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 struggles for direction amid USD gains

EUR/USD struggles for direction amid USD gains

EUR/USD is trimming part of its earlier gains, coming under some mild downside pressure near 1.1730 as the US Dollar edges higher. Markets are still digesting the Fed’s latest rate decision, while also looking ahead to more commentary from Fed officials in the sessions ahead.

GBP/USD drops to daily lows near 1.3360

GBP/USD drops to daily lows near 1.3360

Disappointing UK data weighed on the Sterling towards the end of the week, triggering a pullback in GBP/USD to fresh daily lows near 1.3360. Looking ahead, the next key event across the Channel is the BoE meeting on December 18.

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The USD/JPY pair trades on a negative note near 155.75 during the early Asian session on Monday. The US Dollar softens against the Japanese Yen amid the prospect of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve next year.


Editors’ Picks

When are the China Retail Sales, Industrial Production and how could they affect AUD/USD?

When are the China Retail Sales, Industrial Production and how could they affect AUD/USD?

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USD/JPY weakens below 156.00 amid Fed rate cut outlook, BoJ rate hike anticipation

USD/JPY weakens below 156.00 amid Fed rate cut outlook, BoJ rate hike anticipation

The USD/JPY pair trades on a negative note near 155.75 during the early Asian session on Monday. The US Dollar softens against the Japanese Yen amid the prospect of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve next year.

Gold poised to challenge record highs

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Gold prices added roughly 3% in the week, flirting with the $4,350 mark on Friday, to finally settle at around $4,330. Despite its safe-haven condition, the bright metal rallied in a risk-on scenario, amid broad US Dollar weakness.

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The S&P 500 continued to push higher yesterday as the US 2-year yield wavered around the 3.50% mark following a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut earlier this week that was ultimately perceived as not that hawkish after all. The cut is especially boosting the non-tech pockets of the market.

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