Articles on strategy testing in MQL5
How to develop, write and test a trading strategy, how to find the optimal system parameters and how to analyze the results? The MetaTrader platform offers developers of trading robots rich functionality for fast and accurate testing of trading ideas. Read these articles to learn how to test multi-currency robots and how to use MQL5 Cloud Network for optimization purposes.
Developers of automated trading systems are recommended to start with the testing fundamentals and tick generation algorithms in the strategy tester.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 01): First experiments (I)
How about creating a system that would allow us to study the market when it is closed or even to simulate market situations? Here we are going to start a new series of articles in which we will deal with this topic.
Population optimization algorithms: Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)
This time I will analyze the Ant Colony optimization algorithm. The algorithm is very interesting and complex. In the article, I make an attempt to create a new type of ACO.
Understand and Use MQL5 Strategy Tester Effectively
There is an essential need for MQL5 programmers or developers to master important and valuable tools. One of these tools is the Strategy Tester, this article is a practical guide to understanding and using the strategy tester of MQL5.
Visual evaluation of optimization results
In this article, we will consider how to build graphs of all optimization passes and to select the optimal custom criterion. We will also see how to create a desired solution with little MQL5 knowledge, using the articles published on the website and forum comments.
MQL5 Cookbook: Reducing the Effect of Overfitting and Handling the Lack of Quotes
Whatever trading strategy you use, there will always be a question of what parameters to choose to ensure future profits. This article gives an example of an Expert Advisor with a possibility to optimize multiple symbol parameters at the same time. This method is intended to reduce the effect of overfitting parameters and handle situations where data from a single symbol are not enough for the study.
MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 05): Markov Chains
Markov chains are a powerful mathematical tool that can be used to model and forecast time series data in various fields, including finance. In financial time series modelling and forecasting, Markov chains are often used to model the evolution of financial assets over time, such as stock prices or exchange rates. One of the main advantages of Markov chain models is their simplicity and ease of use.
Trading strategy based on the improved Doji candlestick pattern recognition indicator
The metabar-based indicator detected more candles than the conventional one. Let's check if this provides real benefit in the automated trading.
Testing Visualization: Trade History
The article describes the possibilities of convenient viewing the trade history when visualizing tests. Starting from build 196, MetaTrader 4 Client Terminal offers testing visualization function. It allows controlling the Expert Advisors' testing on a brand new level. Now, the trading programmer can watch every action of his or her Expert Advisor checking its operation on history!
Monte Carlo Permutation Tests in MetaTrader 5
In this article we take a look at how we can conduct permutation tests based on shuffled tick data on any expert advisor using only Metatrader 5.
Modified Grid-Hedge EA in MQL5 (Part II): Making a Simple Grid EA
In this article, we explored the classic grid strategy, detailing its automation using an Expert Advisor in MQL5 and analyzing initial backtest results. We highlighted the strategy's need for high holding capacity and outlined plans for optimizing key parameters like distance, takeProfit, and lot sizes in future installments. The series aims to enhance trading strategy efficiency and adaptability to different market conditions.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 02): First experiments (II)
This time, let's try a different approach to achieve the 1 minute goal. However, this task is not as simple as one might think.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 14): Functors with Linear-Orders
This article which is part of a broader series on Category Theory implementation in MQL5, delves into Functors. We examine how a Linear Order can be mapped to a set, thanks to Functors; by considering two sets of data that one would typically dismiss as having any connection.
MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 03): Shannon's Entropy
Todays trader is a philomath who is almost always looking up new ideas, trying them out, choosing to modify them or discard them; an exploratory process that should cost a fair amount of diligence. These series of articles will proposition that the MQL5 wizard should be a mainstay for traders.
Developing an Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 30): CHART TRADE as an indicator?
Today we are going to use Chart Trade again, but this time it will be an on-chart indicator which may or may not be present on the chart.
Experiments with neural networks (Part 2): Smart neural network optimization
In this article, I will use experimentation and non-standard approaches to develop a profitable trading system and check whether neural networks can be of any help for traders. MetaTrader 5 as a self-sufficient tool for using neural networks in trading.
Category Theory (Part 9): Monoid-Actions
This article continues the series on category theory implementation in MQL5. Here we continue monoid-actions as a means of transforming monoids, covered in the previous article, leading to increased applications.
Backpropagation Neural Networks using MQL5 Matrices
The article describes the theory and practice of applying the backpropagation algorithm in MQL5 using matrices. It provides ready-made classes along with script, indicator and Expert Advisor examples.
Parallel Particle Swarm Optimization
The article describes a method of fast optimization using the particle swarm algorithm. It also presents the method implementation in MQL, which is ready for use both in single-threaded mode inside an Expert Advisor and in a parallel multi-threaded mode as an add-on that runs on local tester agents.
Population optimization algorithms
This is an introductory article on optimization algorithm (OA) classification. The article attempts to create a test stand (a set of functions), which is to be used for comparing OAs and, perhaps, identifying the most universal algorithm out of all widely known ones.
Population optimization algorithms: Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO)
Let's consider one of the newest modern optimization algorithms - Grey Wolf Optimization. The original behavior on test functions makes this algorithm one of the most interesting among the ones considered earlier. This is one of the top algorithms for use in training neural networks, smooth functions with many variables.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 21): FOREX (II)
We will continue to build a system for working in the FOREX market. In order to solve this problem, we must first declare the loading of ticks before loading the previous bars. This solves the problem, but at the same time forces the user to follow some structure in the configuration file, which, personally, does not make much sense to me. The reason is that by designing a program that is responsible for analyzing and executing what is in the configuration file, we can allow the user to declare the elements he needs in any order.
