Articles on manual and algorithmic trading in MetaTrader 5

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This category features articles on all aspects of trading - from manual to fully automatic trading, from Expert Advisor ideas to trading robot creation using the MQL5 Wizard. Position management, processing of trade events and money management - these integral parts of trading are covered in theses articles.

Learn how to copy trading signals and how to provide around-the-clock operation of Expert Advisors, how to create a trading robot and how to run MetaTrader on Linux and MacOS, what social trading is and how to order a trading robot.

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Balancing risk when trading multiple instruments simultaneously

Balancing risk when trading multiple instruments simultaneously

This article will allow a beginner to write an implementation of a script from scratch for balancing risks when trading multiple instruments simultaneously. Besides, it may give experienced users new ideas for implementing their solutions in relation to the options proposed in this article.
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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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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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Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis (3) — Weighted Voting Policy

Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis (3) — Weighted Voting Policy

This article explores how determining the optimal number of strategies in an ensemble can be a complex task that is easier to solve through the use of the MetaTrader 5 genetic optimizer. The MQL5 Cloud is also employed as a key resource for accelerating backtesting and optimization. All in all, our discussion here sets the stage for developing statistical models to evaluate and improve trading strategies based on our initial ensemble results.
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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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Hidden Markov Models in Machine Learning-Based Trading Systems

Hidden Markov Models in Machine Learning-Based Trading Systems

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are a powerful class of probabilistic models designed to analyze sequential data, where observed events depend on some sequence of unobserved (hidden) states that form a Markov process. The main assumptions of HMM include the Markov property for hidden states, meaning that the probability of transition to the next state depends only on the current state, and the independence of observations given knowledge of the current hidden state.
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MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 74):  Using Patterns of Ichimoku and the ADX-Wilder with Supervised Learning

MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 74): Using Patterns of Ichimoku and the ADX-Wilder with Supervised Learning

We follow up on our last article, where we introduced the indicator pair of the Ichimoku and the ADX, by looking at how this duo could be improved with Supervised Learning. Ichimoku and ADX are a support/resistance plus trend complimentary pairing. Our supervised learning approach uses a neural network that engages the Deep Spectral Mixture Kernel to fine tune the forecasts of this indicator pairing. As per usual, this is done in a custom signal class file that works with the MQL5 wizard to assemble an Expert Advisor.
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From Novice to Expert: Developing a Geographic Market Awareness with MQL5 Visualization

From Novice to Expert: Developing a Geographic Market Awareness with MQL5 Visualization

Trading without session awareness is like navigating without a compass—you're moving, but not with purpose. Today, we're revolutionizing how traders perceive market timing by transforming ordinary charts into dynamic geographical displays. Using MQL5's powerful visualization capabilities, we'll build a live world map that illuminates active trading sessions in real-time, turning abstract market hours into intuitive visual intelligence. This journey sharpens your trading psychology and reveals professional-grade programming techniques that bridge the gap between complex market structure and practical, actionable insight.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 24): Adding a new strategy (II)

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 24): Adding a new strategy (II)

In this article, we will continue to connect the new strategy to the created auto optimization system. Let's look at what changes need to be made to the optimization project creation EA, as well as the second and third stage EAs.
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From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (XI)—Correlation in News Trading

From Novice to Expert: Animated News Headline Using MQL5 (XI)—Correlation in News Trading

In this discussion, we will explore how the concept of Financial Correlation can be applied to improve decision-making efficiency when trading multiple symbols during major economic events announcement. The focus is on addressing the challenge of heightened risk exposure caused by increased volatility during news releases.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 22): Graphing the Histogram and Probability Mass Function (PMF) of the Binomial Distribution

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 22): Graphing the Histogram and Probability Mass Function (PMF) of the Binomial Distribution

This article develops an interactive MQL5 plot for the binomial distribution, combining a histogram of simulated outcomes with the theoretical probability mass function. It implements mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, percentiles, and confidence intervals, along with configurable themes and labels, and supports dragging, resizing, and live parameter changes. Use it to assess expected wins, likely drawdowns, and confidence ranges when validating trading strategies.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 31): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (V)

Developing a Replay System (Part 31): Expert Advisor project — C_Mouse class (V)

We need a timer that can show how much time is left till the end of the replay/simulation run. This may seem at first glance to be a simple and quick solution. Many simply try to adapt and use the same system that the trading server uses. But there's one thing that many people don't consider when thinking about this solution: with replay, and even m ore with simulation, the clock works differently. All this complicates the creation of such a system.
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ALGLIB library optimization methods (Part I)

ALGLIB library optimization methods (Part I)

In this article, we will get acquainted with the ALGLIB library optimization methods for MQL5. The article includes simple and clear examples of using ALGLIB to solve optimization problems, which will make mastering the methods as accessible as possible. We will take a detailed look at the connection of such algorithms as BLEIC, L-BFGS and NS, and use them to solve a simple test problem.
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The Power of MetaTrader 5: From Step-by-Step Debugging to EX5 Protection in a Unified Environment

