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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Learn how to design a trading system by Chaikin Oscillator

Learn how to design a trading system by Chaikin Oscillator

Welcome to our new article from our series about learning how to design a trading system by the most popular technical indicator. Through this new article, we will learn how to design a trading system by the Chaikin Oscillator indicator.
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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.
Tips for Purchasing a Product on the Market. Step-By-Step Guide
Tips for Purchasing a Product on the Market. Step-By-Step Guide

Tips for Purchasing a Product on the Market. Step-By-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide provides tips and tricks for better understanding and searching for a required product. The article makes an attempt to puzzle out different methods of searching for an appropriate product, sorting out unwanted products, determining product efficiency and essentiality for you.
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Understanding functions in MQL5 with applications

Understanding functions in MQL5 with applications

Functions are critical things in any programming language, it helps developers apply the concept of (DRY) which means do not repeat yourself, and many other benefits. In this article, you will find much more information about functions and how we can create our own functions in MQL5 with simple applications that can be used or called in any system you have to enrich your trading system without complicating things.
Principles of Time Transformation in Intraday Trading
Principles of Time Transformation in Intraday Trading

Principles of Time Transformation in Intraday Trading

This article contains the concept of operation time that allows to receive more even price flow. It also contains the code of the changed moving average with an allowance for this time transformation.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 15): Automation (VII)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 15): Automation (VII)

To complete this series of articles on automation, we will continue discussing the topic of the previous article. We will see how everything will fit together, making the EA run like clockwork.
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Rebuy algorithm: Math model for increasing efficiency

Rebuy algorithm: Math model for increasing efficiency

In this article, we will use the rebuy algorithm for a deeper understanding of the efficiency of trading systems and start working on the general principles of improving trading efficiency using mathematics and logic, as well as apply the most non-standard methods of increasing efficiency in terms of using absolutely any trading system.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 23): Zone Recovery with Trailing and Basket Logic

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 23): Zone Recovery with Trailing and Basket Logic

In this article, we enhance our Zone Recovery System by introducing trailing stops and multi-basket trading capabilities. We explore how the improved architecture uses dynamic trailing stops to lock in profits and a basket management system to handle multiple trade signals efficiently. Through implementation and backtesting, we demonstrate a more robust trading system tailored for adaptive market performance.
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Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 05): Decision Trees

Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 05): Decision Trees

Decision trees imitate the way humans think to classify data. Let's see how to build trees and use them to classify and predict some data. The main goal of the decision trees algorithm is to separate the data with impurity and into pure or close to nodes.
Using cryptography with external applications
Using cryptography with external applications

Using cryptography with external applications

In this article, we consider encryption/decryption of objects in MetaTrader and in external applications. Our purpose is to determine the conditions under which the same results will be obtained with the same initial data.
Comparative Analysis of 30 Indicators and Oscillators
Comparative Analysis of 30 Indicators and Oscillators

Comparative Analysis of 30 Indicators and Oscillators

The article describes an Expert Advisor that allows conducting the comparative analysis of 30 indicators and oscillators aiming at the formation of an effective package of indexes for trading.
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Automating Trading Strategies with Parabolic SAR Trend Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor

Automating Trading Strategies with Parabolic SAR Trend Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor

In this article, we will automate the trading strategies with Parabolic SAR Strategy in MQL5: Crafting an Effective Expert Advisor. The EA will make trades based on trends identified by the Parabolic SAR indicator.
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Brute force approach to patterns search (Part VI): Cyclic optimization

Brute force approach to patterns search (Part VI): Cyclic optimization

In this article I will show the first part of the improvements that allowed me not only to close the entire automation chain for MetaTrader 4 and 5 trading, but also to do something much more interesting. From now on, this solution allows me to fully automate both creating EAs and optimization, as well as to minimize labor costs for finding effective trading configurations.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 04): Manual triggers (I)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 04): Manual triggers (I)

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode.
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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
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Metamodels in machine learning and trading: Original timing of trading orders

Metamodels in machine learning and trading: Original timing of trading orders

Metamodels in machine learning: Auto creation of trading systems with little or no human intervention — The model decides when and how to trade on its own.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 20): Multi-Symbol Strategy Using CCI and AO

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 20): Multi-Symbol Strategy Using CCI and AO

In this article, we create a multi-symbol trading strategy using CCI and AO indicators to detect trend reversals. We cover its design, MQL5 implementation, and backtesting process. The article concludes with tips for performance improvement.
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How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 5):  Bollinger Bands On Keltner Channel — Indicators Signal

How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 5): Bollinger Bands On Keltner Channel — Indicators Signal

The Multi-Currency Expert Advisor in this article is an Expert Advisor or Trading Robot that can trade (open orders, close orders and manage orders for example: Trailing Stop Loss and Trailing Profit) for more than one symbol pair from only one symbol chart. In this article we will use signals from two indicators, in this case Bollinger Bands® on Keltner Channel.
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Developing a Trading Strategy: The Triple Sine Mean Reversion Method

Developing a Trading Strategy: The Triple Sine Mean Reversion Method

This article introduces the Triple Sine Mean Reversion Method, a trading strategy built upon a new mathematical indicator — the Triple Sine Oscillator (TSO). The TSO is derived from the sine cube function, which oscillates between –1 and +1, making it suitable for identifying overbought and oversold market conditions. Overall, the study demonstrates how mathematical functions can be transformed into practical trading tools.
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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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Introduction to MQL5 (Part 17): Building Expert Advisors for Trend Reversals

Introduction to MQL5 (Part 17): Building Expert Advisors for Trend Reversals

This article teaches beginners how to build an Expert Advisor (EA) in MQL5 that trades based on chart pattern recognition using trend line breakouts and reversals. By learning how to retrieve trend line values dynamically and compare them with price action, readers will be able to develop EAs capable of identifying and trading chart patterns such as ascending and descending trend lines, channels, wedges, triangles, and more.
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From Novice to Expert: Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI)

