Problem SP500 - Tester cannot calculate prices

[isi1]

Dear freinds
I have met the same problem in MT4 tester for SP500 data from Tisckstory 1.8.7. yesterday, when I tried to use it for the first time.
I have tried to map the export file to two different symbol names of two different brokers: "[SP500]" and "US.500." in the "Map to" field, which has been generated with the mapped name well and to the right directory, but the testing result was the same on both MT4s:

- the tester made zero trades, because it was not able to see the test data fxt file (as it would not exist in the folder, but it is there https://www.screencast.com/t/c4fzRyucS )
- the tester tried to open this test data file and fill it up with his own history data from the broker. This fails due to read-only fxt file permission https://www.screencast.com/t/mEqddzcLJ . If I change the file permissions, MT4s simply overwrite the fxt file.
- the tester stops then, no trades made

I have the MT4s with the Build 1045. I run them for backtesting via Tickstory (F8). All currency pairs work well. I haven´t tried Gold or other symbols which require name mapping yet (I can of course, if it helps).
Many thanks for help.

[tickstory]

Hi Isi1,

You're S&P symbol name looks like it may contain some tricky characters, so firstly make sure you are capturing them correctly.
Here's a few things that might assist solve the issue:

1) Firstly, check to see whether you are getting 99% modelling quality. If you are not due to some sort of Journal error, then;
2) Ensure you have used the correct symbol name as it appears in Metatrader. If you are not entirely sure, please follow these steps to extract the correct symbol name:
a) Set the MT4 Strategy Tester to "open price" modelling quality and set your Period to 'Daily'.
b) Press the 'Start' button.
c) In your MT4 Data Folder you should now see a file called:
<symbolname>1440_1.fxt
You can copy-and-paste this <symbolname> into the "Map to" box.

3) Ensure you have transcribed all your MT4 Settings correctly using this method:
https://tickstory.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=809
This should resolve the "cannot open [5]" error. NOTE: The message saying that the fxt file is "read only" is not an error but a soft warning. The system will continue after this message.

Hope this helps.

[isi1]

Hello

thank you for replying. I have tried to do everything you recommend to ensure that there is the right symbol name used. I have tried even the XAUUSD market, which is named GOLD at my broker Admiral Markets. In all cases, both with SP500 and GOLD symbols the result is negative - the tester makes nothing. As I wrote in my first post - all currency pairs work perfect, I am testing my strategy 2 weeks already with absolutely no problems using them. Even non-five Digits pair worked well (CADJPY).

I have tried to resetup the symbol parameters in FXF file using M4 Data Editor. No change as well, both SP500 and GOLD. The results I have obtained are: https://www.screencast.com/t/gDpx749fSjW
and the test run writes into the MT4 Diary this: https://www.screencast.com/t/4ZPHlEcn1YFC when I use these FXT parameters https://www.screencast.com/t/vp9inytBB .
When I use the FXT parameters from *_1.fxt or *_2.fxt files like https://www.screencast.com/t/XXFwGhuobpR ( from file [SP500]1440_1.fxt ), the test run gives only this two brief rows https://www.screencast.com/t/PdhoErKbu and the test results are the same.

From the first Diary log it seems like the tester is able to start reading the data file, but something kicks him out in less than 2 seconds. May be there is something in the FXT parameters to be set certain way, but I have no idea, what could be that.

Many thanks

[tickstory]

Hi Is1,

Thanks for the screenshots, they are very helpful. It appears that previously mentioned points 1) and 2) are all good. It seems that 3) is the issue.
Please follow the instructions in the provided link for 3). It will instruct you to take these settings:

https://www.screencast.com/t/XXFwGhuobpR

and then put all of them into your 'MT4 Export' settings. I noticed from your screenshot of your exported FXT (https://www.screencast.com/t/vp9inytBB) that your settings do not match your _1.fxt which is why you are getting errors. Remember to match all the fields such as 'Base Currency' which I can see is USA instead of USD.

Please let us know how you go.

Thanks.

[isi1]

Hello
yes, I have noticed the USA x USD problem and tried it yesterday with USD with no success, sorry not mentioning this.
To be sure with FXT parameters, I have repeated whole process:
- I have set the MT4 to generate a new _1 file
- I have made a new export to MT4 using the _1 parameters, here is the control check after generating new _0 file: https://www.screencast.com/t/Xv2QqjSuGMbR
- then restarted the MT4 with F8 and run the test, but no success again
So the question how to set the parameters is still open probably.
Many thanks

[tickstory]

Hi Is1,

As discussed offline, it appears your export is correct (MACD Sample appears to be working and you are getting 99% modelling quality). The only issue now is to encourage your EA to trade. Check out our FAQ on this topic which might help:

https://tickstory.com/help/tickstorylit ... nottrading

Kind regards.