Articles on trading system automation in MQL5

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Read articles on the trading systems with a wide variety of ideas at the core. Learn how to use statistical methods and patterns on candlestick charts, how to filter signals and where to use semaphore indicators.

The MQL5 Wizard will help you create robots without programming to quickly check your trading ideas. Use the Wizard to learn about genetic algorithms.

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Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs (II)-LoRA-Tuning

Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs (II)-LoRA-Tuning

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence today, language models (LLMs) are an important part of artificial intelligence, so we should think about how to integrate powerful LLMs into our algorithmic trading. For most people, it is difficult to fine-tune these powerful models according to their needs, deploy them locally, and then apply them to algorithmic trading. This series of articles will take a step-by-step approach to achieve this goal.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 85): Multivariate Time Series Forecasting

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 85): Multivariate Time Series Forecasting

In this article, I would like to introduce you to a new complex timeseries forecasting method, which harmoniously combines the advantages of linear models and transformers.
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Graph Theory: Traversal Depth-First Search (DFS) Applied in Trading

Graph Theory: Traversal Depth-First Search (DFS) Applied in Trading

This article applies Depth-First Search to market structure by modeling swing highs and lows as graph nodes and tracking one structural path as deeply as conditions remain valid. When a key swing is broken, the algorithm backtracks and explores an alternative branch. Readers gain a practical framework to formalize structural bias and test whether the current path aligns with targets like liquidity pools or supply and demand zones.
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Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management

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.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 16): A Refreshing Look at Decision Trees

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.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 31): Creating an Interactive Tools Palette in MQL5

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 31): Creating an Interactive Tools Palette in MQL5

We turn the Tools Palette sidebar from a static shell into an interactive MQL5 system. The article implements flyout menus per category, a chart event handler, a multi-click drawing engine (one-, two-, and three-click tools), and mouse interactions including drag, bottom-edge resize, scrolling, hover states, and live theme toggling. You will be able to select a tool and place chart objects directly from the palette for analysis
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Neural Networks in Trading: Node-Adaptive Graph Representation with NAFS

Neural Networks in Trading: Node-Adaptive Graph Representation with NAFS

We invite you to get acquainted with the NAFS (Node-Adaptive Feature Smoothing) method, which is a non-parametric approach to creating node representations that does not require parameter training. NAFS extracts features of each node given its neighbors and then adaptively combines these features to form a final representation.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 76): New Chart Trade (III)

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.
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From Novice to Expert: Adaptive Risk Management for Liquidity Strategies

From Novice to Expert: Adaptive Risk Management for Liquidity Strategies

In this article, we explore practical and robust risk management techniques specifically tailored for liquidity-based trading. You will learn how to protect positions during retests, handle false breakouts with confidence, and identify signs of potential level manipulation. By the end, you will have built an adaptive Expert Advisor capable of managing zone flips and executing strategic pending orders with integrated risk control.
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Exploring Conformal Forecasting of Financial Time Series

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.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 45): Creating a Dynamic Level-Analysis Panel in MQL5

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.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 18): Automating group selection considering forward period

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 18): Automating group selection considering forward period

Let's continue to automate the steps we previously performed manually. This time we will return to the automation of the second stage, that is, the selection of the optimal group of single instances of trading strategies, supplementing it with the ability to take into account the results of instances in the forward period.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 74): Trajectory prediction with adaptation

Neural networks made easy (Part 74): Trajectory prediction with adaptation

This article introduces a fairly effective method of multi-agent trajectory forecasting, which is able to adapt to various environmental conditions.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 3): Adding Currency, Importance, and Time Filters

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 3): Adding Currency, Importance, and Time Filters

In this article, we implement filters in the MQL5 Economic Calendar dashboard to refine news event displays by currency, importance, and time. We first establish filter criteria for each category and then integrate these into the dashboard to display only relevant events. Finally, we ensure each filter dynamically updates to provide traders with focused, real-time economic insights.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 08): Locking the indicator

