Running Two Separate Strategies in a Single TradeStation Account

Fact checked by
Mike Christensen, CFOA
December 3, 2024
Traders running multiple strategies in a single TradeStation account may encounter conflicts when closing positions. The best solution is to use separate accounts to keep strategies fully independent.

Managing Multiple Strategies in TradersPost

Traders who want to run two separate strategies within a single TradeStation account may face challenges when executing trades with different entry and exit conditions. The main issue arises when sending a close or cancel command for one strategy, as it may unintentionally affect the other strategy’s positions.

Why Separate Strategies Can Conflict

TradersPost manages positions at the broker level, not at the strategy level. This means that when a command is sent to exit a position, it applies to all positions in the account, regardless of which strategy originally opened them.

For example, if two strategies are both trading ES futures and one strategy sends a close command, TradersPost will close all ES contracts, including those opened by the other strategy.

The Best Solution: Separate Broker Accounts

To avoid conflicts, the recommended approach is to open a second TradeStation account and run each strategy separately. This ensures that:

• Each strategy maintains its own independent positions and orders.

• Exit commands from one strategy do not affect the other.

• Position tracking remains accurate and isolated for each strategy.

Conclusion

Running multiple strategies in a single TradeStation account can lead to unexpected position closures because TradersPost manages trades at the broker level. The most reliable solution is to use separate accounts for each strategy, ensuring that entries, exits, and position tracking remain independent.

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