Articles on trading system automation in MQL5

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Read articles on the trading systems with a wide variety of ideas at the core. Learn how to use statistical methods and patterns on candlestick charts, how to filter signals and where to use semaphore indicators.

The MQL5 Wizard will help you create robots without programming to quickly check your trading ideas. Use the Wizard to learn about genetic algorithms.

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Trend Prediction with LSTM for Trend-Following Strategies

Trend Prediction with LSTM for Trend-Following Strategies

Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is a type of recurrent neural network (RNN) designed to model sequential data by effectively capturing long-term dependencies and addressing the vanishing gradient problem. In this article, we will explore how to utilize LSTM to predict future trends, enhancing the performance of trend-following strategies. The article will cover the introduction of key concepts and the motivation behind development, fetching data from MetaTrader 5, using that data to train the model in Python, integrating the machine learning model into MQL5, and reflecting on the results and future aspirations based on statistical backtesting.
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Optimizing Long-Term Trades: Engulfing Candles and Liquidity Strategies

Optimizing Long-Term Trades: Engulfing Candles and Liquidity Strategies

This is a high-timeframe-based EA that makes long-term analyses, trading decisions, and executions based on higher-timeframe analyses of W1, D1, and MN. This article will explore in detail an EA that is specifically designed for long-term traders who are patient enough to withstand and hold their positions during tumultuous lower time frame price action without changing their bias frequently until take-profit targets are hit.
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Developing a Replay System (Part 38): Paving the Path (II)

Developing a Replay System (Part 38): Paving the Path (II)

Many people who consider themselves MQL5 programmers do not have the basic knowledge that I will outline in this article. Many people consider MQL5 to be a limited tool, but the actual reason is that they do not have the required knowledge. So, if you don't know something, don't be ashamed of it. It's better to feel ashamed for not asking. Simply forcing MetaTrader 5 to disable indicator duplication in no way ensures two-way communication between the indicator and the Expert Advisor. We are still very far from this, but the fact that the indicator is not duplicated on the chart gives us some confidence.
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Data Science and ML (Part 28): Predicting Multiple Futures for EURUSD, Using AI

Data Science and ML (Part 28): Predicting Multiple Futures for EURUSD, Using AI

It is a common practice for many Artificial Intelligence models to predict a single future value. However, in this article, we will delve into the powerful technique of using machine learning models to predict multiple future values. This approach, known as multistep forecasting, allows us to predict not only tomorrow's closing price but also the day after tomorrow's and beyond. By mastering multistep forecasting, traders and data scientists can gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions, significantly enhancing their predictive capabilities and strategic planning.
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Volumetric neural network analysis as a key to future trends

Volumetric neural network analysis as a key to future trends

The article explores the possibility of improving price forecasting based on trading volume analysis by integrating technical analysis principles with LSTM neural network architecture. Particular attention is paid to the detection and interpretation of anomalous volumes, the use of clustering and the creation of features based on volumes and their definition in the context of machine learning.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 10): External Flow (II) VWAP

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 10): External Flow (II) VWAP

Master the power of VWAP with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to integrate VWAP analysis into your trading strategy using MQL5 and Python. Maximize your market insights and improve your trading decisions today.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 16): Introducing Quarters Theory (II) — Intrusion Detector EA

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 16): Introducing Quarters Theory (II) — Intrusion Detector EA

In our previous article, we introduced a simple script called "The Quarters Drawer." Building on that foundation, we are now taking the next step by creating a monitor Expert Advisor (EA) to track these quarters and provide oversight regarding potential market reactions at these levels. Join us as we explore the process of developing a zone detection tool in this article.
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Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 3): Behavioral Patterns 1

Design Patterns in software development and MQL5 (Part 3): Behavioral Patterns 1

A new article from Design Patterns articles and we will take a look at one of its types which is behavioral patterns to understand how we can build communication methods between created objects effectively. By completing these Behavior patterns we will be able to understand how we can create and build a reusable, extendable, tested software.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Enhancing Transformer Efficiency by Reducing Sharpness (SAMformer)