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.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 67): Using Patterns of TRIX and the Williams Percent Range

The Triple Exponential Moving Average Oscillator (TRIX) and the Williams Percentage Range Oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. This indicator pair, like those we’ve covered recently, is also complementary given that TRIX defines the trend while Williams Percent Range affirms support and Resistance levels. As always, we use the MQL5 wizard to prototype any potential these two may have.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 15): Trading Hidden Smash Day Reversals with Market Context

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 15): Trading Hidden Smash Day Reversals with Market Context

Build an MQL5 Expert Advisor that automates Larry Williams Hidden Smash Day reversals. It reads confirmed signals from a custom indicator, applies context filters (Supertrend alignment and optional trading‑day rules), and manages risk with stop‑loss models based on smash‑bar structure or ATR and a fixed or risk‑based position size. The result is a reproducible framework ready for testing and extension.
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Example of Stochastic Optimization and Optimal Control

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.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 3): Expert Standard Deviation Channel

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 3): Expert Standard Deviation Channel

In this discussion, we will develop an Expert Advisor using the CTrade and CChartObjectStdDevChannel classes, while applying several filters to enhance profitability. This stage puts our previous discussion into practical application. Additionally, I’ll introduce another simple approach to help you better understand the MQL5 Standard Library and its underlying codebase. Join the discussion to explore these concepts in action.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 17): Modelling Technical Indicators

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 17): Modelling Technical Indicators

In this discussion, we focus on how we can break the glass ceiling imposed by classical machine learning techniques in finance. It appears that the greatest limitation to the value we can extract from statistical models does not lie in the models themselves — neither in the data nor in the complexity of the algorithms — but rather in the methodology we use to apply them. In other words, the true bottleneck may be how we employ the model, not the model’s intrinsic capability.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 24): FOREX (V)

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.
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Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 05): Multi-Symbols and Timeframes Strategy Tester

Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 05): Multi-Symbols and Timeframes Strategy Tester

This article presents a MetaTrader 5–compatible backtesting workflow that scales across symbols and timeframes. We use HistoryManager to parallelize data collection, synchronize bars and ticks from all timeframes, and run symbol‑isolated OnTick handlers in threads. You will learn how modelling modes affect speed/accuracy, when to rely on terminal data, how to reduce I/O with event‑driven updates, and how to assemble a complete multicurrency trading robot.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques You should know (Part 86): Speeding Up Data Access with a Sparse Table for a Custom Trailing Class

MQL5 Wizard Techniques You should know (Part 86): Speeding Up Data Access with a Sparse Table for a Custom Trailing Class

We revamp our earlier articles on testing trade setups with the MQL5 Wizard by putting a bit more emphasis on input data quality, cleaning, and handling. In the earlier articles we had looked at a lot of custom signal classes, usable by the wizard, so we now shift our focus to a custom trailing class, given that exiting is also a very important part in any trading system. Our broad theme for this particular piece data-efficiency and the O(1) range-query; the core ‘tech’ is MQL5, SQLite, Python-Polars; the Algorithm is the Sparse-Table while we will seek validation from the ATR Indicator.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 20): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (I)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 20): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (I)

We have already created quite a few components that help arrange auto optimization. During the creation, we followed the traditional cyclical structure: from creating minimal working code to refactoring and obtaining improved code. It is time to start clearing up our database, which is also a key component in the system we are creating.
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Automating Classic Market Methods in MQL5 (Part 1): Wyckoff Accumulation and Distribution

Automating Classic Market Methods in MQL5 (Part 1): Wyckoff Accumulation and Distribution

The article describes an MQL5 EA that automates Wyckoff accumulation and distribution via a finite state machine. It confirms spring to SOS and upthrust to SOW before placing LPS or LPSY entries, using relative tick volume as the confirmation metric. Readers get the state model, detection criteria, code organization, and MetaTrader 5 testing procedure.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 3): Proving Non-Random Market Behavior with MQL5

