![The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/MQL5-avatar-zigzag_head.png)
![The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
The power of ZigZag (part I). Developing the base class of the indicator
Many researchers do not pay enough attention to determining the price behavior. At the same time, complex methods are used, which very often are simply “black boxes”, such as machine learning or neural networks. The most important question arising in that case is what data to submit for training a particular model.
![Practical application of correlations in trading](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/Correlation.png)
![Practical application of correlations in trading](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Practical application of correlations in trading
In this article, we will analyze the concept of correlation between variables, as well as methods for the calculation of correlation coefficients and their practical use in trading. Correlation is a statistical relationship between two or more random variables (or quantities which can be considered random with some acceptable degree of accuracy). Changes in one ore more variables lead to systematic changes of other related variables.
![Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part II. Optimizing and forecasting](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/MQL5_kohonen_trading__1.png)
![Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part II. Optimizing and forecasting](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part II. Optimizing and forecasting
Based on universal tools designed for working with Kohonen networks, we construct the system of analyzing and selecting the optimal EA parameters and consider forecasting time series. In Part I, we corrected and improved the publicly available neural network classes, having added necessary algorithms. Now, it is time to apply them to practice.
![Analyzing trading results using HTML reports](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/MQL5_html_trade_analyse.png)
![Analyzing trading results using HTML reports](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Analyzing trading results using HTML reports
The MetaTrader 5 platform features functionality for saving trading reports, as well as Expert Advisor testing and optimization reports. Trading and testing reports can be saved in two formats: XLSX and HTML, while the optimization report can be saved in XML. In this article we consider the HTML testing report, the XML optimization report and the HTML trading history report.
![Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding auto search for patterns and displaying detected symbols](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/Select_Symbols_Utility_MQL5__1.png)
![Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding auto search for patterns and displaying detected symbols](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding auto search for patterns and displaying detected symbols
In this article, we continue expanding the features of the utility for collecting and navigating through symbols. This time, we will create new tabs displaying only the symbols that satisfy some of the necessary parameters and find out how to easily add custom tabs with the necessary sorting rules.
![Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part I. Tools](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/MQL5_kohonen_trading.png)
![Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part I. Tools](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Practical Use of Kohonen Neural Networks in Algorithmic Trading. Part I. Tools
The present article develops the idea of using Kohonen Maps in MetaTrader 5, covered in some previous publications. The improved and enhanced classes provide tools to solve application tasks.
![Separate optimization of a strategy on trend and flat conditions](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/Frame_2.png)
![Separate optimization of a strategy on trend and flat conditions](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Separate optimization of a strategy on trend and flat conditions
The article considers applying the separate optimization method during various market conditions. Separate optimization means defining trading system's optimal parameters by optimizing for an uptrend and downtrend separately. To reduce the effect of false signals and improve profitability, the systems are made flexible, meaning they have some specific set of settings or input data, which is justified because the market behavior is constantly changing.
![Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding "homework" tabs and saving graphical objects](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/Select_Symbols_Utility_MQL5.png)
![Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding "homework" tabs and saving graphical objects](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4: Adding "homework" tabs and saving graphical objects
In this article, we are going to expand the capabilities of the previously created utility by adding tabs for selecting the symbols we need. We will also learn how to save graphical objects we have created on the specific symbol chart, so that we do not have to constantly create them again. Besides, we will find out how to work only with symbols that have been preliminarily selected using a specific website.
![How to create and test custom MOEX symbols in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/2/35/CustSymbols_MOEX.png)
![How to create and test custom MOEX symbols in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
How to create and test custom MOEX symbols in MetaTrader 5
The article describes the creation of a custom exchange symbol using the MQL5 language. In particular, it considers the use of exchange quotes from the popular Finam website. Another option considered in this article is the possibility to work with an arbitrary format of text files used in the creation of the custom symbol. This allows working with any financial symbols and data sources. After creating a custom symbol, we can use all the capabilities of the MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester to test trading algorithms for exchange instruments.
