How it works / 0.4.0-beta

Set your rules.
Automate the checks.

Choose your watchlist, set your trading rules and let Ballast check for your conditions. Start with practice money; turn on real orders only when you choose.

1 / Getting started

Build the setup. Test the rules.

Paper trading means practising with simulated money. It helps you learn the controls without placing real orders. Practice results don't predict real returns.

Choose your investments and rules, try simulated money, decide whether to turn on real trading, and keep checking the bot. Real trading requires accepting the Terms, setup checks and typing GO LIVE.
Real trading is your choice. You still need to check on the bot. Open full diagram
See what you need to get started →

2 / Where it all happens

Your money stays
with your broker.

Ballast runs on your Windows computer. It connects to Robinhood to check your account and send orders. You don't deposit investment money with Ballast.

Ballast runs on your Windows computer and saves your settings and records there. It connects to Robinhood for account information and orders, to news and AI services for research, and to Ballast for updates and optional sharing.
Internet access is needed. Some connected services charge separately. Open full diagram

AI features can share relevant research or holdings information with the AI provider. Your saved records stay on your computer, but the app needs outside services to work. Read about your data.

3 / Who does what

The bot works.
You call the shots.

Ballast can handle repeated checks and follow your trading settings. You choose the settings, check its activity and deal with anything that needs attention.

You choose what to watch, spending limits and buying and selling rules. Ballast checks those rules and can trade when conditions are met. You review activity, change settings or stop automated trading.
The app and internet must stay on. Trading can lose money; stops cannot guarantee a sale or price. Open full diagram

You set the limits.

Choose what the bot watches and how much it may use. Review all starting settings; they are examples, not recommendations.

You can stop it.

STOP halts automated buying and selling. Closing the browser window alone may leave the bot running.

You check anything unclear.

If an order's result is unknown, Ballast can hold further orders for review. Check what happened in your broker account.

Stops cannot guarantee a sale or a price. Closing the app stops its checks, so don't assume it is still watching your trades. Learn the controls before using real money.

Put your rules to work

Your setup.
Ready to explore.

The invited beta gives you full Ballast access free for at least 60 days. You'll need a Windows PC and the required broker and AI access; other services may charge separately.