Market Simulation (Part 20): First steps with SQL (III)
Although we can perform operations on a database containing about 10 records, the material is absorbed much better when we work with a file that contains more than 15 thousand records. That is, if we tried to create such a database manually, this task would be enormous. However, it is difficult to find such a database, even for educational purposes, that is available for download. But in reality, we don’t need to resort to that — we can use MetaTrader 5 to create a database for ourselves. In today's article, we will look at how to do this.
Market Simulation (Part 19): First Steps with SQL (II)
As we explained in the first article about SQL, there is no point in spending time programming procedures to do what is already built into SQL. However, without knowing the basics, you won’t be able to do anything with SQL or take full advantage of everything this tool offers. Therefore, in this article, we will look at how to perform basic tasks in databases.
Market Simulation (Part 18): First Steps with SQL (I)
It doesn't matter which SQL program we use: MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, OpenSQL, or another. They all have something in common, and the common element is the SQL language. Even if we do not intend to use Workbench, we can manipulate or work with the database directly in MetaEditor or through MQL5 to perform actions in MetaTrader 5, but to do so, you will need knowledge of SQL. So here, we will learn at least the basics.
Pair Trading: Algorithmic Trading with Auto Optimization Based on Z-Score Differences
In this article, we will explore what pair trading is and how correlation trading works. We will also create an EA for automating pair trading and add the ability to automatically optimize this trading algorithm based on historical data. In addition, as part of the project, we will learn how to calculate the differences between two pairs using the z-score.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 26): Integrating Frequency Binning, Entropy, and Chi-Square in Visual Analyzer
In this article, we develop a frequency analysis tool in MQL5 that bins price data into histograms, computes entropy for information content, and applies chi-square tests for distribution goodness-of-fit, with interactive logs and statistical panels for market insights. We integrate per-bar or per-tick computation modes, supersampled rendering for smooth visuals, and draggable/resizable canvases with auto-scrolling logs to enhance usability in trading analysis.
Market Simulation (Part 17): Sockets (XI)
The implementation of the part of the code that will run in MetaTrader 5 does not present any difficulty. However, there are several points that need to be taken into account. This is necessary so that you can make the system work. Remember one important thing: not just one program will be running. In reality, we will have to run three programs simultaneously. It is important to implement and structure each of them in such a way that they can interact and communicate with one another, and that each of them understands what the others are trying or intending to do.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 65): Building an MQL5 System to Monitor and Analyze Manually Drawn Fibonacci Levels
The Fibonacci retracement tool is an essential component of price action analysis, providing critical levels for potential market reactions. However, its effectiveness is often limited by the need for continuous human monitoring, which can lead to missed setups. In this part of our series, we introduce a tool that synchronizes and actively monitors manually drawn Fibonacci levels using MQL5, combining discretionary insight with automated oversight.
Coral Reefs Optimization (CRO)
The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Coral Reef Optimization (CRO) algorithm, a metaheuristic method inspired by the biological processes of coral reef formation and development. The algorithm models key aspects of coral evolution: broadcast spawning, brooding, larval settlement, asexual reproduction, and competition for limited reef space. Particular attention is paid to the improved version of the algorithm.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 10): Enhancing the Footprint Chart with Per-Bar Volume Sentiment Information Box
The article enhances an MQL5 footprint indicator with a compact box above each candle that summarizes net delta, total volume, and buy/sell percentages. We implement supersampled anti‑aliased rendering, rounded corners via arc and quadrilateral rasterization, and per‑pixel alpha compositing. Supporting utilities include ARGB conversion, scanline fills, and box‑filter downsampling. The box delivers fast sentiment reads that stay legible across zoom levels.
Building a Research-Grounded Grid EA in MQL5: Why Most Grid EAs Fail and What Taranto Proved
This article implements a regime-adaptive grid trading EA based on the PhD research of Aldo Taranto. It presents a regime‑adaptive grid trading EA that constrains risk through restartable cycles and equity‑based safeguards. We explain why naive grids fail (variance growth and almost‑sure ruin), derive the loss formula for real‑time exposure, and implement regime‑aware gating, ATR‑dynamic spacing, and a live kill switch. Readers get the mathematical tools and production patterns needed to build, test, and operate a constrained grid safely.