![Applying the probability theory to trading gaps](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/Gap_Probability.png)
![Applying the probability theory to trading gaps](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Applying the probability theory to trading gaps
In this article, we will apply the probability theory and mathematical statistics methods to creating and testing trading strategies. We will also look for optimal trading risk using the differences between the price and the random walk. It is proved that if prices behave like a zero-drift random walk (with no directional trend), then profitable trading is impossible.
![Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/Select_Symbols_Utility_MQL5.png)
![Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Developing the symbol selection and navigation utility in MQL5 and MQL4
Experienced traders are well aware of the fact that most time-consuming things in trading are not opening and tracking positions but selecting symbols and looking for entry points. In this article, we will develop an EA simplifying the search for entry points on trading instruments provided by your broker.
![Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/wave_movie.png)
![Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Movement continuation model - searching on the chart and execution statistics
This article provides programmatic definition of one of the movement continuation models. The main idea is defining two waves — the main and the correction one. For extreme points, I apply fractals as well as "potential" fractals - extreme points that have not yet formed as fractals.
![100 best optimization passes (part 1). Developing optimization analyzer](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/TOP100passes.png)
![100 best optimization passes (part 1). Developing optimization analyzer](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
100 best optimization passes (part 1). Developing optimization analyzer
The article dwells on the development of an application for selecting the best optimization passes using several possible options. The application is able to sort out the optimization results by a variety of factors. Optimization passes are always written to a database, therefore you can always select new robot parameters without re-optimization. Besides, you are able to see all optimization passes on a single chart, calculate parametric VaR ratios and build the graph of the normal distribution of passes and trading results of a certain ratio set. Besides, the graphs of some calculated ratios are built dynamically beginning with the optimization start (or from a selected date to another selected date).
![Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws](https://c.mql5.com/2/33/Custom_series_modelling.png)
![Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Modeling time series using custom symbols according to specified distribution laws
The article provides an overview of the terminal's capabilities for creating and working with custom symbols, offers options for simulating a trading history using custom symbols, trend and various chart patterns.
![PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)](https://c.mql5.com/2/33/PairPlot_Graphic.png)
![PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
PairPlot graph based on CGraphic for analyzing correlations between data arrays (time series)
Comparing several time series during a technical analysis is a quite common task that requires appropriate tools. In this article, I suggest developing a tool for graphical analysis and detecting correlations between two or more time series.
![950 websites broadcast the Economic Calendar from MetaQuotes](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/calendar_icon.png)
![950 websites broadcast the Economic Calendar from MetaQuotes](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
950 websites broadcast the Economic Calendar from MetaQuotes
The widget provides websites with a detailed release schedule of 500 indicators and indices, of the world's largest economies. Thus, traders quickly receive up-to-date information on all important events with explanations and graphs in addition to the main website content.
![Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams](https://c.mql5.com/2/32/CreateCustomeReport.png)
![Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Custom presentation of trading history and creation of report diagrams
The article describes custom methods for assessing the trading history. Two classes have been written for downloading and analyzing history. The first of them collects the trading history and represents it as a summary table. The second one deals with statistics: it calculates a number of variables and builds charts for a more efficient evaluation of trading results.
![Trading account monitoring is an indispensable trader's tool](https://c.mql5.com/2/34/monitoring_logo.png)
![Trading account monitoring is an indispensable trader's tool](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Trading account monitoring is an indispensable trader's tool
Trading account monitoring provides a detailed report on all completed deals. All trading statistics are collected automatically and provided to you as easy-to-understand diagrams and graphs.
![Visualizing optimization results using a selected criterion](https://c.mql5.com/2/32/VisualizeBest100.png)
![Visualizing optimization results using a selected criterion](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Visualizing optimization results using a selected criterion
In the article, we continue to develop the MQL application for working with optimization results. This time, we will show how to form the table of the best results after optimizing the parameters by specifying another criterion via the graphical interface.
![Applying the Monte Carlo method for optimizing trading strategies](https://c.mql5.com/2/32/Monte_Carlo.png)
![Applying the Monte Carlo method for optimizing trading strategies](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Applying the Monte Carlo method for optimizing trading strategies
Before launching a robot on a trading account, we usually test and optimize it on quotes history. However, a reasonable question arises: how can past results help us in the future? The article describes applying the Monte Carlo method to construct custom criteria for trading strategy optimization. In addition, the EA stability criteria are considered.
