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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Developing a Replay System (Part 36): Making Adjustments (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 36): Making Adjustments (II)

One of the things that can make our lives as programmers difficult is assumptions. In this article, I will show you how dangerous it is to make assumptions: both in MQL5 programming, where you assume that the type will have a certain value, and in MetaTrader 5, where you assume that different servers work the same.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 79): Feature Aggregated Queries (FAQ) in the context of state

Neural networks made easy (Part 79): Feature Aggregated Queries (FAQ) in the context of state

In the previous article, we got acquainted with one of the methods for detecting objects in an image. However, processing a static image is somewhat different from working with dynamic time series, such as the dynamics of the prices we analyze. In this article, we will consider the method of detecting objects in video, which is somewhat closer to the problem we are solving.
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Automating Classic Market Methods in MQL5 (Part 4): Mark Minervini's Trend Template

Automating Classic Market Methods in MQL5 (Part 4): Mark Minervini's Trend Template

This article presents TrendTemplateEA, an Expert Advisor implementing Mark Minervini's eight-condition trend template for daily forex charts. It evaluates all conditions on every bar and enters only when they are simultaneously satisfied, using RSI above 50 in place of the stock market RS rating. The entry trigger is a 20-bar high breakout on expanding volume, with all rules coded and testable in MQL5.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Hybrid Trading Framework with Predictive Coding (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Hybrid Trading Framework with Predictive Coding (Final Part)

We continue our examination of the StockFormer hybrid trading system, which combines predictive coding and reinforcement learning algorithms for financial time series analysis. The system is based on three Transformer branches with a Diversified Multi-Head Attention (DMH-Attn) mechanism that enables the capturing of complex patterns and interdependencies between assets. Previously, we got acquainted with the theoretical aspects of the framework and implemented the DMH-Attn mechanisms. Today, we will talk about the model architecture and training.
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Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 1): Advanced Data analysis and Statistical Processing

Integrating MQL5 with data processing packages (Part 1): Advanced Data analysis and Statistical Processing

Integration enables seamless workflow where raw financial data from MQL5 can be imported into data processing packages like Jupyter Lab for advanced analysis including statistical testing.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 14): Pixel-Perfect Scrollable Text Canvas with Antialiasing and Rounded Scrollbar

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 14): Pixel-Perfect Scrollable Text Canvas with Antialiasing and Rounded Scrollbar

In this article, we enhance the canvas-based price dashboard in MQL5 by adding a pixel-perfect scrollable text panel for usage guides, overcoming native scrolling limitations through custom antialiasing and a rounded scrollbar design with hover-expand functionality. The text panel supports themed backgrounds with opacity, dynamic line wrapping for content like instructions and contacts, and interactive navigation via up/down buttons, slider dragging, and mouse wheel scrolling within the body area.
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Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 5): Account-Level Risk Enforcement in MQL5

Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 5): Account-Level Risk Enforcement in MQL5

We introduce an MQL5 discipline engine that enforces risk consistently at the account level. It continuously scans positions from any source, validates SL/TP, equity-based exposure, and target R:R, and automatically corrects deviations by setting levels or adjusting volume. The result is uniform risk structure across manual and EA trades, supported by on-chart feedback and mode-based control.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Models Using Wavelet Transform and Multi-Task Attention

Neural Networks in Trading: Models Using Wavelet Transform and Multi-Task Attention

We invite you to explore a framework that combines wavelet transforms and a multi-task self-attention model, aimed at improving the responsiveness and accuracy of forecasting in volatile market conditions. The wavelet transform allows asset returns to be decomposed into high and low frequencies, carefully capturing long-term market trends and short-term fluctuations.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 39): Relative Strength Index

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 39): Relative Strength Index

The RSI is a popular momentum oscillator that measures pace and size of a security’s recent price change to evaluate over-and-under valued situations in the security’s price. These insights in speed and magnitude are key in defining reversal points. We put this oscillator to work in another custom signal class and examine the traits of some of its signals. We start, though, by wrapping up what we started previously on Bollinger Bands.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 52): Accelerator Oscillator

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 52): Accelerator Oscillator