The Power of MetaTrader 5: From Step-by-Step Debugging to EX5 Protection in a Unified Environment

This article examines a comprehensive approach to developing trading algorithms: from project setup and logic debugging to protecting the finished product. We will explore MetaEditor's built-in tools, including step-by-step debugging using real ticks, performance profiling, and direct integration with C++ DLLs to speed up calculations. The article also explains how to protect intellectual property using MQL5 Cloud Protector. The application of the described techniques will transform Expert Advisor development from a chaotic search for solutions into a systematic process, significantly reducing the time required to develop a strategy.
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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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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 07): First improvements (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 07): First improvements (II)

In the previous article, we made some fixes and added tests to our replication system to ensure the best possible stability. We also started creating and using a configuration file for this system.
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Risk Management (Part 4): Completing the Key Class Methods

Risk Management (Part 4): Completing the Key Class Methods

This is Part 4 of our series on risk management in MQL5, where we continue exploring advanced methods for protecting and optimizing trading strategies. Having laid important foundations in earlier articles, we will now focus on completing all remaining methods postponed in Part 3, including functions for checking whether specific profit or loss levels have been reached. In addition, we will introduce new key events that enable more accurate and flexible risk management.
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Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 6): Merging Market Feedback with Model Adaptation

Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 6): Merging Market Feedback with Model Adaptation

In this part, we focus on how to merge real-time market feedback—such as live trade outcomes, volatility changes, and liquidity shifts—with adaptive model learning to maintain a responsive and self-improving trading system.
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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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Capital management in trading and the trader's home accounting program with a database

Capital management in trading and the trader's home accounting program with a database

How can a trader manage capital? How can a trader and investor keep track of expenses, income, assets, and liabilities? I am not just going to introduce you to accounting software; I am going to show you a tool that might become your reliable financial navigator in the stormy sea of trading.
Poll: Traders’ Estimate of the Mobile Terminal
Poll: Traders’ Estimate of the Mobile Terminal

Poll: Traders’ Estimate of the Mobile Terminal

Unfortunately, there are no clear projections available at this moment about the future of the mobile trading. However, there are a lot of speculations surrounding this matter. In our attempt to resolve this ambiguity we decided to conduct a survey among traders to find out their opinion about our mobile terminals. Through the efforts of this survey, we have managed to established a clear picture of what our clients currently think about the product as well as their requests and wishes in future developments of our mobile terminals.
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3D Visualization Without External Libraries: How MetaTrader 5 Reveals Optimization Results via MQL5 + DX11

3D Visualization Without External Libraries: How MetaTrader 5 Reveals Optimization Results via MQL5 + DX11

The article describes the practical application of DirectX 11 and built-in MQL5 tools for creating 3D visualizations and interactive interfaces in MetaTrader 5. The focus is on cognitive efficiency - the ability of 3D charts and guided scenes to help in understanding optimization data, liquidity clusters, and multi-dimensional trading scenarios. The basics of the DX pipeline, working with shaders, binding mouse and keyboard events, and objective technological limitations are discussed in detail. The article is intended for MQL5 developers and algorithmic traders who are ready to transform strategy metrics into understandable 3D analytical landscapes, where the visual layer accelerates decision-making.
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Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm

Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) algorithm

The article is devoted to the AMO algorithm, which models the seasonal migration of animals in search of optimal conditions for life and reproduction. The main features of AMO include the use of topological neighborhood and a probabilistic update mechanism, which makes it easy to implement and flexible for various optimization tasks.
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Tabu Search (TS)

Tabu Search (TS)

The article discusses the Tabu Search algorithm, one of the first and most well-known metaheuristic methods. We will go through the algorithm operation in detail, starting with choosing an initial solution and exploring neighboring options, with an emphasis on using a tabu list. The article covers the key aspects of the algorithm and its features.
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Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 3): Surviving Terminal Restarts During News Window

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 3): Surviving Terminal Restarts During News Window

The article introduces a restart-safe storage model for news-time stop removal. Suspension state and original SL/TP per position are written to terminal global variables, reconstructed on OnInit, and cleaned after restoration. This lets the EA resume an active suspension window after recompiles or restarts and restore stops only when the news window ends.
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Battle Royale Optimizer (BRO)

Battle Royale Optimizer (BRO)

The article explores the Battle Royale Optimizer algorithm — a metaheuristic in which solutions compete with their nearest neighbors, accumulate “damage,” are replaced when a threshold is exceeded, and periodically shrink the search space around the current best solution. It presents both pseudocode and an MQL5 implementation of the CAOBRO class, including neighbor search, movement toward the best solution, and an adaptive delta interval. Test results on the Hilly, Forest, and Megacity functions highlight the strengths and limitations of the approach. The reader is provided with a ready-to-use foundation for experimentation and tuning key parameters such as popSize and maxDamage.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 15): Canvas Blur Effects, Shadow Rendering, and Smooth Mouse Wheel Scrolling