Continuous walk-forward optimization (Part 8): Program improvements and fixes
The program has been modified based on comments and requests from users and readers of this article series. This article contains a new version of the auto optimizer. This version implements requested features and provides other improvements, which I found when working with the program.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 06): First improvements (I)
In this article, we will begin to stabilize the entire system, without which we might not be able to proceed to the next steps.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 21): Unlocking Neural Networks, Optimization algorithms demystified
Dive into the heart of neural networks as we demystify the optimization algorithms used inside the neural network. In this article, discover the key techniques that unlock the full potential of neural networks, propelling your models to new heights of accuracy and efficiency.
Testing Visualization: Functionality Enhancement
The article describes software that can make strategy testing highly similar to the real trading.
Population optimization algorithms: Fish School Search (FSS)
Fish School Search (FSS) is a new optimization algorithm inspired by the behavior of fish in a school, most of which (up to 80%) swim in an organized community of relatives. It has been proven that fish aggregations play an important role in the efficiency of foraging and protection from predators.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 20): FOREX (I)
The initial goal of this article is not to cover all the possibilities of Forex trading, but rather to adapt the system so that you can perform at least one market replay. We'll leave simulation for another moment. However, if we don't have ticks and only bars, with a little effort we can simulate possible trades that could happen in the Forex market. This will be the case until we look at how to adapt the simulator. An attempt to work with Forex data inside the system without modifying it leads to a range of errors.
Developing a Replay System (Part 38): Paving the Path (II)
Many people who consider themselves MQL5 programmers do not have the basic knowledge that I will outline in this article. Many people consider MQL5 to be a limited tool, but the actual reason is that they do not have the required knowledge. So, if you don't know something, don't be ashamed of it. It's better to feel ashamed for not asking. Simply forcing MetaTrader 5 to disable indicator duplication in no way ensures two-way communication between the indicator and the Expert Advisor. We are still very far from this, but the fact that the indicator is not duplicated on the chart gives us some confidence.
Automated Parameter Optimization for Trading Strategies Using Python and MQL5
There are several types of algorithms for self-optimization of trading strategies and parameters. These algorithms are used to automatically improve trading strategies based on historical and current market data. In this article we will look at one of them with python and MQL5 examples.
Deep Learning GRU model with Python to ONNX with EA, and GRU vs LSTM models
We will guide you through the entire process of DL with python to make a GRU ONNX model, culminating in the creation of an Expert Advisor (EA) designed for trading, and subsequently comparing GRU model with LSTM model.
Using optimization algorithms to configure EA parameters on the fly
The article discusses the practical aspects of using optimization algorithms to find the best EA parameters on the fly, as well as virtualization of trading operations and EA logic. The article can be used as an instruction for implementing optimization algorithms into an EA.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)
Let's continue creating the system and controls. Without the ability to control the service, it is difficult to move forward and improve the system.
Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK
In this article we will complete the development of a simulator for our system. The main goal here will be to configure the algorithm discussed in the previous article. This algorithm aims to create a RANDOM WALK movement. Therefore, to understand today's material, it is necessary to understand the content of previous articles. If you have not followed the development of the simulator, I advise you to read this sequence from the very beginning. Otherwise, you may get confused about what will be explained here.
Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA)
The article considers the Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA) based on biological processes characteristic of microalgae. The algorithm includes spiral motion, evolutionary process and adaptation, which allows it to solve optimization problems. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the working principles of AAA and its potential in mathematical modeling, highlighting the connection between nature and algorithmic solutions.
Population optimization algorithms: Shuffled Frog-Leaping algorithm (SFL)
The article presents a detailed description of the shuffled frog-leaping (SFL) algorithm and its capabilities in solving optimization problems. The SFL algorithm is inspired by the behavior of frogs in their natural environment and offers a new approach to function optimization. The SFL algorithm is an efficient and flexible tool capable of processing a variety of data types and achieving optimal solutions.
Testing and optimization of binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5
In this article, I will check and optimize binary options strategies in MetaTrader 5.
Population optimization algorithms: ElectroMagnetism-like algorithm (ЕМ)
The article describes the principles, methods and possibilities of using the Electromagnetic Algorithm in various optimization problems. The EM algorithm is an efficient optimization tool capable of working with large amounts of data and multidimensional functions.
Category Theory in MQL5 (Part 8): Monoids
This article continues the series on category theory implementation in MQL5. Here we introduce monoids as domain (set) that sets category theory apart from other data classification methods by including rules and an identity element.
Developing a Replay System (Part 53): Things Get Complicated (V)
In this article, we'll cover an important topic that few people understand: Custom Events. Dangers. Advantages and disadvantages of these elements. This topic is key for those who want to become a professional programmer in MQL5 or any other language. Here we will focus on MQL5 and MetaTrader 5.
Population optimization algorithms: Monkey algorithm (MA)
In this article, I will consider the Monkey Algorithm (MA) optimization algorithm. The ability of these animals to overcome difficult obstacles and get to the most inaccessible tree tops formed the basis of the idea of the MA algorithm.