Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before and after subscribing to a FalcoAlgo strategy. Can't find your answer? Contact us →
What is FalcoAlgo?
FalcoAlgo is an algorithmic trading developer that builds and distributes fully automated trading strategies designed for futures markets.
Are Falco systems fully automated?
Yes. Falco strategies place, manage, and exit trades automatically once enabled inside the supported trading platform. No alerts or manual trade execution are required.
Which markets do Falco systems trade?
Most Falco strategies are designed for futures markets, primarily ES and MES. Market coverage varies by system and is specified on each product page.
Which trading platforms are supported?
Falco strategies are designed to run directly inside NinjaTrader. Platform compatibility may vary by system and will always be listed on the product page.
Can I use Falco if I'm a beginner?
Yes. Many users start with Falco as their first automated system. However, you should understand basic futures concepts such as margin, drawdowns, and risk before trading live capital.
Will I win every trade?
No. Losses are a normal part of trading. Falco systems are rules-based strategies designed to perform over many trades, not to win every single trade.
Is performance guaranteed?
No. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Trading futures involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all traders.
Can I use Falco with prop firm accounts?
Many users run Falco systems on prop firm accounts. However, prop firm rules vary, and you are responsible for ensuring compliance with drawdown and risk limits.
Do I need trading experience to use Falco?
Basic familiarity with futures trading and NinjaTrader is recommended. Users are responsible for account setup, risk selection, and monitoring performance.
What happens after I purchase?
After checkout, you will receive instructions to submit your NinjaTrader Machine ID through our post-purchase form. Our team manually reviews each submission and prepares your license file and installation details. Once processed, you will receive full setup instructions by email.
How long does it take to get access?
Access is typically delivered within 24 hours after your Machine ID is submitted. Processing times may vary depending on order volume, weekends, or holidays. If you do not receive your setup email within 24 hours, please contact support.
How do I find my NinjaTrader Machine ID?
Open NinjaTrader → Control Center → Help → About. Your Machine ID will be displayed there.
I forgot to submit the post-purchase form. What do I do?
Email support@falcoalgo.com with your order email and Machine ID, and access will be granted manually.
Can I trade ES and MES at the same time?
Yes. BotR runs on both ES (full-size) and MES (micro) contracts — you can trade either depending on your preference. Margin requirements are set by your broker.
Will my subscription automatically renew?
Yes. Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless canceled.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime through your Stripe Customer Portal. You will retain access until the end of your current billing period. Cancel here.
Do you offer refunds?
Refund policies vary by product and are clearly stated on each product page. Please review the refund policy before purchasing. See our full Refund Policy.
Do I need to know how to code to use FalcoAlgo strategies?
No. All FalcoAlgo strategies are pre-compiled algorithm files. You load them into NinjaTrader 8 using the built-in import wizard — it's a file open dialog, not a coding exercise. The included setup PDF and video walkthrough cover every step from file import to live trading activation. No programming knowledge is required.
What broker do I need?
You need a futures broker that supports NinjaTrader 8 connections. Compatible brokers include:
- Rithmic (recommended for speed)
- CQG (institutional-grade data)
- Interactive Brokers (via NinjaTrader bridge)
- NinjaTrader Brokerage (native integration)
- Any other NinjaTrader-supported brokerage
Important: you need a futures trading account, not a standard stock brokerage account. If you don't have one yet, NinjaTrader Brokerage and Rithmic offer straightforward account opening for US residents.
Which strategy should I start with?
If you're new to automated futures trading, we recommend starting with a micro-contract strategy like Strategy 05, which trades micro futures contracts at a fraction of the dollar exposure of full-size contracts — ideal for learning the system with lower financial risk.
If you have experience with futures and a larger account, BotR is our live flagship strategy with a verified track record. Browse the full strategies overview to compare all 7 by performance stats and market.
Does the computer need to be on while the strategy is running?
Yes. NinjaTrader runs on your local Windows machine — not in the cloud. Your computer needs to be on, NinjaTrader needs to be running, and your broker connection needs to be active for the strategy to execute trades. Many subscribers use a dedicated trading PC or a Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) that runs 24/7 so they don't have to manage their own hardware uptime.
Can I subscribe to multiple strategies?
Yes. Each strategy has its own independent subscription. Many traders run 3–5 strategies simultaneously for market diversification across different instruments (equities, commodities, bonds) and trading styles (momentum, mean-reversion, scalping). Contact us about bundle pricing if you're interested in multiple strategies at once.
What's the difference between monthly and annual billing?
Monthly billing is $97/month per strategy. Annual billing is $804/year per strategy ($67/month equivalent), saving you $360 per year — a 31% discount. Both plans include identical access: the same algorithm file, setup materials, email support, and all future updates. Annual billing makes sense if you plan to trade a strategy for 12+ months.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time through your Stripe billing portal. Your access continues until the end of the current billing period. Annual subscriptions can also be cancelled — the 30-day money-back guarantee applies in the first month, and after that, contact us to discuss your situation.
What happens to my algorithm file if I cancel?
When your subscription ends, the algorithm file is deactivated. FalcoAlgo uses a license validation system tied to your subscription status — the strategy will no longer execute trades after your billing period expires. You will no longer receive future updates. To reactivate, simply resubscribe and your algorithm is re-enabled.
