Trading is evolving faster than ever. What relied on instinct & quick reactions, now is powered by logic, data, and automation. At Bigul, we believe every trader should understand both approaches, i.e., manual trading and algo trading, before even deciding what suits them best.
We explain this in this blog in simple terms. It helps you understand when to use each, and how to use them together, and how a platform like Cirrus can act as an execution layer to make your Bigul trading smoother, faster, and more structured.
What is Manual Trading?
Manual trading means you make every decision by yourself and even execute it manually. You observe the market, study charts, and click the buy or sell button when you think it’s the right time. It’s the traditional way of trading and is still used by the majority of active Bigul users.
How does it work?
You monitor your preferred stocks or derivatives, assess setups, and then execute orders from your Bigul account. Each decision of entry, exit, quantity, and stop loss is derived from your own judgment.
Strengths of manual trading
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It gives you complete control over your every trade.
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It helps you reach to latest news or changed market sentiment instantly.
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Further, it builds your analytical and emotional discipline.
Limitations
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You can only track a few instruments at once.
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It’s easy to get emotional during volatility.
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Timing delays can lead to missed entries or exits.
Manual trading is ideal for beginners who are trying to learn, or test new ideas, and even understand how the markets behave. But it can get really challenging as your strategy or position size grows eventually.
What is Algo Trading?
Algo trading is the short form of algorithmic trading. It uses a predefined logic to automate decisions in regards to buy, sell, and stop loss. You can define clear rules, and the system will execute them without any emotional bias.
How does it work?
Let's take an example where a trader defines a condition like “Buy if RSI < 30 and price breaks above 20 EMA.” When this particular condition is met, the algo places the order automatically through the connected broker. Many traders use TradingView alerts or similar charting tools to trigger these results to their connected broker.
Strengths of algo trading
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Speed: Execution in milliseconds.
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Consistency: The system never forgets or hesitates; it works on the rules.
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Scalability: You can run multiple strategies at once.
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No emotion: Decisions are free from greed and fear.
Limitations
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It required accurate backtesting and validation.
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Market conditions can change faster than expected.
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Without risk limits, automation can multiply mistakes.
Algo trading works best for traders who have tested systems and who value precision and discipline.
The Hybrid Approach: Manual + Automation
Every trader has their own unique style, and they do not fit neatly into one particular box. A lot of them prefer a hybrid style that uses human judgment and execution with automation discipline.
Examples of hybrid setups
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Enter trades manually, but let automation handle trailing stops.
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Using automated entries, but approving them manually before execution.
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Letting alerts manage exits while you focus on scanning opportunities.
This hybrid approach allows the traders flexibility with a structure that is ideal for busy traders balancing full-time jobs or monitoring multiple symbols.
Where Cirrus fits in your trading stack?
Cirrus.trade is a manual + algo trading platform that works seamlessly alongside your Bigul account. It helps you execute faster, manage multiple strategies, and maintain control. All this, without leaving your broker ecosystem.
What Cirrus.trade does?
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Manual Mode: Place instant, one-click trades from a single dashboard.
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Algo Mode: Connect TradingView or alert-based signals to trigger automatic orders.
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Hybrid Mode: Combine both the methods, manual entries with automated exits, or vice versa.
Cirrus becomes your execution layer that helps in improving how orders are placed and tracked, while trades still execute securely through Bigul.
Why do traders need an execution layer?
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It saves time by reducing tab switching.
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Minimizes manual errors during fast markets.
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Keeps all trade logs and order details organized.
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Enables optional risk controls like exposure limits or order caps.
By integrating Cirrus, Bigul traders get more freedom to design the process that suits their goals.
When to Choose Manual, Algo, or Hybrid
|
Style |
Works Best When |
Key Benefit |
|
Manual |
You rely on real-time judgment and market feel. |
Full discretion and learning opportunity. |
|
Algo |
You follow rule-based strategies or want to automate alerts. |
Speed, accuracy, and consistency. |
|
Hybrid |
You want to blend instinct with structure. |
Flexibility and reduced stress. |
Note, no style is “better”. The perfect or right choice depends on your requirements, experience, and availability during the market hours. Most of the traders start manually, build confidence, and then gradually get into automating the parts of their routine.
Getting Started the Smart Way
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Define your approach: Are you a discretionary trader or a rule-based thinker?
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List your rules: Write down clear entry and exit conditions, even if it is simple.
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Test everything: Use Bigul’s demo or paper trading environment to check the logic.
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Explore Cirrus.trade: If you want faster one-click orders or alert-based execution, without coding, try integrating Cirrus with your trading workflow.
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Start Small: Trade minimal quantities until you become consistent.
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Review weekly: Analyze results and refine both your manual habits as well as automated logic.
Small, consistent improvement beats aggressive scaling every time.
Why does integrating Cirrus with Bigul make sense?
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You continue trading through Bigul, your trusted brokerage.
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Cirrus adds execution flexibility on top of your Bigul account.
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You gain access to both manual control and automation options.
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All without complex setups or coding barriers.
It’s not actually about replacing your process, but it’s about enhancing it. Cirrus helps Bigul traders simplify execution while keeping trading transparent and secure.
FAQs
1. Do I need coding skills for algo trading?
No, you do not require coding skills. Platforms like Cirrus.trade offer no-code, alert-based automation that anyone can set up in minutes, with no coding skills.
2. Will Cirrus replace my Bigul account?
No, Cirrus will not replace your Bigul account. You will continue trading through your Bigul account. Cirrus only helps you execute your strategies more efficiently.
3. Can I switch between manual and automated trading anytime?
Yes, you can trade manually, automate parts of your workflow, or mix both modes anytime as per your requirements and preferences.
4. What is the safest way to start with automation?
Begin with small quantities and clear risk limits. Monitor and analyze results before scaling.
Conclusion
Trading is personally different for every trader. Manal methods teach patience and analyzing markets. While algorithms add structure and speed. For the majority of traders, the right balance is somewhere in between.
At Bigul, we encourage you to explore both worlds. Start with clarity. Followed by testing responsibility. And if you're ready to bring more structure and precision to your trading, explore Cirrus, a manual + algo trading platform that connects seamlessly with your Bigul workflow.