When you automate your trading using a Signals Bot, you might occasionally notice differences between the theoretical performance posted in a signal channel and the actual results in your exchange account. This article defines how Cornix executes trades and explains the common reasons behind discrepancies in price, trade amount, and ROE. The goal is to help you accurately evaluate your strategy and understand normal market behaviors.
The Core Difference: Signals vs. Trades
To understand discrepancies, it is crucial to understand the difference between a signal and a trade.
What is a Signal? A signal is a theoretical recommendation published by a channel. A signal suggests specific entry targets and take-profit targets for a cryptocurrency based on technical analysis or market conditions. Because it is theoretical, a signal assumes perfect execution at exact prices.
What is a Trade? A trade is the actual array of orders (entries, take-profits, and stop-loss orders) that the Cornix Bot places on your connected exchange. A trade is subject to real-world market conditions, exchange limitations, and your personal account settings.
Why Trade Results Differ from Signal Results
When you follow a signal, several real-world factors influence how your actual trade executes compared to the theoretical signal update.
1. Market Supply and Demand (Order Book Depth)
Signal updates on a channel are theoretical and trigger immediately when the market price touches a target. However, real trades rely on the exchange order book. The price might reach your desired level, but if there is not enough market volume (buyers or sellers) at that exact price, your order might only partially fill or not fill at all.
2. Market Execution and Slippage
Because the signal is theoretical, a channel will always report the exact signal price as "filled". Real trades involve actual orders placed on the exchange. Depending on market volatility and whether the bot uses a market order or a limit order, the final execution price on your exchange might be slightly higher or lower than the original signal price.
3. Exchange Price Variations
A single channel signal might support multiple exchanges. Because cryptocurrency prices vary slightly from one exchange to another, a target might hit on Binance but not yet hit on Bybit. Always check which exchange the signal channel is referencing in their update.
4. Personal Signals Bot Trading Configuration
Your personal Trading Configuration in the Signals bot lets you customize your default setup. Here is how your settings interact with the channel:
Priority Overrides: Any custom settings you apply will override the channel's configuration. This means your trades will execute based on your rules, even if they differ from the original signal.
Setting a Fallback: If you want the channel's settings to take the lead, you can check the "Only use if not defined by group" box. Your personal configuration will then act as a backup, filling in only the fields that the channel left blank.
💡 Note: If you want your trades to perfectly mirror the channel, ensure your settings in the signals bot are left as default by selecting the "Channel" option instead of "Personal" in the settings that allow it.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Why did a target hit on the signal channel but not on my actual trade?
A target may hit on the signal channel but not on your actual trade because signals are theoretical and trigger the moment a price is touched. Your real trade depends on the exchange order book. If there is insufficient volume at that exact price, your order may remain unfilled or partially filled.