Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions that matter most
Three Things to Know
A quick mental model before going deeper.
1
Systematic Strategy
Rule-based signals. No discretionary overrides.
2
Non-Custodial
Your funds stay at your broker. You control permissions.
3
Real Risk
Drawdowns happen. This is not a low-volatility product.
Two examples:
- It can buy after panic-driven selloffs and sell into strength.
- Holding periods are typically measured in weeks, not minutes.
Most Important Questions
Is my money safe?
Yes — Stratuye is non-custodial. Your funds never leave your own brokerage account. We only send trade instructions via API after you grant permission.
Is this backtested or live?
Backtested 2018–2026 (7,709 trades). Live demo validation has been in progress since October 2025.
What happens during drawdowns?
Drawdowns are part of systematic strategies. The maximum backtested drawdown was −17.79%. You should only participate if this level of volatility is acceptable.
How much does it cost?
20% performance fee on net new profits only (high-water mark). No subscription, no management fee. $600 minimum account size.
Strategy & Logic
What type of strategy is this?
A systematic, rule-based contrarian equity strategy. It buys when markets exhibit panic-like conditions and sells into strength — all determined by fixed mathematical rules with no discretionary overrides.
How does the strategy make decisions?
The system scans a broad universe for rule-defined buy and sell conditions. When signals trigger, trades are sent to your broker via API. Holding periods are typically 2–8 weeks.
What is the typical holding period?
Most positions are held for 2–8 weeks. This is not day trading — the strategy is designed for medium-term systematic allocation.
Can I override or modify trades?
No. The strategy is fully automated with no discretionary input. If you want manual control, this is not the right approach for you.
Is the strategy always fully invested?
Exposure is dynamic and depends on signals and portfolio rules. It is not designed to maintain constant leverage.
Risk & Drawdowns
Can I lose money?
Yes. All trading involves risk of loss, including total loss of capital. The maximum backtested drawdown was −17.79%. Future drawdowns may be larger.
What happens during drawdowns?
Drawdowns are expected in systematic strategies. The system continues to follow its rules (no manual “pause” by default), and risk is managed through portfolio rules and exposure controls.
Is past performance guaranteed?
No. Past performance — including backtested results — does not guarantee future results. The strategy may underperform or lose money.
Does the strategy use leverage?
The strategy may use up to 2× gross exposure at peak positions. This is capped, not constant. Leverage can amplify both gains and losses.
Execution & Custody
What does “non-custodial” mean?
Stratuye never holds, controls, or has withdrawal access to your funds. Your capital stays in your own brokerage account. We only send trade instructions via API.
How are trades executed?
When a signal triggers, Stratuye sends an execution-only instruction through your broker’s API. The order is executed by your broker and becomes immediately visible in your account.
Which brokers are supported?
Currently Alpaca. Interactive Brokers integration is planned. All supported brokers are U.S.-regulated and SIPC members.
Can I disconnect anytime?
Yes. You can revoke API access from your broker dashboard at any time. There is no lock-up period and no penalty for disconnecting.
Performance & Verification
How is performance calculated?
Reported metrics are based on the stated backtest period and methodology. Benchmarks are shown for context, and drawdown is calculated from the equity curve.
Is this backtested or live?
Backtested 2018–2026 (7,709 trades). Live demo validation has been in progress since October 2025.
Can I audit the backtest results?
You can request access to review additional documentation and methodology details.
Pricing & Access
Do demo account results incur fees?
No. Performance fees apply only to live trading with real capital. Demo account trading is for validation and carries no fees.
How does pricing work?
20% performance fee on net new profits only (high-water mark). No subscription and no management fee.
What is the minimum account size?
$600 minimum account size.
How is access granted?
Request access to review documentation and onboarding steps. If you proceed, you’ll authorize execution-only API access through your broker.
Strategy vs. Alternatives
How is this different from trading bots or Expert Advisors?
Stratuye operates a single, centrally maintained version of the strategy. Participants do not configure parameters or install software locally. Execution occurs through authorized broker API connections.
How Stratuye Compares
| Feature | Self-Directed | Passive Indexing | Traditional Active | Expert Advisors | Stratuye |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who sets it up? | You | You | Manager | You | Stratuye |
| Ongoing maintenance | You | None | Manager | You (tuning/monitoring) | Stratuye |
| Custody of funds | You | You | Varies | You | You (non-custodial) |
| Transparency | High | High | Often limited | Medium (depends) | High (in your broker) |
| Automation | Manual | Automatic (market) | Discretionary | Automated (self-managed) | Automated (managed) |
| Fees | Broker fees | Low | High | Software/spreads | 20% of net new profits |
Note: Strategy Not Designed for Manual Replication
This is an automated, rule-based approach. If you want to manually copy trades, change parameters frequently, or intervene during drawdowns, this may not be the right fit.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to clarify anything before you decide.