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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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 22): Conditional GANs

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 22): Conditional GANs

Generative Adversarial Networks are a pairing of Neural Networks that train off of each other for more accurate results. We adopt the conditional type of these networks as we look to possible application in forecasting Financial time series within an Expert Signal Class.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 11): Automating the optimization (first steps)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 11): Automating the optimization (first steps)

To get a good EA, we need to select multiple good sets of parameters of trading strategy instances for it. This can be done manually by running optimization on different symbols and then selecting the best results. But it is better to delegate this work to the program and engage in more productive activities.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 65): Distance Weighted Supervised Learning (DWSL)

Neural networks made easy (Part 65): Distance Weighted Supervised Learning (DWSL)

In this article, we will get acquainted with an interesting algorithm that is built at the intersection of supervised and reinforcement learning methods.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 12): Birth of the SIMULATOR (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 12): Birth of the SIMULATOR (II)

Developing a simulator can be much more interesting than it seems. Today we'll take a few more steps in this direction because things are getting more interesting.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Adaptive Detection of Market Anomalies (DADA)

Neural Networks in Trading: Adaptive Detection of Market Anomalies (DADA)

We invite you to get acquainted with the DADA framework, which is an innovative method for detecting anomalies in time series. It helps distinguish random fluctuations from suspicious deviations. Unlike traditional methods, DADA is flexible and adapts to different data. Instead of a fixed compression level, it uses several options and chooses the most appropriate one for each case.
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Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 91): Frequency Domain Forecasting (FreDF)

Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 91): Frequency Domain Forecasting (FreDF)

We continue to explore the analysis and forecasting of time series in the frequency domain. In this article, we will get acquainted with a new method to forecast data in the frequency domain, which can be added to many of the algorithms we have studied previously.
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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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Neural networks made easy (Part 52): Research with optimism and distribution correction

Neural networks made easy (Part 52): Research with optimism and distribution correction

As the model is trained based on the experience reproduction buffer, the current Actor policy moves further and further away from the stored examples, which reduces the efficiency of training the model as a whole. In this article, we will look at the algorithm of improving the efficiency of using samples in reinforcement learning algorithms.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 9): Collecting optimization results for single trading strategy instances

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 9): Collecting optimization results for single trading strategy instances

Let's outline the main stages of the EA development. One of the first things to be done will be to optimize a single instance of the developed trading strategy. Let's try to collect all the necessary information about the tester passes during the optimization in one place.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 18): Ticks and more ticks (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 18): Ticks and more ticks (II)

Obviously the current metrics are very far from the ideal time for creating a 1-minute bar. That's the first thing we are going to fix. Fixing the synchronization problem is not difficult. This may seem hard, but it's actually quite simple. We did not make the required correction in the previous article since its purpose was to explain how to transfer the tick data that was used to create the 1-minute bars on the chart into the Market Watch window.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Feature Learning for Point Clouds

Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Feature Learning for Point Clouds

We continue to study algorithms for extracting features from a point cloud. In this article, we will get acquainted with the mechanisms for increasing the efficiency of the PointNet method.
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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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Developing a Replay System (Part 61): Playing the service (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 61): Playing the service (II)

In this article, we will look at changes that will allow the replay/simulation system to operate more efficiently and securely. I will also not leave without attention those who want to get the most out of using classes. In addition, we will consider a specific problem in MQL5 that reduces code performance when working with classes, and explain how to solve it.
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Low-Frequency Quantitative Strategies in Metatrader 5: (Part 1) Setting Up An OLAP-Friendly Data Store

Low-Frequency Quantitative Strategies in Metatrader 5: (Part 1) Setting Up An OLAP-Friendly Data Store

The article outlines a practical data pipeline for quantitative analysis based on Parquet storage, Hive-style partitions, and DuckDB. It details migrating selected SQLite tables to Parquet, structuring market data by source, symbol, timeframe, and date, and querying it with SQL window functions. A Golden Cross example illustrates cross‑symbol evaluation of forward returns. Accompanying Python scripts handle data download, conversion, and execution.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 6): All in one integration

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 6): All in one integration

One major challenge is managing multiple chart windows of the same pair running the same program with different features. Let's discuss how to consolidate several integrations into one main program. Additionally, we will share insights on configuring the program to print to a journal and commenting on the successful signal broadcast on the chart interface. Find more information in this article as we progress the article series.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 28): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 28): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (II)

When people started creating the first systems capable of computing, everything required the participation of engineers, who had to know the project very well. We are talking about the dawn of computer technology, a time when there were not even terminals for programming. As it developed and more people got interested in being able to create something, new ideas and ways of programming emerged which replaced the previous-style changing of connector positions. This is when the first terminals appeared.
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Big Bang - Big Crunch (BBBC) algorithm

