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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Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market
Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market

This article describes the theory of exchange pricing and clearing specifics of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. This is a comprehensive article for beginners who want to get their first exchange experience on derivatives trading, as well as for experienced forex traders who are considering trading on a centralized exchange platform.
MQL5 Cookbook: Processing of the TradeTransaction Event
MQL5 Cookbook: Processing of the TradeTransaction Event

MQL5 Cookbook: Processing of the TradeTransaction Event

This article considers capabilities of the MQL5 language from the point of view of the event-driven programming. The greatest advantage of this approach is that the program can receive information about phased implementation of a trade operation. The article also contains an example of receiving and processing information about ongoing trade operation using the TradeTransaction event handler. In my opinion, such an approach can be used for copying deals from one terminal to another.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 46): Liquidity Sweep on Break of Structure (BoS)

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 46): Liquidity Sweep on Break of Structure (BoS)

In this article, we build a Liquidity Sweep on Break of Structure (BoS) system in MQL5 that detects swing highs/lows over a user-defined length, labels them as HH/HL/LH/LL to identify BOS (HH in uptrend or LL in downtrend), and spots liquidity sweeps when price wicks beyond the swing but closes back inside on a bullish/bearish candle.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Awesome Oscillator

Learn how to design a trading system by Awesome Oscillator

In this new article in our series, we will learn about a new technical tool that may be useful in our trading. It is the Awesome Oscillator (AO) indicator. We will learn how to design a trading system by this indicator.
The Player of Trading Based on Deal History
The Player of Trading Based on Deal History

The Player of Trading Based on Deal History

The player of trading. Only four words, no explanation is needed. Thoughts about a small box with buttons come to your mind. Press one button - it plays, move the lever - the playback speed changes. In reality, it is pretty similar. In this article, I want to show my development that plays trade history almost like it is in real time. The article covers some nuances of OOP, working with indicators and managing charts.
Universal Regression Model for Market Price Prediction
Universal Regression Model for Market Price Prediction

Universal Regression Model for Market Price Prediction

The market price is formed out of a stable balance between demand and supply which, in turn, depend on a variety of economic, political and psychological factors. Differences in nature as well as causes of influence of these factors make it difficult to directly consider all the components. This article sets forth an attempt to predict the market price on the basis of an elaborated regression model.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 7): Adding Volume at Price (I)

This is one of the most powerful indicators currently existing. Anyone who trades trying to have a certain degree of confidence must have this indicator on their chart. Most often the indicator is used by those who prefer “tape reading” while trading. Also, this indicator can be utilized by those who use only Price Action while trading.
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How to create a custom indicator (Heiken Ashi) using MQL5

How to create a custom indicator (Heiken Ashi) using MQL5

In this article, we will learn how to create a custom indicator using MQL5 based on our preferences, to be used in MetaTrader 5 to help us read charts or to be used in automated Expert Advisors.
Statistical Carry Trade Strategy
Statistical Carry Trade Strategy

Statistical Carry Trade Strategy

An algorithm of statistical protection of open positive swap positions from unwanted price movements. This article features a variant of the carry trade protection strategy that allows to compensate for potential risk of the price movement in the direction opposite to that of the open position.
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Take a few lessons from Prop Firms (Part 1) — An introduction

Take a few lessons from Prop Firms (Part 1) — An introduction

In this introductory article, I address a few of the lessons one can take from the challenge rules that proprietary trading firms implement. This is especially relevant for beginners and those who struggle to find their footing in this world of trading. The subsequent article will address the code implementation.
How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange
How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

How to Secure Your Expert Advisor While Trading on the Moscow Exchange

The article delves into the trading methods ensuring the security of trading operations at the stock and low-liquidity markets through the example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market. It brings practical approach to the trading theory described in the article "Principles of Exchange Pricing through the Example of Moscow Exchange's Derivatives Market".
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results
Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

Applying OLAP in trading (part 2): Visualizing the interactive multidimensional data analysis results

