Articles on the MQL5 programming and use of technical indicators

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Technical indicators constitute an important part of trading, and every trader tries to find something new. The authors of these articles talk about econometrics and machine learning, automatic marking of Elliott Waves and digital filters - everything from the classical methods of analysis to the modern interpretation of classical ideas.

The category features articles that will teach you how to develop a custom indicator and contains unique collections of ready-to-use mathematically explained William Blau's trading ideas.

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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 56): Bill Williams Fractals

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 56): Bill Williams Fractals

The Fractals by Bill Williams is a potent indicator that is easy to overlook when one initially spots it on a price chart. It appears too busy and probably not incisive enough. We aim to draw away this curtain on this indicator by examining what its various patterns could accomplish when examined with forward walk tests on all, with wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 64): Using Patterns of DeMarker and Envelope Channels with the White-Noise Kernel

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 64): Using Patterns of DeMarker and Envelope Channels with the White-Noise Kernel

The DeMarker Oscillator and the Envelopes' indicator are momentum and support/ resistance tools that can be paired when developing an Expert Advisor. We continue from our last article that introduced these pair of indicators by adding machine learning to the mix. We are using a recurrent neural network that uses the white-noise kernel to process vectorized signals from these two indicators. This is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 77): Using Gator Oscillator and the Accumulation/Distribution Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 77): Using Gator Oscillator and the Accumulation/Distribution Oscillator

The Gator Oscillator by Bill Williams and the Accumulation/Distribution Oscillator are another indicator pairing that could be used harmoniously within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. We use the Gator Oscillator for its ability to affirm trends, while the A/D is used to provide confirmation of the trends via checks on volume. In exploring this indicator pairing, as always, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test out their potential.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 54): Filtering Trends with EMA and Smoothed Price Action

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 54): Filtering Trends with EMA and Smoothed Price Action

This article explores a method that combines Heikin‑Ashi smoothing with EMA20 High and Low boundaries and an EMA50 trend filter to improve trade clarity and timing. It demonstrates how these tools can help traders identify genuine momentum, filter out noise, and better navigate volatile or trending markets.
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Developing Trading Strategy: Pseudo Pearson Correlation Approach

Developing Trading Strategy: Pseudo Pearson Correlation Approach

Generating new indicators from existing ones offers a powerful way to enhance trading analysis. By defining a mathematical function that integrates the outputs of existing indicators, traders can create hybrid indicators that consolidate multiple signals into a single, efficient tool. This article introduces a new indicator built from three oscillators using a modified version of the Pearson correlation function, which we call the Pseudo Pearson Correlation (PPC). The PPC indicator aims to quantify the dynamic relationship between oscillators and apply it within a practical trading strategy.
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Elastic net regression using coordinate descent in MQL5

Elastic net regression using coordinate descent in MQL5

In this article we explore the practical implementation of elastic net regression to minimize overfitting and at the same time automatically separate useful predictors from those that have little prognostic power.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 2): Portfolio Diversification and Optimization

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 2): Portfolio Diversification and Optimization

Portfolio Diversification and Optimization strategically spreads investments across multiple assets to minimize risk while selecting the ideal asset mix to maximize returns based on risk-adjusted performance metrics.
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Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 3): Enforcing Symbol-Level Trading Boundaries with a Whitelist System in MQL5

Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 3): Enforcing Symbol-Level Trading Boundaries with a Whitelist System in MQL5

This article details an MQL5 framework that restricts trading to an approved set of symbols. The solution combines a shared library, a configuration dashboard, and an enforcement Expert Advisor that validates each trade against a whitelist and logs blocked attempts. It includes fully functional code examples, a clear explanation of the structural design decisions, and validation tests that confirm reliable symbol filtering, controlled market exposure, and transparent monitoring of rule enforcement.
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Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 2): Structural Patterns

Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 2): Structural Patterns

In this article, we will continue our articles about Design Patterns after learning how much this topic is more important for us as developers to develop extendable, reliable applications not only by the MQL5 programming language but others as well. We will learn about another type of Design Patterns which is the structural one to learn how to design systems by using what we have as classes to form larger structures.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 8): Metrics Board

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 8): Metrics Board

As one of the most powerful Price Action analysis toolkits, the Metrics Board is designed to streamline market analysis by instantly providing essential market metrics with just a click of a button. Each button serves a specific function, whether it’s analyzing high/low trends, volume, or other key indicators. This tool delivers accurate, real-time data when you need it most. Let’s dive deeper into its features in this article.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 22): Correlation Dashboard

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 22): Correlation Dashboard

This tool is a Correlation Dashboard that calculates and displays real-time correlation coefficients across multiple currency pairs. By visualizing how pairs move in relation to one another, it adds valuable context to your price-action analysis and helps you anticipate inter-market dynamics. Read on to explore its features and applications.
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Chaos theory in trading (Part 2): Diving deeper

Chaos theory in trading (Part 2): Diving deeper

We continue our dive into chaos theory in financial markets. This time I will consider its applicability to the analysis of currencies and other assets.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 4): Customizing Display Style For Each Trend Wave

