diff --git a/lib/simple-automation.js b/lib/simple-automation.js
index e775a24..d9bc825 100644
--- a/lib/simple-automation.js
+++ b/lib/simple-automation.js
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ class SimpleAutomation {
       this.isRunning = true;
       this.stats.startTime = new Date().toISOString();
       this.stats.status = 'Running';
+      
+      console.log('✅ AUTOMATION STATUS: isRunning =', this.isRunning);
+      console.log('🎯 LIVE TRADING:', this.config.enableTrading ? 'ENABLED' : 'DISABLED');
       this.stats.totalCycles = 0;
 
       // Auto-enable trading when in LIVE mode
@@ -94,8 +97,10 @@ class SimpleAutomation {
 
   async stop() {
     try {
+      console.log('🛑 STOPPING AUTOMATION...');
       this.isRunning = false;
       this.stats.status = 'Stopped';
+      console.log('✅ AUTOMATION STATUS: isRunning =', this.isRunning);
 
       if (this.intervalId) {
         clearInterval(this.intervalId);
@@ -113,6 +118,12 @@ class SimpleAutomation {
 
   async runCycle() {
     try {
+      // Check if automation should still be running
+      if (!this.isRunning) {
+        console.log('⏹️ AUTOMATION STOPPED: Skipping cycle');
+        return;
+      }
+      
       this.stats.totalCycles++;
       this.stats.lastActivity = new Date().toISOString();
       
@@ -469,7 +480,7 @@ class SimpleAutomation {
   }
 
   getStatus() {
-    return {
+    const baseStatus = {
       isActive: this.isRunning,
       mode: this.config?.mode || 'SIMULATION',
       enableTrading: this.config?.enableTrading || false,
@@ -479,6 +490,17 @@ class SimpleAutomation {
       automationType: 'SIMPLE',
       ...this.stats
     };
+    
+    // Add more descriptive status based on running state
+    if (this.isRunning) {
+      baseStatus.detailedStatus = 'Running - Monitoring for trade opportunities';
+      baseStatus.nextAction = 'Next analysis cycle in progress';
+    } else {
+      baseStatus.detailedStatus = 'Stopped - No monitoring active';
+      baseStatus.nextAction = 'Start automation to begin monitoring';
+    }
+    
+    return baseStatus;
   }
 }