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.
Fortified Profit Architecture: Multi-Layered Account Protection
Fortified Profit Architecture: Multi-Layered Account Protection
In this discussion, we introduce a structured, multi-layered defense system designed to pursue aggressive profit targets while minimizing exposure to catastrophic loss. The focus is on blending offensive trading logic with protective safeguards at every level of the trading pipeline. The idea is to engineer an EA that behaves like a “risk-aware predator”—capable of capturing high-value opportunities, but always with layers of insulation that prevent blindness to sudden market stress.
Codex Pipelines: From Python to MQL5 for Indicator Selection — A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the FXI ETF
Codex Pipelines: From Python to MQL5 for Indicator Selection — A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the FXI ETF
We continue our look at how MetaTrader can be used outside its forex trading ‘comfort-zone’ by looking at another tradable asset in the form of the FXI ETF. Unlike in the last article where we tried to do ‘too-much’ by delving into not just indicator selection, but also considering indicator pattern combinations, for this article we will swim slightly upstream by focusing more on indicator selection. Our end product for this is intended as a form of pipeline that can help recommend indicators for various assets, provided we have a reasonable amount of their price history.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 38): Tick Buffer VWAP and Short-Window Imbalance Engine
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 38): Tick Buffer VWAP and Short-Window Imbalance Engine
In Part 38, we build a production-grade MT5 monitoring panel that converts raw ticks into actionable signals. The EA buffers tick data to compute tick-level VWAP, a short-window imbalance (flow) metric, and ATR-based position sizing. It then visualizes spread, ATR, and flow with low-flicker bars. The system calculates a suggested lot size and a 1R stop, and issues configurable alerts for tight spreads, strong flow, and edge conditions. Auto-trading is intentionally disabled; the focus remains on robust signal generation and a clean user experience.
How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)
How to build and optimize a cycle-based trading system (Detrended Price Oscillator - DPO)
This article explains how to design and optimise a trading system using the Detrended Price Oscillator (DPO) in MQL5. It outlines the indicator's core logic, demonstrating how it identifies short-term cycles by filtering out long-term trends. Through a series of step-by-step examples and simple strategies, readers will learn how to code it, define entry and exit signals, and conduct backtesting. Finally, the article presents practical optimization methods to enhance performance and adapt the system to changing market conditions.
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 7): Further Modularization and Automated Trading
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 7): Further Modularization and Automated Trading
In this article, we enhance the AI-powered trading system's modularity by separating UI components into a dedicated include file. The system now automates trade execution based on AI-generated signals, parsing JSON responses for BUY/SELL/NONE with entry/SL/TP, visualizing patterns like engulfing or divergences on charts with arrows, lines, and labels, and optional auto-signal checks on new bars.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 5): Screening
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Part 5): Screening
This article proposes an asset screening process for a statistical arbitrage trading strategy through cointegrated stocks. The system starts with the regular filtering by economic factors, like asset sector and industry, and finishes with a list of criteria for a scoring system. For each statistical test used in the screening, a respective Python class was developed: Pearson correlation, Engle-Granger cointegration, Johansen cointegration, and ADF/KPSS stationarity. These Python classes are provided along with a personal note from the author about the use of AI assistants for software development.
Building a Trading System (Part 4): How Random Exits Influence Trading Expectancy
Building a Trading System (Part 4): How Random Exits Influence Trading Expectancy
Many traders have experienced this situation, often stick to their entry criteria but struggle with trade management. Even with the right setups, emotional decision-making—such as panic exits before trades reach their take-profit or stop-loss levels—can lead to a declining equity curve. How can traders overcome this issue and improve their results? This article will address these questions by examining random win-rates and demonstrating, through Monte Carlo simulation, how traders can refine their strategies by taking profits at reasonable levels before the original target is reached.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 84): Using Patterns of Stochastic Oscillator and the FrAMA - Conclusion
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 84): Using Patterns of Stochastic Oscillator and the FrAMA - Conclusion
The Stochastic Oscillator and the Fractal Adaptive Moving Average are an indicator pairing that could be used for their ability to compliment each other within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. We introduced this pairing in the last article, and now look to wrap up by considering its 5 last signal patterns. In exploring this, as always, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test out their potential.
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 15): Linear System Identification
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 15): Linear System Identification
Trading strategies may be challenging to improve because we often don’t fully understand what the strategy is doing wrong. In this discussion, we introduce linear system identification, a branch of control theory. Linear feedback systems can learn from data to identify a system’s errors and guide its behavior toward intended outcomes. While these methods may not provide fully interpretable explanations, they are far more valuable than having no control system at all. Let’s explore linear system identification and observe how it may help us as algorithmic traders to maintain control over our trading applications.
From Novice to Expert: Implementation of Fibonacci Strategies in Post-NFP Market Trading
From Novice to Expert: Implementation of Fibonacci Strategies in Post-NFP Market Trading
In financial markets, the laws of retracement remain among the most undeniable forces. It is a rule of thumb that price will always retrace—whether in large moves or even within the smallest tick patterns, which often appear as a zigzag. However, the retracement pattern itself is never fixed; it remains uncertain and subject to anticipation. This uncertainty explains why traders rely on multiple Fibonacci levels, each carrying a certain probability of influence. In this discussion, we introduce a refined strategy that applies Fibonacci techniques to address the challenges of trading shortly after major economic event announcements. By combining retracement principles with event-driven market behavior, we aim to uncover more reliable entry and exit opportunities. Join to explore the full discussion and see how Fibonacci can be adapted to post-event trading.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 83):  Using Patterns of Stochastic Oscillator and the FrAMA — Behavioral Archetypes
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 83): Using Patterns of Stochastic Oscillator and the FrAMA — Behavioral Archetypes
The Stochastic Oscillator and the Fractal Adaptive Moving Average are another indicator pairing that could be used for their ability to compliment each other within an MQL5 Expert Advisor. We look at the Stochastic for its ability to pinpoint momentum shifts, while the FrAMA is used to provide confirmation of the prevailing trends. In exploring this indicator pairing, as always, we use the MQL5 wizard to build and test out their potential.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 47): Tracking Forex Sessions and Breakouts in MetaTrader 5
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 47): Tracking Forex Sessions and Breakouts in MetaTrader 5
Global market sessions shape the rhythm of the trading day, and understanding their overlap is vital to timing entries and exits. In this article, we’ll build an interactive trading sessions  EA that brings those global hours to life directly on your chart. The EA automatically plots color‑coded rectangles for the Asia, Tokyo, London, and New York sessions, updating in real time as each market opens or closes. It features on‑chart toggle buttons, a dynamic information panel, and a scrolling ticker headline that streams live status and breakout messages. Tested on different brokers, this EA combines precision with style—helping traders see volatility transitions, identify cross‑session breakouts, and stay visually connected to the global market’s pulse.
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 8): UI Polish with Animations, Timing Metrics, and Response Management Tools
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 8): UI Polish with Animations, Timing Metrics, and Response Management Tools
In this article, we enhance the AI-powered trading system in MQL5 with user interface improvements, including loading animations for request preparation and thinking phases, as well as timing metrics displayed in responses for better feedback. We add response management tools like regenerate buttons to re-query the AI and export options to save the last response to a file, streamlining interaction.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.