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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Free-of-Holes Charts
Free-of-Holes Charts

Free-of-Holes Charts

The article deals with realization of charts without skipped bars.
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms
A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

A scientific approach to the development of trading algorithms

The article considers the methodology for developing trading algorithms, in which a consistent scientific approach is used to analyze possible price patterns and to build trading algorithms based on these patterns. Development ideals are demonstrated using examples.
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Building and testing Keltner Channel trading systems

Building and testing Keltner Channel trading systems

In this article, we will try to provide trading systems using a very important concept in the financial market which is volatility. We will provide a trading system based on the Keltner Channel indicator after understanding it and how we can code it and how we can create a trading system based on a simple trading strategy and then test it on different assets.
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Everything you need to learn about the MQL5 program structure

Everything you need to learn about the MQL5 program structure

Any Program in any programming language has a specific structure. In this article, you will learn essential parts of the MQL5 program structure by understanding the programming basics of every part of the MQL5 program structure that can be very helpful when creating our MQL5 trading system or trading tool that can be executable in the MetaTrader 5.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 4): Building a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 4): Building a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System

In this article, we develop a Multi-Level Zone Recovery System in MQL5 that utilizes RSI to generate trading signals. Each signal instance is dynamically added to an array structure, allowing the system to manage multiple signals simultaneously within the Zone Recovery logic. Through this approach, we demonstrate how to handle complex trade management scenarios effectively while maintaining a scalable and robust code design.
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Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 4): Automating Short-Term Swing Highs and Lows in MQL5

Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 4): Automating Short-Term Swing Highs and Lows in MQL5

Master the automation of Larry Williams’ short-term swing patterns using MQL5. In this guide, we develop a fully configurable Expert Advisor (EA) that leverages non-random market structures. We’ll cover how to integrate robust risk management and flexible exit logic, providing a solid foundation for systematic strategy development and backtesting.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 20): Modern Stochastic Oscillators

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 20): Modern Stochastic Oscillators

This article demonstrates how the stochastic oscillator, a classical technical indicator, can be repurposed beyond its conventional use as a mean-reversion tool. By viewing the indicator through a different analytical lens, we show how familiar strategies can yield new value and support alternative trading rules, including trend-following interpretations. Ultimately, the article highlights how every technical indicator in the MetaTrader 5 terminal holds untapped potential, and how thoughtful trial and error can uncover meaningful interpretations hidden from view.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 14): Trade Layering Strategy with MACD-RSI Statistical Methods

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 14): Trade Layering Strategy with MACD-RSI Statistical Methods

In this article, we introduce a trade layering strategy that combines MACD and RSI indicators with statistical methods to automate dynamic trading in MQL5. We explore the architecture of this cascading approach, detail its implementation through key code segments, and guide readers on backtesting to optimize performance. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the strategy’s potential and setting the stage for further enhancements in automated trading.
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Trailing stop in trading

Trailing stop in trading

In this article, we will look at the use of a trailing stop in trading. We will assess how useful and effective it is, and how it can be used. The efficiency of a trailing stop largely depends on price volatility and the selection of the stop loss level. A variety of approaches can be used to set a stop loss.
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Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT): Liquidity Architecture, Market Memory, and Algorithmic Execution

Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT): Liquidity Architecture, Market Memory, and Algorithmic Execution

Analytical Volume Profile Trading (AVPT) explores how liquidity architecture and market memory shape price behavior, enabling more profound insight into institutional positioning and volume-driven structure. By mapping POC, HVNs, LVNs, and Value Areas, traders can identify acceptance, rejection, and imbalance zones with precision.
Advantages of MQL5 Signals
Advantages of MQL5 Signals

Advantages of MQL5 Signals

Trading Signals service recently introduced in MetaTrader 5 allows traders to copy trading operations of any signals provider. Users can select any signal, subscribe to it and all deals will be copied at their accounts. Signals providers can set their subscription prices and receive a fixed monthly fee from their subscribers.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 1): Mastering the Functions of the MQL5 Economic Calendar

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 1): Mastering the Functions of the MQL5 Economic Calendar

In this article, we explore how to use the MQL5 Economic Calendar for trading by first understanding its core functionalities. We then implement key functions of the Economic Calendar in MQL5 to extract relevant news data for trading decisions. Finally, we conclude by showcasing how to utilize this information to enhance trading strategies effectively.
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How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 6): Two RSI indicators cross each other's lines

