Best posts made by chance4373

I know this has been talked about before but considering the recent update to the optimization criteria in Strategy Tester for MT5 I figured I'd share an easy way to add custom max criteria to your EAs.

Open MetaQuotes Language Editor (or hit F4) then click crtl + F to find the words "custom functions" in the code. Past your OnTester() function in this section under the header. For instance I prefer to optimize to max balance multiplied by max profit factor. The code I use looks like this:

Now all you need to do is select "custom max" as your optimization criteria and it will optimize your EA according to this function.

Re: onTester()

I always look at Profit factor, profit, drawdown, and number of trades as a starting point to evaluating any of my EAs. Typically a high profit factor with low drawdown is more consistent at making money. However, profit factor and drawdown on their own can be misleading which is why I also look at the number of trades. You could have a really high profit factor and low drawdown but the EA only made a few trades. On the flip side, I personally would also not want my EA making too many trades unless it had a nearly straight equity curve. Just my personal opinion but everyone has their own preferences.