Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XX): Creating and storing program resources
The article deals with storing data in the program's source code and creating audio and graphical files out of them. When developing an application, we often need audio and images. The MQL language features several methods of using such data.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XIX): Class of library messages
In this article, we will consider the class of displaying text messages. Currently, we have a sufficient number of different text messages. It is time to re-arrange the methods of their storage, display and translation of Russian or English messages to other languages. Besides, it would be good to introduce convenient ways of adding new languages to the library and quickly switching between them.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVIII): Interactivity of account and any other library objects
The article arranges the work of an account object on a new base object of all library objects, improves the CBaseObj base object and tests setting tracked parameters, as well as receiving events for any library objects.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVII): Interactivity of library objects
In this article, we are going to finish the development of the base object of all library objects, so that any library object based on it is able to interact with a user. For example, users will be able to set the maximum acceptable size of a spread for opening a position and a price level, upon reaching which an event from a symbol object is sent to the program with the spread or price level-based signal.
Strategy builder based on Merrill patterns
In the previous article, we considered application of Merrill patterns to various data, such as to a price value on a currency symbol chart and values of standard MetaTrader 5 indicators: ATR, WPR, CCI, RSI, among others. Now, let us try to create a strategy construction set based on Merrill patterns.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XVI): Symbol collection events
In this article, we will create a new base class of all library objects adding the event functionality to all its descendants and develop the class for tracking symbol collection events based on the new base class. We will also change account and account event classes for developing the new base object functionality.
Developing a cross-platform grid EA (Last part): Diversification as a way to increase profitability
In previous articles within this series, we tried various methods for creating a more or less profitable grid Expert Advisor. Now we will try to increase the EA profitability through diversification. Our ultimate goal is to reach 100% profit per year with the maximum balance drawdown no more than 20%.
Developing Pivot Mean Oscillator: a novel Indicator for the Cumulative Moving Average
This article presents Pivot Mean Oscillator (PMO), an implementation of the cumulative moving average (CMA) as a trading indicator for the MetaTrader platforms. In particular, we first introduce Pivot Mean (PM) as a normalization index for timeseries that computes the fraction between any data point and the CMA. We then build PMO as the difference between the moving averages applied to two PM signals. Some preliminary experiments carried out on the EURUSD symbol to test the efficacy of the proposed indicator are also reported, leaving ample space for further considerations and improvements.
Parsing HTML with curl
The article provides the description of a simple HTML code parsing library using third-party components. In particular, it covers the possibilities of accessing data which cannot be retrieved using GET and POST requests. We will select a website with not too large pages and will try to obtain interesting data from this site.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XV): Collection of symbol objects
In this article, we will consider creation of a symbol collection based on the abstract symbol object developed in the previous article. The abstract symbol descendants are to clarify a symbol data and define the availability of the basic symbol object properties in a program. Such symbol objects are to be distinguished by their affiliation with groups.
A New Approach to Interpreting Classic and Hidden Divergence. Part II
The article provides a critical examination of regular divergence and efficiency of various indicators. In addition, it contains filtering options for an increased analysis accuracy and features description of non-standard solutions. As a result, we will create a new tool for solving the technical task.
Merrill patterns
In this article, we will have a look at Merrill patterns' model and try to evaluate their current relevance. To do this, we will develop a tool to test the patterns and apply the model to various data types such as Close, High and Low prices, as well as oscillators.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XIV): Symbol object
In this article, we will create the class of a symbol object that is to be the basic object for creating the symbol collection. The class will allow us to obtain data on the necessary symbols for their further analysis and comparison.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XIII): Account object events
The article considers working with account events for tracking important changes in account properties affecting the automated trading. We have already implemented some functionality for tracking account events in the previous article when developing the account object collection.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XII): Account object class and collection of account objects
In the previous article, we defined position closure events for MQL4 in the library and got rid of the unused order properties. Here we will consider the creation of the Account object, develop the collection of account objects and prepare the functionality for tracking account events.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part XI). Compatibility with MQL4 - Position closure events
We continue the development of a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the tenth part, we resumed our work on the library compatibility with MQL4 and defined the events of opening positions and activating pending orders. In this article, we will define the events of closing positions and get rid of the unused order properties.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part III): Correction-based grid with martingale
In this article, we will make an attempt to develop the best possible grid-based EA. As usual, this will be a cross-platform EA capable of working both with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The first EA was good enough, except that it could not make a profit over a long period of time. The second EA could work at intervals of more than several years. Unfortunately, it was unable to yield more than 50% of profit per year with a maximum drawdown of less than 50%.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part X): Compatibility with MQL4 - Events of opening a position and activating pending orders
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the ninth part, we started improving the library classes for working with MQL4. Here we will continue improving the library to ensure its full compatibility with MQL4.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part IX): Compatibility with MQL4 - Preparing data
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the eighth part, we implemented the class for tracking order and position modification events. Here, we will improve the library by making it fully compatible with MQL4.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA (part II): Range-based grid in trend direction
In this article, we will develop a grider EA for trading in a trend direction within a range. Thus, the EA is to be suited mostly for Forex and commodity markets. According to the tests, our grider showed profit since 2018. Unfortunately, this is not true for the period of 2014-2018.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VIII): Order and position modification events
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the seventh part, we added tracking StopLimit orders activation and prepared the functionality for tracking other events involving orders and positions. In this article, we will develop the class for tracking order and position modification events.
