Why do prices on Betfair flicker up and down so much?

[GaryCook]

Reading a book on general market trading. Which is saying that volume is the key to making money on any market, their opinion.

However, it made me think how the prices on Betfair go up and down a lot on the screen but they are not really reflecting activity as much as it may at first look.

For example, often there is a group of 4 prices that seems to be placed in and out every few moments then another above or below doing the same. Its hard to know which will be matched.
Although my main point is thats not really market activity as such, right?

[sa7med]

Reading a book on general market trading. Which is saying that volume is the key to making money on any market, their opinion.

However, it made me think how the prices on Betfair go up and down a lot on the screen but they are not really reflecting activity as much as it may at first look.

For example, often there is a group of 4 prices that seems to be placed in and out every few moments then another above or below doing the same. Its hard to know which will be matched.
Although my main point is thats not really market activity as such, right?

bot triggering bots triggering bots and when that initial money disappears the triggered orders disappear as well. Perhaps you want to look at LTP and volume traded if you want to watch market activity. Or look at more developed markets.

[jimibt]

bot triggering bots triggering bots and when that initial money disappears the triggered orders disappear as well. Perhaps you want to look at LTP and volume traded if you want to watch market activity. Or look at more developed markets.

also, it's often fairly useful on some markets to set a lower refresh rate (of say 250ms). this will take away quite a bit of noise if you are manually trading. of course for automation, you want to be aiming for 20ms... horses for courses

[Euler]

Most markets are really noisy on a macro scale, but especially sports markets with little true liquidity.

[GaryCook]

Most markets are really noisy on a macro scale, but especially sports markets with little true liquidity.

I'm getting quite good. Definitely at least breaking even, if not a bit up. Over hundreds of trades.

Mostly under/over goal markets.

I found one before that was practically a guaranteed win right off the bad as the prices were beginning to overlap so much.
I didnt catch the start of a match but I think there may have been a disallowed goal that threw it up in the air.

That gave me the confidence to really dig deep and start researching everything I can that may help.

If I can squeeze out a few more percentages i'm well i'm my way to becoming at least semi-professional.