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hybrid algorithmic automated futures trading for prop firm traders, day & swing traders

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AFT8 update release version 20260218 providing 5 levels of trail stop and target profit locks

February 19, 2026 by AFT

AFT8 version 20260218 introduces a more flexible trailing-stop framework for hybrid traders who want both manual control and automatic progression.
You now get:

  • 5 trail-stop styles that can be triggered sequentially in real-time using the TRG buttons.
  • Target-based “profit ratchet” logic per bracket: trail the stop to a defined profit % once price reaches a chosen % of the target.
  • Auto-ratcheting trails: start wide, then tighten into faster trail styles automatically as profit thresholds are reached.

1) Five Trailing Stop Levels (Manual, Real-Time)

AFT8 now provides 5 levels of trail stop that can be triggered sequentially during live trading.
These are activated from:

  • NinjaBuddy via the TRG buttons
  • Algo Trade Manager Controller (real-time control panel)

This is ideal for hybrid trading: you can keep a trade on a wider protective stop early,
then progressively “ratchet” to tighter trail behaviors as the move confirms.


2) New: Target-Based  Profit Lockin – Stop Ratchets (Per Bracket)

For each profit target, AFT8 can now automatically trail the stop loss for that specific bracket
Once the price reaches a defined percentage of that bracket’s target distance (MFA).

Example:

  • When the price reaches 80% of Target 1
  • AFT8 can trail Stop 1 to 50% of the profit target distance

The result: you can structure trades to reduce risk after the market proves intent—without forcing
early break-even behavior that can get tagged in noise.


3) Auto-Ratcheting Trails (Wide → Tight as Profit Builds)

AFT8 can now start with a wider, more forgiving trail / stop structure and then automatically switch to faster,
tighter trail styles as profits reach key thresholds.

Threshold triggers can be based on:

  • Profit thresholds aligned to profit targets
  • Profit % of the FibGrid (when applicable in your workspace/system)
  • As per settings in trade manager

This design supports a clean workflow: let the position breathe early, then progressively protect gains as the
trade matures—either automatically, manually (TRG), or both.


Four Ways to Update AFT8

Warning: All NinjaTrader desktop versions should be closed down prior to installing the update!

  1. AFT8 Primary Installer
    AFT8 Primary Installer is a “bootstrap installer” designed to always fetch and install the latest version of AFT8.
    It is available online or (if the ATS Desktop Apps installer was used) all files will be found in your Windows folders:
    Downloads\AlgoTradingSystems. Run the installer from within that folder or download and run it; it will update the AFT8 installation.
  2. AFT8 Secondary Installer
    The AFT8 Secondary Installer contains the actual AFT8 trading system. The installer will change the version to match the AFT8 version.
    This can be directly downloaded; look for the AFT8 Secondary Installer available online in the
    my downloads
    section.
  3. AFT8 NinjaTrader 8 Popup
    Wait for an AFT8 update notification in NinjaTrader 8 and click Install when prompted.AFT8 NinjaTrader 8 Popup
  4. AFT8 Desktop Application
    Run the AFT8 desktop application. If there are any interstitial updates, it will update the necessary files and sync them to the NinjaTrader 8 folders — only if NinjaTrader 8 is not running.

Related Links

  • AFT8 Installation
  • AFT Desktop Guidance
  • Trader Launch Pad
  • ATS Universal Account Downloads
  • Video Guides
  • AFT8 Workspaces Installers

 

Filed Under: AFT8, ninjatrader automated trading Tagged With: AFT8 Release, AFT8 update, aft8release, AFT8Update, Updates


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AFT8 pending update features for last week october 2024

October 28, 2024 by Tom Leeson

AFT Signals Indicator graphics

AFT Signals Indicator 150

AFT Signals Indicator 150 workspace 3

We are pleased to announce the upcoming AFT8 release features and enhancements for AFT8:

  • AFT-AWT API Link
  • Fixed and upgraded integration of AWT.Desktop and AFT
    • Fault recovery
    • Speed
    • Capacity up to 2GB transfer buffers – previously was 64KB which could overrun and error
    • Logging/Tracing
  • Historical data syncing from the cloud
  • AFT Indicator 150
    • Supports historical data loading allowing backtesting
    • Enhanced signal filters and graphics
  • Workspaces 3 updates to include changes

AFT Signals Indicator graphics

AFT Signals Indicator 150 new graphics

The AFT8 update is still pending, so keep a lookout for notices!