Neural Networks in Trading: Enhancing Transformer Efficiency by Reducing Sharpness (SAMformer)

Training Transformer models requires large amounts of data and is often difficult since the models are not good at generalizing to small datasets. The SAMformer framework helps solve this problem by avoiding poor local minima. This improves the efficiency of models even on limited training datasets.
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Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 8): Expert Advisor Development (I)

Building a Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 8): Expert Advisor Development (I)

In this discussion, we will create our first Expert Advisor in MQL5 based on the indicator we made in the prior article. We will cover all the features required to make the process automatic, including risk management. This will extensively benefit the users to advance from manual execution of trades to automated systems.
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Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 22): Starting the transition to hot swapping of settings

Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 22): Starting the transition to hot swapping of settings

If we are going to automate periodic optimization, we need to think about auto updates of the settings of the EAs already running on the trading account. This should also allow us to run the EA in the strategy tester and change its settings within a single run.
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Advanced Variables and Data Types in MQL5

Advanced Variables and Data Types in MQL5

Variables and data types are very important topics not only in MQL5 programming but also in any programming language. MQL5 variables and data types can be categorized as simple and advanced ones. In this article, we will identify and learn about advanced ones because we already mentioned simple ones in a previous article.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 04): adjusting the settings (II)

Let's continue creating the system and controls. Without the ability to control the service, it is difficult to move forward and improve the system.
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From Novice to Expert: Time Filtered Trading

From Novice to Expert: Time Filtered Trading

Just because ticks are constantly flowing in doesn’t mean every moment is an opportunity to trade. Today, we take an in-depth study into the art of timing—focusing on developing a time isolation algorithm to help traders identify and trade within their most favorable market windows. Cultivating this discipline allows retail traders to synchronize more closely with institutional timing, where precision and patience often define success. Join this discussion as we explore the science of timing and selective trading through the analytical capabilities of MQL5.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 18): Association rules

Neural networks made easy (Part 18): Association rules

As a continuation of this series of articles, let's consider another type of problems within unsupervised learning methods: mining association rules. This problem type was first used in retail, namely supermarkets, to analyze market baskets. In this article, we will talk about the applicability of such algorithms in trading.
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Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 6): Automating Trade Entry with News Event Analysis and Countdown Timers

Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 6): Automating Trade Entry with News Event Analysis and Countdown Timers

In this article, we implement automated trade entry using the MQL5 Economic Calendar by applying user-defined filters and time offsets to identify qualifying news events. We compare forecast and previous values to determine whether to open a BUY or SELL trade. Dynamic countdown timers display the remaining time until news release and reset automatically after a trade.
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Automated exchange grid trading using stop pending orders on Moscow Exchange (MOEX)

Automated exchange grid trading using stop pending orders on Moscow Exchange (MOEX)

The article considers the grid trading approach based on stop pending orders and implemented in an MQL5 Expert Advisor on the Moscow Exchange (MOEX). When trading in the market, one of the simplest strategies is a grid of orders designed to "catch" the market price.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 56): Using nuclear norm to drive research

Neural networks made easy (Part 56): Using nuclear norm to drive research

The study of the environment in reinforcement learning is a pressing problem. We have already looked at some approaches previously. In this article, we will have a look at yet another method based on maximizing the nuclear norm. It allows agents to identify environmental states with a high degree of novelty and diversity.
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Neural Networks in Trading: A Parameter-Efficient Transformer with Segmented Attention (PSformer)

Neural Networks in Trading: A Parameter-Efficient Transformer with Segmented Attention (PSformer)

This article introduces the new PSformer framework, which adapts the architecture of the vanilla Transformer to solving problems related to multivariate time series forecasting. The framework is based on two key innovations: the Parameter Sharing (PS) mechanism and the Segment Attention (SegAtt).
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Neural networks made easy (Part 54): Using random encoder for efficient research (RE3)

