Functions for activating neurons during training: The key to fast convergence?
This article presents a study of the interaction of different activation functions with optimization algorithms in the context of neural network training. Particular attention is paid to the comparison of the classical ADAM and its population version when working with a wide range of activation functions, including the oscillating ACON and Snake functions. Using a minimalistic MLP (1-1-1) architecture and a single training example, the influence of activation functions on the optimization is isolated from other factors. The article proposes an approach to manage network weights through the boundaries of activation functions and a weight reflection mechanism, which allows avoiding problems with saturation and stagnation in training.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part VI):Trade Management Panel (II)
In this article, we enhance the Trade Management Panel of our multi-functional Admin Panel. We introduce a powerful helper function that simplifies the code, improving readability, maintainability, and efficiency. We will also demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate additional buttons and enhance the interface to handle a wider range of trading tasks. Whether managing positions, adjusting orders, or simplifying user interactions, this guide will help you develop a robust, user-friendly Trade Management Panel.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 37): Gaussian Process Regression with Linear and Matérn Kernels
Linear Kernels are the simplest matrix of its kind used in machine learning for linear regression and support vector machines. The Matérn kernel on the other hand is a more versatile version of the Radial Basis Function we looked at in an earlier article, and it is adept at mapping functions that are not as smooth as the RBF would assume. We build a custom signal class that utilizes both kernels in forecasting long and short conditions.
Neural Networks in Trading: Unified Trajectory Generation Model (UniTraj)
Understanding agent behavior is important in many different areas, but most methods focus on just one of the tasks (understanding, noise removal, or prediction), which reduces their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. In this article, we will get acquainted with a model that can adapt to solving various problems.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 22): SplitContainer. Changing the properties of the created object
In the current article, I will implement the ability to change the properties and appearance of the newly created SplitContainer control.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 7): Multi, Relative and Indexed Domains
Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which is only recently getting some coverage in the MQL5 community. These series of articles look to explore and examine some of its concepts & axioms with the overall goal of establishing an open library that provides insight while also hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 12): Base list object, ListBox and ButtonListBox WinForms objects
In this article, I am going to create the base object of WinForms object lists, as well as the two new objects: ListBox and ButtonListBox.
Turtle Shell Evolution Algorithm (TSEA)
This is a unique optimization algorithm inspired by the evolution of the turtle shell. The TSEA algorithm emulates the gradual formation of keratinized skin areas, which represent optimal solutions to a problem. The best solutions become "harder" and are located closer to the outer surface, while the less successful solutions remain "softer" and are located inside. The algorithm uses clustering of solutions by quality and distance, allowing to preserve less successful options and providing flexibility and adaptability.
Data Science and ML (Part 46): Stock Markets Forecasting Using N-BEATS in Python
N-BEATS is a revolutionary deep learning model designed for time series forecasting. It was released to surpass classical models for time series forecasting such as ARIMA, PROPHET, VAR, etc. In this article, we are going to discuss this model and use it in predicting the stock market.
Interview with Andrey Bobryashov (ATC 2011)
Since the first Automated Trading Championship we have seen plenty of trading robots in our TOP-10 created with the use of various methods. Excellent results were shown both by the Exper Advisors based on standard indicators, and complicated analytical complexes with weekly automatic optimization of their own parameters.
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.
MetaTrader tick info access from MQL5 services to Python application using sockets
Sometimes everything is not programmable in the MQL5 language. And even if it is possible to convert existing advanced libraries in MQL5, it would be time-consuming. This article tries to show that we can bypass Windows OS dependency by transporting tick information such as bid, ask and time with MetaTrader services to a Python application using sockets.
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.
Market Reactions and Trading Strategies in Response to Dividend Announcements: Evaluating the Efficient Market Hypothesis in Stock Trading
In this article, we will analyse the impact of dividend announcements on stock market returns and see how investors can earn more returns than those offered by the market when they expect a company to announce dividends. In doing so, we will also check the validity of the Efficient Market Hypothesis in the context of the Indian Stock Market.
From Novice to Expert: The Essential Journey Through MQL5 Trading
Unlock your potential! You're surrounded by opportunities. Discover 3 top secrets to kickstart your MQL5 journey or take it to the next level. Let's dive into discussion of tips and tricks for beginners and pros alike.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 21): SplitContainer control. Panel separator
In this article, I will create the class of an auxiliary panel separator object for the SplitContainer control.
Developing a Replay System (Part 32): Order System (I)
Of all the things that we have developed so far, this system, as you will probably notice and eventually agree, is the most complex. Now we need to do something very simple: make our system simulate the operation of a trading server. This need to accurately implement the way the trading server operates seems like a no-brainer. At least in words. But we need to do this so that the everything is seamless and transparent for the user of the replay/simulation system.
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.
Interview with Vitaly Antonov (ATC 2011)
It was only this summer that Vitaly Antonov (beast) has learned about the upcoming Automated Trading Championship and got to know MetaTrader 5 terminal. Time was running out, besides, Vitaly was a newcomer. So, he randomly chose GBPUSD currency pair to develop his trading system. And the choice turned out to be successful. It would have been impossible to use other symbols with the strategy.
Neural Networks in Trading: Lightweight Models for Time Series Forecasting
Lightweight time series forecasting models achieve high performance using a minimum number of parameters. This, in turn, reduces the consumption of computing resources and speeds up decision-making. Despite being lightweight, such models achieve forecast quality comparable to more complex ones.
