Tipster Trendlines for MT4 – NEW

If your looking for an EA to help you place your manual entries, exits, targets and so forth, here is one that I just posted.  All you have to do is load the EA and it draws lines for you, just move them around and start the EA.  Here’s an excerpt from the manual that is posted with the EA file.
Introduction
I wrote this EA to be able to place my manual trades easily, avoid errors, and let the computer do the repetitive tasks. If you enter trades manually this EA should help you.
I use EA robots as well as enter manual trades based on price action. This EA can be used on the same platform as other robots, just make sure the Magic Numbers (MN) are different. This EA also used Magic Number to track, so ensure your broker let’s you use MN’s. Order comments are used but not required. Brokers such as Oanda do not let you use MN’s, and the comment field is filled out by them so be careful, run this on a demo account first to ensure it works as expected.
This document will only discuss the 2P version, the 1P is very similar.
Functionality
To setup an order, you need to place the 5 lines on the chart to a valid location (Entry, Stop, Target 1, Target 2, BreakEven), then go to Expert Advisors Properties and set LimitOrder to true or false. The EA will display the order type on the lower left of the chart, check it before you set “Live” to ‘true’ in EA Properties. Lines can be horizontal or sloped.
The EA determines the type of order based on the location of the lines relative to each other and current price. Note: If the ticket numbers (generate by MT4) are not sequential a pop up box will appear, you can select to delete the orders. If the order ticket numbers are not sequential, the EA cannot manage the trade properly.
Placing a Trade
Here’s a quick run through of how a typical trade set-up is accomplished once the EA is on the chart and MT4 is set up as described above.
1. Set up the lines.
2. Turn on the EA, EA properties à Live = “true”, LimitOrder = “true of false”
3. Price is not between the dashed blue buffer line and the blue entry line, the bottom left on the screen says “+LIVE+ …waiting. Sell Stop order set”.
4. Price is now between the two lines described above, two orders are sent to the broker (pending limit orders), and the only difference is the targets. The bottom left of the screen says “+LIVE+ <<PENDING ORDER>> Sell Stop order for 0.10 lots
5. The target for the second order is always closest to the entry, the EA takes care of this, even when you move the lines around when the trade is open. This is done so it can track the single remaining order once the first target is hit. When you have a pending order (not filled) you can drag the lines around. Note that the lines cannot be on top of each other, the EA keeps them slightly apart so you can grab them.
6. When price hits the entry line you are now in a position, you can drag the lines around. Be careful not to drag the targets or stops to close to current price or your position could be closed unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s a good idea to make Live = false and adjust the lines up, then turn it back on. You can also use the “Expert Advisor” button on the MT4 menu area.
7. A screen capture image is stored in /experts/files/ with the filename that shows the symbol, ticket number, etc so you can figure out what the trade setup was when you look at the picture in the future. Images are captured so you can review your trades later to see what you can improve upon.
8. After price hits a target one order is closed and the other is tracked by the EA as long as it is on and running. If you used horizontal lined you can turn the EA off. If you used sloping lines you need to leave it on so it will update the new order details as new bars open.
9. Once both positions are closed an image capture is stored in /experts/files/
10. To reset the EA you can just delete one of the lines, the line will be re-drawn and the EA will be ready to go again. The best method however, is to got o EA properties, “Reset”, then right click on the chart to “Objects”, CNTL A to select all, then “Delete”. Another way is to use the TipsterDelete script that will clear the screen.
11. Press Q and P at the same time to move the stop back to the red stop line. The EA will only move the stop towards profit and won’t let you move it away unless you press Q and P, then a pop up message appears. For this functionality to work, you must enable dll’s, and live trading.

The link is at the top of the blog.  Or you can search on MQL5.com.

Prettify / Beautify / format your MQ4 code in 30 seconds (or any code)

Here’s a really easy way to format your code. Formatting code makes it easier to read the logic flow, this little program automatically indents, fixed spaces and tabs. After my EA's get to big and add the debugging to the mix, my formatting starts to slowly go out the window. I run this every now and then, it takes under 30 seconds. This is a command line formatter.

