Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 23): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (II)
We aim to create a system for automatic periodic optimization of trading strategies used in one final EA. As the system evolves, it becomes increasingly complex, so it is necessary to look at it as a whole from time to time in order to identify bottlenecks and suboptimal solutions.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 55): SAC with Prioritized Experience Replay
Replay buffers in Reinforcement Learning are particularly important with off-policy algorithms like DQN or SAC. This then puts the spotlight on the sampling process of this memory-buffer. While default options with SAC, for instance, use random selection from this buffer, Prioritized Experience Replay buffers fine tune this by sampling from the buffer based on a TD-score. We review the importance of Reinforcement Learning, and, as always, examine just this hypothesis (not the cross-validation) in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 30): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (IV)
Discover a step-by-step tutorial that simplifies the extraction, conversion, and organization of candle data from API responses within the MQL5 environment. This guide is perfect for newcomers looking to enhance their coding skills and develop robust strategies for managing market data efficiently.
Capital management in trading and the trader's home accounting program with a database
How can a trader manage capital? How can a trader and investor keep track of expenses, income, assets, and liabilities? I am not just going to introduce you to accounting software; I am going to show you a tool that might become your reliable financial navigator in the stormy sea of trading.
Tabu Search (TS)
The article discusses the Tabu Search algorithm, one of the first and most well-known metaheuristic methods. We will go through the algorithm operation in detail, starting with choosing an initial solution and exploring neighboring options, with an emphasis on using a tabu list. The article covers the key aspects of the algorithm and its features.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part XI): Modern feature communications interface (I)
Today, we are focusing on the enhancement of the Communications Panel messaging interface to align with the standards of modern, high-performing communication applications. This improvement will be achieved by updating the CommunicationsDialog class. Join us in this article and discussion as we explore key insights and outline the next steps in advancing interface programming using MQL5.
Economic forecasts: Exploring the Python potential
How to use World Bank economic data for forecasts? What happens when you combine AI models and economics?
Requesting in Connexus (Part 6): Creating an HTTP Request and Response
In this sixth article of the Connexus library series, we will focus on a complete HTTP request, covering each component that makes up a request. We will create a class that represents the request as a whole, which will help us bring together the previously created classes.
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA)
Successful Restaurateur Algorithm (SRA) is an innovative optimization method inspired by restaurant business management principles. Unlike traditional approaches, SRA does not discard weak solutions, but improves them by combining with elements of successful ones. The algorithm shows competitive results and offers a fresh perspective on balancing exploration and exploitation in optimization problems.
Developing an MQTT client for MetaTrader 5: a TDD approach — Part 2
This article is part of a series describing our development steps of a native MQL5 client for the MQTT protocol. In this part we describe our code organization, the first header files and classes, and how we are writing our tests. This article also includes brief notes about the Test-Driven-Development practice and how we are applying it to this project.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part X): External resource-based interface
Today, we are harnessing the capabilities of MQL5 to utilize external resources—such as images in the BMP format—to create a uniquely styled home interface for the Trading Administrator Panel. The strategy demonstrated here is particularly useful when packaging multiple resources, including images, sounds, and more, for streamlined distribution. Join us in this discussion as we explore how these features are implemented to deliver a modern and visually appealing interface for our New_Admin_Panel EA.
Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm
In this article, we will get acquainted with the Anarchic Society Optimization (ASO) algorithm and discuss how an algorithm based on the irrational and adventurous behavior of participants in an anarchic society (an anomalous system of social interaction free from centralized power and various kinds of hierarchies) is able to explore the solution space and avoid the traps of local optimum. The article presents a unified ASO structure applicable to both continuous and discrete problems.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 70): Using Patterns of SAR and the RVI with a Exponential Kernel Network
We follow up our last article, where we introduced the indicator pair of the SAR and the RVI, by considering how this indicator pairing could be extended with Machine Learning. SAR and RVI are a trend and momentum complimentary pairing. Our machine learning approach uses a convolution neural network that engages the Exponential kernel in sizing its kernels and channels, when fine-tuning the forecasts of this indicator pairing. As always, this is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.
Biological neuron for forecasting financial time series
We will build a biologically correct system of neurons for time series forecasting. The introduction of a plasma-like environment into the neural network architecture creates a kind of "collective intelligence," where each neuron influences the system's operation not only through direct connections, but also through long-range electromagnetic interactions. Let's see how the neural brain modeling system will perform in the market.
Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 3): Enhanced Data Visualization
In this article, we will perform Enhanced Data Visualization by going beyond basic charts by incorporating features like interactivity, layered data, and dynamic elements, enabling traders to explore trends, patterns, and correlations more effectively.
From Novice to Expert: Market Periods Synchronizer
In this discussion, we introduce a Higher-to-Lower Timeframe Synchronizer tool designed to solve the problem of analyzing market patterns that span across higher timeframe periods. The built-in period markers in MetaTrader 5 are often limited, rigid, and not easily customizable for non-standard timeframes. Our solution leverages the MQL5 language to develop an indicator that provides a dynamic and visual way to align higher timeframe structures within lower timeframe charts. This tool can be highly valuable for detailed market analysis. To learn more about its features and implementation, I invite you to join the discussion.
The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 2): Connecting Library Components
Today, we take an important step toward helping every developer understand how to read class structures and quickly build Expert Advisors using the MQL5 Standard Library. The library is rich and expandable, yet it can feel like being handed a complex toolkit without a manual. Here we share and discuss an alternative integration routine—a concise, repeatable workflow that shows how to connect classes reliably in real projects.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 28): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (II)
This article teaches you how to retrieve and extract price data from external platforms using APIs and the WebRequest function in MQL5. You’ll learn how URLs are structured, how API responses are formatted, how to convert server data into readable strings, and how to identify and extract specific values from JSON responses.
Causal inference in time series classification problems
In this article, we will look at the theory of causal inference using machine learning, as well as the custom approach implementation in Python. Causal inference and causal thinking have their roots in philosophy and psychology and play an important role in our understanding of reality.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 85): Using Patterns of Stochastic-Oscillator and the FrAMA with Beta VAE Inference Learning
This piece follows up ‘Part-84’, where we introduced the pairing of Stochastic and the Fractal Adaptive Moving Average. We now shift focus to Inference Learning, where we look to see if laggard patterns in the last article could have their fortunes turned around. The Stochastic and FrAMA are a momentum-trend complimentary pairing. For our inference learning, we are revisiting the Beta algorithm of a Variational Auto Encoder. We also, as always, do the implementation of a custom signal class designed for integration with the MQL5 Wizard.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 68): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range with a Cosine Kernel Network
We follow up our last article, where we introduced the indicator pair of TRIX and Williams Percent Range, by considering how this indicator pairing could be extended with Machine Learning. TRIX and William’s Percent are a trend and support/ resistance complimentary pairing. Our machine learning approach uses a convolution neural network that engages the cosine kernel in its architecture when fine-tuning the forecasts of this indicator pairing. As always, this is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.
Applying Localized Feature Selection in Python and MQL5
This article explores a feature selection algorithm introduced in the paper 'Local Feature Selection for Data Classification' by Narges Armanfard et al. The algorithm is implemented in Python to build binary classifier models that can be integrated with MetaTrader 5 applications for inference.
Brain Storm Optimization algorithm (Part I): Clustering
In this article, we will look at an innovative optimization method called BSO (Brain Storm Optimization) inspired by a natural phenomenon called "brainstorming". We will also discuss a new approach to solving multimodal optimization problems the BSO method applies. It allows finding multiple optimal solutions without the need to pre-determine the number of subpopulations. We will also consider the K-Means and K-Means++ clustering methods.
Analyzing weather impact on currencies of agricultural countries using Python
What is the relationship between weather and Forex? Classical economic theory has long ignored the influence of such factors as weather on market behavior. But everything has changed. Let's try to find connections between the weather conditions and the position of agricultural currencies on the market.
Optimizing Trend Strength: Trading in Trend Direction and Strength
This is a specialized trend-following EA that makes both short and long-term analyses, trading decisions, and executions based on the overall trend and its strength. This article will explore in detail an EA that is specifically designed for traders who are patient, disciplined, and focused enough to only execute trades and hold their positions only when trading with strength and in the trend direction without changing their bias frequently, especially against the trend, until take-profit targets are hit.
Population optimization algorithms: Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)
Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior and hunting strategies of humpback whales. The main idea of WOA is to mimic the so-called "bubble-net" feeding method, in which whales create bubbles around prey and then attack it in a spiral motion.