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.
Interview with Antonio Morillas (ATC 2011)
Antonio Morillas from Spain (sallirom, by the way - it is reversed surname!) was first who doubled his starting balance from the beginning of the Championship and thus attracted our attention. His trading strategy is extremely risky. We decided to talk to Antonio about risk and luck as these are part and parcel of Automated Trading Championship.
From Basic to Intermediate: Template and Typename (I)
In this article, we start considering one of the concepts that many beginners avoid. This is related to the fact that templates are not an easy topic, as many do not understand the basic principle underlying the template: overload of functions and procedures.
Archery Algorithm (AA)
The article takes a detailed look at the archery-inspired optimization algorithm, with an emphasis on using the roulette method as a mechanism for selecting promising areas for "arrows". The method allows evaluating the quality of solutions and selecting the most promising positions for further study.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 20): Algorithmic Trading Insights, A Faceoff Between LDA and PCA in MQL5
Uncover the secrets behind these powerful dimensionality reduction techniques as we dissect their applications within the MQL5 trading environment. Delve into the nuances of Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), gaining a profound understanding of their impact on strategy development and market analysis.
Mastering Log Records (Part 1): Fundamental Concepts and First Steps in MQL5
Welcome to the beginning of another journey! This article opens a special series where we will create, step by step, a library for log manipulation, tailored for those who develop in the MQL5 language.
Building a Traditional Daily Pivot Point Indicator in MQL5
This article develops a rule-based daily pivot point indicator in MQL5 that uses the previous trading day's high, low, and close values to generate pivot, support, and resistance levels. It details historical data retrieval, pivot computation, chart object management, configurable label rendering, and automatic level updates as new trading days begin. The completed indicator displays multiple historical pivot sessions on the main chart for technical analysis on daily and lower timeframes.
Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 10): Draggable Dashboard and Interactive Hover Effects for Seamless News Navigation
In this article, we enhance the MQL5 Economic Calendar by introducing a draggable dashboard that allows us to reposition the interface for better chart visibility. We implement hover effects for buttons to improve interactivity and ensure seamless navigation with a dynamically positioned scrollbar.
Polynomial models in trading
This article is about orthogonal polynomials. Their use can become the basis for a more accurate and effective analysis of market information allowing traders to make more informed decisions.
From "Best Pass" to Robust Solutions: Exploring the Optimization Surface in MetaTrader 5
The article examines an engineering approach to optimizing an Expert Advisor in MetaTrader 5: from collecting custom metrics through Optimization Frames to parameter surface analysis. A simple event-driven EMA/RSI model demonstrates CSV export, smoothing, and local stability assessment in Python. The goal is to find stable areas of configurations and validate them with forward optimization for reliable implementation.
Interview with Boris Odintsov (ATC 2010)
Boris Odintsov is one of the most impressive participants of the Championship who managed to go beyond $100,000 on the third week of the competition. Boris explains the rapid rise of his expert Advisor as a favorable combination of circumstances. In this interview he tells about what is important in trading, and what market would be unfavorable for his EA.
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.
Combinatorially Symmetric Cross Validation In MQL5
In this article we present the implementation of Combinatorially Symmetric Cross Validation in pure MQL5, to measure the degree to which a overfitting may occure after optimizing a strategy using the slow complete algorithm of the Strategy Tester.
Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 7): Command Analysis for Indicator Automation on Charts
In this article, we explore how to integrate Telegram commands with MQL5 to automate the addition of indicators on trading charts. We cover the process of parsing user commands, executing them in MQL5, and testing the system to ensure smooth indicator-based trading
Developing a Replay System (Part 48): Understanding the concept of a service
How about learning something new? In this article, you will learn how to convert scripts into services and why it is useful to do so.
Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part II): Enhancing Responsiveness and Quick Messaging
In this article, we will enhance the responsiveness of the Admin Panel that we previously created. Additionally, we will explore the significance of quick messaging in the context of trading signals.
ATC Champions League: Interview with Olexandr Topchylo (ATC 2011)
Interview with Olexandr Topchylo (Better) is the second publication within the "ATC Champions League" project. Having won the Automated Trading Championship 2007, this professional trader caught the attention of investors. Olexandr says that his first place in the ATC 2007 is one of the major events of his trading experience. However, later on this popularity helped him discover the biggest disappointment - it is so easy to lose investors after the first drawdown on an investor account.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 6): Automating the selection of an instance group
After optimizing the trading strategy, we receive sets of parameters. We can use them to create several instances of trading strategies combined in one EA. Previously, we did this manually. Here we will try to automate this process.
Risk-Based Trade Placement EA with On-Chart UI (Part 2): Adding Interactivity and Logic
Learn how to build an interactive MQL5 Expert Advisor with an on-chart control panel. Know how to compute risk-based lot sizes and place trades directly from the chart.
ATC Champions League: Interview with Roman Zamozhniy (ATC 2011)
This is the first interview in the "ATC Champions League" project. Roman Zamozhniy (Rich) from Ukraine was the winner of the first Automated Trading Championship in 2006. In addition, he is a regular participant of our Championships - he has not missed a single contest. In this interview, we talked about Roman's first place and tried to figure out what is necessary for successful participation.