How complex are the algorithms used by financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and other hedge funds in their proprietary trading so…
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Answer by Laurent Bernut:
Complexity is a form of laziness
Complexity is fragile: it works until it does notThere are two types of algos: low-latency and systematic algos.
Low-latency is the realm of HFT. Those algos can be quite intense. Read dark pools or flash boys. There are now algos gaming other algos. It is a bit like the “sperm war” in the “red queen”, a book on evolutionary psychology.
At the other end of the spectrum is systematic trading. It stems of the belief that if investment is a process, then it should be automated. Those algos are conceptually easy to understand. They are not however always easy to program.
At the end of the day, algos are a reflection of the philosophy, beliefs of those who design and code them. Those who have not mastered their craft will gladly put lipstick on a pig, by adding complexity to flawed concepts.
Those who have worked a bit harder will simplify. Simplicity is not easySorry for the philosophical answer