How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 6): Two RSI indicators cross each other's lines

The multi-currency expert advisor in this article is an expert advisor or trading robot that uses two RSI indicators with crossing lines, the Fast RSI which crosses with the Slow RSI.
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Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part V): Curve analysis

Combinatorics and probability for trading (Part V): Curve analysis

In this article, I decided to conduct a study related to the possibility of reducing multiple states to double-state systems. The main purpose of the article is to analyze and to come to useful conclusions that may help in the further development of scalable trading algorithms based on the probability theory. Of course, this topic involves mathematics. However, given the experience of previous articles, I see that generalized information is more useful than details.
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Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 5): Scalping vs Swing Trading Approaches

Formulating Dynamic Multi-Pair EA (Part 5): Scalping vs Swing Trading Approaches

This part explores how to design a Dynamic Multi-Pair Expert Advisor capable of adapting between Scalping and Swing Trading modes. It covers the structural and algorithmic differences in signal generation, trade execution, and risk management, allowing the EA to intelligently switch strategies based on market behavior and user input.
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Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 04): Advancing to an Expert Advisor

Multiple indicators on one chart (Part 04): Advancing to an Expert Advisor

In my previous articles, I have explained how to create an indicator with multiple subwindows, which becomes interesting when using custom indicators. This time we will see how to add multiple windows to an Expert Advisor.
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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.
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Cascade Order Trading Strategy Based on EMA Crossovers for MetaTrader 5

Cascade Order Trading Strategy Based on EMA Crossovers for MetaTrader 5

The article guides in demonstrating an automated algorithm based on EMA Crossovers for MetaTrader 5. Detailed information on all aspects of demonstrating an Expert Advisor in MQL5 and testing it in MetaTrader 5 - from analyzing price range behaviors to risk management.
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Algorithmic Trading With MetaTrader 5 And R For Beginners

Algorithmic Trading With MetaTrader 5 And R For Beginners

Embark on a compelling exploration where financial analysis meets algorithmic trading as we unravel the art of seamlessly uniting R and MetaTrader 5. This article is your guide to bridging the realms of analytical finesse in R with the formidable trading capabilities of MetaTrader 5.
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Understand and Use MQL5 Strategy Tester Effectively

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.
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MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 2): Labeling Financial Data for Machine Learning

MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 2): Labeling Financial Data for Machine Learning

In this second installment of the MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint series, you’ll discover why simple labels can lead your models astray—and how to apply advanced techniques like the Triple-Barrier and Trend-Scanning methods to define robust, risk-aware targets. Packed with practical Python examples that optimize these computationally intensive techniques, this hands-on guide shows you how to transform noisy market data into reliable labels that mirror real-world trading conditions.
Checking the Myth: The Whole Day Trading Depends on How the Asian Session Is Traded
Checking the Myth: The Whole Day Trading Depends on How the Asian Session Is Traded

Checking the Myth: The Whole Day Trading Depends on How the Asian Session Is Traded

In this article we will check the well-known statement that "The whole day trading depends on how the Asian session is traded".
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How to create a trading journal with MetaTrader and Google Sheets

How to create a trading journal with MetaTrader and Google Sheets

Create a trading journal using MetaTrader and Google Sheets! You will learn how to sync your trading data via HTTP POST and retrieve it using HTTP requests. In the end, You have a trading journal that will help you keep track of your trades effectively and efficiently.
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Creating Graphical Panels Became Easy in MQL5

Creating Graphical Panels Became Easy in MQL5

In this article, we will provide a simple and easy guide to anyone who needs to create one of the most valuable and helpful tools in trading which is the graphical panel to simplify and ease doing tasks around trading which helps to save time and focus more on your trading process itself without any distractions.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Bull's Power

Learn how to design a trading system by Bull's Power

Welcome to a new article in our series about learning how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicator as we will learn in this article about a new technical indicator and how we can design a trading system by it and this indicator is the Bull's Power indicator.
Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5
Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5

Drawing Indicator's Emissions in MQL5

In this article, we will consider the emission of indicators - a new approach to the market research. The calculation of emission is based on the intersection of different indicators: more and more points with different colors and shapes appear after each tick. They form numerous clusters like nebulae, clouds, tracks, lines, arcs, etc. These shapes help to detect the invisible springs and forces that affect the movement of market prices.
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Integrating AI model into already existing MQL5 trading strategy