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 4): Customizing Display Style For Each Trend Wave

In this article, we will explore the capabilities of the powerful MQL5 language in drawing various indicator styles on Meta Trader 5. We will also look at scripts and how they can be used in our model.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part III)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part III)

This part of the article series is dedicated to integrating WhatsApp with MetaTrader 5 for notifications. We have included a flow chart to simplify understanding and will discuss the importance of security measures in integration. The primary purpose of indicators is to simplify analysis through automation, and they should include notification methods for alerting users when specific conditions are met. Discover more in this article.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 10): Using only real data for Replay

Here we will look at how we can use more reliable data (traded ticks) in the replay system without worrying about whether it is adjusted or not.
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Codex Pipelines: From Python to MQL5 for Indicator Selection — A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the FXI ETF

Codex Pipelines: From Python to MQL5 for Indicator Selection — A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the FXI ETF

We continue our look at how MetaTrader can be used outside its forex trading ‘comfort-zone’ by looking at another tradable asset in the form of the FXI ETF. Unlike in the last article where we tried to do ‘too-much’ by delving into not just indicator selection, but also considering indicator pattern combinations, for this article we will swim slightly upstream by focusing more on indicator selection. Our end product for this is intended as a form of pipeline that can help recommend indicators for various assets, provided we have a reasonable amount of their price history.
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Market Simulation (Part 14): Sockets (VIII)

Market Simulation (Part 14): Sockets (VIII)

Many programmers might assume we should abandon using Excel and move directly to Python, using some packages that allow Python to generate an Excel file for later analysis of results. However, as mentioned in the previous article, although this solution is the simplest for many programmers, it will not be accepted by some users. And in this particular case, the user is always right. As programmers, we must find a way to make everything work.
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Elements of correlation analysis in MQL5: Pearson chi-square test of independence and correlation ratio

Elements of correlation analysis in MQL5: Pearson chi-square test of independence and correlation ratio

The article observes classical tools of correlation analysis. An emphasis is made on brief theoretical background, as well as on the practical implementation of the Pearson chi-square test of independence and the correlation ratio.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 57): Supervised Learning with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 57): Supervised Learning with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator

Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator are very common indicators that some traders may not use a lot because of their lagging nature. In a 3-part ‘miniseries' that considers the 3 main forms of machine learning, we look to see if this bias against these indicators is justified, or they might be holding an edge. We do our examination in wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 37): Sentiment Tilt Meter

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 37): Sentiment Tilt Meter

Market sentiment is one of the most overlooked yet powerful forces influencing price movement. While most traders rely on lagging indicators or guesswork, the Sentiment Tilt Meter (STM) EA transforms raw market data into clear, visual guidance, showing whether the market is leaning bullish, bearish, or staying neutral in real-time. This makes it easier to confirm trades, avoid false entries, and time market participation more effectively.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 22): Building an Expert Advisor for the 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 22): Building an Expert Advisor for the 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

This article explains how to detect and trade the 5-0 harmonic pattern in MQL5, validate it using Fibonacci levels, and display it on the chart.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 69): Using Patterns of SAR and the RVI

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 69): Using Patterns of SAR and the RVI

The Parabolic-SAR (SAR) and the Relative Vigour Index (RVI) are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. This indicator pair, like those we’ve covered in the past, is also complementary since SAR defines the trend while RVI checks momentum. As usual, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test any potential this indicator pairing may have.
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How can century-old functions update your trading strategies?

How can century-old functions update your trading strategies?

This article considers the Rademacher and Walsh functions. We will explore ways to apply these functions to financial time series analysis and also consider various applications for them in trading.
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Codex Pipelines, from Python to MQL5, for Indicator Selection: A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the XLF ETF with Machine Learning

Codex Pipelines, from Python to MQL5, for Indicator Selection: A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the XLF ETF with Machine Learning

We continue our look at how the selection of indicators can be pipelined when facing a ‘none-typical’ MetaTrader asset. MetaTrader 5 is primarily used to trade forex, and that is good given the liquidity on offer, however the case for trading outside of this ‘comfort-zone’, is growing bolder with not just the overnight rise of platforms like Robinhood, but also the relentless pursuit of an edge for most traders. We consider the XLF ETF for this article and also cap our revamped pipeline with a simple MLP.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

The Triple Exponential Moving Average Oscillator (TRIX) and the Williams Percentage Range Oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. This indicator pair, like those we’ve covered recently, is also complementary given that TRIX defines the trend while Williams Percent Range affirms support and Resistance levels. As always, we use the MQL5 wizard to prototype any potential these two may have.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 10): Monoid Groups

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 10): Monoid Groups

This article continues the series on category theory implementation in MQL5. Here we look at monoid-groups as a means normalising monoid sets making them more comparable across a wider span of monoid sets and data types..
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part II)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 5): Notification System (Part II)

Today, we are discussing a working Telegram integration for MetaTrader 5 Indicator notifications using the power of MQL5, in partnership with Python and the Telegram Bot API. We will explain everything in detail so that no one misses any point. By the end of this project, you will have gained valuable insights to apply in your projects.
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Triangular and Sawtooth Waves: Analytical Tools for Traders