![How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart](https://c.mql5.com/2/32/bv8-az2zxypg7t6xs-7r9h1l-nlm87q3q35-vvyg13n-gv-dcau99f.png)
![How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
How to analyze the trades of the Signal selected in the chart
The trade Signals service develops in leaps and bounds. Trusting our funds to a signal provider, we would like to minimize the risk of losing our deposit. So how to puzzle out in this forest of trade signals? How to find the one that would produce profits? This paper proposes to create a tool for visually analyzing the history of trades on trade signals in a symbol chart.
![Social Trading. Can a profitable signal be made even better?](https://c.mql5.com/2/33/Social_Trading_avatar.png)
![Social Trading. Can a profitable signal be made even better?](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Social Trading. Can a profitable signal be made even better?
Most subscribers choose a trade signal by the beauty of the balance curve and by the number of subscribers. This is why many today's providers care of beautiful statistics rather than of real signal quality, often playing with lot sizes and artificially reducing the balance curve to an ideal appearance. This paper deals with the reliability criteria and the methods a provider may use to enhance its signal quality. An exemplary analysis of a specific signal history is presented, as well as methods that would help a provider to make it more profitable and less risky.
![Processing optimization results using the graphical interface](https://c.mql5.com/2/31/Frame_Mode.png)
![Processing optimization results using the graphical interface](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Processing optimization results using the graphical interface
This is a continuation of the idea of processing and analysis of optimization results. This time, our purpose is to select the 100 best optimization results and display them in a GUI table. The user will be able to select a row in the optimization results table and receive a multi-symbol balance and drawdown graph on separate charts.
![Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/2/31/t3b4bw8nglimc_2v6gmclew41_jdawvaf9_w1x5mnmfb_d_MetaTrader_5.png)
![Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Visualizing trading strategy optimization in MetaTrader 5
The article implements an MQL application with a graphical interface for extended visualization of the optimization process. The graphical interface applies the last version of EasyAndFast library. Many users may ask why they need graphical interfaces in MQL applications. This article demonstrates one of multiple cases where they can be useful for traders.
![Money Management by Vince. Implementation as a module for MQL5 Wizard](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/MQL5-avatar-capital-001.png)
![Money Management by Vince. Implementation as a module for MQL5 Wizard](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Money Management by Vince. Implementation as a module for MQL5 Wizard
The article is based on 'The Mathematics of Money Management' by Ralph Vince. It provides the description of empirical and parametric methods used for finding the optimal size of a trading lot. Also the article features implementation of trading modules for the MQL5 Wizard based on these methods.
![Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing](https://c.mql5.com/2/31/icon__1.png)
![Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Controlled optimization: Simulated annealing
The Strategy Tester in the MetaTrader 5 trading platform provides only two optimization options: complete search of parameters and genetic algorithm. This article proposes a new method for optimizing trading strategies — Simulated annealing. The method's algorithm, its implementation and integration into any Expert Advisor are considered. The developed algorithm is tested on the Moving Average EA.
![How to reduce trader's risks](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/risk.png)
![How to reduce trader's risks](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
How to reduce trader's risks
Trading in financial markets is associated with a whole range of risks that should be taken into account in the algorithms of trading systems. Reducing such risks is the most important task to make a profit when trading.
![Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset. Continued](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/Risk_estimation.png)
![Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset. Continued](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset. Continued
The article develops the ideas proposed in the previous part and considers them further. It describes the problems of yield distributions, plotting and studying statistical regularities.
![Night trading during the Asian session: How to stay profitable](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/timezone.png)
![Night trading during the Asian session: How to stay profitable](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Night trading during the Asian session: How to stay profitable
The article deals with the concept of night trading, as well as trading strategies and their implementation in MQL5. We perform tests and make appropriate conclusions.
