Algo Trading?

Attended a one day course on Algo trading yesterday sponsored by SGX, the trainers from RTS were knowledgeable and proficient in their craft. We were introduced to the many strategies that can be written for Algo trading. I just wonder why don't they write some strategies to trade themselves?

"Things do not change, we change"

I have been using a simple standard spread Algo strategy with the TT trading platform for my Topix/Nikkei spread trading. I gave the Auto spreader a 1 tick discretion and many times I was filled just 1 tick away which cost me about S$70/- per lot which can be quite costly for bigger quantity traded. I suppose there are more powerful machines and faster platforms out there that squeezed me.

Should I go for the more powerful RTS Tango platform for Algo Trading? One big problem is Phillip Futures don't support the RTS platform because it's rather expensive, not many traders can afford a near US10,000 a month fee. AFACT and SGX are negotiating with RTS for a lower fee for members who are keen to try out the Algo strategies and subsidising part of the Tango platform fees.

To keep the cost down for this learning period, it would be good for like minded traders who are keen on Algo trading to team up. I'm all for it. I would also like to explore the possibility of using simple trading strategies for Algo trading on the TT trading platform.