{
  "id": 2197430,
  "title": "The Lab: a backtester that is allowed to say \"no\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/the-lab-a-backtester-that-is-allowed-to-say-no",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-20T18:21:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/gexlive/the-lab-a-backtester-that-is-allowed-to-say-no-4m86"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lab is an online platform that allows users to test trading rules against market data. It consists of two parts: a terminal that tracks SPX options dealer positions in real-time, and the Lab, which checks if those positions can predict market movements. Users create rules by describing a condition in plain text, which the compiler then turns into a rule that runs against a large archive of historic SPX data. Compiling a rule is free, but if the text is ambiguous, the compiler will point out the specific issue. Users can backtest their rules and optionally run them through a machine learning model to see if there is any additional structure. Each rule is presented with its baseline performance, so users can compare their results to the overall market drift. The platform also offers a feed of untested rule ideas, which users can compile and test for a small fee. The Lab is intended for those with a specific trading hypothesis who want to test it without investing a lot of time and resources.",
  "summary": "gex.live has two halves. The terminal measures where SPX options dealers are positioned, every second, from the tape. The Lab is the half that asks the uncomfortable question: does any of that predict anything? What it is A browser-side conveyor with three stages and a credit meter. Compile. You describe a rule in plain text — \"short the first touch of the put wall when net gamma is below the…",
  "key_points": [
    "The Lab is an online platform for testing trading rules against market data.",
    "Users create rules in plain text, which are compiled into executable rules.",
    "The platform offers a feed of untested rule ideas for users to test for a fee."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}