In this article, we consider the creation of an interactive graphical interface for an MQL program, which is designed for the processing of account history and trading reports using OLAP techniques. To obtain a visual result, we will use maximizable and scalable windows, an adaptive layout of rubber controls and a new control for displaying diagrams. To provide the visualization functionality, we will implement a GUI with the selection of variables along coordinate axes, as well as with the selection of aggregate functions, diagram types and sorting options.
The Last Crusade
The Last Crusade

The Last Crusade

Take a look at your trading terminal. What means of price presentation can you see? Bars, candlesticks, lines. We are chasing time and prices whereas we only profit from prices. Shall we only give attention to prices when analyzing the market? This article proposes an algorithm and a script for point and figure charting ("naughts and crosses") Consideration is given to various price patterns whose practical use is outlined in recommendations provided.
Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf
Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf

Graphic Expert Advisor: AutoGraf

The article shows the workability of graphics in creation of a convenient interface to manage trading.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 45): Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG)

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 45): Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG)

In this article, we create an Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) detection system in MQL5 that identifies bullish/bearish FVGs on recent bars with minimum gap size filtering, tracks their states as normal/mitigated/inverted based on price interactions (mitigation on far-side breaks, retracement on re-entry, inversion on close beyond far side from inside), and ignores overlaps while limiting tracked FVGs.
MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders
MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders

MQL5 Cookbook: ОСО Orders

Any trader's trading activity involves various mechanisms and interrelationships including relations among orders. This article suggests a solution of OCO orders processing. Standard library classes are extensively involved, as well as new data types are created herein.
Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks
Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks

Price Forecasting Using Neural Networks

Many traders speak about neural networks, but what they are and what they really can is known to few people. This article sheds some light on the world of artificial intelligence. It describes, how to prepare correctly the data for the network. Here you will also find an example of forecasting using means of the program Matlab.
Extending Strategy Builder Functionality
Extending Strategy Builder Functionality

Extending Strategy Builder Functionality

In the previous two articles, we discussed the application of Merrill patterns to various data types. An application was developed to test the presented ideas. In this article, we will continue working with the Strategy Builder, to improve its efficiency and to implement new features and capabilities.
Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part II
Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part II

Testing patterns that arise when trading currency pair baskets. Part II

We continue testing the patterns and trying the methods described in the articles about trading currency pair baskets. Let's consider in practice, whether it is possible to use the patterns of the combined WPR graph crossing the moving average. If the answer is yes, we should consider the appropriate usage methods.
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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.
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Learn how to design a trading system by VIDYA

Learn how to design a trading system by VIDYA

Welcome to a new article from our series about learning how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators, in this article we will learn about a new technical tool and learn how to design a trading system by Variable Index Dynamic Average (VIDYA).
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Learn how to design a trading system by Relative Vigor Index

Learn how to design a trading system by Relative Vigor Index

A new article in our series about how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicator. In this article, we will learn how to do that by the Relative Vigor Index indicator.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 8): Building an Expert Advisor with Butterfly Harmonic Patterns

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 8): Building an Expert Advisor with Butterfly Harmonic Patterns

In this article, we build an MQL5 Expert Advisor to detect Butterfly harmonic patterns. We identify pivot points and validate Fibonacci levels to confirm the pattern. We then visualize the pattern on the chart and automatically execute trades when confirmed.
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Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUI's in MQL5 (Part III): Simple Movable Trading GUI

Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUI's in MQL5 (Part III): Simple Movable Trading GUI

Join us in Part III of the "Improve Your Trading Charts With Interactive GUIs in MQL5" series as we explore the integration of interactive GUIs into movable trading dashboards in MQL5. This article builds on the foundations set in Parts I and II, guiding readers to transform static trading dashboards into dynamic, movable ones.
Building a Social Technology Startup, Part II: Programming an MQL5 REST Client
Building a Social Technology Startup, Part II: Programming an MQL5 REST Client

Building a Social Technology Startup, Part II: Programming an MQL5 REST Client

Let's now shape the PHP-based Twitter idea which was introduced in the first part of this article. We are assembling the different parts of the SDSS. Regarding the client side of the system architecture, we are relying on the new MQL5 WebRequest() function for sending trading signals via HTTP.
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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.
Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor
Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor

Dr. Tradelove or How I Stopped Worrying and Created a Self-Training Expert Advisor

Just over a year ago joo, in his article "Genetic Algorithms - It's Easy!", gave us a tool for implementation of the genetic algorithm in MQL5. Now utilizing the tool we will create an Expert Advisor that will genetically optimize its own parameters upon certain boundary conditions...
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model
Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

Combinatorics and probability theory for trading (Part III): The first mathematical model

A logical continuation of the earlier discussed topic would be the development of multifunctional mathematical models for trading tasks. In this article, I will describe the entire process related to the development of the first mathematical model describing fractals, from scratch. This model should become an important building block and be multifunctional and universal. It will build up our theoretical basis for further development of this idea.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Parabolic SAR

Learn how to design a trading system by Parabolic SAR

In this article, we will continue our series about how to design a trading system using the most popular indicators. In this article, we will learn about the Parabolic SAR indicator in detail and how we can design a trading system to be used in MetaTrader 5 using some simple strategies.
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Gradient Boosting (CatBoost) in the development of trading systems. A naive approach

Gradient Boosting (CatBoost) in the development of trading systems. A naive approach

Training the CatBoost classifier in Python and exporting the model to mql5, as well as parsing the model parameters and a custom strategy tester. The Python language and the MetaTrader 5 library are used for preparing the data and for training the model.
Developing multi-module Expert Advisors
Developing multi-module Expert Advisors

Developing multi-module Expert Advisors

MQL programming language allows implementing the concept of modular development of trading strategies. The article shows an example of developing a multi-module Expert Advisor consisting of separately compiled file modules.
How to Prepare MetaTrader 5 Quotes for Other Applications
How to Prepare MetaTrader 5 Quotes for Other Applications

How to Prepare MetaTrader 5 Quotes for Other Applications

The article describes the examples of creating directories, copying data, filing, working with the symbols in Market Watch or the common list, as well as the examples of handling errors, etc. All these elements can eventually be gathered in a single script for filing the data in a user-defined format.
Information Storage and View
Information Storage and View

Information Storage and View

The article deals with convenient and efficient methods of information storage and viewing. Alternatives to the terminal standard log file and the Comment() function are considered here.
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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.
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Developing a Trading Strategy: The Butterfly Oscillator Method

Developing a Trading Strategy: The Butterfly Oscillator Method

In this article, we demonstrated how the fascinating mathematical concept of the Butterfly Curve can be transformed into a practical trading tool. We constructed the Butterfly Oscillator and built a foundational trading strategy around it. The strategy effectively combines the oscillator's unique cyclical signals with traditional trend confirmation from moving averages, creating a systematic approach for identifying potential market entries.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 5): Developing the Adaptive Crossover RSI Trading Suite Strategy

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 5): Developing the Adaptive Crossover RSI Trading Suite Strategy

In this article, we develop the Adaptive Crossover RSI Trading Suite System, which uses 14- and 50-period moving average crossovers for signals, confirmed by a 14-period RSI filter. The system includes a trading day filter, signal arrows with annotations, and a real-time dashboard for monitoring. This approach ensures precision and adaptability in automated trading.
Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts
Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts

Econometric Approach to Analysis of Charts

This article describes the econometric methods of analysis, the autocorrelation analysis and the analysis of conditional variance in particular. What is the benefit of the approach described here? Use of the non-linear GARCH models allows representing the analyzed series formally from the mathematical point of view and creating a forecast for a specified number of steps.
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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.
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic
Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part IV): Bernoulli Logic

In this article, I decided to highlight the well-known Bernoulli scheme and to show how it can be used to describe trading-related data arrays. All this will then be used to create a self-adapting trading system. We will also look for a more generic algorithm, a special case of which is the Bernoulli formula, and will find an application for it.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Standard Deviation

Learn how to design a trading system by Standard Deviation

Here is a new article in our series about how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicators in MetaTrader 5 trading platform. In this new article, we will learn how to design a trading system by Standard Deviation indicator.