OVERVIEW

The following document describes how to import quality historical trading data into Metatrader 5* using Tickstory.  This will produce 99% modelling quality back-tests.  Aside from back-testing, the data that you import can also be used to display charts within Metatrader.

*NOTE: This guide is for Metatrader 5.  If you are using Metatrader 4, please see our guide on out how to get 99% Modelling Quality Back-tests in Metatrader 4 using Tickstory.

 

STEP 1 – Install Tickstory

Download Tickstory from our website and install it.

STEP 2 – Export Data

In Tickstory, select the financial symbol you wish to export.  Tickstory provides easy historical data access to a number of financial instruments that span Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks and even Crypto-Currencies.  You can test with any financial symbol you choose and Tickstory handles the historical tick data downloads and export all by itself.  This makes Metatrader 5 back-tests of your Expert Advisers the most accurate they can be with only a few simple steps!

In our example, we will select the FX symbol EURUSD for export.  Right-click on EURUSD and select “Export to MT5” and then “Bars…” as shown in the screenshot.

The following window will appear which will allow you to specify your export settings:

As denoted in the screenshot:

1. Select the date range that you wish to test.

2. Select the time-frame which should be 1-minute bars.  Also select the time-zone of your broker.

3. Select the location for the exported file.

STEP 3 – Import data into Metatrader 5

Custom symbols allow you to create your own instruments in the Metatrader 5 terminal.  From there, you can import your own data into the symbol and then use it for back-testing or charting.

In Metatrader 5, go to the View->Symbols menu.

The ‘Symbols’ window as shown will appear.

  1. Select the “EURUSD” symbol from the “Specifications” box (Hint: You can search for a symbol quickly by using the search bar and entering the symbol name).
  2. Select ‘Create Custom Symbol’.  A new dialog box will appear with all the copied specifications for EURUSD.
  3. In the ‘Symbol’ field, enter a unique name for your symbol such as “EURUSD_tickstory”.
  4. Review the remaining details.  The main setting to note is that the “Digits” field is 5.  Please consult the Metatrader 5 Help Manual for an explanation of the other settings.
  5. Press OK to create the new custom symbol.

Now select the ‘Bars’ tab and select the ‘Import Bars’ option (Make sure your custom symbol is selected along with ‘M1’ time-frame!)

Select the data file you exported using Tickstory (ie. “EURUSD_mt5_bars.csv“). Once selected, Metatrader 5 will begin the import process.

STEP 4 – TEST!

In Metatrader 5, select the View->Strategy Tester option to show the tester.

  1. Select the Expert Advisor you wish to test.
  2. Select the custom symbol you just created. The tester will use the data you just imported.
  3. Select the date range you wish to test.  Make sure these dates are within the range you have exported, otherwise you will not get any results!
  4. Select the ‘Every tick‘ modelling method.
  5. Start the test!

And that’s it! When the test completes, you will have 99% quality on your back-test.