Building a Trading System (Part 3): Determining Minimum Risk Levels for Realistic Profit Targets
Every trader's ultimate goal is profitability, which is why many set specific profit targets to achieve within a defined trading period. In this article, we will use Monte Carlo simulations to determine the optimal risk percentage per trade needed to meet trading objectives. The results will help traders assess whether their profit targets are realistic or overly ambitious. Finally, we will discuss which parameters can be adjusted to establish a practical risk percentage per trade that aligns with trading goals.
Population optimization algorithms: Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO)
E. coli bacterium foraging strategy inspired scientists to create the BFO optimization algorithm. The algorithm contains original ideas and promising approaches to optimization and is worthy of further study.
Population optimization algorithms: Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO)
Let's consider one of the newest modern optimization algorithms - Grey Wolf Optimization. The original behavior on test functions makes this algorithm one of the most interesting among the ones considered earlier. This is one of the top algorithms for use in training neural networks, smooth functions with many variables.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 1)
Category Theory is a diverse and expanding branch of Mathematics which as of yet is relatively uncovered in the MQL community. These series of articles look to introduce and examine some of its concepts with the overall goal of establishing an open library that attracts comments and discussion while hopefully furthering the use of this remarkable field in Traders' strategy development.
From Novice to Expert: Enhancing Liquidity Strategies with Multi-Timeframe Structural Confirmation in MQL5
The alignment of higher-timeframe liquidity structures with lower-timeframe reversal patterns can greatly influence both the likelihood and direction of the next price movement. By integrating structural liquidity zones from higher timeframes with precise reversal confirmations on lower timeframes, traders can improve entry timing and overall trade quality. This article demonstrates how to reinforce liquidity-based trading strategies through higher-timeframe structural confirmation—and how to implement this approach effectively using MQL5.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 54): Descendant classes of abstract base indicator
The article considers creation of classes of descendant objects of base abstract indicator. Such objects will provide access to features of creating indicator EAs, collecting and getting data value statistics of various indicators and prices. Also, create indicator object collection from which getting access to properties and data of each indicator created in the program will be possible.
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding "homework" tabs and saving graphical objects
In this article, we are going to expand the capabilities of the previously created utility by adding tabs for selecting the symbols we need. We will also learn how to save graphical objects we have created on the specific symbol chart, so that we do not have to constantly create them again. Besides, we will find out how to work only with symbols that have been preliminarily selected using a specific website.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 06): Gradient Descent
The gradient descent plays a significant role in training neural networks and many machine learning algorithms. It is a quick and intelligent algorithm despite its impressive work it is still misunderstood by a lot of data scientists let's see what it is all about.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 11): Heikin Ashi Signal EA
MQL5 offers endless opportunities to develop automated trading systems tailored to your preferences. Did you know it can even perform complex mathematical calculations? In this article, we introduce the Japanese Heikin-Ashi technique as an automated trading strategy.
Trend Prediction with LSTM for Trend-Following Strategies
Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is a type of recurrent neural network (RNN) designed to model sequential data by effectively capturing long-term dependencies and addressing the vanishing gradient problem. In this article, we will explore how to utilize LSTM to predict future trends, enhancing the performance of trend-following strategies. The article will cover the introduction of key concepts and the motivation behind development, fetching data from MetaTrader 5, using that data to train the model in Python, integrating the machine learning model into MQL5, and reflecting on the results and future aspirations based on statistical backtesting.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 41): Building a Statistical Price-Level EA in MQL5
Statistics has always been at the heart of financial analysis. By definition, statistics is the discipline that collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data in meaningful ways. Now imagine applying that same framework to candlesticks—compressing raw price action into measurable insights. How helpful would it be to know, for a specific period of time, the central tendency, spread, and distribution of market behavior? In this article, we introduce exactly that approach, showing how statistical methods can transform candlestick data into clear, actionable signals.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 07): Polynomial Regression
Unlike linear regression, polynomial regression is a flexible model aimed to perform better at tasks the linear regression model could not handle, Let's find out how to make polynomial models in MQL5 and make something positive out of it.
Econometric tools for forecasting volatility: GARCH model
The article describes the properties of the non-linear model of conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH). The iGARCH indicator has been built on its basis for predicting volatility one step ahead. The ALGLIB numerical analysis library is used to estimate the model parameters.
