# AlgoEdge Quick Start

> Master real-time options trade alerts in 10 minutes - 9 channels, SPX 0DTE strategy, and institutional flow detection for day traders.

Source: https://tradeecho.com/docs/features/algoedge/quick-start (updated 2026-07-06)

Master real-time options trade alerts in 10 minutes. For day traders and options flow traders.

![AlgoEdge showing large trades, volume by time, and unusual activity](https://tradeecho.com/docs/img/app/algoedge.png)

## What is AlgoEdge?

AlgoEdge is your real-time options trade alert system that monitors and tracks significant options trades across the market, helping you spot high-momentum setups for day trading, especially 0DTE (zero days to expiration) opportunities.

### What You Get

- **Real-time Alerts:** Instant notifications for large, unusual, or high-value trades
- **9 Specialized Channels:** Each filtering trades for specific strategies
- **Search Ticker Box:** Filter alerts by specific stocks
- **Summary Statistics:** Right-side panel with market insights
- **Auto-Refresh:** Updates every 60 seconds automatically

### Key Benefits

- Spot institutional activity before it moves the market
- Identify 0DTE opportunities for quick day trading gains
- Track momentum before it becomes obvious to everyone
- Filter out noise to focus on high-impact trades only

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## The 9 Channels Explained

| Channel | What It Shows | Best For |
|---------|---------------|----------|
| **Large Trades** | Biggest options trades across all stocks | Major market movements, institutional activity |
| **Executive Trades** | High-volume SPY and QQQ with short expirations | Index-based strategies, ETF trading |
| **SPX 0DTE** | Same-day expiry SPX trades only | Fast-paced day trading, high leverage |
| **Momentum Trades** | High-volume, low-priced, near-term | Catching momentum early |
| **Directional Trades** | Trades showing specific market direction | Following smart money |
| **Weekly Trades** | Large trades expiring within a week | Short-term market bets |
| **High Value 0DTE** | High-impact same-day across major indices | Intraday opportunities |
| **Small Trades** | Smaller, high-volume outside major indices | Niche momentum opportunities |
| **Insider Trades** | Aggressive far-OTM bets flagged by the insider-detection algorithm (adds an OTM % column) | Pre-catalyst research, unusual conviction on single names |

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## Finding the Best Trades

### What Makes a Good Alert?

- **Size:** >1,000 contracts (shows institutional interest)
- **Value:** >$250K (significant capital at risk)
- **Single-sided:** Just calls OR just puts (not both)
- **Far OTM:** 5%+ from current price (high leverage potential)
- **Repeat signals:** Same direction multiple times

### What to Avoid

- Paired trades (buying calls AND puts - hedging)
- Small size (under 100 contracts - retail noise)
- Near-the-money strikes (low leverage)
- Counter-trend moves (fighting the market)

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## SPX 0DTE Day Trading Strategy

### 6-Step Checklist

1. **Identify Large Trades** - Size >1,000, Value >$250K, single-sided
2. **Check Market Context** - SPX moved 1%+, clear trend, above-average volume
3. **Look for Far OTM Strikes** - 5-10% from current, low premium $0.50-$3
4. **Wait for Repeat Signals** - Multiple same-direction, 5+ minutes continuous flow, increasing size
5. **Execute Quickly** - Within 5-10 min, 20% stop, 50-100% target
6. **Manage** - Take 50% profit quickly, let runner ride, exit 1-2 hr before close

### Example: Perfect SPX 0DTE Trade

**Alert:** "SPX 5900 Calls @ 3.00 - Size: 1200x - Value: $360K - Time: 10:15 AM"

**Your Action:**

- Check: SPX at $5,875 (strike $5900 = +1.5% away)
- Context: SPX up 0.8% today, bullish momentum
- Enter: Buy 3 contracts at $3.00 = $900
- Target: $6.00 (100% gain) = $900 profit
- Stop: $2.40 (20% stop) = $180 max loss
- Exit: Close by 3:00 PM no matter what

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## NDX Morning Sniper Strategy

Capture quick gains at market open:

1. Monitor at 9:30 AM ET - Check AlgoEdge as market opens
2. Find OTM NDX Calls - Look for calls above NDX price with >$250K value
3. Trade with trend - Only trade in the market's direction
4. Act fast - Enter within 5-10 minutes as prices spike
5. Lock profits - Exit at 50-100% gains quickly

NDX is extremely volatile - use smaller position sizes.

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## Risk Management Rules

### Golden Rules

- **Position Sizing:** Only risk 1-2% of account per trade
- **Stop-Losses:** Always set a 20% stop below entry
- **Time Decay:** Exit 0DTE trades 1-2 hours before expiration
- **Verify Signals:** Don't trade blind - check price action
- **Pattern Day Trader:** Avoid if account under $25K

### Position Sizing Example

- Account: $10,000
- Max Risk: 2% = $200
- Option: $3.00, Stop: $2.40 (20%)
- Max Loss Per Contract: $0.60
- Contracts: $200 / $0.60 = 3 contracts max

### Common Mistakes

- **No Stop Loss** - Always set a stop-loss before entering
- **Over-Sizing** - Risk $200 max on $10K account, not $5,000
- **Holding Into Close** - Exit all 0DTE trades by 3:00 PM
- **Trading Small Alerts** - Only trade >1,000 contract alerts

### PDT Protection

If you have less than $25K:

- Limited to 3 day trades per 5 trading days
- 0DTE = day trading (enter and exit same day)
- Choose your 3 best setups per week only
- Consider swing trading instead

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## Using Summary Statistics

The right-side panel shows real-time market insights.

### Key Metrics

- **Total Trades** - High = active market, Low = quiet
- **Total Value** - High = big money moving, expect volatility
- **Most Active Time** - Best entry times (9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM)

### Visual Analytics

- **Top 5 Tickers** - Where big money is focused
- **Call vs Put Ratio** - 3:1 = very bullish, 1:3 = very bearish
- **30-Minute Intervals** - Volume spikes = best times to trade
- **Top Trades by Value** - Biggest institutional moves
- **Repeat Tickers** - Sustained interest = higher probability
- **Unusual Tickers** - Rare activity = contrarian opportunities

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## Quick Reference

### Daily Workflow

1. Open Algo Edge at market open
2. Switch to SPX 0DTE channel
3. Wait for >1,000 contract, >$250K alert
4. Verify with market context
5. Enter with 20% stop, 50-100% target
6. Exit by 2 PM no matter what
7. Review stats for tomorrow's plan

### Decision Tree

- Size >1,000? No - Ignore. Yes - Continue
- Value >$250K? No - Ignore. Yes - Continue
- Single-sided (calls OR puts)? No - Ignore. Yes - Continue
- Strike 5%+ from current? No - Ignore. Yes - Continue
- Market moving same direction? No - Ignore. Yes - Enter trade

### Top 3 Rules

1. **Size Matters** - Only trade >1,000 contracts and >$250K value
2. **Verify Everything** - Check price action, trend, and volume before entering
3. **Protect Your Capital** - Always set stops, size positions, exit by 2 PM

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## Common Questions

**Q: Which channel is best?**  
A: SPX 0DTE for day trading. Large Trades for swing trading.

**Q: How often should I trade?**  
A: Only take the A+ setups. 2-3 trades per week max.

**Q: What if I miss the alert?**  
A: Don't chase. Wait for the next high-quality alert.

**Q: Should I use auto-refresh?**  
A: Yes. It updates every 60 seconds automatically.

**Q: Can I trade with under $25K?**  
A: Yes, but limited to 3 day trades per week (PDT rule).