Forward-Testing Definition

Forward-testing, means trading a strategy live with very small size to see how well the strategy (and the trader!) perform in real life.   

Forward-testing is typically done after backtesting to make sure the trading strategy is not the over-optimized result of curve-fitting or data mining.  It also gives a chance to try out the mechanics of entering, tracking and exiting trades.

Extra Insight:

I’ve heard varying advice on the size of trades for forward-testing ranging from smallest possible size - think 1 share – up to just enough to engage the trader’s emotions.

For more insight into this topic, Design, Testing, and Optimization of Trading Systemscomes highly recommended.

(Backtesting Blog is an Amazon Associate.)

Updated: 11/12/08.

October 27th, 2008 Filed under Glossary

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