Short answer: Yes — but it depends on the strategy, platform, and how well you manage risk. Automated trading isn’t a magic money machine, but with the right setup, it can help you achieve returns that are difficult to match manually. In this article, I’ll walk you through what actually determines profitability, share real performance data from our Weekly Trend strategy, and show you how to get started — no coding required.
Why Automated Trading Can Be Profitable
Automated trading systems, also known as algorithmic trading, execute trades based on predefined rules. This means no hesitation, no emotions, and no second-guessing. The benefits are clear:
- Speed & Efficiency: Systems can execute trades at lightning-fast speeds, taking advantage of opportunities you’d miss manually.
- Discipline: Automation removes emotional decision-making, sticking to the plan no matter what.
- Backtested Strategies: The best algorithms are tested on years of historical data before being deployed live.
- Access to Complex Strategies: You can trade multi-leg spreads and advanced setups without needing to manage each leg manually.
But here’s the catch — not all automated systems are created equal. Many traders fail because they use poorly designed strategies or don’t have proper risk controls in place. That’s where a data-driven, risk-defined approach stands out.
Proof: Real-World Performance from Weekly Trend
Let’s talk numbers. Our Weekly Trend strategy, which uses risk-defined credit spreads on SPX, has been running since 2013. It risks a maximum of 5% per trade and targets consistent growth without the fear of catastrophic losses. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
| Year | ROI | Total Trades | Winners | Losers | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 159% | 157 | 90 | 67 | 57% |
| 2023 | 429% | 136 | 91 | 45 | 65% |
| 2022 | 76% | 84 | 43 | 41 | 51% |
| 2021 | 325% | 140 | 86 | 54 | 61% |
| 2020 | 318% | 141 | 95 | 56 | 61% |
| 2019 | 192% | 151 | 88 | 63 | 58% |
| 2018 | 97% | 124 | 70 | 54 | 57% |
| 2017 | 243% | 151 | 91 | 60 | 60% |
| 2016 | 136% | 127 | 79 | 48 | 61% |
| 2015 | 242% | 116 | 69 | 47 | 58% |
| 2014 | 367% | 126 | 79 | 47 | 63% |
| 2013 | 535% | 124 | 89 | 35 | 71% |
This isn’t hypothetical. These are actual, audited results from a defined-risk system. Notice how even in lower-performing years, the strategy remains profitable, demonstrating its resilience in different market conditions.
Why Most Traders Fail (and How Automation Solves It)
Retail traders often fail for one of three reasons:
- Emotional trading: Panic-selling and greed-driven overtrading destroy consistency.
- Lack of strategy: Most retail traders don’t follow tested rules — they chase trades.
- No risk controls: Trading naked options or oversized positions often leads to blow-ups.
Automation fixes these issues by enforcing pre-set rules for entries, exits, and risk. You can’t “revenge trade” if the system won’t let you.
How to Start Making Money with Automated Trading
Getting started is simpler than you think. You don’t need to code or build your own bots. Platforms like Interactive Brokers and Tradier integrate with automation services like AutoShares and Global AutoTrading. This allows you to follow proven strategies like Weekly Trend with as little as a few clicks.
Want to learn more about platforms? Check out our guide: Best Automated Options Trading Platforms.
And if you want to fully understand how automation works, don’t miss our Ultimate 2025 Automated Trading Guide.
Risks and Considerations
Like all trading, automation isn’t risk-free. Algorithms can underperform in volatile markets, and you need to periodically review your systems. That said, a risk-defined approach (like our 5% max risk per trade) dramatically reduces exposure compared to naked options or discretionary trading.
So, Can You Really Make Money with Automated Trading?
Yes — if you approach it with the right strategy. Automated trading can give you speed, consistency, and access to institutional-grade techniques, but you still need proven systems and sound risk management.
Ready to Automate? Try Our Weekly Trend
Our Weekly Trend strategy gives you up to five trades per week, all fully automated and risk-defined. You don’t need coding skills or trading experience — just an account with a supported broker and a few minutes to set it up.
