How the local terminal works

Ballast 0.4.0-beta runs on a Windows PC with a local browser interface. It combines rule-based trading, paper simulation, market information and AI-assisted research. Your configuration and decisions remain your responsibility.

Three views of the product

See the public diagrams on How it works: the operator journey, outside connections and operating controls. Each describes the current release. Research screens do not grant execution permission.

Local state and outside services

Trading records, settings and order state are stored on the computer. Saved credentials use Windows protection under the user's account. Other trading records are not fully encrypted. The dashboard is intended for local use.

Broker account/order requests go to the broker. Quotes and news go to data providers. Configured AI features send selected context to the AI provider. Ballast distribution services provide updates, beta access and optional community features. See Privacy & controls.

Separate accounts and modes

Equities use the selected Robinhood Agentic account. Robinhood Crypto uses separate credentials. Selecting an equity account does not select a crypto account. Paper and live trading have separate position records and cooldowns; some settings are shared. Do not assume two independent installations coordinate trading in the same brokerage account.

Orders and uncertainty

The engine records intent before placing a live order and requires identified broker execution evidence before treating it as filled. Uncertain execution blocks duplicate orders. A hold can also block later protective orders. Some recovery requires manual reconciliation against broker evidence; do not clear holds blindly.

Running, pausing and stopping

Closing the browser may leave the engine running. Managed Quit stops the local app. STOP halts automated trading, including exit checks. Entry breakers restrict new buying while available exit checks continue. A stop cannot guarantee a fill, execution price or maximum loss. Downtime and unavailable connections prevent checks.

Crypto positions capture their reviewed stop policy. Confirmed stop sales start a per-coin, per-mode cooldown, 48 hours by default. Review changed risk policies before new entries. See Trading logic and Operations.

Updates and learning

Supported updates verify signed packages, preserve private trading state and retain recovery copies. Older clients may need a trusted manual upgrade. Windows publisher signing is separate and still pending. Follow Updating. Selectable Guide lessons explain setup, controls and relevant release changes.

Ballast is self-directed software, not investment advice. Trading involves risk.