Go get the file from here or here

These links take you to http://astyle.sourceforge.net. The page at one of these links will describe the switches you can use with the command line formatter. I've chosen some that work for me to get your started.

Instructions
1. unzip and find a file called AStyle.exe (windows) in the “bin” directory
2. put the file in the experts directory
3. open up a command prompt window (start>run>cmd)
4. drag the AStyle.exe file into the window
5. add a space then type this after the file name -A2 -s3 --mode=c
6. Add a space then drag and drop the file you want formatted, press enter
7. Done. You see the original was renamed with a “orig” extension.
How easy is that!

A New Forex Broker

Ever since MF Global went tis up, I’ve been on the hunt for a new broker.

Here's my deal;
I use Interactive Brokers, they don't do MT4 though.

I had an account with MF Global, through their Canadian office who were members in the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). When they went tits up I didn't have to worry, the CIPF covered me 100% up to a million bucks, I got my full $$ back in the form of a cheque with the help of the courts and KPMG.
Then, I opened a mini account with Oanda a while back, found out they don't allow MagicNumbers and they write a reference number in the comment field. Never thought to check the demo account, I mean why would a criminal do something stupid like like?? Live and learn boys and girls. They suck because of that, money is being withdrawn.  Losers.

After MF Gobal
So now I needed a new criminal....

Rather than reading reviews, I first started looking for a criminal that actually had what I wanted, a little tougher here in Canada. I want a criminal to be CIPF registered. I found thehttp://www.friedbergdirect.com/ only by asking FXCM if they had a Canadian office. When I was using MF Global, they used Boston Technologies for MT4 as do FXCM. So I think I'll be OK with FXCM, I'm going trough the Canadian criminal, Friedberg Direct. Account opening is in progress.
I opened an account with PFGBest a while back, funding is in progress.

I called IBFX to ask them a bunch of questions and fill out my "criminal research sheet" and they said, since TradeStation acquired them, they don't accept Canadians. Now I hate TradeStation even more than I did 6 months ago.  They are scared of Canadian regulations, they can go f*#% themselves.

In the end this is how I want my accounts to be setup:

Interactive Brokers - trade ETF's (index) longer term and some futures (Asia)

FXCM - 0.01 lot size - EA's that have proven to be profitable and bug free on demo are promoted to this account on a low risk setting, trading Live. One reason for this is I notice demo services puke quite often, all kinds of errors and order time outs at normal times of the day. If this account makes $$ I transfer to an account with larger lot sizes. They also offer to reimburse for VPS, account minimum has to be met. I use my home PC right now with cable modem and low downtime - Pentium 4 humming along running 4 MT4's at a time, each with between 3 and 10 charts open.

PFGBest - lot size 0.1 - use for EA's that have graduated and proven themselves to be bug free and profitable. They have a Canadian office but I elected to use the US office and also trade futures. I'll probably change this to the Canadian office and ditch the option to trade futures. Still pondering this.

I’ve almost settled and I’m pretty sure I’ll be OK with PFG and FXCM. I want two separate brokers with 0.1 lots and 0.01 lots. When an EA show promise on demo it graduates

MF Global

I had an account with MF Global Canada, they went tits up as you are probably aware.  I actually got 100% of my money back, KPMG handled the deal!!.  The account was with the Canadian branch so I was covered under the Canadian protection fund that was set up years ago to deal with this type of non-sense.  So if you look at my forex performance, you'll see it has stopped trading.  I will be set up with a new broker and funded account by Christmas but I wont trade until January when liquidity is up.

Where is the market going?

Sideways has been the story for a while now after that monster rally that started from the #2 green arrow in area 2.  Notice price never actually entered area 2.  If you look at the chart of SPY (same day) it looks like a failed breakdown, and they say "from failed moves comes fast moves".  

The SPY looks like HigherHighs and LowerLows are in store for a while, but I'll use the QQQ chart to show where I think we are headed.  

Overall, I think we are headed to area 4 - we may bounce or we may crash thru - so the options are to go long at the top of area 4 or short at the bottom (essentially a breakout) for a shorter term profit. If we beak area 4, look for a re-trace back to it, then short.  Once we find ourselves down at area 3 I'm all long right there.

