Algorithmic trading
Algorithmic trading is the use of computer programs to automatically execute trades in financial markets based on predefined criteria, such as timing, price, quantity, and market conditions, enabling rapid and systematic order placement beyond human capabilities.[1] It encompasses a range of strategies, from execution algorithms that minimize market impact to high-frequency trading (HFT) that exploits microsecond price discrepancies.[2] Originating in the 1970s with rudimentary rule-based systems on early electronic exchanges, algorithmic trading proliferated in the 1990s and 2000s due to deregulation, computational advances, and the shift to automated platforms, now accounting for approximately 70% of U.S. equity trading volume.[3][4] Empirical evidence indicates it enhances liquidity and narrows bid-ask spreads under normal conditions by providing continuous quoting and efficient price discovery, thereby lowering transaction costs for investors.[5][1] Nonetheless, correlated algorithmic behaviors have been linked to amplified volatility during stress events, such as the 2010 Flash Crash, where a large sell order triggered cascading liquidations, though markets recovered swiftly, highlighting both efficiency gains and potential systemic risks from herding and feedback loops.[1][2]