Triangular and Sawtooth Waves: Analytical Tools for Traders

Wave analysis is one of the methods used in technical analysis. This article focuses on two less conventional wave patterns: triangular and sawtooth waves. These formations underpin a number of technical indicators designed for market price analysis.
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Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 3): Multi-Gauge Enhancements with Sector and Round Styles

Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 3): Multi-Gauge Enhancements with Sector and Round Styles

In this article, we enhance the gauge-based indicator in MQL5 to support multiple oscillators, allowing user selection through an enumeration for single or combined displays. We introduce sector and round gauge styles via derived classes from a base gauge framework, improving case rendering with arcs, lines, and polygons for a more refined visual appearance.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 50): Awesome Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 50): Awesome Oscillator

The Awesome Oscillator is another Bill Williams Indicator that is used to measure momentum. It can generate multiple signals, and therefore we review these on a pattern basis, as in prior articles, by capitalizing on the MQL5 wizard classes and assembly.
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Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector

Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector

Build a practical MetaTrader 5 “Sigma Score” indicator from scratch and learn what it really measures: The z-score of log returns (how many standard deviations the latest move is from the recent average). The article walks through every code block in OnInit(), OnCalculate(), and OnDeinit(), then shows how to interpret thresholds (e.g., ±2) and apply the Sigma Score as a simple “market stress meter” for mean-reversion and momentum trading.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 6): All in one integration

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 6): All in one integration

One major challenge is managing multiple chart windows of the same pair running the same program with different features. Let's discuss how to consolidate several integrations into one main program. Additionally, we will share insights on configuring the program to print to a journal and commenting on the successful signal broadcast on the chart interface. Find more information in this article as we progress the article series.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 18): Ticks and more ticks (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 18): Ticks and more ticks (II)

Obviously the current metrics are very far from the ideal time for creating a 1-minute bar. That's the first thing we are going to fix. Fixing the synchronization problem is not difficult. This may seem hard, but it's actually quite simple. We did not make the required correction in the previous article since its purpose was to explain how to transfer the tick data that was used to create the 1-minute bars on the chart into the Market Watch window.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 58): Reinforcement Learning (DDPG) with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator Patterns

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 58): Reinforcement Learning (DDPG) with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator Patterns

Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator are very common indicators whose collective patterns we explored in the prior article, via a supervised learning network, to see which “patterns-would-stick”. We take our analyses from that article, a step further by considering the effects' reinforcement learning, when used with this trained network, would have on performance. Readers should note our testing is over a very limited time window. Nonetheless, we continue to harness the minimal coding requirements afforded by the MQL5 wizard in showcasing this.
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Data Science and ML (Part 34): Time series decomposition, Breaking the stock market down to the core

Data Science and ML (Part 34): Time series decomposition, Breaking the stock market down to the core

In a world overflowing with noisy and unpredictable data, identifying meaningful patterns can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore seasonal decomposition, a powerful analytical technique that helps separate data into its key components: trend, seasonal patterns, and noise. By breaking data down this way, we can uncover hidden insights and work with cleaner, more interpretable information.
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Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management

Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management

In this article, we enhance the Smart WaveTrend Crossover indicator in MQL5 by integrating canvas-based drawing for fog gradient overlays, signal boxes that detect breakouts, and customizable buy/sell bubbles or triangles for visual alerts. We incorporate risk management features with dynamic take-profit and stop-loss levels calculated via candle multipliers or percentages, displayed through lines and a table, alongside options for trend filtering and box extensions.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 14): Detecting Hidden Smash Day Reversals with a Custom Indicator

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 14): Detecting Hidden Smash Day Reversals with a Custom Indicator

This article develops a practical MQL5 indicator that identifies Hidden Smash Day bars by strict numeric criteria and optional confirmation on the following session. We cover detection routines, buffer registration, and plot configuration to place arrows at valid bars. The approach delivers stable, non-repainting signals for historical testing and real-time monitoring.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 53): Market Facilitation Index

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 53): Market Facilitation Index

The Market Facilitation Index is another Bill Williams Indicator that is intended to measure the efficiency of price movement in tandem with volume. As always, we look at the various patterns of this indicator within the confines of a wizard assembly signal class, and present a variety of test reports and analyses for the various patterns.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 65): Using Patterns of FrAMA and the Force Index

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 65): Using Patterns of FrAMA and the Force Index

The Fractal Adaptive Moving Average (FrAMA) and the Force Index Oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. These two indicators complement each other a little bit because FrAMA is a trend following indicator while the Force Index is a volume based oscillator. As always, we use the MQL5 wizard to rapidly explore any potential these two may have.
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Redefining MQL5 and MetaTrader 5 Indicators

Redefining MQL5 and MetaTrader 5 Indicators

An innovative approach to collecting indicator information in MQL5 enables more flexible and streamlined data analysis by allowing developers to pass custom inputs to indicators for immediate calculations. This approach is particularly useful for algorithmic trading, as it provides enhanced control over the information processed by indicators, moving beyond traditional constraints.