Confused on strategies tab--ninjascript

[zehua]

I read the following but still don't understand what it is saying. Could anyone help me understand it please?

Wait until flat before executing live：
When starting a NinjaScript strategy that relies on historical data for calculating its current positions and order states, it will wait until the strategy position has reached or crossed a flat position before executing any live orders. All trading done before this condition will be virtual, simulated trades.
Immediately submit live working historical orders：
When starting a NinjaScript strategy that relies on historical data for calculating its current position and orders states, it will immediately submit live any working orders that reflect the current strategy's overall order state. It is IMPORTANT to understand that the position of the strategy reported in the Strategies tab may not reflect the actual account-based position reported in the Accounts tab at the time the strategy is started. In this scenario, it is highly recommend that the account position be synced to the strategy position.

[NinjaTrader_AdamP]

zehua,

Have you read this article in the help guide as well?

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?syncing_account_positions.htm

[zehua]

Thanks Adam. After reading that a couple times, I now seem to understand it. I will read again when I am ready to test live trading.

[coolmoss]

As a follow up, could someone please clarify this statement: "...wait until the strategy position has reached or crossed a flat position..."

In particular, I'm focused on the word "crossed". I have a strategy that is designed to reverse, but during the process from going say, long to short, there is a very brief moment where the strategy is flat. I imagine we're talking a second, maybe more, maybe even less. I need to be able to shut off the strategy, for example during a news event, and then turn it back on. The strategy is almost always in a position.

So, my question is: is the very brief FLAT period during the transition from being long to going short in the strategy, enough FLAT time to let live orders execute again?

Thanks for your help.

[NinjaTrader_RyanM1]

Hi coolmoss,

Yes, that brief amount of time is enough for it to cross flat. The reversal is handled with two separate orders. Your position will be momentarily flat after the closing order for the virtual position. The strategy will then submit the entry order as a live order.