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.
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.
How to Connect an LLM to an MQL5 Expert Advisor via a Python Server
The article examines three key obstacles to integrating LLMs with MetaTrader 5: the lack of direct access, strict rate limits, and API key security given the architectural limitations of MQL5. A configuration is proposed that uses a local Python server as a bridge between the Expert Advisor and OpenRouter. The article covers WebSocket and fallback to TCP, storing the key on the server, batch processing of multiple symbols, and constructing a technical prompt. Readers get a ready-made architecture that reduces latency and costs.
Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA)
The article presents an artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA) inspired by Coulomb's law of electrostatic force. The algorithm simulates electrical phenomena to solve complex optimization problems using charged particles and their interactions. AEFA exhibits unique properties in the context of other algorithms related to laws of nature.
Quantitative approach to risk management: Applying VaR model to optimize multi-currency portfolio using Python and MetaTrader 5
This article explores the potential of the Value at Risk (VaR) model for multi-currency portfolio optimization. Using the power of Python and the functionality of MetaTrader 5, we demonstrate how to implement VaR analysis for efficient capital allocation and position management. From theoretical foundations to practical implementation, the article covers all aspects of applying one of the most robust risk calculation systems – VaR – in algorithmic trading.
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.
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...
Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 02): Dealing with Bars, Ticks, and Overloading Built-in Functions in a Simulator
In this article, we introduce functions similar to those provided by the Python-MetaTrader 5 module, providing a simulator with a familiar interface and a custom way of handling bars and ticks internally.
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?
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.
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.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 16): Principal Component Analysis with Eigen Vectors
Principal Component Analysis, a dimensionality reducing technique in data analysis, is looked at in this article, with how it could be implemented with Eigen values and vectors. As always, we aim to develop a prototype expert-signal-class usable in the MQL5 wizard.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 8): Load testing and handling a new bar
As we progressed, we used more and more simultaneously running instances of trading strategies in one EA. Let's try to figure out how many instances we can get to before we hit resource limitations.
Market Simulation (Part 20): First steps with SQL (III)
Although we can perform operations on a database containing about 10 records, the material is absorbed much better when we work with a file that contains more than 15 thousand records. That is, if we tried to create such a database manually, this task would be enormous. However, it is difficult to find such a database, even for educational purposes, that is available for download. But in reality, we don’t need to resort to that — we can use MetaTrader 5 to create a database for ourselves. In today's article, we will look at how to do this.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 5): Creating a Rolling Ticker Tape for Real-Time Symbol Monitoring
In this article, we develop a rolling ticker tape in MQL5 for real-time monitoring of multiple symbols, displaying bid prices, spreads, and daily percentage changes with scrolling effects. We implement customizable fonts, colors, and scroll speeds to highlight price movements and trends effectively.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 09): Custom events
Here we'll see how custom events are triggered and how the indicator reports the state of the replay/simulation service.
Developing a Replay System (Part 26): Expert Advisor project — C_Terminal class
We can now start creating an Expert Advisor for use in the replay/simulation system. However, we need something improved, not a random solution. Despite this, we should not be intimidated by the initial complexity. It's important to start somewhere, otherwise we end up ruminating about the difficulty of a task without even trying to overcome it. That's what programming is all about: overcoming obstacles through learning, testing, and extensive research.
Population ADAM (Adaptive Moment Estimation)
The article presents the transformation of the well-known and popular ADAM gradient optimization method into a population algorithm and its modification with the introduction of hybrid individuals. The new approach allows creating agents that combine elements of successful decisions using probability distribution. The key innovation is the formation of hybrid population individuals that adaptively accumulate information from the most promising solutions, increasing the efficiency of search in complex multidimensional spaces.
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.
Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm
The article considers the Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm, which uses the concepts of the atomic orbital model to simulate the search for solutions. The algorithm is based on probability distributions and the dynamics of interactions in the atom. The article discusses in detail the mathematical aspects of AOS, including updating the positions of candidate solutions and the mechanisms of energy absorption and release. AOS opens new horizons for applying quantum principles to computing problems by offering an innovative approach to optimization.
Low-Frequency Quantitative Strategies in MetaTrader 5 (Part 3): A Regime-Adaptive Mean-Reversion Swing Trading System
The article describes and codes MR Swing in MQL5, a mean‑reversion swing approach that combines a 200‑day hysteresis channel with Value Charts, DVO, and SVAPO. We document entry/exit rules for bull and bear regimes and show five‑year backtests on six high‑liquidity Nasdaq stocks. The complete EA code and backtest configurations are provided for reproducibility.
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 7): Trading With Multiple Periods At Once
In this series of articles, we have considered multiple different ways of identifying the best period to use our technical indicators with. Today, we shall demonstrate to the reader how they can instead perform the opposite logic, that is to say, instead of picking the single best period to use, we will demonstrate to the reader how to employ all available periods effectively. This approach reduces the amount of data discarded, and offers alternative use cases for machine learning algorithms beyond ordinary price prediction.
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.
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.
Low-Frequency Quantitative Strategies in Metatrader 5: (Part 2) Backtesting a Lead/Lag Analysis in SQL and in Metatrader 5
The article describes a complete pipeline that uses data analysis for finding low-frequency lead/lag trading opportunities. It goes into building a cross-correlation-based Lead/Lag analyser step-by-step, with special attention to the most common errors beginners may commit while developing cross-asset diffusion queries. After screening dozens of cointegrated and correlated pairs, a trading candidate pair is chosen, and its tradeability is evaluated in a pure SQL backtest. Once it is qualified, the strategy is backtested on the MetaTester for parameter optimization. The Expert Advisor with respective backtest settings and optimization inputs is provided, along with Python and SQL scripts.
From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (III) — Indicator Insights
In this article, we’ll advance the News Headline EA by introducing a dedicated indicator insights lane—a compact, on-chart display of key technical signals generated from popular indicators such as RSI, MACD, Stochastic, and CCI. This approach eliminates the need for multiple indicator subwindows on the MetaTrader 5 terminal, keeping your workspace clean and efficient. By leveraging the MQL5 API to access indicator data in the background, we can process and visualize market insights in real-time using custom logic. Join us as we explore how to manipulate indicator data in MQL5 to create an intelligent and space-saving scrolling insights system, all within a single horizontal lane on your trading chart.
Cross-validation and basics of causal inference in CatBoost models, export to ONNX format
The article proposes the method of creating bots using machine learning.
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.
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 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.
A Reinforcement Learning System for Algorithmic Trading in MQL5
The article describes the development of a multi-agent machine learning system for algorithmic trading on MetaTrader 5 based on reinforcement learning. The system has a three-tier architecture: memory neurons store experience, agents make independent decisions, and the collective mind combines them through weighted voting. The system is continuously improved through Q-learning, pruning of ineffective neurons, and evolutionary reduction of exploration.
Hidden Markov Models in Machine Learning-Based Trading Systems
Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are a powerful class of probabilistic models designed to analyze sequential data, where observed events depend on some sequence of unobserved (hidden) states that form a Markov process. The main assumptions of HMM include the Markov property for hidden states, meaning that the probability of transition to the next state depends only on the current state, and the independence of observations given knowledge of the current hidden state.
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.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 14): Birth of the SIMULATOR (IV)
In this article we will continue the simulator development stage. this time we will see how to effectively create a RANDOM WALK type movement. This type of movement is very intriguing because it forms the basis of everything that happens in the capital market. In addition, we will begin to understand some concepts that are fundamental to those conducting market analysis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.