Forex EA (Expert Advisor) specifically refers to automated trading systems that run on MT4/5 terminals. EA can automatically monitor the market and execute orders 24 hours a day, effectively avoiding the impact of time, physical strength, emotions and other factors on manual trading. For more details, please see the Appendix at the end of the article. 

I created Seagull EA in early 2021 trading NZDCAD only. The key logic is to follow the major trend and/or the divergence of higher timeframes and look to entry on the lower time frames.  If the market is still moving forward, Seagull EA will look to add some limited positions in the same direction.  (To see Seagull Algorithmic System in detail)

From 2002 to now, NZDCAD trades in a broad 0.6154 to 0.9926 range. From February 2009 to  November 2016, NZDCAD was in a strong uptrend. After 2016, the range is more tight and shows  strong properties of mean reversion. The pair can well hedge the risk of USD. 

Chart 1 NZD/CAD Monthly Chart 

1. Seagull EA can work on both fixed lot or automated lot sizes according to the balance.  No news filter is involved, due to it can not be backtested. As well as, not all news would generate the opposite moving of the market to the EA.

 

Chart 2 Tickdata Backtest of Seagull EA (Fixed 0.01 Lot per trade) 

Chart 3 Tickdata Backtest of Seagull EA (Auto Lot Sizes)

2. In the fixed lot Tickdata backtest, the Expected payoff is 6.0 pips, the spread in the backtest is  3.0 pips. There is total 9.0 pips’ tolerance in the trading cost, ideally it can work on most of the  Brokers.  


Chart 4 Expected Payoff in the Fixed Lot Tickdata Backtest

3. The Tickdata backtest is from 2006 due to no more data being available before that.  Seagull EA runs pretty well from 2009 to 2016, when NZDCAD in a strong uptrend.  Please see Chart 1, Chart 2, Chart 3. 

4. Seagull EA is not a night scalper, the orders are almost averaged within 24 hours.


Chart5 Trading Hours of Seagull EA 

5. We adjusted the timing of the Tickdata, the backtest result is almost the same. 


Chart 6 Tickdata Backtest of Seagull EA from 1979

6. No over-optimization in Seagull EA: although it was created in 2021, the track record of the live  account is solid to now.  

Chart 7 Seagull EA on Live Account from 2021 to Now

Conclusion 

1. Seagull EA has had compelling performance in the Tickdata backtest from 2006 and live trading from  2021 to now.  

2. Assuming that NZDCAD remains range-bound without a clear range break out in the coming years,  we have every reason to believe Seagull EA can at least maintain the current performance. 

Appendix 

Forex EA (Expert Advisor) specifically refers to automated trading systems that run on MT4/5 terminals. In general,  EA is based on proven manual trading methods and experience, built with various technical indicators and coded in MQL language. EA can automatically monitor the market and execute orders 24 hours a day, effectively avoiding the impact of time, physical strength, emotions and other factors on manual trading. EA is one of the most important trading tools for both professional and retail traders. 

In addition, through rigorous and scientific backtesting, we can not only test whether the key logic of the EA is feasible, but also have a reasonable expectation of the risk and reward of trading performance in the future. 

However, MT4/5 EA is not omnipotent. the MQL language is similar to the C language, the function is relatively simple. Some complex and/or advanced trading logic cannot be expressed well. Then we need to use Java Script and other languages in eSignal, Reuters Eikon, CQG or other professional platforms to build the trading system. 

The series of articles "Commercial EA Review by LinoCapital" aims to provide readers with some principled guidance in selecting and backtesting an EA through our knowledge and experience. Welcome to all kinds of feedback and discussion. 

We hope all the traders succeed. Good Luck!

 


Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD picks up pace and reaches two-day tops around 1.1820 at the end of the week. The pair’s move higher comes on the back of renewed weakness in the US Dollar amid growing talk that the Fed could deliver an interest rate cut as early as March. On the docket, the flash US Consumer Sentiment improves to 57.3 in February.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

USD/JPY drops back below 157.00, as focus shifts to Japan snap election

USD/JPY drops back below 157.00, as focus shifts to Japan snap election

USD/JPY is back in the red below 157.00 in the Asian session on Friday. The Japanese Yen recovers ground against the US Dollar amid some profit-taking ahead of Japan's snap general election on Sunday. The preliminary reading of the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index report for February will be released later on Friday. 


Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD: US Dollar to remain pressured until uncertainty fog dissipates

EUR/USD: US Dollar to remain pressured until uncertainty fog dissipates Premium

The EUR/USD pair lost additional ground in the first week of February, settling at around 1.1820. The reversal lost momentum after the pair peaked at 1.2082 in January, its highest since mid-2021.

Gold: Volatility persists in commodity space

Gold: Volatility persists in commodity space Premium

After losing more than 8% to end the previous week, Gold (XAU/USD) remained under heavy selling pressure on Monday and dropped toward $4,400. Although XAU/USD staged a decisive rebound afterward, it failed to stabilize above $5,000.

GBP/USD: Pound Sterling tests key support ahead of a big week

GBP/USD: Pound Sterling tests key support ahead of a big week Premium

The Pound Sterling (GBP) changed course against the US Dollar (USD), with GBP/USD giving up nearly 200 pips in a dramatic correction.

Bitcoin: The worst may be behind us

Bitcoin: The worst may be behind us

Bitcoin (BTC) price recovers slightly, trading at $65,000 at the time of writing on Friday, after reaching a low of $60,000 during the early Asian trading session. The Crypto King remained under pressure so far this week, posting three consecutive weeks of losses exceeding 30%.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election Premium

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans. 

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