Filed Under: AFT8, NinjaTrader 8, ninjatrader algorithmic trading, ninjatrader automated trading, ninjatrader automated trading systems Tagged With: AFT8 update, AFT8Update, automated futures trading, automated futures trading software, automated futures trading strategies, automated futures trading system, automated futures trading systems, Automated Trading NinjaTrader, automated trading with ninjatrader, best automated futures trading software, fully automated trading system, futures algo trading, futures algorithmic trading, futures automated trading, futures trading algorithms, ninjatrader algorithmic trading, ninjatrader automated trading, ninjatrader automated trading systems, ninjatrader trading bot, ninjatrader trading systems, Updates


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AFT8 update version 20240528 license hotfixes

May 28, 2024 by AFT

AFT v20240528 Hot Fixes for NinjaTrader Automated Trading

  1. Smoother startup and loading process – allows NT8 to start up and AFT8 to load before performing license checks.
  2. Previous versions of AFT8 would display a notice if a trader installed and used it in sim/demo mode without licenses. This has been changed to a notice that will only appear if NT is not a valid user license and there are connections to a live account or an unknown demo/prop evaluation account.
  3. Loading of licenses and verifications allows NT to start and load before checking.
  4. Popup notifications for license issues will only occur once per session of NinjaTrader Desktop after each restart. Components will display license issues if relevant.
  5. AFT Desktop and AWT Desktop are not started if they are not installed. If a user is using them for live trading or sim, there will be no attempt at loading or installation of desktop apps. This is purely left to the trader to follow and read the instructions in the popup or website get started info.
  6. As of this release, Apex Prop Firm support is enabled for free evaluation. Other prop firms require a license, free for users who use the ATS coupon.
  7. TradOvate prop firm support requires a license as there is no way to distinguish between a SIM and a prop firm account.
  8. AFT8 is free for Sim, Replay, BackTest, Historical, and TradOvate Demo accounts to allow a trader to view NinjaTrader Web and NinjaTrader Desktop simultaneously.
  9. AFT8 requires a license for all prop firms’ evaluation and performance, live real cash, or unknown demo accounts.
  10. AFT8 comes with a full live trading 7-day trial out of the box, accessible via downloading the AFT.Desktop app to sync the licenses.

Filed Under: AFT8, Algo Futures Trader, automated futures trading system, automated trade management, automated trading ninjatrader, NinjaTrader 8, ninjatrader algorithmic trading, ninjatrader automated trading Tagged With: AFT8 Release, AFT8 update, aft8release, AFT8Update, Algo Trading Futures, automated futures trading system, Automated Trading NinjaTrader, ninjatrader algorithmic trading, u, Updates


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ATS Desktop App breaking changes requires uninstall and reinstall of all ATS desktop apps

March 25, 2024 by AFT

Updates and Releases

AFT8 updates and ATS Desktop apps were released over the weekend on 2024-03-24.

App Breaking Changes

App Breaking Changes

Apps now use a network accelerator deployment URL for faster global installation.

Apps affected:

  • AFT.Desktop
  • AWT.Desktop
The prior version of installed apps will not start and will require uninstalling:

Uninstall:

How to uninstall ATS Desktop Apps

It is critical to uninstall old apps before installing the new apps to avoid conflicts and errors.

Re-Install:

Download the “ATS Desktop Apps” Installer

Run and Install Apps:

How to install ATS Desktop Apps


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100% FREE Get Started Trading

Get your 100% FREE day trading futures hybrid automated trade system, attend the discord-free trading group, and learn at your own pace, oriented, ready to trade with all the information & resources you need & and the right system to suit you.
  • 7-day Free Trial Ultimate universal license
  • Self Assist or Get Assisted download & installation
  • Turnkey workspaces setup ready to trade
  • Free Discord Trading Group Zero to Hero
  • VIP Trading Groups with AI Co-Pilot
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Filed Under: AFT8, NinjaTrader 8 Tagged With: AFT8 Release, AFT8 update, aft8release, AFT8Update, Release, Updates


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ATS AlgoFuturesTrader Desktop version 20243243 update optimized loading and VIP template sync hotfix

March 24, 2024 by AFT

AFT Desktop Error UpdatingATS AlgoFuturesTrader Desktop Update 20243243

ATS AlgoFuturesTrader Desktop Version 20243243 Update

Optimized loading and VIP template sync hotfix.

