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How to Backtest the Alpha 4 Portfolio in MT5

Can you backtest the entire Alpha 4 Portfolio (US30, NAS100, XAUUSD, GBPJPY) all at once on a single chart?

Yes, absolutely. MetaTrader 5 has built-in support for multi-symbol, multi-timeframe backtesting. Even though you attach the EA to only one chart, MT5 automatically downloads the market data for all four instruments and simulates them together in real time.

3 Quick Steps to Run the Test​

You don't need any programming knowledge or complex settings. Follow these three simple steps:

Step 1: Open the Strategy Tester in MT5​

  1. Open your MetaTrader 5 terminal.
  2. In the top menu, click View → Strategy Tester (or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + R).
  3. At the bottom or side of your screen, the Strategy Tester panel will appear. Click on the Settings tab.

Step 2: Configure Your Test Settings​

Set the options in the Settings tab as follows:

FieldRecommended ValueWhy?
ExpertAIMSBubbleEA (or AIMSBubbleEA.ex5)The automated trading robot.
SymbolEURUSD or US30Host Symbol: Any active market. The EA uses ticks from this chart to drive its internal clock.
TimeframeH1 (1 Hour)The base host timeframe.
DateCustom period (e.g. 2020.01.01 to Today)Tests through bull markets, bear markets, and high volatility.
ForwardNoNot needed for standard verification.
DelaysZero latency or 50 msSimulates realistic execution speed.
ModelingEvery tick based on real ticks (or Every tick)Crucial for accurate slippage, spreads, and trailing stop execution.
Deposit$10,000 (USD) with 1:100 LeverageStandard testing capital.
What is the "Host Symbol"?

Because the Alpha 4 engine trades 4 markets from 1 chart, you can put the Strategy Tester on almost any major symbol like EURUSD or US30. The EA will automatically run:

  • Worker 1: US30 on H1
  • Worker 2: NAS100 on H4
  • Worker 3: XAUUSD (Gold) on H4
  • Worker 4: GBPJPY on H1

Step 3: Load the Alpha 4 Preset and Click Start​

  1. Switch to the Inputs tab in the Strategy Tester.

  2. Right-click anywhere in the table of parameters and select Load.

  3. Choose the preset file:

    AIMSBubble-Portfolio-Alpha4.set

    (Located in your MQL5/Presets/AIMSBubbleEA/ folder).

    Note: If you don't have the .set file handy, simply find the input parameter called Operating Mode at the very top of the list and set it to:
    Alpha 4 Multi-Symbol Portfolio (One-Chart Auto-Pilot)

  4. Click the green Start button at the bottom right.

MT5 will now download the tick history for all 4 symbols, run the strategy across the entire test period, and combine all profits and losses into one smooth equity curve!

How to Read Your Results​

Once the test finishes (it usually takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on your computer's speed), click the tabs at the bottom of the Strategy Tester:

  1. Graph Tab: Shows your balance and equity line over time. In a well-diversified 4-asset portfolio, you should see a steady diagonal uptrend with shallow pullbacks because when one market is quiet or experiencing a drawdown, another is taking profits.
  2. Backtest Tab: Gives you your final scorecard:
    • Profit Factor (PF): Target is above 1.40 (Gross Profit divided by Gross Loss).
    • Max Equity Drawdown: The maximum peak-to-valley drop (institutional target is under 10%).
    • Win Rate: Typically between 55% and 68% across the basket.

3 Important Things Beginners Should Know​

1. Make Sure the Symbols Exist in Your Market Watch​

Before starting the backtest for the first time, open MT5's Market Watch window (Ctrl + M), right-click inside it, and click Show All. This ensures MT5 can find the historical data for US30, NAS100, XAUUSD, and GBPJPY.

2. Does Your Broker Use Suffixes? (e.g. US30.pro or GOLD)​

Different brokers use slightly different names for indices and gold:

  • Some brokers call Dow Jones US30, while others use DJ30, USA30, or US30.cash.
  • Some call Gold XAUUSD, while others call it GOLD.

The AIMS Bubble EA has an automatic name detector built in. It automatically finds your broker's matching symbol. However, if your broker uses an unusual name, you can type it directly in the EA's inputs:

  • Override Symbol for US30: type your broker's name (e.g. US30m)
  • Override Symbol for NAS100: type your broker's name (e.g. USTECm)
  • Override Symbol for Gold: type your broker's name (e.g. GOLDm)
  • Override Symbol for Forex: type your broker's name (e.g. GBPJPYm)

3. Automatic 3% Global Risk Shield​

When backtesting the Alpha 4 portfolio, you will notice that the EA never over-leverages your account. The built-in Risk Shield continuously monitors all open positions. If all 4 markets enter trades at the exact same time, total open risk is mathematically capped at 3.0% maximum exposure, keeping your account completely safe from margin calls.

Next Steps​