Quantopian's community platform is shutting down. Please read this post for more information and download your code.
Back to Community
Why this algorithm does not trade?

Hi,

I have created an algorithm based on several factors, however it won't buy or sell anything.
Can you please tell me what the problem is?

1 response

The issue is in the way python 2 assumes integer division. The following statement is the culprit

max_longs = 1 / positions  
max_shorts = 1 / positions

Both of those values will calculate to zero. Force it to use floating point division like this

max_longs = 1.0 / positions  
max_shorts = 1.0 / positions

Note this changes in python 3 where floating point division is assumed.

As an aside, you can attach an algo to a post by running a backtest. No need to cut and paste it into a notebook.

Disclaimer

The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by Quantopian. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. No information contained herein should be regarded as a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action as none of Quantopian nor any of its affiliates is undertaking to provide investment advice, act as an adviser to any plan or entity subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity, or give advice in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the materials presented herein. If you are an individual retirement or other investor, contact your financial advisor or other fiduciary unrelated to Quantopian about whether any given investment idea, strategy, product or service described herein may be appropriate for your circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Quantopian makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances.