StratiumCompare
Backtest vs paper vs live on Stratium
If you are evaluating Stratium — or AI trading products generally — start by separating market data from execution risk. This comparison uses Stratium’s actual modes for BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP.
How do Stratium backtest, paper, and live differ?
All three modes read market data from Coinbase Exchange (BTC-USD, ETH-USD, SOL-USD, XRP-USD). The difference is whether candles are historical or live, and whether fills are simulated or sized from your USDC ledger. Candle and product APIs are documented in the Coinbase Exchange API docs.
| Dimension | Backtest | Paper (live desk) | Live trading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market data | Historical Coinbase candles | Live Coinbase ticker + candles | Same live Coinbase feed |
| Fills | Simulated on the replay series | Simulated on the live tape | Sized from your USDC ledger |
| Capital at risk | None | None | Deposited USDC |
| Unlock | Switch to Backtest / ?mode=backtest | Open the desk | Sign in + deposit; unlock at 20 USDC |
| Best for | Reviewing historical paths & narratives | Watching the agent on today’s tape | Running the agent on your balance |
When should you use Stratium backtest?
Use backtest when you want a controllable replay: pick 1d / 3d / 1w / 1m, choose candle size, run, then scrub fills at 1x–4x. It is ideal for demos and for checking whether entry/exit markers and narratives are intelligible — not for claiming expected live ROI. Replay pacing (~140 ms/bar at 1x) is documented in /guides/agent-timing-lab-note.
When should you use live paper mode?
Use paper on the live desk when you want the agent to react to the current Coinbase tape with $0 at risk. Cooldown (~12s) and decide-then-execute (~1.6s) pacing apply in the live loop so you can read setups as they form. Paper mode is the default public path before any deposit.
When does Stratium go live with USDC?
Live trading is optional. After you sign in, deposit USDC, and reach 20 USDC credited, you can start live trading so position size comes from your ledger and realized P&L credits or debits the balance. You can pause or return to paper without needing the backtest lane.
How should you evaluate AI trading mode labels?
- Confirm prices cite a named public venue (Stratium: Coinbase Exchange).
- Confirm paper/backtest fills are labeled simulated — not brokerage fills.
- Confirm risk limits exist before deposit (max % per trade, daily loss stop).
- Refuse products that present a single backtest equity curve as guaranteed live profit.
For a longer diligence checklist with red flags and a Stratium worked example, see /guides/evaluate-ai-trading-bots.
Where do you go next on Stratium?
- Product overview: /how-it-works
- Backtest hub: /backtest
- Timing lab note: /guides/agent-timing-lab-note
- Diligence checklist: /guides/evaluate-ai-trading-bots
- Guide index: /guides
- Desk deep links: / and /?mode=backtest
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Stratium backtest the same as paper trading?
No. Backtest replays historical Coinbase candles; paper trading uses the live Coinbase tape. Both use simulated fills and put $0 capital at risk.
Does a profitable Stratium backtest mean live USDC will profit?
No. Backtests and paper paths are demonstrations. Live markets add slippage, latency, and inventory risk. Past paper or backtest results do not predict future returns.
What is the minimum to start live trading on Stratium?
Live trading unlocks at 20 USDC credited on your Stratium ledger after sign-in and deposit.
Do all Stratium modes use Coinbase prices?
Yes. Backtest, paper, and live all use Coinbase Exchange USD pairs (BTC-USD, ETH-USD, SOL-USD, XRP-USD). Modes differ in history vs live tape and in whether fills are simulated or ledger-sized.
Where can I read Stratium’s agent timing specs?
See /guides/agent-timing-lab-note for cooldown, decide-then-execute, think cadence, and backtest replay pacing.
Continue on Stratium
Use the desk to verify behavior on Coinbase prices — then fund only if it earns your trust.