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Cortex Agent Builder

The Agent Builder is where you create a custom Cortex agent. Open it from the Cortex section in the web app (/cortex/builder). The flow is four steps - same labels you see in the app:

  1. Pick a base
  2. Teach it
  3. Set the rails
  4. Publish

You can click back to any completed step without losing your work.

Custom agents require an active Trade Echo subscription. If you only need chat and presets, see Cortex Quick Start.

Step 1: Pick a base​

Choose one of 18 built-in bases (presets). The base sets which market-data tools the agent prefers - for example flow-heavy vs GEX-heavy.

  • Browse the preset cards in Step 1 and pick the closest match to your strategy.
  • Not sure? Start with Full Scan for maximum tool access, or match the preset you already use in Cortex chat.

The full preset table lives on Cortex Quick Start → Built-In Presets.

Step 2: Teach it​

This is your strategy layer on top of the base.

Custom instructions​

  • Up to 2,000 characters of rules: setups to take, setups to skip, selectivity, exit logic, and tone.
  • Copy-paste starters: Ready-Made Custom Prompts.

Rule builder​

Define scan conditions (for example ticker, session window, or signal thresholds) and test the rule against the latest market snapshot before you save. Testing confirms the rule matches real data - not just text on a page.

Chat composer (optional)​

Step 2 also offers a chat composer mode: describe your strategy in plain language and let Cortex propose instruction edits. Switch back to the form view anytime to fine-tune fields by hand.

Step 3: Set the rails​

The trust step. Everything here defines what the agent is allowed to do.

Execution mode​

ModeWhat it does
Research onlyReads the market and surfaces signals. No trades - paper or live.
Paper tradeSimulates trades in a paper book using your rules. Recommended to start.
Live executionRoutes real orders through your linked broker. Requires confirmation before save.

Live in the Builder is available to Lifetime members on the creator's own account. Monthly members can still build agents in research or paper mode. The app shows only modes your account qualifies for.

Approval mode​

  • Full auto - trades within your rails without asking each time.
  • Review mode - every idea queues in Approvals until you approve or it expires.

Start with review mode until you trust the agent's behavior.

Broker binding (live only)​

Live agents need a validated broker connection bound in Trade Echo. If the broker session drops, the agent pauses with Broker offline until you reconnect.

Risk rails​

Typical controls on this step:

  • Sizing model - how the agent sizes against paper balance or live account context
  • Starting balance (paper) - simulation baseline
  • Allowed instruments - equity, options, or both
  • Allowed expirations - 0DTE, weekly, monthly
  • Risk envelope - max positions, max daily orders, max dollars per trade, max contracts per intent, execution timeout
  • Drawdown kill-switch - automatic pause on daily loss limits
  • Weekly schedule - which days and session windows the agent runs, in your timezone

Authority summary​

Before you save, the authority summary lists exactly what you authorized - mode, caps, schedule, and approval behavior. Read it before continuing to Publish.

Paper history gate (live)​

Promoting to live may require a minimum paper track record (for example several days of simulated activity). The Builder shows a banner if you have not crossed that threshold yet. Paper mode is always available while you build history.

Step 4: Publish​

Name the agent, choose visibility, and optionally list it on the Marketplace.

Agent name​

A clear name helps you find the agent under My Agents later.

Public description (community listings)​

Up to 500 characters for marketplace listings - what the strategy does, instruments, and session style.

Tags​

Pick tags for strategy, instruments, and vibe so members can filter listings. Tags auto-suggest from earlier steps; you can refine them here.

Visibility​

OptionMeaning
PrivateOnly you see and run this agent.
CommunityPublished to the Marketplace. Others can subscribe and follow signals.

Community listings show a data transparency panel before you publish - what performance and config details followers can see.

After you save​

  • Private agents appear under My Agents.
  • Community agents redirect to the Marketplace My listings tab, where followers can subscribe.

To edit later, open the agent from My Agents or My listings and return to the Builder.

Paper vs live (creators)​

  • Every new agent defaults to paper unless you choose otherwise.
  • The platform never promotes an agent to live automatically.
  • Paper fills, slippage, and timing do not match real broker execution. Judge paper results as a simulation, not a guarantee of live P&L.

Cortex agents are research and automation tools, not personalized investment advice.

Next steps​