Neural networks made easy (Part 54): Using random encoder for efficient research (RE3)

Whenever we consider reinforcement learning methods, we are faced with the issue of efficiently exploring the environment. Solving this issue often leads to complication of the algorithm and training of additional models. In this article, we will look at an alternative approach to solving this problem.
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Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 19): Deep Dive Into Moving Average Crossovers

This article revisits the classic moving average crossover strategy and examines why it often fails in noisy, fast-moving markets. It presents five alternative filtering methods designed to strengthen signal quality and remove weak or unprofitable trades. The discussion highlights how statistical models can learn and correct the errors that human intuition and traditional rules miss. Readers leave with a clearer understanding of how to modernize an outdated strategy and of the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics like RMSE in financial modeling.
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Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 1): Indicator

Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 1): Indicator

This article details creating an MQL5 Market Regime Detection System using statistical methods like autocorrelation and volatility. It provides code for classes to classify trending, ranging, and volatile conditions and a custom indicator.
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Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (I)

Building A Candlestick Trend Constraint Model (Part 9): Multiple Strategies Expert Advisor (I)

Today, we will explore the possibilities of incorporating multiple strategies into an Expert Advisor (EA) using MQL5. Expert Advisors provide broader capabilities than just indicators and scripts, allowing for more sophisticated trading approaches that can adapt to changing market conditions. Find, more in this article discussion.
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Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 24): Providing system robustness (I)

Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 24): Providing system robustness (I)

In this article, we will make the system more reliable to ensure a robust and secure use. One of the ways to achieve the desired robustness is to try to re-use the code as much as possible so that it is constantly tested in different cases. But this is only one of the ways. Another one is to use OOP.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK

Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 15): Birth of the SIMULATOR (V) - RANDOM WALK

In this article we will complete the development of a simulator for our system. The main goal here will be to configure the algorithm discussed in the previous article. This algorithm aims to create a RANDOM WALK movement. Therefore, to understand today's material, it is necessary to understand the content of previous articles. If you have not followed the development of the simulator, I advise you to read this sequence from the very beginning. Otherwise, you may get confused about what will be explained here.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 3): Upgrading to a Scrollable Single Chat-Oriented UI

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 3): Upgrading to a Scrollable Single Chat-Oriented UI

In this article, we upgrade the ChatGPT-integrated program in MQL5 to a scrollable single chat-oriented UI, enhancing conversation history display with timestamps and dynamic scrolling. The system builds on JSON parsing to manage multi-turn messages, supporting customizable scrollbar modes and hover effects for improved user interaction.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 35): Training and Deploying Predictive Models

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 35): Training and Deploying Predictive Models

Historical data is far from “trash”—it’s the foundation of any robust market analysis. In this article, we’ll take you step‑by‑step from collecting that history to using it to train a predictive model, and finally deploying that model for live price forecasts. Read on to learn how!
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MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 04): Linear Discriminant Analysis

MQL5 Wizard techniques you should know (Part 04): Linear Discriminant Analysis

Todays trader is a philomath who is almost always looking up new ideas, trying them out, choosing to modify them or discard them; an exploratory process that should cost a fair amount of diligence. These series of articles will proposition that the MQL5 wizard should be a mainstay for traders in this effort.
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Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 21): Market Structure Flip Detector Tool

Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 21): Market Structure Flip Detector Tool

The Market Structure Flip Detector Expert Advisor (EA) acts as your vigilant partner, constantly observing shifts in market sentiment. By utilizing Average True Range (ATR)-based thresholds, it effectively detects structure flips and labels each Higher Low and Lower High with clear indicators. Thanks to MQL5’s swift execution and flexible API, this tool offers real-time analysis that adjusts the display for optimal readability and provides a live dashboard to monitor flip counts and timings. Furthermore, customizable sound and push notifications guarantee that you stay informed of critical signals, allowing you to see how straightforward inputs and helper routines can transform price movements into actionable strategies.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 75): Improving the performance of trajectory prediction models