Advanced resampling and selection of CatBoost models by brute-force method
This article describes one of the possible approaches to data transformation aimed at improving the generalizability of the model, and also discusses sampling and selection of CatBoost models.
Python, ONNX and MetaTrader 5: Creating a RandomForest model with RobustScaler and PolynomialFeatures data preprocessing
In this article, we will create a random forest model in Python, train the model, and save it as an ONNX pipeline with data preprocessing. After that we will use the model in the MetaTrader 5 terminal.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 02): First experiments (II)
This time, let's try a different approach to achieve the 1 minute goal. However, this task is not as simple as one might think.
Neural networks made easy (Part 21): Variational autoencoders (VAE)
In the last article, we got acquainted with the Autoencoder algorithm. Like any other algorithm, it has its advantages and disadvantages. In its original implementation, the autoenctoder is used to separate the objects from the training sample as much as possible. This time we will talk about how to deal with some of its disadvantages.
News Trading Made Easy (Part 1): Creating a Database
News trading can be complicated and overwhelming, in this article we will go through steps to obtain news data. Additionally we will learn about the MQL5 Economic Calendar and what it has to offer.
Marvel Your MQL5 Customers with a Usable Cocktail of Technologies!
MQL5 provides programmers with a very complete set of functions and object-oriented API thanks to which they can do everything they want within the MetaTrader environment. However, Web Technology is an extremely versatile tool nowadays that may come to the rescue in some situations when you need to do something very specific, want to marvel your customers with something different or simply you do not have enough time to master a specific part of MT5 Standard Library. Today's exercise walks you through a practical example about how you can manage your development time at the same time as you also create an amazing tech cocktail.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 21): Market Structure Flip Detector Tool
The Market Structure Flip Detector Expert Advisor (EA) acts as your vigilant partner, constantly observing shifts in market sentiment. By utilizing Average True Range (ATR)-based thresholds, it effectively detects structure flips and labels each Higher Low and Lower High with clear indicators. Thanks to MQL5’s swift execution and flexible API, this tool offers real-time analysis that adjusts the display for optimal readability and provides a live dashboard to monitor flip counts and timings. Furthermore, customizable sound and push notifications guarantee that you stay informed of critical signals, allowing you to see how straightforward inputs and helper routines can transform price movements into actionable strategies.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 31): Python Candlestick Recognition Engine (I) — Manual Detection
Candlestick patterns are fundamental to price-action trading, offering valuable insights into potential market reversals or continuations. Envision a reliable tool that continuously monitors each new price bar, identifies key formations such as engulfing patterns, hammers, dojis, and stars, and promptly notifies you when a significant trading setup is detected. This is precisely the functionality we have developed. Whether you are new to trading or an experienced professional, this system provides real-time alerts for candlestick patterns, enabling you to focus on executing trades with greater confidence and efficiency. Continue reading to learn how it operates and how it can enhance your trading strategy.
Neural networks made easy (Part 16): Practical use of clustering
In the previous article, we have created a class for data clustering. In this article, I want to share variants of the possible application of obtained results in solving practical trading tasks.
Developing an Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 30): CHART TRADE as an indicator?
Today we are going to use Chart Trade again, but this time it will be an on-chart indicator which may or may not be present on the chart.
Neural networks made easy (Part 15): Data clustering using MQL5
We continue to consider the clustering method. In this article, we will create a new CKmeans class to implement one of the most common k-means clustering methods. During tests, the model managed to identify about 500 patterns.
Data label for time series mining(Part 1):Make a dataset with trend markers through the EA operation chart
This series of articles introduces several time series labeling methods, which can create data that meets most artificial intelligence models, and targeted data labeling according to needs can make the trained artificial intelligence model more in line with the expected design, improve the accuracy of our model, and even help the model make a qualitative leap!
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 23): Currency Strength Meter
Do you know what really drives a currency pair’s direction? It’s the strength of each individual currency. In this article, we’ll measure a currency’s strength by looping through every pair it appears in. That insight lets us predict how those pairs may move based on their relative strengths. Read on to learn more.
Tips from a professional programmer (Part III): Logging. Connecting to the Seq log collection and analysis system
Implementation of the Logger class for unifying and structuring messages which are printed to the Experts log. Connection to the Seq log collection and analysis system. Monitoring log messages online.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 35): Training and Deploying Predictive Models
Historical data is far from “trash”—it’s the foundation of any robust market analysis. In this article, we’ll take you step‑by‑step from collecting that history to using it to train a predictive model, and finally deploying that model for live price forecasts. Read on to learn how!