The Accelerator Oscillator is another Bill Williams Indicator that tracks price momentum's acceleration and not just its pace. Although much like the Awesome oscillator we reviewed in a recent article, it seeks to avoid the lagging effects by focusing more on acceleration as opposed to just speed. We examine as always what patterns we can get from this and also what significance each could have in trading via a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
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An Introduction to the Study of Fractal Market Structures Using Machine Learning

An Introduction to the Study of Fractal Market Structures Using Machine Learning

The article attempts to examine financial time series from the perspective of self-similar fractal structures. Since we have too many analogies that confirm the possibility of considering market quotes as self-similar fractals, this allows us to think about the forecasting horizons of such structures.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Detecting Anomalies in the Frequency Domain (CATCH)

Neural Networks in Trading: Detecting Anomalies in the Frequency Domain (CATCH)

The CATCH framework combines Fourier transform and frequency patching to accurately identify market anomalies beyond the reach of traditional methods. Let us examine how this approach reveals hidden patterns in financial data.
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Implementing Partial Position Closing in MQL5

Implementing Partial Position Closing in MQL5

This article develops a class for managing partial position closing in MQL5 and then integrates it into an Order Blocks Expert Advisor. It also presents test results comparing the strategy with and without partial position closing, and analyzes the conditions under which this approach can help provide and maximize profit. In conclusion, partial position closing can be highly beneficial in trading strategies, especially those focused on wider price movements.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 45): Reinforcement Learning with Monte-Carlo

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 45): Reinforcement Learning with Monte-Carlo

Monte-Carlo is the fourth different algorithm in reinforcement learning that we are considering with the aim of exploring its implementation in wizard assembled Expert Advisors. Though anchored in random sampling, it does present vast ways of simulation which we can look to exploit.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 44): Chart Trade Project (III)

Developing a Replay System (Part 44): Chart Trade Project (III)

In the previous article I explained how you can manipulate template data for use in OBJ_CHART. In that article, I only outlined the topic without going into details, since in that version the work was done in a very simplified way. This was done to make it easier to explain the content, because despite the apparent simplicity of many things, some of them were not so obvious, and without understanding the simplest and most basic part, you would not be able to truly understand the entire picture.
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Visualizing deals on a chart (Part 1): Selecting a period for analysis

Visualizing deals on a chart (Part 1): Selecting a period for analysis

Here we are going to develop a script from scratch that simplifies unloading print screens of deals for analyzing trading entries. All the necessary information on a single deal is to be conveniently displayed on one chart with the ability to draw different timeframes.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 7): Automatic Strategy Selection

This article demonstrates how to automatically identify potentially profitable trading strategies using MetaTrader 5. White-box solutions, powered by unsupervised matrix factorization, are faster to configure, more interpretable, and provide clear guidance on which strategies to retain. Black-box solutions, while more time-consuming, are better suited for complex market conditions that white-box approaches may not capture. Join us as we discuss how our trading strategies can help us carefully identify profitable strategies under any circumstance.
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Integrating Computer Vision into Trading in MQL5 (Part 2): Extending the Architecture to 2D RGB Image Analysis

Integrating Computer Vision into Trading in MQL5 (Part 2): Extending the Architecture to 2D RGB Image Analysis

Computer vision for trading: how it works and how to develop it step by step. We create an algorithm for recognition of RGB images of price charts using the attention mechanism and a bidirectional LSTM layer. As a result, we obtain a working model for forecasting the EURUSD price with the accuracy of up to 55% in the validation section.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

Developing a Replay System (Part 49): Things Get Complicated (I)

In this article, we'll complicate things a little. Using what was shown in the previous articles, we will start to open up the template file so that the user can use their own template. However, I will be making changes gradually, as I will also be refining the indicator to reduce the load on MetaTrader 5.
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Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 6): Monomorphic Pull-Backs and Epimorphic Push-Outs

Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 6): Monomorphic Pull-Backs and Epimorphic Push-Outs

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.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 24): Depth-Perception Upgrades with 3D Curves, Pan Mode, and ViewCube Navigation

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 24): Depth-Perception Upgrades with 3D Curves, Pan Mode, and ViewCube Navigation

