Articles on manual and algorithmic trading in MetaTrader 5

icon

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.

Add a new article
latest | best
An Example of a Trading Strategy Based on Timezone Differences on Different Continents
An Example of a Trading Strategy Based on Timezone Differences on Different Continents

An Example of a Trading Strategy Based on Timezone Differences on Different Continents

Surfing the Internet, it is easy to find many strategies, which will give you a number of various recommendations. Let’s take an insider’s approach and look into the process of strategy creation, based on the differences in timezones on different continents.
preview
Learn how to design a trading system by Fractals

Learn how to design a trading system by Fractals

This article is a new one from our series about how to design a trading system based on the most popular technical indicators. We will learn a new indicator which Fractals indicator and we will learn how to design a trading system based on it to be executed in the MetaTrader 5 terminal.
The Simple Example of Creating an Indicator Using Fuzzy Logic
The Simple Example of Creating an Indicator Using Fuzzy Logic

The Simple Example of Creating an Indicator Using Fuzzy Logic

The article is devoted to the practical application of the fuzzy logic concept for financial markets analysis. We propose the example of the indicator generating signals based on two fuzzy rules based on Envelopes indicator. The developed indicator uses several indicator buffers: 7 buffers for calculations, 5 buffers for the charts display and 2 color buffers.
preview
Learn how to design a trading system by Volumes

Learn how to design a trading system by Volumes

Here is a new article from our series about learning how to design a trading system based on the most popular technical indicators. The current article will be devoted to the Volumes indicator. Volume as a concept is one of the very important factors in financial markets trading and we have to pay attention to it. Through this article, we will learn how to design a simple trading system by Volumes indicator.
Self-adapting algorithm (Part III): Abandoning optimization
Self-adapting algorithm (Part III): Abandoning optimization

Self-adapting algorithm (Part III): Abandoning optimization

It is impossible to get a truly stable algorithm if we use optimization based on historical data to select parameters. A stable algorithm should be aware of what parameters are needed when working on any trading instrument at any time. It should not forecast or guess, it should know for sure.
Applying OLAP in trading (part 1): Online analysis of multidimensional data
Applying OLAP in trading (part 1): Online analysis of multidimensional data

Applying OLAP in trading (part 1): Online analysis of multidimensional data

The article describes how to create a framework for the online analysis of multidimensional data (OLAP), as well as how to implement this in MQL and to apply such analysis in the MetaTrader environment using the example of trading account history processing.
preview
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 36): Supply and Demand Trading with Retest and Impulse Model

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 36): Supply and Demand Trading with Retest and Impulse Model

In this article, we create a supply and demand trading system in MQL5 that identifies supply and demand zones through consolidation ranges, validates them with impulsive moves, and trades retests with trend confirmation and customizable risk parameters. The system visualizes zones with dynamic labels and colors, supporting trailing stops for risk management.
Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum
Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum

Learn how to design a trading system by Momentum

In my previous article, I mentioned the importance of identifying the trend which is the direction of prices. In this article I will share one of the most important concepts and indicators which is the Momentum indicator. I will share how to design a trading system based on this Momentum indicator.
On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting
On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting

On Methods of Technical Analysis and Market Forecasting

The article demonstrates the capabilities and potential of a well-known mathematical method coupled with visual thinking and an "out of the box" market outlook. On the one hand, it serves to attract the attention of a wide audience as it can get the creative minds to reconsider the trading paradigm as such. And on the other, it can give rise to alternative developments and program code implementations regarding a wide range of tools for analysis and forecasting.
Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm
Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm

Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm

This is the last article within the series devoted to the Reversing trading strategy. Here we will try to solve the problem, which caused the testing results instability in previous articles. We will also develop and test our own algorithm for manual trading in any market using the reversing strategy.
Grokking market "memory" through differentiation and entropy analysis
Grokking market "memory" through differentiation and entropy analysis

Grokking market "memory" through differentiation and entropy analysis

The scope of use of fractional differentiation is wide enough. For example, a differentiated series is usually input into machine learning algorithms. The problem is that it is necessary to display new data in accordance with the available history, which the machine learning model can recognize. In this article we will consider an original approach to time series differentiation. The article additionally contains an example of a self optimizing trading system based on a received differentiated series.
Comfortable Scalping
Comfortable Scalping

Comfortable Scalping

The article describes the method of creating a tool for comfortable scalping. However, such an approach to trade opening can be applied in any trading.
preview
Dealing with Time (Part 2): The Functions

Dealing with Time (Part 2): The Functions

Determing the broker offset and GMT automatically. Instead of asking the support of your broker, from whom you will probably receive an insufficient answer (who would be willing to explain a missing hour), we simply look ourselves how they time their prices in the weeks of the time changes — but not cumbersome by hand, we let a program do it — why do we have a PC after all.
preview
Decoding Opening Range Breakout Intraday Trading Strategies

Decoding Opening Range Breakout Intraday Trading Strategies

Opening Range Breakout (ORB) strategies are built on the idea that the initial trading range established shortly after the market opens reflects significant price levels where buyers and sellers agree on value. By identifying breakouts above or below a certain range, traders can capitalize on the momentum that often follows as the market direction becomes clearer. In this article, we will explore three ORB strategies adapted from the Concretum Group.
preview
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 9): Building an Expert Advisor for the Asian Breakout Strategy

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 9): Building an Expert Advisor for the Asian Breakout Strategy

In this article, we build an Expert Advisor in MQL5 for the Asian Breakout Strategy by calculating the session's high and low and applying trend filtering with a moving average. We implement dynamic object styling, user-defined time inputs, and robust risk management. Finally, we demonstrate backtesting and optimization techniques to refine the program.
preview
Creating an MQL5 Expert Advisor Based on the Daily Range Breakout Strategy

Creating an MQL5 Expert Advisor Based on the Daily Range Breakout Strategy

In this article, we create an MQL5 Expert Advisor based on the Daily Range Breakout strategy. We cover the strategy’s key concepts, design the EA blueprint, and implement the breakout logic in MQL5. In the end, we explore techniques for backtesting and optimizing the EA to maximize its effectiveness.
preview
Learn how to deal with date and time in MQL5

Learn how to deal with date and time in MQL5

A new article about a new important topic which is dealing with date and time. As traders or programmers of trading tools, it is very crucial to understand how to deal with these two aspects date and time very well and effectively. So, I will share some important information about how we can deal with date and time to create effective trading tools smoothly and simply without any complicity as much as I can.
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 4): Enhancing functionality and improving the signal search system
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 4): Enhancing functionality and improving the signal search system

Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 4): Enhancing functionality and improving the signal search system

In this part, we expand the trading signal searching and editing system, as well as introduce the possibility to use custom indicators and add program localization. We have previously created a basic system for searching signals, but it was based on a small set of indicators and a simple set of search rules.
Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?
Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?

Creating a trading robot for Moscow Exchange. Where to start?

Many traders on Moscow Exchange would like to automate their trading algorithms, but they do not know where to start. The MQL5 language offers a huge range of trading functions, and it additionally provides ready classes that help users to make their first steps in algo trading.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part II): Range-based grid in trend direction
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part II): Range-based grid in trend direction

Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part II): Range-based grid in trend direction

In this article, we will develop a grider EA for trading in a trend direction within a range. Thus, the EA is to be suited mostly for Forex and commodity markets. According to the tests, our grider showed profit since 2018. Unfortunately, this is not true for the period of 2014-2018.
preview
How to connect AI agents to MetaTrader 5 via MCP

How to connect AI agents to MetaTrader 5 via MCP

This article shows how to connect AI agents directly to MetaTrader 5 by building a complete MCP (Model Context Protocol) server in Python. It details the architecture, MetaTrader 5 client wrapper, market data and order handlers, and tool registration over stdio, with testing via MCP Inspector and connections to clients like Claude Desktop or OpenClaw. The result is a standardized bridge for natural-language queries, live data retrieval, and safe order execution in MetaTrader 5.
What is Martingale and Is It Reasonable to Use It?
What is Martingale and Is It Reasonable to Use It?

What is Martingale and Is It Reasonable to Use It?

This article contains a detailed description of the Martingale system, as well as precise mathematical calculations, necessary for answering the question: "Is it reasonable to use Martingale?".
Tips for Selecting a Trading Signal to Subscribe. Step-By-Step Guide
Tips for Selecting a Trading Signal to Subscribe. Step-By-Step Guide

Tips for Selecting a Trading Signal to Subscribe. Step-By-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide is dedicated to the Signals service, examination of trading signals, a system approach to the search of a required signal which would satisfy criteria of profitability, risk, trading ambitions, working on various types of accounts and financial instruments.
preview
Practical application of neural networks in trading (Part 2). Computer vision

Practical application of neural networks in trading (Part 2). Computer vision

The use of computer vision allows training neural networks on the visual representation of the price chart and indicators. This method enables wider operations with the whole complex of technical indicators, since there is no need to feed them digitally into the neural network.
preview
Matrices and vectors in MQL5

Matrices and vectors in MQL5

By using special data types 'matrix' and 'vector', it is possible to create code which is very close to mathematical notation. With these methods, you can avoid the need to create nested loops or to mind correct indexing of arrays in calculations. Therefore, the use of matrix and vector methods increases the reliability and speed in developing complex programs.
Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests
Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests

Self-adapting algorithm (Part IV): Additional functionality and tests

I continue filling the algorithm with the minimum necessary functionality and testing the results. The profitability is quite low but the articles demonstrate the model of the fully automated profitable trading on completely different instruments traded on fundamentally different markets.
preview
Money management in trading

Money management in trading

We will look at several new ways of building money management systems and define their main features. Today, there are quite a few money management strategies to fit every taste. We will try to consider several ways to manage money based on different mathematical growth models.
preview
Learn how to design a trading system by Alligator

Learn how to design a trading system by Alligator

In this article, we'll complete our series about how to design a trading system based on the most popular technical indicator. We'll learn how to create a trading system based on the Alligator indicator.
preview
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 7): Building a Grid Trading EA with Dynamic Lot Scaling

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 7): Building a Grid Trading EA with Dynamic Lot Scaling

In this article, we build a grid trading expert advisor in MQL5 that uses dynamic lot scaling. We cover the strategy design, code implementation, and backtesting process. Finally, we share key insights and best practices for optimizing the automated trading system.
Combination scalping: analyzing trades from the past to increase the performance of future trades
Combination scalping: analyzing trades from the past to increase the performance of future trades

Combination scalping: analyzing trades from the past to increase the performance of future trades

The article provides the description of the technology aimed at increasing the effectiveness of any automated trading system. It provides a brief explanation of the idea, as well as its underlying basics, possibilities and disadvantages.
A Few Tips for First-Time Customers
A Few Tips for First-Time Customers

A Few Tips for First-Time Customers

A proverbial wisdom often attributed to various famous people says: "He who makes no mistakes never makes anything." Unless you consider idleness itself a mistake, this statement is hard to argue with. But you can always analyze the past mistakes (your own and of others) to minimize the number of your future mistakes. We are going to attempt to review possible situations arising when executing jobs in the same-name service.
Patterns available when trading currency baskets. Part III
Patterns available when trading currency baskets. Part III

Patterns available when trading currency baskets. Part III

This is the final article devoted to the patterns that occur when trading currency pair baskets. It considers combined trend-following indicators and application of standard graphical constructions.
preview
Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 1): Making the Panel

Creating an Interactive Graphical User Interface in MQL5 (Part 1): Making the Panel

This article explores the fundamental steps in crafting and implementing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) panel using MetaQuotes Language 5 (MQL5). Custom utility panels enhance user interaction in trading by simplifying common tasks and visualizing essential trading information. By creating custom panels, traders can streamline their workflow and save time during trading operations.
Trading Strategy Based on Pivot Points Analysis
Trading Strategy Based on Pivot Points Analysis

Trading Strategy Based on Pivot Points Analysis

Pivot Points (PP) analysis is one of the simplest and most effective strategies for high intraday volatility markets. It was used as early as in the precomputer times, when traders working at stocks could not use any ADP equipment, except for counting frames and arithmometers.
Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels
Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels

Analyzing charts using DeMark Sequential and Murray-Gann levels

Thomas DeMark Sequential is good at showing balance changes in the price movement. This is especially evident if we combine its signals with a level indicator, for example, Murray levels. The article is intended mostly for beginners and those who still cannot find their "Grail". I will also display some features of building levels that I have not seen on other forums. So, the article will probably be useful for advanced traders as well... Suggestions and reasonable criticism are welcome...
preview
Creating a comprehensive Owl trading strategy

Creating a comprehensive Owl trading strategy

My strategy is based on the classic trading fundamentals and the refinement of indicators that are widely used in all types of markets. This is a ready-made tool allowing you to follow the proposed new profitable trading strategy.
preview
Implementing a Bollinger Bands Trading Strategy with MQL5: A Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing a Bollinger Bands Trading Strategy with MQL5: A Step-by-Step Guide

A step-by-step guide to implementing an automated trading algorithm in MQL5 based on the Bollinger Bands trading strategy. A detailed tutorial based on creating an Expert Advisor that can be useful for traders.
preview
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 24): London Session Breakout System with Risk Management and Trailing Stops

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 24): London Session Breakout System with Risk Management and Trailing Stops

In this article, we develop a London Session Breakout System that identifies pre-London range breakouts and places pending orders with customizable trade types and risk settings. We incorporate features like trailing stops, risk-to-reward ratios, maximum drawdown limits, and a control panel for real-time monitoring and management.
preview
The Inverse Fair Value Gap Trading Strategy

The Inverse Fair Value Gap Trading Strategy

An inverse fair value gap(IFVG) occurs when price returns to a previously identified fair value gap and, instead of showing the expected supportive or resistive reaction, fails to respect it. This failure can signal a potential shift in market direction and offer a contrarian trading edge. In this article, I'm going to introduce my self-developed approach to quantifying and utilizing inverse fair value gap as a strategy for MetaTrader 5 expert advisors.
What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?
What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?

What is a trend and is the market structure based on trend or flat?

Traders often talk about trends and flats but very few of them really understand what a trend/flat really is and even fewer are able to clearly explain these concepts. Discussing these basic terms is often beset by a solid set of prejudices and misconceptions. However, if we want to make profit, we need to understand the mathematical and logical meaning of these concepts. In this article, I will take a closer look at the essence of trend and flat, as well as try to define whether the market structure is based on trend, flat or something else. I will also consider the most optimal strategies for making profit on trend and flat markets.