Big Bang - Big Crunch (BBBC) algorithm

The article presents the Big Bang - Big Crunch method, which has two key phases: cyclic generation of random points and their compression to the optimal solution. This approach combines exploration and refinement, allowing us to gradually find better solutions and open up new optimization opportunities.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 59): Reinforcement Learning (DDPG) with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator Patterns

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 59): Reinforcement Learning (DDPG) with Moving Average and Stochastic Oscillator Patterns

We continue our last article on DDPG with MA and stochastic indicators by examining other key Reinforcement Learning classes crucial for implementing DDPG. Though we are mostly coding in python, the final product, of a trained network will be exported to as an ONNX to MQL5 where we integrate it as a resource in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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Building a Correlation-Aware Multi-EA Portfolio Scorer in MQL5

Building a Correlation-Aware Multi-EA Portfolio Scorer in MQL5

Most algo traders optimize Expert Advisors individually but never measure how they behave together on a single account. Correlated strategies amplify drawdowns instead of reducing them, and coverage gaps leave portfolios blind during entire trading sessions. This article builds a complete portfolio scorer in MQL5 that reads daily P&L from backtest CSV files, computes a full Pearson correlation matrix, maps trading activity by hour and weekday, evaluates asset class diversity, and outputs a composite grade from A+ to F. All source code is included; no external libraries are required.
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Dialectic Search (DA)

Dialectic Search (DA)

The article introduces the dialectical algorithm (DA), a new global optimization method inspired by the philosophical concept of dialectics. The algorithm exploits a unique division of the population into speculative and practical thinkers. Testing shows impressive performance of up to 98% on low-dimensional problems and overall efficiency of 57.95%. The article explains these metrics and presents a detailed description of the algorithm and the results of experiments on different types of functions.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 77): New Chart Trade (IV)

Developing a Replay System (Part 77): New Chart Trade (IV)

In this article, we will cover some of the measures and precautions to consider when creating a communication protocol. These are pretty simple and straightforward things, so we won't go into too much detail in this article. But to understand what will happen, you need to understand the content of the article.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 25): Preparing for the next phase

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 25): Preparing for the next phase

In this article, we complete the first phase of developing our replay and simulation system. Dear reader, with this achievement I confirm that the system has reached an advanced level, paving the way for the introduction of new functionality. The goal is to enrich the system even further, turning it into a powerful tool for research and development of market analysis.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Vector Transformer (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Hierarchical Vector Transformer (Final Part)

We continue studying the Hierarchical Vector Transformer method. In this article, we will complete the construction of the model. We will also train and test it on real historical data.
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Royal Flush Optimization (RFO)

Royal Flush Optimization (RFO)

The original Royal Flush Optimization algorithm offers a new approach to solving optimization problems, replacing the classic binary coding of genetic algorithms with a sector-based approach inspired by poker principles. RFO demonstrates how simplifying basic principles can lead to an efficient and practical optimization method. The article presents a detailed analysis of the algorithm and test results.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 31): Selecting the Loss Function

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 31): Selecting the Loss Function

Loss Function is the key metric of machine learning algorithms that provides feedback to the training process by quantifying how well a given set of parameters are performing when compared to their intended target. We explore the various formats of this function in an MQL5 custom wizard class.
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Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 7): Scoring System 2

Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 7): Scoring System 2

This article describes two additional scoring criteria used for selection of baskets of stocks to be traded in mean-reversion strategies, more specifically, in cointegration based statistical arbitrage. It complements a previous article where liquidity and strength of the cointegration vectors were presented, along with the strategic criteria of timeframe and lookback period, by including the stability of the cointegration vectors and the time to mean reversion (half-time). The article includes the commented results of a backtest with the new filters applied and the files required for its reproduction are also provided.
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Creating Dynamic MQL5 Graphical Interfaces through Resource-Driven Image Scaling with Bicubic Interpolation on Trading Charts

Creating Dynamic MQL5 Graphical Interfaces through Resource-Driven Image Scaling with Bicubic Interpolation on Trading Charts

In this article, we explore dynamic MQL5 graphical interfaces, using bicubic interpolation for high-quality image scaling on trading charts. We detail flexible positioning options, enabling dynamic centering or corner anchoring with custom offsets.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Contrastive Pattern Transformer (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Contrastive Pattern Transformer (Final Part)

In the previous last article within this series, we looked at the Atom-Motif Contrastive Transformer (AMCT) framework, which uses contrastive learning to discover key patterns at all levels, from basic elements to complex structures. In this article, we continue implementing AMCT approaches using MQL5.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Extending Built-in Classes for Theme Management (II)