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 3): Proving Non-Random Market Behavior with MQL5

Explore whether financial markets are truly random by recreating Larry Williams’ market behavior experiments using MQL5. This article demonstrates how simple price-action tests can reveal statistical market biases using a custom Expert Advisor.
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Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 4): Real-time Model Updating

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.
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Quantitative Analysis of Trends: Collecting Statistics in Python

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.
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Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 03): Schedule Module from Python, the OnTimer Event on Steroids

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.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 4): Custom Signal Library

Today, we use the MQL5 Standard Library to build custom signal classes and let the MQL5 Wizard assemble a professional Expert Advisor for us. This approach simplifies development so that even beginner programmers can create robust EAs without in-depth coding knowledge, focusing instead on tuning inputs and optimizing performance. Join this discussion as we explore the process step by step.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 83): The "Conformer" Spatio-Temporal Continuous Attention Transformer Algorithm

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 83): The "Conformer" Spatio-Temporal Continuous Attention Transformer Algorithm

This article introduces the Conformer algorithm originally developed for the purpose of weather forecasting, which in terms of variability and capriciousness can be compared to financial markets. Conformer is a complex method. It combines the advantages of attention models and ordinary differential equations.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 71): Goal-Conditioned Predictive Coding (GCPC)

Neural networks made easy (Part 71): Goal-Conditioned Predictive Coding (GCPC)

In previous articles, we discussed the Decision Transformer method and several algorithms derived from it. We experimented with different goal setting methods. During the experiments, we worked with various ways of setting goals. However, the model's study of the earlier passed trajectory always remained outside our attention. In this article. I want to introduce you to a method that fills this gap.
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Feature Engineering for ML (Part 3): Session-Aware Time Features for Forex Machine Learning

Feature Engineering for ML (Part 3): Session-Aware Time Features for Forex Machine Learning

The article addresses the loss of temporal information in ML pipelines by encoding periodic time variables with Fourier harmonics and adding forex session structure. It implements session and overlap flags, lagged session volatility, and calendar effects, then prunes features by timeframe. The get time features function returns an index‑aligned, ML‑ready set of time features suitable for integration with price‑based signals.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 9): Market Microstructure Execution Noise Filtering

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 9): Market Microstructure Execution Noise Filtering

This article presents a multi-symbol execution filter that scores real-time market quality before any trade is allowed. It measures spread behavior, tick velocity, quote gaps, micro-volatility, and a slippage estimate, then classifies the state to block degraded conditions. Once noise settles, a liquidity sweep continuation model evaluates structure shifts so entries occur only when execution is mechanically stable.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 51): Reinforcement Learning with SAC

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.
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Optimizing Trend Strength: Trading in Trend Direction and Strength

Optimizing Trend Strength: Trading in Trend Direction and Strength

This is a specialized trend-following EA that makes both short and long-term analyses, trading decisions, and executions based on the overall trend and its strength. This article will explore in detail an EA that is specifically designed for traders who are patient, disciplined, and focused enough to only execute trades and hold their positions only when trading with strength and in the trend direction without changing their bias frequently, especially against the trend, until take-profit targets are hit.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 13): Birth of the SIMULATOR (III)

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.
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Analyzing Overbought and Oversold Trends Via Chaos Theory Approaches

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.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 42): Chart Trade Project (I)

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.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 72): Using Patterns of MACD and the OBV with Supervised Learning

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 72): Using Patterns of MACD and the OBV with Supervised Learning

We follow up on our last article, where we introduced the indicator pair of the MACD and the OBV, by looking at how this pairing could be enhanced with Machine Learning. MACD and OBV are a trend and volume complimentary pairing. Our machine learning approach uses a convolution neural network that engages the Exponential kernel in sizing its kernels and channels, when fine-tuning the forecasts of this indicator pairing. As always, this is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.