Battle Royale Optimizer (BRO)
The article explores the Battle Royale Optimizer algorithm — a metaheuristic in which solutions compete with their nearest neighbors, accumulate “damage,” are replaced when a threshold is exceeded, and periodically shrink the search space around the current best solution. It presents both pseudocode and an MQL5 implementation of the CAOBRO class, including neighbor search, movement toward the best solution, and an adaptive delta interval. Test results on the Hilly, Forest, and Megacity functions highlight the strengths and limitations of the approach. The reader is provided with a ready-to-use foundation for experimentation and tuning key parameters such as popSize and maxDamage.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 25): Expanding to Multiple Distributions with Interactive Switching
In this article, we expand the MQL5 graphing tool to support seventeen statistical distributions with interactive cycling via a header switch icon. We add type-specific data loading, discrete and continuous histogram computation, and theoretical density functions for each model, with dynamic titles, axis labels, and parameter panels that adapt automatically. The result lets you overlay distribution models on the same sample and compare fit across families without reloading the tool.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 24): Depth-Perception Upgrades with 3D Curves, Pan Mode, and ViewCube Navigation
In this article, we enhance the 3D binomial distribution graphing tool in MQL5 by adding a segmented 3D curve for improved depth perception of the probability mass function, integrating pan mode for view target shifting, and implementing an interactive view cube with hover zones and animations for quick orientation changes. We incorporate clickable sub-zones on the view cube for faces, edges, and corners to animate camera transitions to standard views, while maintaining switchable 2D/3D modes, real-time updates, and customizable parameters for immersive probabilistic analysis in trading.
Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 8): Using Graph Neural Networks for Liquidity Zone Recognition
This article shows how to represent market structure as a graph in MQL5, turning swing highs/lows into nodes with features and linking them by edges. It trains a Graph Neural Network to score potential liquidity zones, exports the model to ONNX, and runs real-time inference in an Expert Advisor. Readers learn how to build the data pipeline, integrate the model, visualize zones on the chart, and use the signals for rule-based execution.
From Novice to Expert: Enhancing Liquidity Strategies with Multi-Timeframe Structural Confirmation in MQL5
The alignment of higher-timeframe liquidity structures with lower-timeframe reversal patterns can greatly influence both the likelihood and direction of the next price movement. By integrating structural liquidity zones from higher timeframes with precise reversal confirmations on lower timeframes, traders can improve entry timing and overall trade quality. This article demonstrates how to reinforce liquidity-based trading strategies through higher-timeframe structural confirmation—and how to implement this approach effectively using MQL5.
Low-Frequency Quantitative Strategies in Metatrader 5: (Part 1) Setting Up An OLAP-Friendly Data Store
The article outlines a practical data pipeline for quantitative analysis based on Parquet storage, Hive-style partitions, and DuckDB. It details migrating selected SQLite tables to Parquet, structuring market data by source, symbol, timeframe, and date, and querying it with SQL window functions. A Golden Cross example illustrates cross‑symbol evaluation of forward returns. Accompanying Python scripts handle data download, conversion, and execution.
Unified Validation Pipeline Against Backtest Overfitting
This article explains why standard walkforward and k-fold CV inflate results on financial data, then shows how to fix it. V-in-V enforces strict data partitions and anchored walkforward across windows, CPCV purges and embargoes leakage while aggregating path-wise performance, and CSCV measures the Probability of Backtest Overfitting. Practitioners gain a coherent framework to assess regime robustness and selection reliability.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 23): Camera-Controlled, DirectX-Enabled 3D Graphs for Distribution Insights
In this article, we advance the binomial distribution graphing tool in MQL5 by integrating DirectX for 3D visualization, enabling switchable 2D/3D modes with camera-controlled rotation, zoom, and auto-fitting for immersive analysis. We render 3D histogram bars, ground planes, and axes alongside the theoretical probability mass function curve, while preserving 2D elements like statistics panels, legends, and customizable themes, gradients, and labels
Implementing the Truncated Newton Conjugate-Gradient Algorithm in MQL5
This article implements a box‑constrained Truncated Newton Conjugate‑Gradient (TNC) optimizer in MQL5 and details its core components: scaling, projection to bounds, line search, and Hessian‑vector products via finite differences. It provides an objective wrapper supporting analytic or numerical derivatives and validates the solver on the Rosenbrock benchmark. A logistic regression example shows how to use TNC as a drop‑in alternative to LBFGS.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 22): Graphing the Histogram and Probability Mass Function (PMF) of the Binomial Distribution
This article develops an interactive MQL5 plot for the binomial distribution, combining a histogram of simulated outcomes with the theoretical probability mass function. It implements mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, percentiles, and confidence intervals, along with configurable themes and labels, and supports dragging, resizing, and live parameter changes. Use it to assess expected wins, likely drawdowns, and confidence ranges when validating trading strategies.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 21): Adding Cyberpunk Theme to Regression Graphs
In this article, we enhance the regression graphing tool in MQL5 by adding a cyberpunk theme mode with neon glows, animations, and holographic effects for immersive visualization. We integrate theme toggling, dynamic backgrounds with stars, glowing borders, and neon points/lines, while maintaining standard mode compatibility. This dual-theme system elevates pair analysis with futuristic aesthetics, supporting real-time updates and interactions for engaging trading insights.