So - in the near term, I'm looking for a bounce at area 4 back up to about 55.50, then down to area 2.  If we take off from area 4 we might have enough steam to punch thru area 3 as this area has been softened already.

Tipster Trendlines for MT4

I use the Forex Factory and the Steve Hopwood forex forums mostly.


If your looking for the MT4 Tipster Trendlines code, go to Steve's site as I'm not posting it at Forex Factory any longer.


www.stevehopwoodforex.com


You have to sign up to be able to download files.

Where is the market going? Part 3

Well my orders triggered.

I shorted QQQ at $58.99 and also bought a put option on QQQ.

Bracket orders set, waiting for price action to take me out, stop and target set. 

Patience is the game now......

Where is the Market going? - Part 2

In the previous post there was a picture of the QQQ's along with my scribble on future direction.  The short turn bounce(s) shown with the white arrows was close but instead of rolling over and continuing a decline we entered a sideways market where there was high volatility and consolidation.  I have heard that volatility is highest at turning points, but all these phrases mean nothing to me without clear examples. 

The previous post also outlined a large area of supply with a triangle, I have shown the same area in the image below.  The rally that started at the green arrow was powerful and went virtually straight up.  Look for a bounce or quick decline at the rectangle area at the red arrow.  A short trade with a tight stop can be initiated here, low risk, potentially high reward.

This is the approach Sam Seiden would take.  The rectangle had a strong move away, and a strong return back to it.

My plan is to short it at the rectangle.
Enter 3 times, one at the bottom, one in the middle, and one at the top of the triangle.
1st target at about 58
2nd target at about 56
3rd target at about 45
Break even at the first target.
If you use a low commission broker this should be easy.  I use IB so I will even set bracket order using Tipster Trendlines, a set and forget strategy.

You should not follow this plan.  Do your own work.  There is risk of financial loss and you are your own trader.  It does not matter why I am posting this, what matters is that you follow your own trading plan and take responsibility for your actions. 

Move the stop to break even shortly after the bounce

Another approach is to use options.  A put option, I don't know enough about options so I won't do this.

Where is the market going?

Here's my take at the levels to watch.  At best the market will go up to the previous high, but this wold take some time.  The speed of the drop was very fast, don't get in the way.  Play the market only at the levels with reasonable stops. 'll be watching the top white line for a short down to the botom white line.  As the market approaches the top white ine, I'll be watching to see if there are other sellers.

Trading Simulators and Trading Games - Practice Trading Online

A long time ago I stumbled onto a nice little stock trading simulator, played online using a chart, any indicators you choose, and buy/sell buttons.  I went searching for this today and stumbled onto another game.

Try it out, it takes about 3 minutes to play it Futures trading simulator

The better game is called "Chart Game", written by a guy with all kinds of other interesting blog posts such as woodworking projects he has done, and trips he's been on.  This is the game I was looking for... Chart Game.  Maybe a good tool to warm up for a few minutes before you place your first trade of the day.  I played it for an hour today and beat the buy and hold.  I remember playing it a couple of years ago and losing.... consistently.  What a change!!

Chart Game

If you know any other site that offer something online (no need for a download) feel free to add a comment or email the link to me.

Here what this game looks like.

Trend - depends on lots of things doesn't it?

The books tell you that are are many ways to determine the current trend and that you should trade in the direction of the trend.  Want an easy way to figure out the trend? 

Look at the chart below and I think it tells you where is it in the trend picture.  The yellow levels are demand and supply zones.  The books tell you that the trend is currently UP.  All you need to do is map out the supply demand levels and see where you are in between these levels.  Drill down to a finer time frame and rip the profits. 

I'm doing this right now with currency futures.  The performance data you see on this blog on forex is my MT4 account, thats only for spot.  I use Amibroker and Interactive Brokers to trade the futures.  I also use Tipster Trendlines AFL code for Amibroker to place and adjust the trades.

Video on Tipster Trendlines for Amibroker

I thought I would offer an update on this code.  The code might be "old" but it sstill works and I still use it.

