, and risk-reward ratios.
To avoid this mistake, traders should always include a risk management plan when backtesting their strategies. This will help traders identify and mitigate the risks associated with their strategy and can help ensure that their strategy is robust and profitable.
4. Not Testing for Multiple Timeframes
A fourth common mistake traders make when backtesting is not testing for multiple timeframes. Different trading strategies perform better on different timeframes. For example, a swing trading strategy may perform well on the daily timeframe, but not on the hourly timeframe.
To avoid this mistake, traders should always test their strategies on multiple timeframes. This will help traders identify the timeframe that is best suited for their strategy and can help ensure that their strategy is robust and profitable.
5. Not Keeping Records of Backtests
A fifth common mistake traders make when backtesting is not keeping records of backtests. Keeping records of backtests is important because it allows traders to track the performance of their strategies over time. This can help traders identify patterns in the performance of their strategy and can help traders make more informed decisions about their trading.
To avoid this mistake, traders should always keep records of their backtests. This can be done by keeping a spreadsheet or by using a backtesting software that allows traders to save and export their results.
In conclusion, backtesting is an important step in developing a trading strategy. However, traders should be aware of the common mistakes that can be made when backtesting and take steps to avoid them. By using an out-of-sample test, considering the impact of slippage and commissions, using a robust risk management plan, testing for multiple timeframes and keeping records of backtests, traders can help ensure that their backtesting process is as accurate and reliable as possible.