Statistical Arbitrage Through Cointegrated Stocks (Final): Data Analysis with Specialized Database
The article shows how to pair SQLite (OLTP) with DuckDB (OLAP) for statistical arbitrage data processing. DuckDB’s columnar engine, ASOF JOIN, and array functions accelerate core tasks such as quote–trade alignment and RWEC, with measured speedups from 2x to 23x versus SQLite on larger inputs. You get simpler queries and faster analytics while keeping trade execution in SQLite.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 42): Beginner Guide to File Handling in MQL5 (IV)
This article shows how to build an MQL5 indicator that reads a CSV trading history, extracts Profit($) values and total trades, and computes a cumulative balance progression. We plot the curve in a separate indicator window, auto-scale the Y-axis, and draw horizontal and vertical axes for alignment. The indicator updates on a timer and redraws only when new trades appear. Optional labels display per-trade profit and loss to help assess performance and drawdowns directly on the chart.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 8): Adding Volume Integration for Deeper Market Profile Analysis
In this article, we enhance the hybrid Time Price Opportunity (TPO) market profile indicator in MQL5 by integrating volume data to calculate volume-based point of control, value areas, and volume-weighted average price with customizable highlighting options. The system introduces advanced features like initial balance detection, key level extension lines, split profiles, and alternative TPO characters such as squares or circles for improved visual analysis across multiple timeframes.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 20): Canvas Graphing with Statistical Correlation and Regression Analysis
In this article, we create a canvas-based graphing tool in MQL5 for statistical correlation and linear regression analysis between two symbols, with draggable and resizable features. We incorporate ALGLIB for regression calculations, dynamic tick labels, data points, and a stats panel displaying slope, intercept, correlation, and R-squared. This interactive visualization aids in pair trading insights, supporting customizable themes, borders, and real-time updates on new bars
Market Simulation (Part 16): Sockets (X)
We are close to completing this challenge. However, before we begin, I want you to try to understand these two articles—this one and the previous one. That way, you will truly understand the next article, in which I will cover exclusively the part related to MQL5 programming. But I will also try to make it understandable. If you do not understand these last two articles, it will be difficult for you to understand the next one, because the material accumulates. The more things there are to do, the more you need to create and understand in order to achieve the goal.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 7): Hybrid Time Price Opportunity (TPO) Market Profiles for Session Analysis
In this article, we develop a custom indicator in MQL5 for hybrid Time Price Opportunity (TPO) market profiles, supporting multiple session timeframes such as intraday, daily, weekly, monthly, and fixed periods with timezone adjustments. The indicator quantizes prices into a grid, tracks session data including highs, lows, opens, and closes, and calculates key elements like the point of control and value area based on TPO counts. It renders profiles visually on the chart with customizable colors for TPO letters, single prints, value areas, POC, and close markers, enabling detailed session analysis
Market Simulation (Part 15): Sockets (IX)
In this article, we will discuss one of the possible solutions to what we have been trying to demonstrate—namely, how to allow an Excel user to perform an action in MetaTrader 5 without sending orders or opening or closing positions. The idea is that the user employs Excel to conduct fundamental analysis of a particular symbol. And by using only Excel, they can instruct an expert advisor running in MetaTrader 5 to open or close a specific position.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 41): Beginner Guide to File Handling in MQL5 (III)
Learn how to read a CSV file in MQL5 and organize its trading data into dynamic arrays. This article shows step by step how to count file elements, store all data in a single array, and separate each column into dedicated arrays, laying the foundation for advanced analysis and trading performance visualization.
