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.
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.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 43): Reinforcement Learning with SARSA
SARSA, which is an abbreviation for State-Action-Reward-State-Action is another algorithm that can be used when implementing reinforcement learning. So, as we saw with Q-Learning and DQN, we look into how this could be explored and implemented as an independent model rather than just a training mechanism, in wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
Stress Testing Trade Sequences with Monte Carlo in MQL5
A backtest shows only one path among many possible outcomes. This MQL5 script performs 1000 bootstrap Monte Carlo resamples of a trade P&L series, draws a percentile fan chart on the chart via CCanvas, and reports probability of ruin, value at risk, and 95th‑percentile worst drawdown. The result is a practical view of path risk and drawdown exposure beyond a single equity curve.
Tracking Account Dynamics: Balance, Equity, and Floating P/L Visualization in MQL5
Create a custom MT5 indicator that processes the entire deal history and plots starting balance, balance, equity, and floating P/L as continuous curves. It updates per bar, aggregates positions across symbols, and avoids external dependencies through local caching. Use it to inspect equity–balance divergence, realized vs. unrealized results, and the timing of risk deployment.
Building a Trading System (Part 5): Managing Gains Through Structured Trade Exits
For many traders, it's a familiar pain point: watching a trade come within a whisker of your profit target, only to reverse and hit your stop-loss. Or worse, seeing a trailing stop close you out at breakeven before the market surges toward your original target. This article focuses on using multiple entries at different Reward-to-Risk Ratios to systematically secure gains and reduce overall risk exposure.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 49): Reinforcement Learning with Proximal Policy Optimization
Proximal Policy Optimization is another algorithm in reinforcement learning that updates the policy, often in network form, in very small incremental steps to ensure the model stability. We examine how this could be of use, as we have with previous articles, in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
Developing a Replay System (Part 76): New Chart Trade (III)
In this article, we'll look at how the code of DispatchMessage, missing from the previous article, works. We will laso introduce the topic of the next article. For this reason, it is important to understand how this code works before moving on to the next topic. The content presented here is intended solely for educational purposes. Under no circumstances should the application be viewed for any purpose other than to learn and master the concepts presented.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 16): A Refreshing Look at Decision Trees
Dive into the intricate world of decision trees in the latest installment of our Data Science and Machine Learning series. Tailored for traders seeking strategic insights, this article serves as a comprehensive recap, shedding light on the powerful role decision trees play in the analysis of market trends. Explore the roots and branches of these algorithmic trees, unlocking their potential to enhance your trading decisions. Join us for a refreshing perspective on decision trees and discover how they can be your allies in navigating the complexities of financial markets.
Matrix Factorization: A more practical modeling
You might not have noticed that the matrix modeling was a little strange, since only columns were specified, not rows and columns. This looks very strange when reading the code that performs matrix factorizations. If you were expecting to see the rows and columns listed, you might get confused when trying to factorize. Moreover, this matrix modeling method is not the best. This is because when we model matrices in this way, we encounter some limitations that force us to use other methods or functions that would not be necessary if the modeling were done in a more appropriate way.
How to Detect and Normalize Chart Objects in MQL5 (Part 1): Building a Chart Object Detection Engine
This article addresses the interpretative gap between visual chart objects and algorithmic execution. You will build a systematic detector that iterates over all chart objects, identifies analytical types, and normalises their geometric data (time and price coordinates) into a structured SChartObjectInfo array. The implementation uses raw MQL5 functions, a filter‑extract‑store pipeline, and a timer‑driven test EA, resulting in a reusable framework for rule‑based trading inputs.
Time Evolution Travel Algorithm (TETA)
This is my own algorithm. The article presents the Time Evolution Travel Algorithm (TETA) inspired by the concept of parallel universes and time streams. The basic idea of the algorithm is that, although time travel in the conventional sense is impossible, we can choose a sequence of events that lead to different realities.
MetaTrader 5: Build a Market to Suit Your Strategy — Renko/Range/Volume, Synthetics, and Stress Tests on Custom Symbols
In this article, we demonstrate how to use API of the MetaTrader 5 custom symbols to transform your terminal into a data constructor for generating timeless Renko, Range, and Equal-Volume charts and assembling synthetic instruments. We will analyze tick aggregation and history modification for stress tests (spread widening, stop level changes) taking into account platform limitations. Besides, you will get some practice of handling CiCustomSymbol and routing orders to a real symbol through the CustomOrder wrapper with ready-made code fragments.
Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5
In this article we present the implementation of several risk return metrics billed as alternatives to the Sharpe ratio and examine hypothetical equity curves to analyze their characteristics.
Data Science and ML (Part 43): Hidden Patterns Detection in Indicators Data Using Latent Gaussian Mixture Models (LGMM)
Have you ever looked at the chart and felt that strange sensation… that there’s a pattern hidden just beneath the surface? A secret code that might reveal where prices are headed if only you could crack it? Meet LGMM, the Market’s Hidden Pattern Detector. A machine learning model that helps identify those hidden patterns in the market.
Population optimization algorithms: Differential Evolution (DE)
In this article, we will consider the algorithm that demonstrates the most controversial results of all those discussed previously - the differential evolution (DE) algorithm.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 08): Locking the indicator
In this article, we will look at how to lock the indicator while simply using the MQL5 language, and we will do it in a very interesting and amazing way.
Fibonacci in Forex (Part I): Examining the Price-Time Relationship
How does the market observe Fibonacci-based relationships? This sequence, where each subsequent number is equal to the sum of the two previous ones (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...), not only describes the growth of the rabbit population. We will consider the Pythagorean hypothesis that everything in the world is subject to certain relationships of numbers...
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 24): Moving Averages
Moving Averages are a very common indicator that are used and understood by most Traders. We explore possible use cases that may not be so common within MQL5 Wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
Markov Chain-Based Matrix Forecasting Model
We are going to create a matrix forecasting model based on a Markov chain. What are Markov chains, and how can we use a Markov chain for Forex trading?
From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (I)
News accessibility is a critical factor when trading on the MetaTrader 5 terminal. While numerous news APIs are available, many traders face challenges in accessing and integrating them effectively into their trading environment. In this discussion, we aim to develop a streamlined solution that brings news directly onto the chart—where it’s most needed. We'll accomplish this by building a News Headline Expert Advisor that monitors and displays real-time news updates from API sources.
Developing A Swing Entries Monitoring (EA)
As the year approaches its end, long-term traders often reflect on market history to analyze its behavior and trends, aiming to project potential future movements. In this article, we will explore the development of a long-term entry monitoring Expert Advisor (EA) using MQL5. The objective is to address the challenge of missed long-term trading opportunities caused by manual trading and the absence of automated monitoring systems. We'll use one of the most prominently traded pairs as an example to strategize and develop our solution effectively.
CSV Data Analysis (Part 4): Building an Automated Python-Driven Comparative Analysis Module for MQL5 Strategy Validation
The article presents a reproducible MetaTrader 5 to Python pipeline for large-scale indicator research. An MQL5 export schema captures fixed columns, including custom lag and whipsaw counters. A baseline module performs parameter-matched comparisons across symbols and timeframes, while a walk-forward module locks the InSample optimum and evaluates it on unseen data. Readers gain unbiased robustness measurements and automation that removes manual selection bias.
Developing a quality factor for Expert Advisors
In this article, we will see how to develop a quality score that your Expert Advisor can display in the strategy tester. We will look at two well-known calculation methods – Van Tharp and Sunny Harris.
CSV Data Analysis (Part 4): Building an Automated Python-Driven Comparative Analysis Module for MQL5 Strategy Validation
The article presents a reproducible MetaTrader 5 to Python pipeline for large-scale indicator research. An MQL5 export schema captures fixed columns, including custom lag and whipsaw counters. A baseline module performs parameter-matched comparisons across symbols and timeframes, while a walk-forward module locks the InSample optimum and evaluates it on unseen data. Readers gain unbiased robustness measurements and automation that removes manual selection bias.
Example of Stochastic Optimization and Optimal Control
This Expert Advisor, named SMOC (likely standing for Stochastic Model Optimal Control), is a simple example of an advanced algorithmic trading system for MetaTrader 5. It uses a combination of technical indicators, model predictive control, and dynamic risk management to make trading decisions. The EA incorporates adaptive parameters, volatility-based position sizing, and trend analysis to optimize its performance across varying market conditions.
