diff --git a/.jules/bolt.md b/.jules/bolt.md
index 289fae6..cd3cb22 100644
--- a/.jules/bolt.md
+++ b/.jules/bolt.md
@@ -23,3 +23,6 @@
 ## 2026-09-19 - Avoid chained array methods before Set initialization
 **Learning:** Chaining `.map().filter()` inside a `new Set()` constructor creates multiple intermediate arrays, causing unnecessary memory allocation and garbage collection overhead in hot paths (like ticker normalization during discovery).
 **Action:** Replace chained array methods with a direct indexed `for` loop that transforms, validates, and `.add()`s directly to a freshly initialized `Set`.
+## 2026-10-01 - Optimize ticker extraction in backtest hot loop
+**Learning:** In hot loops like the backtest runner, chaining declarative array and Set methods (e.g., `Array.from(new Set([...arr1, ...arr2]))`) creates unnecessary intermediate arrays and causes GC overhead. Even with small arrays, these micro-allocations add up in tight loops.
+**Action:** Use imperative bounded `for` loops with early-exit conditions and a tracking `Set` to prevent unnecessary iteration and allocations. While this slightly increases code verbosity, the performance trade-off is often justified in critical simulation paths.
diff --git a/src/agent/backtestRunner.ts b/src/agent/backtestRunner.ts
index e53b03c..d886a63 100644
--- a/src/agent/backtestRunner.ts
+++ b/src/agent/backtestRunner.ts
@@ -347,10 +347,29 @@ export async function runBacktestSession(
           universe: BACKTEST_DISCOVERY_UNIVERSE,
           limit: maxCandidates,
         });
-        const held = (await broker.snapshot()).positions.map((p) => p.ticker);
-        const tickers = Array.from(
-          new Set([...held, ...discovery.candidates.map((c) => c.ticker)]),
-        ).slice(0, maxCandidates);
+        const snapPositions = (await broker.snapshot()).positions;
+        const tickers: string[] = [];
+        const seen = new Set<string>();
+
+        for (let i = 0; i < snapPositions.length; i++) {
+          const ticker = snapPositions[i]!.ticker;
+          if (!seen.has(ticker)) {
+            seen.add(ticker);
+            tickers.push(ticker);
+            if (tickers.length >= maxCandidates) break;
+          }
+        }
+
+        if (tickers.length < maxCandidates) {
+          for (let i = 0; i < discovery.candidates.length; i++) {
+            const ticker = discovery.candidates[i]!.ticker;
+            if (!seen.has(ticker)) {
+              seen.add(ticker);
+              tickers.push(ticker);
+              if (tickers.length >= maxCandidates) break;
+            }
+          }
+        }
 
         const decisions: FinalDecision[] = [];
         for (const ticker of tickers) {