This code allows you to place trades and modify trades right from the Amibroker chart.  It has much more functionality than the current version of Amibrokers trading off the chart feature.  Watch the video and see for yourself.

Here is the link to read more about this and get the code.  Tipster Trendlines 3

Tipster Trendlines 3 from Another Brian on Vimeo.

This AFL code for Amibroker allows you to place trades right from the Amibroker chart. Once the order is place (transmitted) you can change it just by moving the 3 lines on the chart and pressing the button on the chart window. Once the order is filled, you can move the target and stop lines and press a button the change them too! All you have to do is draw 3 horizontal lines on your chart and you're ready to trade. Watch the video to see how it works.

http://blog.tipster.ca/p/tipster-trendlines-3.html

Forex Contest

Alpari UK started up this years forex contest.  It's free and offers 20K of prizes.
I've already signed up for it, under the name AnotherBrian, account number 28353.
If you want to see where I stand in the league table, here is the link, enter the account number in the search box.

Here's the link to register.

Alpari Forex Contest

Good luck!

Tipster SR

So I made a system a while back for MT4, based on support and resistance.  I backtested it and studied it to learn the strenghts and weakness.  I've been demo testing it for about 4 months with good results, its not the grail but it trades without causing platform errors and long term produces some gains. 

On MTI Live, it was running on Anotherbriandemo, you can see it in the comments of the published statement on the MTI site.  It's now running on my real account.  I've adjusted the published statement start date of the Anotherbrian MTI Live account to be the same time I started using it.  I also use two other trading strategies on this account.  ForexMorningTrade and dicretionary trading based on Sam Seiden. 

FMT - I use this as more of a scalper with small lot size - this is like a real account test - I didnt back test it.  I watch it the day it trades to see if I should close it or not. 

Sam Seiden - I usually use a 1 or 4 hour chart for this.  This strategy requires patience.  In order to help me with that, I found having a robot running kills most of the urge to trade, so I can wait as long as it takes.

So, time will tell.

See the right side bar for performance or visit these links
Demo MTI Account
Live MTI Account

For the longest time I've been breakeven or losing slowly.  For the past severla months I've been working on EA's and watching them, and trading myself.  I think I found what works for me, as overtrading is a problem.  Let's see what happens!!  Join the MTI competition for some fun.... it's outlined in the post below.

UPDATE (July3, 2011):  The MTI Live website doesn't seem to show things as they really are unless you include ALL history.  I haven't figure it out yet (how to correctly show stats from a certain day forward).
The Tipster SR EA is LIVE.  It's one of the 3 EA's running on my live account.

Calling All Robots v2

This is a re-post.  The first competition had some technical issues with the rules I set up so I stopped it and created another one.  Join in!!

If you use MT4 (or MT5) and trade forex I invite you to join this free contest. The winner gets bragging rights.

I use MTi to track my performance of both live and demo account. My demo account is running a robot and MTi allows me to see the trade stats. They recently added a new feature called "Competitions". I've started a new competition and I invite you to participate. It's called "Calling All Robots"

To enter you need MT4, and an account with MTi. It's easy to sign up. Once you've signed up you download this and install, it installs automatically. You disable the FTP feature in MT4 options as this new file will upload all the trades to MTi. It's pretty slick.

The competition is scheduled to run from Fri, 27 May 2011 14:08 GMT to Wed, 1 Jan 2020 16:00 GMT
Basically, forever!


Rules The competition is open to both live and demo accounts.

• All accounts must be in USD.
• The maximum size of any individual order is 5.00 lots. Competitors will be disqualified if they place an order larger than this during the competition.
• The maximum volume traded during the competition is 10.00 lots. Competitors will be disqualified if the total volume on trades during the competition is larger than this.
• Competitors must not make deposits or withdrawals during the competition.
• Performance is measured from the first equity figure published by your trading software after the competition starts to the last equity figure published before the competition ends.
• Competitors must publish from the same broker account throughout the competition.

ENTER HERE

Leader Board

AnotherBrian is my real account.
AnotherBriandemo runs a robots, or robots, on test.  Most robots are of my own making.

I also have started another competition, "Perpetual Trading", its for real accounts only and runs for a long, long time.