Question 1

Is AlphaLab really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The free plan includes 3 strategies, 25 watchlist tickers, stocks, 5 crypto assets, backtesting, paper trading and risk analysis at no cost. Paid plans add unlimited strategies, options, bonds and more.

Question 2

What is paper trading?

Accepted Answer

Paper trading lets you simulate trades with delayed market prices using virtual cash, so you can test strategies without risking real money. AlphaLab tracks positions, cash balances and performance just like a real brokerage account.

Question 3

Can I backtest options and futures strategies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Backtesting supports stocks, options and futures on years of historical daily data. You can include commissions and slippage to make results realistic, and compare against a benchmark like the S&P 500.

Question 4

How often do quotes refresh?

Accepted Answer

Quotes refresh every 5 minutes. Prices are delayed at least 15 minutes, consistent with free market data feeds.

Question 5

Does AlphaLab give financial advice?

Accepted Answer

No. AlphaLab is an educational tool for testing and refining trading strategies. It does not recommend specific trades or strategies. Simulated results do not guarantee future performance.

Question 6

What is the Learn hub?

Accepted Answer

AlphaLab's Learn hub is a tiered curriculum of lessons and quizzes on markets, technical analysis, risk and portfolio theory, with sources cited in Bluebook format. It is general financial education and does not provide investment advice or certify you to trade.

Question 7

Do I need trading experience to use AlphaLab?

Accepted Answer

No. AlphaLab is built for beginners and experienced traders alike. The Learn hub starts with market basics, reading quotes and risk, and each lesson unlocks the next, so you can go from zero to running your first paper trade with confidence.