Market Simulation (Part 13): Sockets (VII)
When we develop something in xlwings or any other package that allows reading and writing directly to Excel, we must note that all programs, functions, or procedures execute and then complete their task. They do not remain in a loop, no matter how hard we try to do things differently.
Market Simulation (Part 12): Sockets (VI)
In this article, we will look at how to solve certain problems and issues that arise when using Python code within other programs. More specifically, we will demonstrate a common issue encountered when using Excel in conjunction with MetaTrader 5, although we will be using Python to facilitate this interaction. However, this implementation has a minor drawback. It does not occur in all cases, but only in certain specific situations. When it does happen, it is necessary to understand the cause. In today’s article, we will begin explaining how to resolve this issue.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 40): Beginner Guide to File Handling in MQL5 (II)
Create a CSV trading journal in MQL5 by reading account history over a defined period and writing structured records to file. The article explains deal counting, ticket retrieval, symbol and order type decoding, and capturing entry (lot, time, price, SL/TP) and exit (time, price, profit, result) data with dynamic arrays. The result is an organized, persistent log suitable for analysis and reporting.
ARIMA Forecasting Indicator in MQL5
In this article we are implementing ARIMA forecasting indicator in MQL5. It examines how the ARIMA model generates forecasts, its applicability to the Forex market and the stock market in general. It also explains what AR autoregression is, how autoregressive models are used for forecasting, and how the autoregression mechanism works.
Quantitative Analysis of Trends: Collecting Statistics in Python
What is quantitative trend analysis in the Forex market? We collect statistics on trends, their magnitude and distribution across the EURUSD currency pair. How quantitative trend analysis can help you create a profitable trading expert advisor.
Market Simulation: (Part 11): Sockets (V)
We are beginning to implement the connection between Excel and MetaTrader 5, but first we need to understand some key points. This way, you won't have to rack your brains trying to figure out why something works or doesn't. And before you frown at the prospect of integrating Python and Excel, let's see how we can (to some extent) control MetaTrader 5 through Excel using xlwings. What we demonstrate here will primarily focus on educational objectives. However, don't think that we can only do what will be covered here.
Bivariate Copulae in MQL5: (Part 3): Implementation and Tuning of Mixed Copula Models in MQL5
The article extends our copula toolkit with mixed copulas implemented natively in MQL5. We construct Clayton–Frank–Gumbel and Clayton–Student–t–Gumbel mixtures, estimate them via EM, and enable sparsity control through SCAD with cross‑validation. Provided scripts tune hyperparameters, compare mixtures using information criteria, and save trained models. Practitioners can apply these components to capture asymmetric tail dependence and embed the selected model in indicators or Expert Advisors.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 16): Improved Super-Sampling Anti-Aliasing (SSAA) and High-Resolution Rendering
We add supersampling‑driven anti‑aliasing and high‑resolution rendering to the MQL5 canvas dashboard, then downsample to the target size. The article implements rounded rectangle fills and borders, rounded triangle arrows, and a custom scrollbar with theming for the stats and text panels. These tools help you build smoother, more legible UI components in MetaTrader 5.
Integrating MQL5 with Data Processing Packages (Part 7): Building Multi-Agent Environments for Cross-Symbol Collaboration
The article presents a complete Python–MQL5 integration for multi‑agent trading: MT5 data ingestion, indicator computation, per‑agent decisions, and a weighted consensus that outputs a single action. Signals are stored to JSON, served by Flask, and consumed by an MQL5 Expert Advisor for execution with position sizing and ATR‑derived SL/TP. Flask routes provide safe lifecycle control and status monitoring.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 39): Beginner Guide to File Handling in MQL5 (I)
This article introduces file handling in MQL5 using a practical, project-based workflow. You will use FileSelectDialog to choose or create a CSV file, open it with FileOpen, and write structured account headers such as account name, balance, login, date range, and last update. The result is a clear foundation for a reusable trading journal and safe file operations in MetaTrader 5.
Algorithmic Trading Strategies: AI and Its Road to Golden Pinnacles
This article demonstrates an approach to creating trading strategies for gold using machine learning. Considering the proposed approach to the analysis and forecasting of time series from different angles, it is possible to determine its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with other ways of creating trading systems which are based solely on the analysis and forecasting of financial time series.