Projects

SPX Iron Condor Trading System

Systematic options strategy with institutional-grade backtesting

Production Ready
65.8%
Win Rate
+32.43%
Return
1.19
Profit Factor
Finance & Trading
Python, ThetaData, Options
Production Ready
CHALLENGE

Options Strategy Validation

Options strategies require rigorous backtesting with realistic execution modeling. Most backtests use unrealistic fills or incomplete data, leading to false confidence in strategy performance.

Need for institutional-grade backtesting
Realistic execution modeling required
Validation across multiple time periods
SOLUTION

Institutional-Grade Backtesting

Systematic iron condor strategy validated across 155 trades using ThetaData with realistic execution modeling. Achieved consistent 60%+ win rate across 2 independent time periods.

ThetaData API for institutional-grade options data
Realistic execution modeling and slippage
Multi-period validation for consistency

Business Impact

0%
Win Rate
Consistent across validation periods
+0%
Total Return
Across 155 validated trades
0
Profit Factor
Risk-adjusted performance metric

Technical Architecture

Trading
Python
ThetaData API
Analysis
Algorithmic Trading
Risk Management
Backtesting

Framework & Approach

Systematic options strategy with multi-period validation (1-year and 3-month independent tests). Achieved consistent 60%+ win rate through rigorous statistical validation and realistic execution modeling.

1

Phase 0: Foundation - Documentation, three-tier architecture design (backtest/paper/live)

2

Phase 1: ThetaData Setup - Auto-start terminal, API connectivity validation

3

Phase 2: Historical Data - SPXW options chain fetcher, smart DTE calculation, data validation

4

Phase 3: Strategy Logic - Strike selection algorithm, 4-leg iron condor construction, VIX filtering

5

Phase 4: Backtest Engine - Intraday monitoring, overnight gap modeling, realistic P&L calculation

6

Phase 5: Results Analysis - Metrics calculation, Option Omega benchmark comparison

7

Phase 6: Multi-Period Validation - 1-year and 3-month independent validation, IBKR conversion assessment

What This Project Demonstrates

Transferable skills and capabilities beyond the technical implementation

Rigorous Validation Methodology

Validated across TWO independent time periods (1-year: 65.8% WR, 3-month: 61.2% WR). Win rate stable across both periods proves robust edge, not luck. 155+ trades for statistical significance.

Statistical AnalysisValidation DesignScientific Rigor

Infrastructure Research

Discovered SPX (AM-settled) vs SPXW (PM-settled) difference before implementation. Researched infrastructure constraints saved weeks of potential rework. Settlement timing critical for options strategies.

Technical ResearchProactive PlanningDomain Knowledge

Counterintuitive Finding - NO STOPS

Stop losses triggered at -$255 avg vs -$38 expected (6.7x worse) due to overnight gaps. Tested NO STOPS: 87.1% WR vs 58.6% with stops. Data-driven approach revealed non-obvious optimization.

Data-Driven DecisionsCounterintuitive InsightsRisk Management

Production Readiness Assessment

Backtest: +32.43%. Estimated slippage/commissions: -15%. Projected live: +21.9% annually (still profitable with margin of safety). Honest cost modeling prevents surprises.

Production PlanningCost ModelingRealistic Expectations