Neural networks made easy (Part 75): Improving the performance of trajectory prediction models

The models we create are becoming larger and more complex. This increases the costs of not only their training as well as operation. However, the time required to make a decision is often critical. In this regard, let us consider methods for optimizing model performance without loss of quality.
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Statistical Arbitrage Through Mean Reversion in Pairs Trading: Beating the Market by Math

Statistical Arbitrage Through Mean Reversion in Pairs Trading: Beating the Market by Math

This article describes the fundamentals of portfolio-level statistical arbitrage. Its goal is to facilitate the understanding of the principles of statistical arbitrage to readers without deep math knowledge and propose a starting point conceptual framework. The article includes a working Expert Advisor, some notes about its one-year backtest, and the respective backtest configuration settings (.ini file) for the reproduction of the experiment.
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Neural networks made easy (Part 17): Dimensionality reduction

Neural networks made easy (Part 17): Dimensionality reduction

In this part we continue discussing Artificial Intelligence models. Namely, we study unsupervised learning algorithms. We have already discussed one of the clustering algorithms. In this article, I am sharing a variant of solving problems related to dimensionality reduction.
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Currency pair strength indicator in pure MQL5

Currency pair strength indicator in pure MQL5

We are going to develop a professional indicator for currency strength analysis in MQL5. This step-by-step guide will show you how to develop a powerful trading tool with a visual dashboard for MetaTrader 5. You will learn how to calculate the strength of currency pairs across multiple timeframes (H1, H4, D1), implement dynamic data updates, and create a user-friendly interface.
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Neural Networks in Trading: Models Using Wavelet Transform and Multi-Task Attention (Final Part)

Neural Networks in Trading: Models Using Wavelet Transform and Multi-Task Attention (Final Part)

In the previous article, we explored the theoretical foundations and began implementing the approaches of the Multitask-Stockformer framework, which combines the wavelet transform and the Self-Attention multitask model. We continue to implement the algorithms of this framework and evaluate their effectiveness on real historical data.
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Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 1): Hardware and Environment Deployment

Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 1): Hardware and Environment Deployment

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence today, language models (LLMs) are an important part of artificial intelligence, so we should think about how to integrate powerful LLMs into our algorithmic trading. For most people, it is difficult to fine-tune these powerful models according to their needs, deploy them locally, and then apply them to algorithmic trading. This series of articles will take a step-by-step approach to achieve this goal.
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Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 4): Overcoming Multiline Input, Ensuring Chat Persistence, and Generating Signals

Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 4): Overcoming Multiline Input, Ensuring Chat Persistence, and Generating Signals

In this article, we enhance the ChatGPT-integrated program in MQL5 overcoming multiline input limitations with improved text rendering, introducing a sidebar for navigating persistent chat storage using AES256 encryption and ZIP compression, and generating initial trade signals through chart data integration.
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Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 2): Expert Advisor

Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 2): Expert Advisor

This article details building an adaptive Expert Advisor (MarketRegimeEA) using the regime detector from Part 1. It automatically switches trading strategies and risk parameters for trending, ranging, or volatile markets. Practical optimization, transition handling, and a multi-timeframe indicator are included.
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Neural Networks in Trading: An Ensemble of Agents with Attention Mechanisms (MASAAT)

Neural Networks in Trading: An Ensemble of Agents with Attention Mechanisms (MASAAT)

We introduce the Multi-Agent Self-Adaptive Portfolio Optimization Framework (MASAAT), which combines attention mechanisms and time series analysis. MASAAT generates a set of agents that analyze price series and directional changes, enabling the identification of significant fluctuations in asset prices at different levels of detail.
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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.
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Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 07): Account types (II)

Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 07): Account types (II)

Today we'll see how to create an Expert Advisor that simply and safely works in automatic mode. The trader should always be aware of what the automatic EA is doing, so that if it "goes off the rails", the trader could remove it from the chart as soon as possible and take control of the situation.