Evaluating the ability of Fractal index and Hurst exponent to predict financial time series
Studies related to search for the fractal behavior of financial data suggest that behind the seemingly chaotic behavior of economic time series there are hidden stable mechanisms of participants' collective behavior. These mechanisms can lead to the emergence of price dynamics on the exchange, which can define and describe specific properties of price series. When applied to trading, one could benefit from the indicators which can efficiently and reliably estimate the fractal parameters in the scale and time frame, which are relevant in practice.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VII): StopLimit order activation events, preparing the functionality for order and position modification events
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the sixth part, we trained the library to work with positions on netting accounts. Here we will implement tracking StopLimit orders activation and prepare the functionality to track order and position modification events.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part VI): Netting account events
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the fifth part of the article series, we created trading event classes and the event collection, from which the events are sent to the base object of the Engine library and the control program chart. In this part, we will let the library to work on netting accounts.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part V): Classes and collection of trading events, sending events to the program
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. In the fourth part, we tested tracking trading events on the account. In this article, we will develop trading event classes and place them to the event collections. From there, they will be sent to the base object of the Engine library and the control program chart.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part IV): Trading events
In the previous articles, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. We already have collections of historical orders and deals, market orders and positions, as well as the class for convenient selection and sorting of orders. In this part, we will continue the development of the base object and teach the Engine Library to track trading events on the account.
Studying candlestick analysis techniques (part IV): Updates and additions to Pattern Analyzer
The article presents a new version of the Pattern Analyzer application. This version provides bug fixes and new features, as well as the revised user interface. Comments and suggestions from previous article were taken into account when developing the new version. The resulting application is described in this article.
Developing a cross-platform grider EA
In this article, we will learn how to create Expert Advisors (EAs) working both in MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. To do this, we are going to develop an EA constructing order grids. Griders are EAs that place several limit orders above the current price and the same number of limit orders below it simultaneously.
A DLL for MQL5 in 10 Minutes (Part II): Creating with Visual Studio 2017
The original basic article has not lost its relevance and thus if you are interested in this topic, be sure to read the first article. However much time has passed since then, so the current Visual Studio 2017 features an updated interface. The MetaTrader 5 platform has also acquired new features. The article provides a description of dll project development stages, as well as DLL setup and interaction with MetaTrader 5 tools.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part III). Collection of market orders and positions, search and sorting
In the first part, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. Further on, we implemented the collection of history orders and deals. Our next step is creating a class for a convenient selection and sorting of orders, deals and positions in collection lists. We are going to implement the base library object called Engine and add collection of market orders and positions to the library.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part II). Collection of historical orders and deals
In the first part, we started creating a large cross-platform library simplifying the development of programs for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 platforms. We created the COrder abstract object which is a base object for storing data on history orders and deals, as well as on market orders and positions. Now we will develop all the necessary objects for storing account history data in collections.
Library for easy and quick development of MetaTrader programs (part I). Concept, data management and first results
While analyzing a huge number of trading strategies, orders for development of applications for MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4 terminals and various MetaTrader websites, I came to the conclusion that all this diversity is based mostly on the same elementary functions, actions and values appearing regularly in different programs. This resulted in DoEasy cross-platform library for easy and quick development of МetaТrader 5 and МetaТrader 4 applications.
Applying Monte Carlo method in reinforcement learning
In the article, we will apply Reinforcement learning to develop self-learning Expert Advisors. In the previous article, we considered the Random Decision Forest algorithm and wrote a simple self-learning EA based on Reinforcement learning. The main advantages of such an approach (trading algorithm development simplicity and high "training" speed) were outlined. Reinforcement learning (RL) is easily incorporated into any trading EA and speeds up its optimization.
Martingale as the basis for a long-term trading strategy
In this article we will consider in detail the martingale system. We will review whether this system can be applied in trading and how to use it in order to minimize risks. The main disadvantage of this simple system is the probability of losing the entire deposit. This fact must be taken into account, if you decide to trade using the martingale technique.
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.
Reversing: Formalizing the entry point and developing a manual trading algorithm
This is the last article within the series devoted to the Reversing trading strategy. Here we will try to solve the problem, which caused the testing results instability in previous articles. We will also develop and test our own algorithm for manual trading in any market using the reversing strategy.
Reversing: Reducing maximum drawdown and testing other markets
In this article, we continue to dwell on reversing techniques. We will try to reduce the maximum balance drawdown till an acceptable level for the instruments considered earlier. We will see if the measures will reduce the profit. We will also check how the reversing method performs on other markets, including stock, commodity, index, ETF and agricultural markets. Attention, the article contains a lot of images!
Reversal patterns: Testing the Head and Shoulders pattern
This article is a follow-up to the previous one called "Reversal patterns: Testing the Double top/bottom pattern". Now we will have a look at another well-known reversal pattern called Head and Shoulders, compare the trading efficiency of the two patterns and make an attempt to combine them into a single trading system.
Reversal patterns: Testing the Double top/bottom pattern
Traders often look for trend reversal points since the price has the greatest potential for movement at the very beginning of a newly formed trend. Consequently, various reversal patterns are considered in the technical analysis. The Double top/bottom is one of the most well-known and frequently used ones. The article proposes the method of the pattern programmatic detection. It also tests the pattern's profitability on history data.
Gap - a profitable strategy or 50/50?
The article dwells on gaps — significant differences between a close price of a previous timeframe and an open price of the next one, as well as on forecasting a daily bar direction. Applying the GetOpenFileName function by the system DLL is considered as well.