Algo trading strategy types
What each kind of strategy does, when it tends to work, and the verified algos on Lantern that use it.
Credit Spread strategies
Sells one option and buys a cheaper one further out. Collects premium with a known maximum loss.
- Tends to work in
- Steady markets and time decay near expiry
- Market view
- Non-directional or mildly directional
- Algos
- 3
Momentum strategies
Buys what has been rising fastest and rotates out of laggards. Rides strong trends.
- Tends to work in
- Trending markets with clear leaders
- Market view
- Directional
- Algos
- 3
Trend Following strategies
Follows the direction of a move once it is established and exits when it reverses. Fewer, larger wins.
- Tends to work in
- Long, sustained moves
- Market view
- Directional
- Algos
- 3
Calendar Spread / Carry strategies
Trades the price gap between near and far contracts of the same commodity. Low link to stock-market moves.
- Tends to work in
- Diversifying an equity-heavy portfolio
- Market view
- Non-directional
- Algos
- 1
Factor Rotation strategies
Rotates between stocks by a factor such as dividend yield, quality or value on a fixed schedule.
- Tends to work in
- Long-term, lower-turnover investing
- Market view
- Directional
- Algos
- 1
Iron Condor strategies
Sells a call spread and a put spread around the current price. Earns when the market stays in a range; the bought wings cap the loss.
- Tends to work in
- Range-bound, low-volatility markets
- Market view
- Non-directional
- Algos
- 1
Mean Reversion strategies
Bets that stretched prices return toward their average. Many small trades, short holding periods.
- Tends to work in
- Choppy, range-bound sessions
- Market view
- Directional
- Algos
- 1
Short Straddle strategies
Sells the at-the-money call and put, with protection further out. Earns from time decay when price stays near the strike.
- Tends to work in
- Quiet sessions; needs tight risk control
- Market view
- Non-directional
- Algos
- 1
Not sure which type fits?
The analytics dashboard suggests a set for your risk profile, and Combine shows how different types smooth each other out. New to the terms? See the metrics glossary.