From Novice to Expert: Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI)

In this article, we will share insights on how to leverage MQL5 programming to pinpoint market levels—differentiating between weaker and strongest price levels. We will fully develop a working, Support and Resistance Strength Indicator (SRSI).
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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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Understanding MQL5 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Understanding MQL5 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

As developers, we need to learn how to create and develop software that can be reusable and flexible without duplicated code especially if we have different objects with different behaviors. This can be smoothly done by using object-oriented programming techniques and principles. In this article, we will present the basics of MQL5 Object-Oriented programming to understand how we can use principles and practices of this critical topic in our software.
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Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part XII): Integration of a Forex Values Calculator

Creating a Trading Administrator Panel in MQL5 (Part XII): Integration of a Forex Values Calculator

Accurate calculation of key trading values is an indispensable part of every trader’s workflow. In this article, we will discuss, the integration of a powerful utility—the Forex Calculator—into the Trade Management Panel, further extending the functionality of our multi-panel Trading Administrator system. Efficiently determining risk, position size, and potential profit is essential when placing trades, and this new feature is designed to make that process faster and more intuitive within the panel. Join us as we explore the practical application of MQL5 in building advanced, trading panels.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 26): Building a Pin Bar Averaging System for Multi-Position Trading

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 26): Building a Pin Bar Averaging System for Multi-Position Trading

In this article, we develop a Pin Bar Averaging system in MQL5 that detects pin bar patterns to initiate trades and employs an averaging strategy for multi-position management, enhanced by trailing stops and breakeven adjustments. We incorporate customizable parameters with a dashboard for real-time monitoring of positions and profits.
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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.
Channels. Advanced Models. Wolfe Waves
Channels. Advanced Models. Wolfe Waves

Channels. Advanced Models. Wolfe Waves

The article describes rules of marking patterns of Wolfe Waves. You will find here details of constructing and rules of accurate marking, which help to find correct formations of waves quickly and correctly.
Arranging a mailing campaign by means of Google services
Arranging a mailing campaign by means of Google services

Arranging a mailing campaign by means of Google services

A trader may want to arrange a mailing campaign to maintain business relationships with other traders, subscribers, clients or friends. Besides, there may be a necessity to send screenshotas, logs or reports. These may not be the most frequently arising tasks but having such a feature is clearly an advantage. The article deals with using several Google services simultaneously, developing an appropriate assembly on C# and integrating it with MQL tools.
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ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

ALGLIB numerical analysis library in MQL5

The article takes a quick look at the ALGLIB 3.19 numerical analysis library, its applications and new algorithms that can improve the efficiency of financial data analysis.
Tales of Trading Robots: Is Less More?
Tales of Trading Robots: Is Less More?

Tales of Trading Robots: Is Less More?

Two years ago in "The Last Crusade" we reviewed quite an interesting yet currently not widely used method for displaying market information - point and figure charts. Now I suggest you try to write a trading robot based on the patterns detected on the point and figure chart.
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Using PatchTST Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Next 24 Hours of Price Action

Using PatchTST Machine Learning Algorithm for Predicting Next 24 Hours of Price Action

In this article, we apply a relatively complex neural network algorithm released in 2023 called PatchTST for predicting the price action for the next 24 hours. We will use the official repository, make slight modifications, train a model for EURUSD, and apply it to making future predictions both in Python and MQL5.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 08): OnTradeTransaction

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 08): OnTradeTransaction

In this article, we will see how to use the event handling system to quickly and efficiently process issues related to the order system. With this system the EA will work faster, so that it will not have to constantly search for the required data.
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The price movement model and its main provisions. (Part 3): Calculating optimal parameters of stock exchange speculations

The price movement model and its main provisions. (Part 3): Calculating optimal parameters of stock exchange speculations

Within the framework of the engineering approach developed by the author based on the probability theory, the conditions for opening a profitable position are found and the optimal (profit-maximizing) take profit and stop loss values are calculated.
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Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 18): Envelopes Trend Bounce Scalping - Core Infrastructure and Signal Generation (Part I)

Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 18): Envelopes Trend Bounce Scalping - Core Infrastructure and Signal Generation (Part I)

In this article, we build the core infrastructure for the Envelopes Trend Bounce Scalping Expert Advisor in MQL5. We initialize envelopes and other indicators for signal generation. We set up backtesting to prepare for trade execution in the next part.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 09): Automation (I)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 09): Automation (I)

Although the creation of an automated EA is not a very difficult task, however, many mistakes can be made without the necessary knowledge. In this article, we will look at how to build the first level of automation, which consists in creating a trigger to activate breakeven and a trailing stop level.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 14): Automation (VI)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 14): Automation (VI)

In this article, we will put into practice all the knowledge from this series. We will finally build a 100% automated and functional system. But before that, we still have to learn one last detail.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 29): The talking platform

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 29): The talking platform

In this article, we will learn how to make the MetaTrader 5 platform talk. What if we make the EA more fun? Financial market trading is often too boring and monotonous, but we can make this job less tiring. Please note that this project can be dangerous for those who experience problems such as addiction. However, in a general case, it just makes things less boring.
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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.
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How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 4): Triangular moving average — Indicator Signals

How to create a simple Multi-Currency Expert Advisor using MQL5 (Part 4): Triangular moving average — Indicator Signals

The Multi-Currency Expert Advisor in this article is Expert Advisor or trading robot that can trade (open orders, close orders and manage orders for example: Trailing Stop Loss and Trailing Profit) for more than one symbol pair only from one symbol chart. This time we will use only 1 indicator, namely Triangular moving average in multi-timeframes or single timeframe.