Introduction: Why You Should Care About Algorithmic Trading
We live in a time when algorithms are increasingly dominating financial markets. Whether you’re a student, a tech professional, or a curious retail trader, understanding the world of algorithmic trading can open up life-changing career and income opportunities. But where do you start? You need structured, clear guidance with an ocean of confusing content online. That’s where algo trading books and well-designed learning paths like EPAT (Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading) come in.
What Are Algo Trading Books and Why Are They Important?
Algo trading books are an entry point into the world of quantitative and algorithmic trading. One such book that stands out is “The Guide to Automated Trading for Beginners” by QuantInsti. Initially launched as a collection of essays, the book evolved into a rich, updated, comprehensive beginner’s guide. It doesn’t dive into complex math or programming but gives you a clear overview of algorithmic trading, why it matters, and what tools and skills you’ll need.
Highlights of the book:
- Simple language and structured format
- Ideal for non-programmers
- Discusses components of a trading system
- Introduces trading strategies like mean-reversion and momentum
- Offers resources and a reading list for deeper learning
It’s a free resource and perfect for those who want to taste the quant world.
Who Is Algorithmic Trading For?
Algorithmic trading isn’t just for Wall Street quants or investment bankers. It’s for:
- University Students Exploring Career Paths
- Technology professionals with programming skills
- Engineers and data scientists looking to pivot
- Retail traders and hobbyists aiming to trade smarter
- Anyone curious about financial markets and data-driven decision-making
If you relate to any of the above, you’re already a good fit to begin your journey with an algorithmic trading course.
The Perfect Starting Point: QuantInsti’s Free Book
QuantInsti’s book, “Algorithmic trading: a rough & ready guide” is tailored to help people without formal finance or programming backgrounds. It breaks down:
- The history of algorithmic trading
- Trading system components
- Examples of real-world automated trading strategies
- Skills needed to transition into this field
This makes it one of the most valuable algo trading books for beginners.
What This Book Does Not Cover
This beginner-friendly book is not meant to make you an expert overnight. It doesn’t delve into complex algorithms, advanced statistical models, or machine learning strategies. Nor does it teach programming from scratch. If that’s your goal, you can explore QuantInsti’s more advanced resources or the Python programming book co-authored by Vivek Krishnamoorthy.
Taking the Next Step: Enroll in an Algorithmic Trading Course
Once you’ve read a foundational algo trading book, the next step is hands-on, structured learning through an algorithmic trading course. That’s where the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT) comes in.
Why Choose EPAT?
- Led by global experts like Dr Ernest P. Chan and Dr Thomas Starke
- Covers essential domains: Statistics, Python, Financial Computing, Machine Learning
- 6-month programme with placement support
- Live project mentorship
- Hands-on exposure with APIs and brokers like Alpaca
- Excellent alumni network and hiring partners
EPAT is more than a course; it’s a full career-launching ecosystem.
Live Learning Opportunity: The EPAT Webinar
QuantInsti frequently hosts EPAT Roadmap Webinars to help you understand what EPAT offers. These live sessions offer:
- Detailed insights into the course
- Real stories from EPAT alumni
- A peek into placement assistance and mentorship support
- A chance to ask questions and get personalized guidance
From Basics to Mastery: Advanced Algorithmic Trading Learning Track
Already familiar with the basics? Then, step into the world of Advanced Algorithmic Trading with QuantInsti’s 59-hour comprehensive learning track. This bundle is perfect for traders wanting to implement powerful strategies like:
- Momentum and Mean-Reversion
- Index Arbitrage
- Long-Short Pairs and Triplet Trading
- Order Flow Analysis and Medium-Frequency Trading (MFT)
You’ll also learn:
- How to generate and optimize alpha
- Use of machine learning for enhancing strategies
- Deploying quantitative models into live trading
These algorithmic trading courses are authored by Dr. Ernest Chan and Dr. Thomas Starke and offer lifetime access.
Real-World Case Study: Chris’s Journey with EPAT
Case Study: From Engineering to Quant Trading
After completing his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University and Master’s from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Chris Luman had a successful career in the automobile industry. Working as a Senior Hardware Engineer, his professional life was on track—until a severe injury in 2018 made him reevaluate his financial resilience.
While recovering, Chris explored trading blogs and stumbled upon QuantInsti. With limited knowledge of algo trading but a background in statistics and machine learning, he found EPAT to be the perfect fit.
EPAT transformed Chris’s understanding of Python and trading strategies. He became proficient in libraries like pandas and applied these tools in trading and his engineering work. His friends now turn to him for insights on options and investment strategies.
He’s building a tool to benchmark famous investors’ portfolios and use it for macro-level decision-making. He has even implemented his own system with SEC Edgar data and plans to integrate machine learning into his strategy.
“EPAT took me from zero to hero in options trading. It gave me the structure and confidence to build real strategies.”
Today, Chris continues his journey with advanced Quantra courses and inspires fellow engineers to explore algorithmic trading.
Key Takeaways: Your Roadmap to Algorithmic Trading
- Start with solid reading – Begin with free algo trading books like the one offered by QuantInsti.
- Build structured knowledge – Join an algorithmic trading course like EPAT for hands-on learning.
- Level up with advanced strategies – Dive into advanced algorithmic trading with QuantInsti’s 59-hour course bundle.
- Use the community – Tap into EPAT’s alumni network and mentoring system.
- Stay curious and updated – Follow global trends, read recommended books like “The Man Who Solved the Market,” and never stop learning.
Final Thoughts: Why Now Is the Time
With financial markets evolving rapidly, the ability to trade using algorithms is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether you’re looking to change careers, hedge your financial risks, or just get better at investing, the resources and guidance provided by QuantInsti can make a world of difference.
Algo trading books give you the foundation, while structured programs like EPAT help you go deep and apply your knowledge in the real world. So don’t wait—start your algorithmic trading journey today.
Ready to Begin? Start with the free Guide to Automated Trading for Beginners. Then level up your skills with EPAT or dive into Advanced Algorithmic Trading strategies. Your journey to becoming a proficient quant trader starts now.
