ARTICLE SYNOPSIS ...Forcing Optimization by Vincenzo Sciarretta Sooner or later, most system-oriented traders backtest a mechanical system and get a positive result - and then have it perform poorly in real-life situations. What gives? Sooner or later, most system-oriented traders experience this dismaying conundrum: They formulate a mechanical system, backtest it over a convenient period, and get a very positive result. They watch the equity line and see it rise in an almost straight line with small but acceptable drawdowns. With a methodology called forcing optimization. As an example of contrary results, I...