Forex arbitrage trading: Analyzing synthetic currencies movements and their mean reversion
In this article, we will examine the movements of synthetic currencies using Python and MQL5 and explore how feasible Forex arbitrage is today. We will also consider ready-made Python code for analyzing synthetic currencies and share more details on what synthetic currencies are in Forex.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 45): Creating a Dynamic Level-Analysis Panel in MQL5
In this article, we explore a powerful MQL5 tool that let's you test any price level you desire with just one click. Simply enter your chosen level and press analyze, the EA instantly scans historical data, highlights every touch and breakout on the chart, and displays statistics in a clean, organized dashboard. You'll see exactly how often price respected or broke through your level, and whether it behaved more like support or resistance. Continue reading to explore the detailed procedure.
Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 03): Schedule Module from Python, the OnTimer Event on Steroids
The schedule module in Python offers a simple way to schedule repeated tasks. While MQL5 lacks a built-in equivalent, in this article we’ll implement a similar library to make it easier to set up timed events in MetaTrader 5.
Exploring Conformal Forecasting of Financial Time Series
In this article, we will consider conformal predictions and the MAPIE library that implements them. This approach is one of the most modern ones in machine learning and allows us to focus on risk management for existing diverse machine learning models. Conformal predictions, by themselves, are not a way to find patterns in data. They only determine the degree of confidence of existing models in predicting specific examples and allow filtering for reliable predictions.
Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 6): Effective Memory Cross Validation
In this discussion, we contrast the classical approach to time series cross-validation with modern alternatives that challenge its core assumptions. We expose key blind spots in the traditional method—especially its failure to account for evolving market conditions. To address these gaps, we introduce Effective Memory Cross-Validation (EMCV), a domain-aware approach that questions the long-held belief that more historical data always improves performance.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 13): Birth of the SIMULATOR (III)
Here we will simplify a few elements related to the work in the next article. I'll also explain how you can visualize what the simulator generates in terms of randomness.
Developing a Replay System (Part 42): Chart Trade Project (I)
Let's create something more interesting. I don't want to spoil the surprise, so follow the article for a better understanding. From the very beginning of this series on developing the replay/simulator system, I was saying that the idea is to use the MetaTrader 5 platform in the same way both in the system we are developing and in the real market. It is important that this is done properly. No one wants to train and learn to fight using one tool while having to use another one during the fight.
Developing a Replay System (Part 73): An Unusual Communication (II)
In this article, we will look at how to transmit information in real time between the indicator and the service, and also understand why problems may arise when changing the timeframe and how to solve them. As a bonus, you will get access to the latest version of the replay /simulation app.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 51): Reinforcement Learning with SAC
Soft Actor Critic is a Reinforcement Learning algorithm that utilizes 3 neural networks. An actor network and 2 critic networks. These machine learning models are paired in a master slave partnership where the critics are modelled to improve the forecast accuracy of the actor network. While also introducing ONNX in these series, we explore how these ideas could be put to test as a custom signal of a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 4): Real-time Model Updating
This article describes a simple but comprehensive statistical arbitrage pipeline for trading a basket of cointegrated stocks. It includes a fully functional Python script for data download and storage; correlation, cointegration, and stationarity tests, along with a sample Metatrader 5 Service implementation for database updating, and the respective Expert Advisor. Some design choices are documented here for reference and for helping in the experiment replication.
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.
Quantitative Analysis of Trends: Collecting Statistics in Python
What is quantitative trend analysis in the Forex market? We collect statistics on trends, their magnitude and distribution across the EURUSD currency pair. How quantitative trend analysis can help you create a profitable trading expert advisor.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 24): FOREX (V)
Today we will remove a limitation that has been preventing simulations based on the Last price and will introduce a new entry point specifically for this type of simulation. The entire operating mechanism will be based on the principles of the forex market. The main difference in this procedure is the separation of Bid and Last simulations. However, it is important to note that the methodology used to randomize the time and adjust it to be compatible with the C_Replay class remains identical in both simulations. This is good because changes in one mode lead to automatic improvements in the other, especially when it comes to handling time between ticks.
Analyzing Overbought and Oversold Trends Via Chaos Theory Approaches
We determine the overbought and oversold condition of the market according to chaos theory: integrating the principles of chaos theory, fractal geometry and neural networks to forecast financial markets. The study demonstrates the use of the Lyapunov exponent as a measure of market randomness and the dynamic adaptation of trading signals. The methodology includes an algorithm for generating fractal noise, hyperbolic tangent activation, and moment optimization.