In this article, we enhance the 3D binomial distribution graphing tool in MQL5 by adding a segmented 3D curve for improved depth perception of the probability mass function, integrating pan mode for view target shifting, and implementing an interactive view cube with hover zones and animations for quick orientation changes. We incorporate clickable sub-zones on the view cube for faces, edges, and corners to animate camera transitions to standard views, while maintaining switchable 2D/3D modes, real-time updates, and customizable parameters for immersive probabilistic analysis in trading.
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Data Science and ML (Part 36): Dealing with Biased Financial Markets

Data Science and ML (Part 36): Dealing with Biased Financial Markets

Financial markets are not perfectly balanced. Some markets are bullish, some are bearish, and some exhibit some ranging behaviors indicating uncertainty in either direction, this unbalanced information when used to train machine learning models can be misleading as the markets change frequently. In this article, we are going to discuss several ways to tackle this issue.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 62): Using Patterns of ADX and CCI with Reinforcement-Learning TRPO

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 62): Using Patterns of ADX and CCI with Reinforcement-Learning TRPO

The ADX Oscillator and CCI oscillator are trend following and momentum indicators that can be paired when developing an Expert Advisor. We continue where we left off in the last article by examining how in-use training, and updating of our developed model, can be made thanks to reinforcement-learning. We are using an algorithm we are yet to cover in these series, known as Trusted Region Policy Optimization. And, as always, Expert Advisor assembly by the MQL5 Wizard allows us to set up our model(s) for testing much quicker and also in a way where it can be distributed and tested with different signal types.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Mask-Attention-Free Approach to Price Movement Forecasting

Neural Networks in Trading: Mask-Attention-Free Approach to Price Movement Forecasting

In this article, we will discuss the Mask-Attention-Free Transformer (MAFT) method and its application in the field of trading. Unlike traditional Transformers that require data masking when processing sequences, MAFT optimizes the attention process by eliminating the need for masking, significantly improving computational efficiency.
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Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 04): time, date, and datetime modules from Python

Implementing Practical Modules from Other Languages in MQL5 (Part 04): time, date, and datetime modules from Python

Unlike MQL5, Python programming language offers control and flexibility when it comes to dealing with and manipulating time. In this article, we will implement similar modules for better handling of dates and time in MQL5 as in Python.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 11): How to Build a Matrix-Based Market Structure Indicator in MQL5

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 11): How to Build a Matrix-Based Market Structure Indicator in MQL5

Learn to engineer an MQL5 indicator that converts trend, momentum, and volatility into a single raw score using a matrix.mqh (ALGLIB). The article covers a separate‑window oscillator to validate the core mathematics, then a main‑chart indicator that plots non‑repainting buy/sell arrows when the score crosses user‑defined thresholds. An optional long‑term EMA filter, a minimum‑bar cooldown, and built‑in alerts make the tool practical for live trading.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 63): Using Patterns of DeMarker and Envelope Channels

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 63): Using Patterns of DeMarker and Envelope Channels

The DeMarker Oscillator and the Envelope indicator are momentum and support/resistance tools that can be paired when developing an Expert Advisor. We therefore examine on a pattern by pattern basis what could be of use and what potentially avoid. We are using, as always, a wizard assembled Expert Advisor together with the Patterns-Usage functions that are built into the Expert Signal Class.
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The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 10): Polynomial Regression Channel

The MQL5 Standard Library Explorer (Part 10): Polynomial Regression Channel

Today, we explore another component of ALGLIB, leveraging its mathematical capabilities to develop a Polynomial Regression Channel indicator. By the end of this discussion, you will gain practical insights into indicator development using the MQL5 Standard Library, along with a fully functional, mathematically driven indicator source code.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Cross-Domain Time Series Forecasting Framework (TimeFound)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Cross-Domain Time Series Forecasting Framework (TimeFound)

In this article, we build the core of the TimeFound intelligent model step by step, adapting it to real-world time series forecasting tasks. If you are interested in the practical implementation of neural network patching algorithms in MQL5, you have come to the right place.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 16): New class system

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 16): New class system

We need to organize our work better. The code is growing, and if this is not done now, then it will become impossible. Let's divide and conquer. MQL5 allows the use of classes which will assist in implementing this task, but for this we need to have some knowledge about classes. Probably the thing that confuses beginners the most is inheritance. In this article, we will look at how to use these mechanisms in a practical and simple way.
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Population optimization algorithms: Resistance to getting stuck in local extrema (Part II)