![Creating a new trading strategy using a technology of resolving entries into indicators](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/MQL5-avatar-New_trade_system-002.png)
![Creating a new trading strategy using a technology of resolving entries into indicators](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Creating a new trading strategy using a technology of resolving entries into indicators
The article suggests a technology helping everyone to create custom trading strategies by assembling an individual indicator set, as well as to develop custom market entry signals.
![Resolving entries into indicators](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/eagoh7z681u4_pdq0h_2f_8dqlderd9j5.png)
![Resolving entries into indicators](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Resolving entries into indicators
Different situations happen in trader’s life. Often, the history of successful trades allows us to restore a strategy, while looking at a loss history we try to develop and improve it. In both cases, we compare trades with known indicators. This article suggests methods of batch comparison of trades with a number of indicators.
![Comparing different types of moving averages in trading](https://c.mql5.com/2/29/zcacct00h_ape02uz5y_q4fbs_uexqftdan4_p48gwsf_v_v4e923xz_2.png)
![Comparing different types of moving averages in trading](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Comparing different types of moving averages in trading
This article deals with seven types of moving averages (MA) and a trading strategy to work with them. We also test and compare various MAs at a single trading strategy and evaluate the efficiency of each moving average compared to others.
![Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester](https://c.mql5.com/2/30/swe6uqp1p_kql9_szi4cg0v.png)
![Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Mini Market Emulator or Manual Strategy Tester
Mini Market Emulator is an indicator designed for partial emulation of work in the terminal. Presumably, it can be used to test "manual" strategies of market analysis and trading.
![A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence](https://c.mql5.com/2/29/8570j_8kab7o_e_vfnp1de2egckv_mgttlcii9430_e_qyj29n6x_vhy07f77qa9.png)
![A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence
The article considers the classic method for divergence construction and provides an additional divergence interpretation method. A trading strategy was developed based on this new interpretation method. This strategy is also described in the article.
![Optimizing a strategy using balance graph and comparing results with "Balance + max Sharpe Ratio" criterion](https://c.mql5.com/2/29/loqekqlg1xfv_0uf48ukgw_89_1k4r4rf_daa1n9z2.png)
![Optimizing a strategy using balance graph and comparing results with "Balance + max Sharpe Ratio" criterion](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Optimizing a strategy using balance graph and comparing results with "Balance + max Sharpe Ratio" criterion
In this article, we consider yet another custom trading strategy optimization criterion based on the balance graph analysis. The linear regression is calculated using the function from the ALGLIB library.
![Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset](https://c.mql5.com/2/29/Risk_estimation.png)
![Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Risk Evaluation in the Sequence of Deals with One Asset
This article describes the use of methods of the theory of probability and mathematical statistics in the analysis of trading systems.
![Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction](https://c.mql5.com/2/48/Deep_Neural_Networks_03.png)
![Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Deep Neural Networks (Part III). Sample selection and dimensionality reduction
This article is a continuation of the series of articles about deep neural networks. Here we will consider selecting samples (removing noise), reducing the dimensionality of input data and dividing the data set into the train/val/test sets during data preparation for training the neural network.
![Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors](https://c.mql5.com/2/48/Deep_Neural_Networks_02.png)
![Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Deep Neural Networks (Part II). Working out and selecting predictors
The second article of the series about deep neural networks will consider the transformation and choice of predictors during the process of preparing data for training a model.
![Custom Walk Forward optimization in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/2/28/MQL5-avatar-WalkForward-001.png)
![Custom Walk Forward optimization in MetaTrader 5](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Custom Walk Forward optimization in MetaTrader 5
The article deals with the approaches enabling accurate simulation of walk forward optimization using the built-in tester and auxiliary libraries implemented in MQL.
![Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data](https://c.mql5.com/2/48/Deep_Neural_Networks_01.png)
![Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data](https://c.mql5.com/i/articles/overlay.png)
Deep Neural Networks (Part I). Preparing Data
This series of articles continues exploring deep neural networks (DNN), which are used in many application areas including trading. Here new dimensions of this theme will be explored along with testing of new methods and ideas using practical experiments. The first article of the series is dedicated to preparing data for DNN.