  • Network acceleration is used for faster installation and updating of all ATS desktop apps:
    • ATS.AlgoFuturesTrader.Desktop
    • ATS.AlphaWebTrader.Desktop
    • ATS.NT8.BootStrapper
  • VIP templates/workspaces sync to NinjaTrader 8
Uninstall: Remove the old version of ATS.AlgoFuturesDesktop and all ATS Desktop apps
  1. The prior version of ATS.AlgoFuturesDesktop and all ATS desktop apps must be removed from either of:
    1. Windows/Apps/Add or Remove Programs
    2. Windows Start > Apps Menu
Remove ATS Desktop apps

Remove ATS Desktop Windows apps from Add/Remove Programs

Remove ATS desktop apps from Windows Start Menu

Remove ATS desktop apps from Windows Start Menu > All Apps

Install the new version of ATS.AlgoFuturesDesktop
  • ATS.AlgoFuturesTrader.Desktop must be re-installed from the direct installation link in your ATS Universal Account Downloads
AFT Desktop Installation

AFT desktop installation must be re-installed to activate the AFT desktop over the new accelerated network deployment URL.

AFT Desktop Installation

AFT desktop installation will initiate and get the latest app from the new accelerated network location.

Troubleshooting

If this is not completed from the new installation link or is run from the desktop or NT8, it will fail as below:

Update Issue when Running from Desktop

The deployment URL has been updated, which means the currently installed version will attempt an update and fail.

AFT Desktop Error Updating

AFT Desktop Error Updating

Error Summary

Below is a summary of the errors. Details of these errors are listed later in the log.

  • Activation of C:\Users\Trader\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Algo Trading Systems LLC\AlgoFuturesTrader\ATS.AlgoFuturesTrader.Desktop.appref-ms resulted in an exception. Following failure messages were detected:
    • The deployment identity does not match the subscription.
View More Details in the Help Desk Articles ATS AlgoFuturesTrader Desktop Network Acceleration Deployment URL

🚀 Get Started 100% FREE!

100% FREE Get Started Trading

Get your 100% FREE day trading futures hybrid automated trade system, attend the discord-free trading group, and learn at your own pace, oriented, ready to trade with all the information & resources you need & and the right system to suit you.
  • 7-day Free Trial Ultimate universal license
  • Self Assist or Get Assisted download & installation
  • Turnkey workspaces setup ready to trade
  • Free Discord Trading Group Zero to Hero
  • VIP Trading Groups with AI Co-Pilot
  • Get Funded Accelerator!

Filed Under: AFT8, Algo Futures Trader, NinjaTrader 8 Tagged With: AFT8 Release, AFT8 update, aft8release, AFT8Update, Release, Updates


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AFT8 update version 20240323 controller grid settings template hotfix

March 24, 2024 by AFT

aft8 controller settings templatesAFT8 update version 20240323 controller grid settings template hotfix. Problem settings were set and not loading when the algorithms/trade manager started. Now fixed so settings can be saved and loaded.
AFT8 Controller Settings Templates

AFT8 controller settings templates create and view defaults, save and view active algorithms, and trade manager settings.

Your downloads are provided in your ATS Universal account: https://account.algotradingsystems.net/Secure/Downloads


🚀 Get Started 100% FREE!

100% FREE Get Started Trading

Get your 100% FREE day trading futures hybrid automated trade system, attend the discord-free trading group, and learn at your own pace, oriented, ready to trade with all the information & resources you need & and the right system to suit you.
  • 7-day Free Trial Ultimate universal license
  • Self Assist or Get Assisted download & installation
  • Turnkey workspaces setup ready to trade
  • Free Discord Trading Group Zero to Hero
  • VIP Trading Groups with AI Co-Pilot
  • Get Funded Accelerator!

Filed Under: AFT8, NinjaTrader 8 Tagged With: AFT8 Release, AFT8 update, aft8release, AFT8Update, Release, Updates


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Ninja Futures Trading
Algo Futures Trader Copyright Algo Trading Systems© 2026 ·
AlgoFuturesTrader.com is owned & operated by Algo Trading Systems LLC. By using this website or products & services, you are bound by our Terms & subject to US legal jurisdiction only. Errors & omissions excluded.
AFT made in England, powered by MicroTrends NinjaTrader development

Disclaimer: Trading & investment carry a high level of risk. AlgoFuturesTrader does not make recommendations for buying or selling any financial instruments, nor do we offer trading or investment advice. We are a software company, and we only provide educational information on ways to use our sophisticated Algo Futures trading tools. It is up to our customers & readers to make their own trading & investment decisions, or consult with a registered investment advisor.

Risk Disclosure: Futures, CFDs, & forex trading carry substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Please read the full risk disclosure here.

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk in actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or adhere to a particular trading program despite trading losses are material points that can adversely affect actual trading results. Numerous other factors related to the markets or the implementation of any specific trading program cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results and can adversely affect trading results.

Testimonials appearing on this website may not be representative of other clients or customers and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

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