Articles on manual and algorithmic trading in MetaTrader 5

In this series of articles, we look at the challenges faced by algorithmic traders when deploying machine-learning-powered trading strategies. Some challenges within our community remain unseen because they demand deeper technical understanding. Today’s discussion acts as a springboard toward examining the blind spots of cross-validation in machine learning. Although often treated as routine, this step can easily produce misleading or suboptimal results if handled carelessly. This article briefly revisits the essentials of time series cross-validation to prepare us for more in-depth insight into its hidden blind spots.

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.

In this article, we create a supply and demand trading system in MQL5 that identifies supply and demand zones through consolidation ranges, validates them with impulsive moves, and trades retests with trend confirmation and customizable risk parameters. The system visualizes zones with dynamic labels and colors, supporting trailing stops for risk management.

In this article, you will learn how to develop an Order Blocks indicator based on order book volume (market depth) and optimize it using buffers to improve accuracy. This concludes the current stage of the project and prepares for the next phase, which will include the implementation of a risk management class and a trading bot that uses signals generated by the indicator.

In this article, we develop an MQL5 First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors, featuring a scrollable guide with an interactive dashboard, dynamic text formatting, and visual controls like buttons and a checkbox allowing users to navigate instructions and configure trading parameters efficiently. Users of the program get to have insight of what the program is all about and what to do on the first run, more like an orientation model.

The article considers a new population optimization algorithm - Cyclic Parthenogenesis Algorithm (CPA), inspired by the unique reproductive strategy of aphids. The algorithm combines two reproduction mechanisms — parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction — and also utilizes the colonial structure of the population with the possibility of migration between colonies. The key features of the algorithm are adaptive switching between different reproductive strategies and a system of information exchange between colonies through the flight mechanism.

Learn how to detect and display the Gartley harmonic pattern in MetaTrader 5 using MQL5. This article explains each step of the process, from identifying swing points to applying Fibonacci ratios and plotting the full pattern on the chart for clear visual confirmation.

In financial markets, the laws of retracement remain among the most undeniable forces. It is a rule of thumb that price will always retrace—whether in large moves or even within the smallest tick patterns, which often appear as a zigzag. However, the retracement pattern itself is never fixed; it remains uncertain and subject to anticipation. This uncertainty explains why traders rely on multiple Fibonacci levels, each carrying a certain probability of influence. In this discussion, we introduce a refined strategy that applies Fibonacci techniques to address the challenges of trading shortly after major economic event announcements. By combining retracement principles with event-driven market behavior, we aim to uncover more reliable entry and exit opportunities. Join to explore the full discussion and see how Fibonacci can be adapted to post-event trading.

In this article, we develop a 5 Drives pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish 5 Drives harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with customizable entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels based on user-selected options. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects like triangles, trendlines, and labels to clearly display the A-B-C-D-E-F pattern structure.

This is an article that I have written aimed to expound and explain Fair Value Gaps, their formation logic for occurring, and automated trading with breakers and market structure shifts.

In this article, we develop a 3 Drives Pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish 3 Drives harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with customizable entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels based on user-selected options. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects.

In this article, we develop an AB=CD Pattern EA in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish AB=CD harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with precise entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects.

Today we will develop a multi-chart view system using chart objects. The goal is to enhance news trading by applying MQL5 algorithms that help reduce trader reaction time during periods of high volatility, such as major news releases. In this case, we provide traders with an integrated way to monitor multiple major symbols within a single all-in-one news trading tool. Our work is continuously advancing with the News Headline EA, which now features a growing set of functions that add real value both for traders using fully automated systems and for those who prefer manual trading assisted by algorithms. Explore more knowledge, insights, and practical ideas by clicking through and joining this discussion.

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.

We will consider a new approach to market trend analysis based on three-dimensional visualization and tensor analysis of the market microstructure.

In this article, we develop a Gartley Pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish Gartley harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with precise entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects like triangles, trendlines, and labels to clearly display the XABCD pattern structure.

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.

Trends are an important part of many trading strategies. In this article, we will look at some of the tools used to identify trends and their characteristics. Understanding and correctly interpreting trends can significantly improve trading efficiency and minimize risks.

The article provides a detailed discussion of the key components and innovations of the ATA optimization algorithm, which is an evolutionary method with a unique dual behavior system that adapts depending on the situation. ATA combines individual and social learning while using crossover for explorations and migration to find solutions when stuck in local optima.

In this article, we explore the fundamentals of harmonic patterns, their structures, and how they are applied in trading. You’ll learn about Fibonacci retracements, extensions, and how to implement harmonic pattern detection in MQL5, setting the foundation for building advanced trading tools and Expert Advisors.

In this second installment of the MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint series, you’ll discover why simple labels can lead your models astray—and how to apply advanced techniques like the Triple-Barrier and Trend-Scanning methods to define robust, risk-aware targets. Packed with practical Python examples that optimize these computationally intensive techniques, this hands-on guide shows you how to transform noisy market data into reliable labels that mirror real-world trading conditions.

In this article, we develop a Pin Bar Averaging system in MQL5 that detects pin bar patterns to initiate trades and employs an averaging strategy for multi-position management, enhanced by trailing stops and breakeven adjustments. We incorporate customizable parameters with a dashboard for real-time monitoring of positions and profits.

In this article, we develop a trendline trader program that uses least squares fit to detect support and resistance trendlines, generating dynamic buy and sell signals based on price touches and open positions based on generated signals.

This phase fine-tunes your multi-pair EA to adapt trade size and risk in real time using volatility metrics like ATR boosting consistency, protection, and performance across diverse market conditions.

While algorithmic trading systems manage automated operations, many news traders and scalpers prefer active control during high-impact news events and fast-paced market conditions, requiring rapid order execution and management. This underscores the need for intuitive front-end tools that integrate real-time news feeds, economic calendar data, indicator insights, AI-driven analytics, and responsive trading controls.

In this article, we create a dynamic holographic dashboard in MQL5 for monitoring symbols and timeframes with RSI, volatility alerts, and sorting options. We add pulse animations, interactive buttons, and holographic effects to make the tool visually engaging and responsive.

In this article, we develop a London Session Breakout System that identifies pre-London range breakouts and places pending orders with customizable trade types and risk settings. We incorporate features like trailing stops, risk-to-reward ratios, maximum drawdown limits, and a control panel for real-time monitoring and management.

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.

In this article, we shift focus toward integrating news-driven order execution logic—enabling the EA to act, not just inform. Join us as we explore how to implement automated trade execution in MQL5 and extend the News Headline EA into a fully responsive trading system. Expert Advisors offer significant advantages for algorithmic developers thanks to the wide range of features they support. So far, we’ve focused on building a news and calendar events presentation tool, complete with integrated AI insights lanes and technical indicator insights.

This article outlines the design of a double moving average crossover strategy that uses signals from a higher timeframe (D1) to guide entries on a lower timeframe (M15), with stop-loss levels calculated from an intermediate risk timeframe (H4). It introduces system constants, custom enumerations, and logic for trend-following and mean-reverting modes, while emphasizing modularity and future optimization using a genetic algorithm. The approach allows for flexible entry and exit conditions, aiming to reduce signal lag and improve trade timing by aligning lower-timeframe entries with higher-timeframe trends.

In this article, we upgrade the MQL5 Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard with movable and toggle features. We enable dragging the dashboard and a minimize/maximize option for better screen use. We implement and test these enhancements for improved trading flexibility.

This article is about using cycles in trading. We will consider building a trading strategy based on cyclical models.