Population optimization algorithms: Resistance to getting stuck in local extrema (Part II)

We continue our experiment that aims to examine the behavior of population optimization algorithms in the context of their ability to efficiently escape local minima when population diversity is low and reach global maxima. Research results are provided.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 12): Newton Polynomial

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 12): Newton Polynomial

Newton’s polynomial, which creates quadratic equations from a set of a few points, is an archaic but interesting approach at looking at a time series. In this article we try to explore what aspects could be of use to traders from this approach as well as address its limitations.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 51): The Bread and Butter Judas Swing Model with Premium and Discount

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 51): The Bread and Butter Judas Swing Model with Premium and Discount

We build a session-based reversal program in MQL5 using the Bread and Butter Judas Swing model. It derives a higher-timeframe daily bias, defines New York kill zones, maps each session's premium and discount from the live range, and requires a sweep before a market structure shift confirms entry. Readers get a ready approach to arm setups only during active sessions and execute in the bias direction with clear, testable rules.
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Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 7): Automating Equity Protection Through Governance Logic

Engineering Trading Discipline into Code (Part 7): Automating Equity Protection Through Governance Logic

Automated trading systems often focus heavily on signal generation while neglecting the mechanisms required to protect capital during periods of stress. This article presents an Equity Governance Framework in MQL5 that monitors drawdown conditions, evaluates equity pressure, and dynamically controls trading activity through a state-driven risk management model. By combining drawdown analysis, cooldown logic, trade authorization, and execution restrictions, the framework demonstrates how trading discipline can be engineered directly into code using a modular and extensible architecture.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Piecewise Linear Representation of Time Series

Neural Networks in Trading: Piecewise Linear Representation of Time Series

This article is somewhat different from my earlier publications. In this article, we will talk about an alternative representation of time series. Piecewise linear representation of time series is a method of approximating a time series using linear functions over small intervals.
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Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 9): Correlation-Based Feature Learning in Self-Supervised Finance

Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 9): Correlation-Based Feature Learning in Self-Supervised Finance

Self-supervised learning is a powerful paradigm of statistical learning that searches for supervisory signals generated from the observations themselves. This approach reframes challenging unsupervised learning problems into more familiar supervised ones. This technology has overlooked applications for our objective as a community of algorithmic traders. Our discussion, therefore, aims to give the reader an approachable bridge into the open research area of self-supervised learning and offers practical applications that provide robust and reliable statistical models of financial markets without overfitting to small datasets.
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MQL5 Bootstrap (IV): Trailing and Break-even Stop Helpers

MQL5 Bootstrap (IV): Trailing and Break-even Stop Helpers

This article presents reusable MQL5 utilities for managing trailing and break-even stops. It covers fixed-point, moving average, ATR, Parabolic SAR, money-based, and time-periodic trailing, plus break-even by points and by money, with activation thresholds, step logic, reverse-move protection, and broker-level validation. Code examples and Bootstrap classes show how to integrate these helpers into Expert Advisors to standardize position control and reduce duplicate code.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 32): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (VI)

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 32): Mastering API and WebRequest Function in MQL5 (VI)

This article will show you how to visualize candle data obtained via the WebRequest function and API in candle format. We'll use MQL5 to read the candle data from a CSV file and display it as custom candles on the chart, since indicators cannot directly use the WebRequest function.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Memory Augmented Context-Aware Learning for Cryptocurrency Markets (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Memory Augmented Context-Aware Learning for Cryptocurrency Markets (Final Part)

The MacroHFT framework for high-frequency cryptocurrency trading uses context-aware reinforcement learning and memory to adapt to dynamic market conditions. At the end of this article, we will test the implemented approaches on real historical data to assess their effectiveness.
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Combining LLM, CatBoost, and Quantum Computing into a Unified Trading System

Combining LLM, CatBoost, and Quantum Computing into a Unified Trading System

The article proposes a synthesis of new technologies to overcome the limitations of classical indicators in market data analytics. It shows how language models and quantum encoding can reveal hidden market patterns that traditional methods overlook. The experiment confirms the value of new technologies and proposes an updated analysis methodology aligned with the current state of computational innovation.