Building a Trading System (Part 4): How Random Exits Influence Trading Expectancy
Many traders have experienced this situation, often stick to their entry criteria but struggle with trade management. Even with the right setups, emotional decision-making—such as panic exits before trades reach their take-profit or stop-loss levels—can lead to a declining equity curve. How can traders overcome this issue and improve their results? This article will address these questions by examining random win-rates and demonstrating, through Monte Carlo simulation, how traders can refine their strategies by taking profits at reasonable levels before the original target is reached.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 30): Commodity Channel Index (CCI), Zero Line EA
Automating price action analysis is the way forward. In this article, we utilize the Dual CCI indicator, the Zero Line Crossover strategy, EMA, and price action to develop a tool that generates trade signals and sets stop-loss (SL) and take-profit (TP) levels using ATR. Please read this article to learn how we approach the development of the CCI Zero Line EA.
Data Science and ML (Part 40): Using Fibonacci Retracements in Machine Learning data
Fibonacci retracements are a popular tool in technical analysis, helping traders identify potential reversal zones. In this article, we’ll explore how these retracement levels can be transformed into target variables for machine learning models to help them understand the market better using this powerful tool.
From Novice to Expert: Auto-Geometric Analysis System
Geometric patterns offer traders a concise way to interpret price action. Many analysts draw trend lines, rectangles, and other shapes by hand, and then base trading decisions on the formations they see. In this article, we explore an automated alternative: harnessing MQL5 to detect and analyze the most popular geometric patterns. We’ll break down the methodology, discuss implementation details, and highlight how automated pattern recognition can sharpen a trader's market insights.
Currency pair strength indicator in pure MQL5
We are going to develop a professional indicator for currency strength analysis in MQL5. This step-by-step guide will show you how to develop a powerful trading tool with a visual dashboard for MetaTrader 5. You will learn how to calculate the strength of currency pairs across multiple timeframes (H1, H4, D1), implement dynamic data updates, and create a user-friendly interface.
Neural networks made easy (Part 25): Practicing Transfer Learning
In the last two articles, we developed a tool for creating and editing neural network models. Now it is time to evaluate the potential use of Transfer Learning technology using practical examples.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 27): Creating a Price Action Crab Harmonic Pattern with Visual Feedback
In this article, we develop a Crab Harmonic Pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish Crab harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, triggering trades with precise entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels. We incorporate visual feedback through chart objects like triangles and trendlines to display the XABCD pattern structure and trade levels.
Robustness Testing on Expert Advisors
In strategy development, there are many intricate details to consider, many of which are not highlighted for beginner traders. As a result, many traders, myself included, have had to learn these lessons the hard way. This article is based on my observations of common pitfalls that most beginner traders encounter when developing strategies on MQL5. It will offer a range of tips, tricks, and examples to help identify the disqualification of an EA and test the robustness of our own EAs in an easy-to-implement way. The goal is to educate readers, helping them avoid future scams when purchasing EAs as well as preventing mistakes in their own strategy development.
Population optimization algorithms: Harmony Search (HS)
In the current article, I will study and test the most powerful optimization algorithm - harmonic search (HS) inspired by the process of finding the perfect sound harmony. So what algorithm is now the leader in our rating?
Algorithmic Trading Without the Routine: Quick Trade Analysis in MetaTrader 5 with SQLite
The article presents a minimal working set for maintaining a trading journal in MQL5 using SQLite: a table structure for trades, signals, and events, indices, prepared statements and trades, as well as standard analytical SQL queries. Integration with the statistics dashboard in MetaTrader 5 and working with the database via MetaEditor are demonstrated. The approach allows automating the journal, accelerating calculations, and performing analysis without complicating the EA code.
Cycles and Forex
Cycles are of great importance in our lives. Day and night, seasons, days of the week and many other cycles of different nature are present in the life of any person. In this article, we will consider cycles in financial markets.
Population optimization algorithms
This is an introductory article on optimization algorithm (OA) classification. The article attempts to create a test stand (a set of functions), which is to be used for comparing OAs and, perhaps, identifying the most universal algorithm out of all widely known ones.