Role of random number generator quality in the efficiency of optimization algorithms
In this article, we will look at the Mersenne Twister random number generator and compare it with the standard one in MQL5. We will also find out the influence of the random number generator quality on the results of optimization algorithms.
Market Simulation (Part 16): Sockets (X)
We are close to completing this challenge. However, before we begin, I want you to try to understand these two articles—this one and the previous one. That way, you will truly understand the next article, in which I will cover exclusively the part related to MQL5 programming. But I will also try to make it understandable. If you do not understand these last two articles, it will be difficult for you to understand the next one, because the material accumulates. The more things there are to do, the more you need to create and understand in order to achieve the goal.
Population optimization algorithms: Evolution of Social Groups (ESG)
We will consider the principle of constructing multi-population algorithms. As an example of this type of algorithm, we will have a look at the new custom algorithm - Evolution of Social Groups (ESG). We will analyze the basic concepts, population interaction mechanisms and advantages of this algorithm, as well as examine its performance in optimization problems.
Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 01): Building the SQLite3 Library, Inspired by Python
The sqlite3 module in Python offers a straightforward approach for working with SQLite databases, it is fast and convenient. In this article, we are going to build a similar module on top of built-in MQL5 functions for working with databases to make it easier to work with SQLite3 databases in MQL5 as in Python.
Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 6): Merging Market Feedback with Model Adaptation
In this part, we focus on how to merge real-time market feedback—such as live trade outcomes, volatility changes, and liquidity shifts—with adaptive model learning to maintain a responsive and self-improving trading system.
Population optimization algorithms: Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm
In this article, we will consider another optimization algorithm inspired by inanimate nature - Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm. The purpose of this article is to present a new optimization algorithm based on the principles of physics and mechanics.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 54): Reinforcement Learning with hybrid SAC and Tensors
Soft Actor Critic is a Reinforcement Learning algorithm that we looked at in a previous article, where we also introduced python and ONNX to these series as efficient approaches to training networks. We revisit the algorithm with the aim of exploiting tensors, computational graphs that are often exploited in Python.
Population optimization algorithms: Artificial Multi-Social Search Objects (MSO)
This is a continuation of the previous article considering the idea of social groups. The article explores the evolution of social groups using movement and memory algorithms. The results will help to understand the evolution of social systems and apply them in optimization and search for solutions.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 32): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (VI)
This article will show you how to visualize candle data obtained via the WebRequest function and API in candle format. We'll use MQL5 to read the candle data from a CSV file and display it as custom candles on the chart, since indicators cannot directly use the WebRequest function.
MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 7): From Scattered Experiments to Reproducible Results
In the latest installment of this series, we move beyond individual machine learning techniques to address the "Research Chaos" that plagues many quantitative traders. This article focuses on the transition from ad-hoc notebook experiments to a principled, production-grade pipeline that ensures reproducibility, traceability, and efficiency.
Developing an MQL5 RL agent with RestAPI integration (Part 4): Organizing functions in classes in MQL5
This article discusses the transition from procedural coding to object-oriented programming (OOP) in MQL5 with an emphasis on integration with the REST API. Today we will discuss how to organize HTTP request functions (GET and POST) into classes. We will take a closer look at code refactoring and show how to replace isolated functions with class methods. The article contains practical examples and tests.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 60): Inference Learning (Wasserstein-VAE) with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator Patterns
We wrap our look into the complementary pairing of the MA & Stochastic oscillator by examining what role inference-learning can play in a post supervised-learning & reinforcement-learning situation. There are clearly a multitude of ways one can choose to go about inference learning in this case, our approach, however, is to use variational auto encoders. We explore this in python before exporting our trained model by ONNX for use in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor in MetaTrader.
Market Simulation (Part 10): Sockets (IV)
In this article, we'll look at what you need to do to start using Excel to manage MetaTrader 5, but in a very interesting way. To do this, we will use an Excel add-in to avoid using built-in VBA. If you don't know what add-in is meant, read this article and learn how to program in Python directly in Excel.
Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 04): time, date, and datetime modules from Python
Unlike MQL5, Python programming language offers control and flexibility when it comes to dealing with and manipulating time. In this article, we will implement similar modules for better handling of dates and time in MQL5 as in Python.