Which version of NinjaTrader do I need?
NinjaTrader 8.1 or higher (64-bit). All strategies are compiled for NT8 and are not compatible with NinjaTrader 7. NinjaTrader 8 is available as a free download from ninjatrader.com — you only need the live trading license when you connect to a live brokerage account (NinjaTrader 8 is free for simulation/paper trading).
What data feed do I need?
A reliable market data feed with tick-level futures data. Compatible feeds include:
- Kinetick (free for NinjaTrader Brokerage clients, $55/mo otherwise)
- Rithmic (included with Rithmic brokerage accounts)
- CQG (included with CQG brokerage accounts)
Kinetick is the default recommendation for most subscribers. Delayed or low-quality data feeds can negatively affect strategy execution — use only real-time tick data.
How long does setup take?
Most traders are live within 30 minutes of receiving their algorithm file. The process is: (1) download and install NinjaTrader 8, (2) connect your broker account, (3) import the FalcoAlgo algorithm file, (4) configure the strategy on the correct instrument using the provided settings, (5) enable automated trading. The included PDF guide and video walkthrough cover every step in detail.
Do I need a dedicated machine or VPS?
Not required, but recommended for serious trading. Strategies run only when your Windows machine is on and NinjaTrader is connected. If your home computer sleeps or loses internet during market hours, trades won't execute. A Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) running 24/7 in a data center eliminates this risk. VPS options start around $20–$40/month. We can provide VPS setup guidance on request.
My strategy isn't taking trades. What should I check?
Common causes and checks:
- Automated trading not enabled: In NinjaTrader's top toolbar, the "AT" (Automated Trading) button must be green/active
- Strategy state is "Historical": The strategy needs to be in "Realtime" state — check the Strategy Analyzer or Strategies tab
- Outside trading hours: Strategies only trade during their defined session window — check the current market session against the strategy's hours
- Data feed disconnected: Check the connection indicator in the bottom-right of NinjaTrader
- Instrument not connected: Ensure you have the correct futures contract (including expiry month) subscribed in your data feed
If issues persist after checking these, email our support team with a screenshot of the Strategy Analyzer window.
How does the 30-day money-back guarantee work?
If you're unsatisfied for any reason within your first 30 days, email support@falcoalgo.com with the subject line "Refund Request" and your order details. We process full refunds within 3–5 business days. No questions, no pressure, no hoops. The 30-day window begins from the date of your first subscription payment.
What payment methods do you accept?
All payments are processed through Stripe. Accepted payment methods include all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Link. Stripe uses bank-grade encryption — we never see or store your card details.
Where can I manage my subscription?
You can manage your subscription through the Stripe customer portal. A link to the portal is included in your subscription confirmation email. From the portal, you can update payment methods, view billing history, and cancel your subscription. You can also email us at support@falcoalgo.com for any billing assistance.
When am I charged for my subscription?
Monthly subscriptions renew every 30 days from your original subscription date. Annual subscriptions renew every 365 days. You'll receive an email receipt from Stripe after each charge. You can view upcoming renewal dates in the Stripe customer portal.
Are the win rates and returns guaranteed?
No. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The win rates and average monthly returns displayed on strategy pages are based on historical backtesting and live trading data since 2023. Future performance will vary based on market conditions, execution quality, and other factors outside our control. Automated trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.
What does "max drawdown" mean and how should I interpret it?
Maximum drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough decline in account equity observed during the strategy's history. For example, a -10% max drawdown means the strategy experienced a worst-case 10% account loss from a previous high point before recovering. It is not an annualized figure — it represents the single worst stretch in the strategy's recorded history.
Lower max drawdown means smoother equity growth. Higher max drawdown strategies often offer higher returns in exchange for accepting larger temporary losses. Most traders size their positions to keep drawdown within a comfortable range relative to total account size.
Can I lose more money than I invest?
Yes — this is a risk with any leveraged futures trading. Futures contracts are leveraged instruments, and losses can exceed your initial margin. All FalcoAlgo strategies use automatic stop-loss orders on every trade to limit individual trade risk, but under extreme market conditions (flash crashes, overnight gap-downs), actual losses can exceed the defined stop levels. Never trade with capital you cannot afford to lose.
How is performance data verified?
Performance data shown on strategy pages is a combination of NinjaTrader backtest results (using historical tick data) and live brokerage trade logs since each strategy's live launch date. The "Live tracked since [date]" notation on each strategy indicates when live performance tracking began. We are working on third-party performance verification and will link audited results when available.
How do I contact support?
Email us at support@falcoalgo.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days (Monday–Friday, US Eastern Time). For urgent issues during market hours, include "URGENT" in the subject line. You can also reach us through the contact form.
Is there a community or forum for subscribers?
Yes. All active subscribers get access to the FalcoAlgo trader community. Details on how to join are included in your welcome email after subscribing. The community is a place to share trade logs, ask strategy questions, and connect with fellow algo traders.
Do you offer custom strategy development?
We do not currently offer custom strategy development for individual clients. Our team focuses exclusively on developing and maintaining the strategies available through FalcoAlgo subscriptions. If you have an institutional inquiry, contact us to discuss.
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