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 15): Canvas Blur Effects, Shadow Rendering, and Smooth Mouse Wheel Scrolling

In this article, we enhance the MQL5 canvas dashboard with advanced visual effects, including blur gradients for fog overlays, shadow rendering for headers, and antialiased drawing for smoother lines and curves. We add smooth mouse wheel scrolling to the text panel that does not interfere with the chart zoom scale, technically an upgrade.
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Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 4): Accurate Backtesting with Static Data

Using the MQL5 Economic Calendar for News Filter (Part 4): Accurate Backtesting with Static Data

This article implements a static, CSV-based news source for the Strategy Tester, so historical economic news events can be preloaded and queried during backtesting. It replaces live calendar calls in tester mode with a fast in-memory search, preserves the live logic for trading, and delivers deterministic, repeatable results with explicit control over included events, enabling reliable validation of news-aware filters, stop suspension, and trade-blocking rules.
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African Buffalo Optimization (ABO)

African Buffalo Optimization (ABO)

The article presents the African Buffalo Optimization (ABO) algorithm, a metaheuristic approach developed in 2015 based on the unique behavior of these animals. The article describes in detail the stages of the algorithm implementation and its efficiency in finding solutions to complex problems, which makes it a valuable tool in the field of optimization.
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Dolphin Echolocation Algorithm (DEA)

Dolphin Echolocation Algorithm (DEA)

In this article, we take a closer look at the DEA algorithm, a metaheuristic optimization method inspired by dolphins' unique ability to find prey using echolocation. From mathematical foundations to practical implementation in MQL5, from analysis to comparison with classical algorithms, we will examine in detail why this relatively new method deserves a place in the arsenal of researchers facing optimization problems.
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Camel Algorithm (CA)

Camel Algorithm (CA)

The Camel Algorithm, developed in 2016, simulates the behavior of camels in the desert to solve optimization problems, taking into account temperature, supply, and endurance. This article also presents a modified version of the algorithm (CAm) with key improvements: the use of a Gaussian distribution in generating solutions and the optimization of the oasis effect parameters.
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Artificial Tribe Algorithm (ATA)

Artificial Tribe Algorithm (ATA)

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.
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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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Chaos optimization algorithm (COA): Continued

Chaos optimization algorithm (COA): Continued

We continue studying the chaotic optimization algorithm. The second part of the article deals with the practical aspects of the algorithm implementation, its testing and conclusions.
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Central Force Optimization (CFO) algorithm

Central Force Optimization (CFO) algorithm

The article presents the Central Force Optimization (CFO) algorithm inspired by the laws of gravity. It explores how principles of physical attraction can solve optimization problems where "heavier" solutions attract less successful counterparts.
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Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2 (NOA2)

Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2 (NOA2)

The new proprietary optimization algorithm NOA2 (Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm 2) combines the principles of swarm intelligence with neural control. NOA2 combines the mechanics of a neuroboid swarm with an adaptive neural system that allows agents to self-correct their behavior while searching for the optimum. The algorithm is under active development and demonstrates potential for solving complex optimization problems.
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Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO)

Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO)

The article presents the original version of the Bacterial Chemotaxis Optimization (BCO) algorithm and its modified version. We will take a closer look at all the differences, with a special focus on the new version of BCOm, which simplifies the bacterial movement mechanism, reduces the dependence on positional history, and uses simpler math than the computationally heavy original version. We will also conduct the tests and summarize the results.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 17): Exploring Vector-Based Rounded Rectangles and Triangles

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 17): Exploring Vector-Based Rounded Rectangles and Triangles

In this article, we explore vector-based methods for drawing rounded rectangles and triangles in MQL5 using canvas, with supersampling for anti-aliased rendering. We implement scanline filling, geometric precomputations for arcs and tangents, and border drawing to create smooth, customizable shapes. This approach lays the groundwork for modern UI elements in future trading tools, supporting inputs for sizes, radii, borders, and opacities.
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Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm (NOA)

Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm (NOA)

A new bioinspired optimization metaheuristic, NOA (Neuroboids Optimization Algorithm), combines the principles of collective intelligence and neural networks. Unlike conventional methods, the algorithm uses a population of self-learning "neuroboids", each with its own neural network that adapts its search strategy in real time. The article reveals the architecture of the algorithm, the mechanisms of self-learning of agents, and the prospects for applying this hybrid approach to complex optimization problems.
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Overcoming Accessibility Challenges in MQL5 Trading Tools (Part II): Enabling EA Voice Using a Python Text-to-Speech Engine

Overcoming Accessibility Challenges in MQL5 Trading Tools (Part II): Enabling EA Voice Using a Python Text-to-Speech Engine

Let's discuss how we can make our Expert Advisors speech‑capable using text‑to‑speech technology, partnering Python and MQL5. After reading this article, you will walk away with a working example of an EA that speaks dynamic market information. You will master the application of TTS, the WebRequest function, and learn how Python libraries integrate with the MQL5 language to create a truly voice‑aware trading tool.