What is the Kelly Criterion in trading?

By PriyaSahu

       The Kelly Criterion is a formula used by traders to decide the best amount of money to risk on a trade. It helps maximize long-term growth while controlling the risk of losing too much. The formula uses your chance of winning and the ratio of how much you win compared to how much you lose. This way, you can grow your trading account steadily without risking everything on one trade.



How Does Kelly Criterion Help Traders?

Kelly Criterion helps traders by telling them the ideal percentage of their capital to risk on each trade. It balances the chances of winning with potential profit and loss. This prevents risking too much on bad trades and too little on good trades. Using Kelly Criterion helps traders protect their money and grow it steadily over time.



What is the Formula of Kelly Criterion?

The Kelly Criterion formula is:
Kelly % = W - [(1 - W) / R]
Where,

  • W = Probability of winning (as a decimal)
  • R = Win/Loss ratio (average win ÷ average loss)
This result tells you what percentage of your capital to risk on a trade. If the result is negative, it means the trade is not favorable.



Can Indian Traders Use Kelly Criterion?

Yes, Indian traders can use the Kelly Criterion to manage their trading risks. It works well with stocks, commodities, and currency markets in India. Using this method helps Indian traders protect their capital and grow profits steadily. Many brokers and trading platforms in India offer tools that help apply Kelly Criterion in trading.



What Are the Risks of Using Kelly Criterion?

The Kelly Criterion depends on accurate estimates of winning chances and win/loss ratios. If these are wrong, it can suggest risky bets. Many traders use only a part of the Kelly percentage to be safer. It also doesn’t predict sudden market crashes or unexpected events. So, it should be used along with other risk management strategies.



How to Apply Kelly Criterion in Your Trading?

First, estimate your probability of winning based on past trades. Then calculate your average win and average loss to find the win/loss ratio. Use the formula to find the percentage of your capital to risk. Use this percentage to decide your trade size. Always consider using a smaller fraction of the Kelly % for safety. Keep reviewing your inputs regularly as market conditions change.



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