Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector
Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector
Build a practical MetaTrader 5 “Sigma Score” indicator from scratch and learn what it really measures: The z-score of log returns (how many standard deviations the latest move is from the recent average). The article walks through every code block in OnInit(), OnCalculate(), and OnDeinit(), then shows how to interpret thresholds (e.g., ±2) and apply the Sigma Score as a simple “market stress meter” for mean-reversion and momentum trading.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 4): Smart WaveTrend Crossover with Dual Oscillators
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 4): Smart WaveTrend Crossover with Dual Oscillators
In this article, we develop a custom indicator in MQL5 called Smart WaveTrend Crossover, utilizing dual WaveTrend oscillators—one for generating crossover signals and another for trend filtering—with customizable parameters for channel, average, and moving average lengths. The indicator plots colored candles based on the trend direction, displays buy and sell arrow signals on crossovers, and includes options to enable trend confirmation and adjust visual elements like colors and offsets.
Building Volatility models in MQL5 (Part I): The Initial Implementation
Building Volatility models in MQL5 (Part I): The Initial Implementation
In this article, we present an MQL5 library for modeling volatility, designed to function similarly to Python's arch package. The library currently supports the specification of common conditional mean (HAR, AR, Constant Mean, Zero Mean) and conditional volatility (Constant Variance, ARCH, GARCH) models.
Optimizing Trend Strength: Trading in Trend Direction and Strength
Optimizing Trend Strength: Trading in Trend Direction and Strength
This is a specialized trend-following EA that makes both short and long-term analyses, trading decisions, and executions based on the overall trend and its strength. This article will explore in detail an EA that is specifically designed for traders who are patient, disciplined, and focused enough to only execute trades and hold their positions only when trading with strength and in the trend direction without changing their bias frequently, especially against the trend, until take-profit targets are hit.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 11): Correlation Matrix Dashboard (Pearson, Spearman, Kendall) with Heatmap and Standard Modes
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 11): Correlation Matrix Dashboard (Pearson, Spearman, Kendall) with Heatmap and Standard Modes
In this article, we build a correlation matrix dashboard in MQL5 to compute asset relationships using Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall methods over a set timeframe and bars. The system offers standard mode with color thresholds and p-value stars, plus heatmap mode with gradient visuals for correlation strengths. It includes an interactive UI with timeframe selectors, mode toggles, and a dynamic legend for efficient analysis of symbol interdependencies.
Fibonacci in Forex (Part I): Examining the Price-Time Relationship
Fibonacci in Forex (Part I): Examining the Price-Time Relationship
How does the market observe Fibonacci-based relationships? This sequence, where each subsequent number is equal to the sum of the two previous ones (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...), not only describes the growth of the rabbit population. We will consider the Pythagorean hypothesis that everything in the world is subject to certain relationships of numbers...
Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 5): Automating the Volatility Breakout Strategy in MQL5
Larry Williams Market Secrets (Part 5): Automating the Volatility Breakout Strategy in MQL5
This article demonstrates how to automate Larry Williams’ volatility breakout strategy in MQL5 using a practical, step-by-step approach. You will learn how to calculate daily range expansions, derive buy and sell levels, manage risk with range-based stops and reward-based targets, and structure a professional Expert Advisor for MetaTrader 5. Designed for traders and developers looking to transform Larry Williams’ market concepts into a fully testable and deployable automated trading system.
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 21): Bollinger Bands And RSI Ensemble Strategy Discovery
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 21): Bollinger Bands And RSI Ensemble Strategy Discovery
This article explores the development of an ensemble algorithmic trading strategy for the EURUSD market that combines the Bollinger Bands and the Relative Strength Indicator (RSI). Initial rule-based strategies produced high-quality signals but suffered from low trade frequency and limited profitability. Multiple iterations of the strategy were evaluated, revealing flaws in our understanding of the market, increased noise, and degraded performance. By appropriately employing statistical learning algorithms, shifting the modeling target to technical indicators, applying proper scaling, and combining machine learning forecasts with classical trading rules, the final strategy achieved significantly improved profitability and trade frequency while maintaining acceptable signal quality.
From Basic to Intermediate: Events (I)
From Basic to Intermediate: Events (I)
Given everything that has been shown so far, I think we can now start implementing some kind of application to run some symbol directly on the chart. However, first we need to talk about a concept that can be rather confusing for beginners. Namely, it's the fact that applications developed in MQL5 and intended for display on a chart are not created in the same way as we have seen so far. In this article, we'll begin to understand this a little better.
Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 5): A Quick Recap of Time Series Cross Validation
Overcoming The Limitation of Machine Learning (Part 5): A Quick Recap of Time Series Cross Validation
In this series of articles, we look at the challenges faced by algorithmic traders when deploying machine-learning-powered trading strategies. Some challenges within our community remain unseen because they demand deeper technical understanding. Today’s discussion acts as a springboard toward examining the blind spots of cross-validation in machine learning. Although often treated as routine, this step can easily produce misleading or suboptimal results if handled carelessly. This article briefly revisits the essentials of time series cross-validation to prepare us for more in-depth insight into its hidden blind spots.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit (Part 55): Designing a CPI Mini-Candle Overlay for Intra-bar Pressure
Price Action Analysis Toolkit (Part 55): Designing a CPI Mini-Candle Overlay for Intra-bar Pressure
This article presents the design and MetaTrader 5 implementation of the Candle Pressure Index (CPI)—a CLV-based overlay that visualizes intra-Bar buying and selling pressure directly on price charts. The discussion focuses on candle structure, pressure classification, visualization mechanics, and a non-repainting, transition-based alert system designed for consistent behavior across timeframes and instruments.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management
In this article, we enhance the Smart WaveTrend Crossover indicator in MQL5 by integrating canvas-based drawing for fog gradient overlays, signal boxes that detect breakouts, and customizable buy/sell bubbles or triangles for visual alerts. We incorporate risk management features with dynamic take-profit and stop-loss levels calculated via candle multipliers or percentages, displayed through lines and a table, alongside options for trend filtering and box extensions.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 12): Enhancing the Correlation Matrix Dashboard with Interactivity
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 12): Enhancing the Correlation Matrix Dashboard with Interactivity
In this article, we enhance the correlation matrix dashboard in MQL5 with interactive features like panel dragging, minimizing/maximizing, hover effects on buttons and timeframes, and mouse event handling for improved user experience. We add sorting of symbols by average correlation strength in ascending/descending modes, toggle between correlation and p-value views, and incorporate light/dark theme switching with dynamic color updates.
From Basic to Intermediate: Struct (I)
From Basic to Intermediate: Struct (I)
Today we will begin to study structures in a simpler, more practical, and comfortable way. Structures are among the foundations of programming, whether they are structured or not. I know many people think of structures as just collections of data, but I assure you that they are much more than just structures. And here we will begin to explore this new universe in the most didactic way.
Developing Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price Is Likely To Return
Developing Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price Is Likely To Return
In this discussion, we will develop an indicator to identify price zones created by strong market activity, such as impulsive moves, structure shifts, and liquidity events. These zones represent areas where the market has left “memory” due to unfilled orders or rapid price displacement. By marking these regions on the chart, the indicator highlights where price is statistically more likely to revisit and react in the future.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 10): Detecting Structural Breaks
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 10): Detecting Structural Breaks
This article presents the Chow test for detecting structural breaks in pair relationships and the application of the Cumulative Sum of Squares - CUSUM - for structural breaks monitoring and early detection. The article uses the Nvidia/Intel partnership announcement and the US Gov foreign trade tariff announcement as examples of slope inversion and intercept shift, respectively. Python scripts for all the tests are provided.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 13): Creating a Canvas-Based Price Dashboard with Graph and Stats Panels
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 13): Creating a Canvas-Based Price Dashboard with Graph and Stats Panels
In this article, we develop a canvas-based price dashboard in MQL5 using the CCanvas class to create interactive panels for visualizing recent price graphs and account statistics, with support for background images, fog effects, and gradient fills. The system includes draggable and resizable features via mouse event handling, theme toggling between dark and light modes with dynamic color adjustments, and minimize/maximize controls for efficient chart space management.
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.
Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 04): Tester 101
Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 04): Tester 101
In this fascinating article, we build our very first trading robot in the simulator and run a strategy testing action that resembles how the MetaTrader 5 strategy tester works, then compare the outcome produced in a custom simulation against our favorite terminal.
Developing Trend Trading Strategies Using Machine Learning
Developing Trend Trading Strategies Using Machine Learning
This study introduces a novel methodology for the development of trend-following trading strategies. This section describes the process of annotating training data and using it to train classifiers. This process yields fully operational trading systems designed to run on MetaTrader 5.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 14): Pixel-Perfect Scrollable Text Canvas with Antialiasing and Rounded Scrollbar
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 14): Pixel-Perfect Scrollable Text Canvas with Antialiasing and Rounded Scrollbar
In this article, we enhance the canvas-based price dashboard in MQL5 by adding a pixel-perfect scrollable text panel for usage guides, overcoming native scrolling limitations through custom antialiasing and a rounded scrollbar design with hover-expand functionality. The text panel supports themed backgrounds with opacity, dynamic line wrapping for content like instructions and contacts, and interactive navigation via up/down buttons, slider dragging, and mouse wheel scrolling within the body area.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 6): Evolving RSI Calculations with Smoothing, Hue Shifts, and Multi-Timeframe Support
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 6): Evolving RSI Calculations with Smoothing, Hue Shifts, and Multi-Timeframe Support
In this article, we build a versatile RSI indicator in MQL5 supporting multiple variants, data sources, and smoothing methods for improved analysis. We add hue shifts for color visuals, dynamic boundaries for overbought/oversold zones, and notifications for trend alerts. It includes multi-timeframe support with interpolation, offering us a customizable RSI tool for diverse strategies.