diff --git a/tests/test_e2e_playwright.py b/tests/test_e2e_playwright.py
index ce694ac..1dd9722 100644
--- a/tests/test_e2e_playwright.py
+++ b/tests/test_e2e_playwright.py
@@ -283,3 +283,81 @@ def test_homepage_and_options_page_render() -> None:
         assert "converted collateral spot" in hedge_spot_text or "configured entry price" in hedge_spot_text
 
         browser.close()
+
+
+def test_backtest_page_loads_with_valid_databento_dates() -> None:
+    """E2E test: Backtest page loads and validates Databento date range.
+    
+    Regression test for CORE-003: Ensures backtest page handles Databento 
+    dataset date constraints gracefully without 500 errors.
+    """
+    with sync_playwright() as p:
+        browser = p.chromium.launch(headless=True)
+        page = browser.new_page(viewport={"width": 1440, "height": 1000})
+        
+        # Navigate to backtests page
+        page.goto(f"{BASE_URL}/backtests", wait_until="domcontentloaded", timeout=30000)
+        page.wait_for_load_state("networkidle", timeout=15000)
+        
+        # Verify page loaded without 500 error
+        expect(page.locator("text=Scenario Configuration")).to_be_visible(timeout=10000)
+        
+        # Verify data source is set to Databento by default
+        data_source = page.locator("[data-testid=data-source-select]")
+        expect(data_source).to_be_visible()
+        
+        # Verify dataset is XNAS.BASIC  
+        dataset = page.locator("[data-testid=dataset-select]")
+        expect(dataset).to_be_visible()
+        
+        # Verify date range hint shows correct minimum date for XNAS.BASIC
+        date_hint = page.locator("text=XNAS.BASIC data available from 2024-07-01")
+        expect(date_hint).to_be_visible(timeout=5000)
+        
+        # Verify start date input is set to valid date (2024-07-01 or later)
+        start_input = page.locator("input[placeholder*='Start date']").first
+        start_value = start_input.input_value()
+        assert start_value >= "2024-07-01", f"Start date {start_value} should be >= 2024-07-01"
+        
+        # Verify no 500 error on page
+        error_500 = page.locator("text=500").count()
+        assert error_500 == 0, "Page should not show 500 error"
+        
+        page.screenshot(path=str(ARTIFACTS / "backtest_loads.png"), full_page=True)
+        browser.close()
+
+
+def test_backtest_page_handles_invalid_dates_gracefully() -> None:
+    """E2E test: Backtest page shows validation error for invalid dates.
+    
+    Regression test: Ensures user-friendly error instead of 500 when 
+    dates are before dataset availability.
+    """
+    with sync_playwright() as p:
+        browser = p.chromium.launch(headless=True)
+        page = browser.new_page(viewport={"width": 1440, "height": 1000})
+        
+        page.goto(f"{BASE_URL}/backtests", wait_until="domcontentloaded", timeout=30000)
+        page.wait_for_load_state("networkidle", timeout=15000)
+        
+        # Set invalid start date (before 2024-07-01)
+        start_input = page.locator("input[placeholder*='Start date']").first
+        start_input.fill("2024-03-01")
+        start_input.press("Tab")  # Trigger blur/validation
+        
+        page.wait_for_timeout(2000)
+        
+        # Should show validation error or prevent running, not crash
+        # Check for validation message
+        has_validation = (
+            page.locator("text=Invalid start date").is_visible() or
+            page.locator("text=data available from").is_visible() or
+            page.locator("text=warning").is_visible()
+        )
+        
+        # Verify no 500 error
+        error_500 = page.locator("text=500").count()
+        assert error_500 == 0, "Page should not show 500 error for invalid dates"
+        
+        page.screenshot(path=str(ARTIFACTS / "backtest_invalid_dates.png"), full_page=True)
+        browser.close()