Integrating AI model into already existing MQL5 trading strategy

This topic focuses on incorporating a trained AI model (such as a reinforcement learning model like LSTM or a machine learning-based predictive model) into an existing MQL5 trading strategy.
Social Trading with the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Platforms
Social Trading with the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Platforms

Social Trading with the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 Trading Platforms

What is social trading? It is a mutually beneficial cooperation of traders and investors whereby successful traders allow monitoring of their trading and potential investors take the opportunity to monitor their performance and copy trades of those who look more promising.
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MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 3): Building a Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard for Strategic Trading

MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 3): Building a Multi-Timeframe Scanner Dashboard for Strategic Trading

In this article, we build a multi-timeframe scanner dashboard in MQL5 to display real-time trading signals. We plan an interactive grid interface, implement signal calculations with multiple indicators, and add a close button. The article concludes with backtesting and strategic trading benefits
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 3): Introducing search algorithms
Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 3): Introducing search algorithms

Multicurrency monitoring of trading signals (Part 3): Introducing search algorithms

In the previous article, we developed the visual part of the application, as well as the basic interaction of GUI elements. This time we are going to add internal logic and the algorithm of trading signal data preparation, as well us the ability to set up signals, to search them and to visualize them in the monitor.
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How to create a custom Donchian Channel indicator using MQL5

How to create a custom Donchian Channel indicator using MQL5

There are many technical tools that can be used to visualize a channel surrounding prices, One of these tools is the Donchian Channel indicator. In this article, we will learn how to create the Donchian Channel indicator and how we can trade it as a custom indicator using EA.
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The Kalman Filter for Forex Mean-Reversion Strategies

The Kalman Filter for Forex Mean-Reversion Strategies

The Kalman filter is a recursive algorithm used in algorithmic trading to estimate the true state of a financial time series by filtering out noise from price movements. It dynamically updates predictions based on new market data, making it valuable for adaptive strategies like mean reversion. This article first introduces the Kalman filter, covering its calculation and implementation. Next, we apply the filter to a classic mean-reversion forex strategy as an example. Finally, we conduct various statistical analyses by comparing the filter with a moving average across different forex pairs.
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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 26): Building an EA Using Support and Resistance Zones

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 26): Building an EA Using Support and Resistance Zones

This article teaches you how to build an MQL5 Expert Advisor that automatically detects support and resistance zones and executes trades based on them. You’ll learn how to program your EA to identify these key market levels, monitor price reactions, and make trading decisions without manual intervention.
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Learn how to design a trading system by Bill Williams' MFI

Learn how to design a trading system by Bill Williams' MFI

This is a new article in the series in which we learn how to design a trading system based on popular technical indicators. This time we will cover Bill Williams' Market Facilitation Index (BW MFI).
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Magic of time trading intervals with Frames Analyzer tool

Magic of time trading intervals with Frames Analyzer tool

What is Frames Analyzer? This is a plug-in module for any Expert Advisor for analyzing optimization frames during parameter optimization in the strategy tester, as well as outside the tester, by reading an MQD file or a database that is created immediately after parameter optimization. You will be able to share these optimization results with other users who have the Frames Analyzer tool to discuss the results together.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 18): New order system (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 18): New order system (I)

This is the first part of the new order system. Since we started documenting this EA in our articles, it has undergone various changes and improvements while maintaining the same on-chart order system model.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 09): The K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm (KNN)

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 09): The K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm (KNN)

This is a lazy algorithm that doesn't learn from the training dataset, it stores the dataset instead and acts immediately when it's given a new sample. As simple as it is, it is used in a variety of real-world applications.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 11): Automation (III)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 11): Automation (III)

An automated system will not be successful without proper security. However, security will not be ensured without a good understanding of certain things. In this article, we will explore why achieving maximum security in automated systems is such a challenge.
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Building and testing Aroon Trading Systems

Building and testing Aroon Trading Systems

In this article, we will learn how we can build an Aroon trading system after learning the basics of the indicators and the needed steps to build a trading system based on the Aroon indicator. After building this trading system, we will test it to see if it can be profitable or needs more optimization.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 22): Creating a Zone Recovery System for Envelopes Trend Trading

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 22): Creating a Zone Recovery System for Envelopes Trend Trading

In this article, we develop a Zone Recovery System integrated with an Envelopes trend-trading strategy in MQL5. We outline the architecture for using RSI and Envelopes indicators to trigger trades and manage recovery zones to mitigate losses. Through implementation and backtesting, we show how to build an effective automated trading system for dynamic markets