Run an optimization

Compare numeric strategy parameters across a set of symbols and see which combinations produce the strongest results.

Before you start

You need a strategy with at least one numeric parameter and at least one data symbol. Selected symbols must share a usable bar frequency and overlapping dates. The Free plan can use global data at end-of-day frequency only.

Configure the run

1. From a strategy canvas, select Optimize, or open Optimization and choose a strategy.
2. In Data, choose LONA™ Data or Custom Data, then select your symbols. You can upload a custom dataset from this step if needed.
3. In Execution, choose the Bar frequency and Date range. The date range must stay inside the overlap of the selected symbols. Set the simulation values used for every run: Initial cash, Commission, Leverage, and Buy on close.
4. In Parameters, enter a name and configure one or two numeric parameter grids. For each grid, choose a parameter and set Min, Max, and Step. The step must be positive and the maximum cannot be below the minimum. Every other strategy parameter stays in Fixed parameters and uses the same value in every iteration.
5. In Objective, choose a Target metric and set its Direction to Maximize or Minimize. Expand Also track in results if you want additional metrics in the results.

The iteration count is the product of the values in each grid. For example, a grid with 5 values and a second grid with 4 values runs 20 combinations. The summary shows the iteration count, symbol count, and—when the run uses credits—the credit estimate.

Check access and submit

On the Free plan, turn on Use a free optimization when you have an entitlement available. The plan includes two lifetime free optimizations, and each run is limited to 400 iterations. A free run does not use optimization credits.

Paid runs cost 0.2 optimization credits per iteration. If the estimate is higher than your balance, reduce the grid, use Coarsen grid when it is offered, or add credits from Go to billing. Paid plans do not have the Free plan’s 400-iteration limit.

When the configuration is valid, select Run optimization. The run is queued in the background and opens on its optimization detail page.

Monitor or cancel a run

The detail page shows the status, completed runs, total runs, and an estimated time remaining while the run is active. Statuses are Queued, Executing, Done, Failed, and Cancelled.

To stop an active run, select Cancel, review the number of completed iterations, and choose Cancel optimization. Cancellation stops the remaining backtests; completed results are kept. Wait for the status to change to Cancelled.

Review the results

The Results table lists each iteration, its swept parameter values, selected metrics, and result status. Click a row to focus its combination in a chart. You can sort the table by the run number or metric columns.

• One varying grid provides a 2D chart showing the metric across that parameter.
• Two varying grids provide a 3D surface showing the metric across both parameters.

Use the chart controls to inspect different tracked metrics. Compare the chart with the table and review failed iterations before choosing a parameter combination for a new backtest. For selection guidance, see Optimization best practices.