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part III): Extending Built-in Classes for Theme Management (II)

In this discussion, we will carefully extend the existing Dialog library to incorporate theme management logic. Furthermore, we will integrate methods for theme switching into the CDialog, CEdit, and CButton classes utilized in our Admin Panel project. Continue reading for more insightful perspectives.
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Swap Arbitrage in Forex: Building a Synthetic Portfolio and Generating a Consistent Swap Flow

Swap Arbitrage in Forex: Building a Synthetic Portfolio and Generating a Consistent Swap Flow

Do you want to know how to benefit from the difference in interest rates? This article considers how to use swap arbitrage in Forex to earn stable profit every night, creating a portfolio that is resistant to market fluctuations.
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MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 12): Probability Calibration for Financial Machine Learning

MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 12): Probability Calibration for Financial Machine Learning

Tree-based classifiers are typically overconfident: true win rates near 0.55 appear as 0.65–0.80 and inflate position sizes and Kelly fractions. This article presents afml.calibration and CalibratorCV, which generate out-of-fold predictions via PurgedKFold and fit isotonic regression or Platt scaling. We define Brier score, ECE, and MCE, and show diagnostics that trace miscalibration into position sizes, realized P&L, and CPCV path Sharpe distributions to support leakage-free, correctly sized trading.
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MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 10): Bet Sizing for Financial Machine Learning

MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 10): Bet Sizing for Financial Machine Learning

Fixed fractions and raw probabilities misallocate risk under overlapping labels and induce overtrading. This article delivers four AFML-compliant sizers: probability-based (z-score → CDF, active-bet averaging, discretization), forecast-price (sigmoid/power with w calibration and limit price), budget-constrained (direction-only), and reserve (mixture-CDF via EF3M). You get a signed, bounded position series with documented conditions of use.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 53): Market Facilitation Index

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 53): Market Facilitation Index

The Market Facilitation Index is another Bill Williams Indicator that is intended to measure the efficiency of price movement in tandem with volume. As always, we look at the various patterns of this indicator within the confines of a wizard assembly signal class, and present a variety of test reports and analyses for the various patterns.
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Chaos optimization algorithm (COA)

Chaos optimization algorithm (COA)

This is an improved chaotic optimization algorithm (COA) that combines the effects of chaos with adaptive search mechanisms. The algorithm uses a set of chaotic maps and inertial components to explore the search space. The article reveals the theoretical foundations of chaotic methods of financial optimization.
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Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) algorithm

Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) algorithm

The article considers a metaheuristic Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) algorithm, which simulates interactions between ecosystem components by creating an initial population of solutions and applying adaptive update strategies, and describes in detail the stages of AEO operation, including the consumption and decomposition phases, as well as different agent behavior strategies. The article introduces the features and advantages of this algorithm.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 36): Q-Learning with Markov Chains

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 36): Q-Learning with Markov Chains

Reinforcement Learning is one of the three main tenets in machine learning, alongside supervised learning and unsupervised learning. It is therefore concerned with optimal control, or learning the best long-term policy that will best suit the objective function. It is with this back-drop, that we explore its possible role in informing the learning-process to an MLP of a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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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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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 65): Using Patterns of FrAMA and the Force Index

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 65): Using Patterns of FrAMA and the Force Index

The Fractal Adaptive Moving Average (FrAMA) and the Force Index Oscillator are another pair of indicators that could be used in conjunction within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. These two indicators complement each other a little bit because FrAMA is a trend following indicator while the Force Index is a volume based oscillator. As always, we use the MQL5 wizard to rapidly explore any potential these two may have.
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Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 5): Screening

Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 5): Screening

This article proposes an asset screening process for a statistical arbitrage trading strategy through cointegrated stocks. The system starts with the regular filtering by economic factors, like asset sector and industry, and finishes with a list of criteria for a scoring system. For each statistical test used in the screening, a respective Python class was developed: Pearson correlation, Engle-Granger cointegration, Johansen cointegration, and ADF/KPSS stationarity. These Python classes are provided along with a personal note from the author about the use of AI assistants for software development.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 26): Integrating Frequency Binning, Entropy, and Chi-Square in Visual Analyzer

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 26): Integrating Frequency Binning, Entropy, and Chi-Square in Visual Analyzer

In this article, we develop a frequency analysis tool in MQL5 that bins price data into histograms, computes entropy for information content, and applies chi-square tests for distribution goodness-of-fit, with interactive logs and statistical panels for market insights. We integrate per-bar or per-tick computation modes, supersampled rendering for smooth visuals, and draggable/resizable canvases with auto-scrolling logs to enhance usability in trading analysis.