# 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.

### Empirical Testing Protocol & Verification GuidanceUser Testing Standard

Published metrics reflect our institutional test suite across 2020.01.02 – 2026.09.30 (6.75 Years, Real Ticks) on Pepperstone real tick data.

The metrics, equity curves, and profit factors published on this site represent **our internal historical research benchmarks**. Market conditions, execution latency, broker spread spreads, overnight swap rates, and slippage vary between individual brokerages.

We strongly encourage every trader to **take the provided parameter templates (.set presets)** and conduct your own rigorous local backtests and forward tests before allocating live capital to AIMS Bubble EA MT5 (Alpha 4 Portfolio Mode).

1

#### Load Tuned Set Files

Start with the tested `.set` preset files bundled with your product release package. These provide hardened baselines with optimized ATR multiples and entry thresholds.

2

#### Backtest on Your Broker

Execute your own historical runs in MetaTrader Strategy Tester using tick-quality historical data from your chosen broker to verify spread and slippage tolerance.

3

#### Forward-Test on Demo

Run the EA on a demo account across at least **20 to 50 live forward trades** (or 2 to 4 weeks). Observe order placement, partial closes, and trailing stops under real market dynamics.

**Educational & Software Research Notice:** Past simulated performance does not guarantee future market results. All trading involves substantial financial risk. Algorithms are designed as systematic execution tools, not automated profit guarantees.

***

## 3 Quick Steps to Run the Test[​](#3-quick-steps-to-run-the-test "Direct link to 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[​](#step-1-open-the-strategy-tester-in-mt5 "Direct link to 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[​](#step-2-configure-your-test-settings "Direct link to Step 2: Configure Your Test Settings")

Set the options in the **Settings** tab as follows:

| Field         | Recommended Value                                      | Why?                                                                                               |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Expert**    | `AIMSBubbleEA` (or `AIMSBubbleEA.ex5`)                 | The automated trading robot.                                                                       |
| **Symbol**    | `EURUSD` or `US30`                                     | **Host Symbol:** Any active market. The EA uses ticks from this chart to drive its internal clock. |
| **Timeframe** | `H1` (1 Hour)                                          | The base host timeframe.                                                                           |
| **Date**      | `Custom period` (e.g. `2020.01.01` to Today)           | Tests through bull markets, bear markets, and high volatility.                                     |
| **Forward**   | `No`                                                   | Not needed for standard verification.                                                              |
| **Delays**    | `Zero latency` or `50 ms`                              | Simulates realistic execution speed.                                                               |
| **Modeling**  | **Every tick based on real ticks** (or **Every tick**) | Crucial for accurate slippage, spreads, and trailing stop execution.                               |
| **Deposit**   | `$10,000` (USD) with **`1:100`** Leverage              | Standard 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[​](#step-3-load-the-alpha-4-preset-and-click-start "Direct link to 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:<br />`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[​](#how-to-read-your-results "Direct link to 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[​](#3-important-things-beginners-should-know "Direct link to 3 Important Things Beginners Should Know")

### 1. Make Sure the Symbols Exist in Your Market Watch[​](#1-make-sure-the-symbols-exist-in-your-market-watch "Direct link to 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`)[​](#2-does-your-broker-use-suffixes-eg-us30pro-or-gold "Direct link to 2-does-your-broker-use-suffixes-eg-us30pro-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[​](#3-automatic-3-global-risk-shield "Direct link to 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[​](#next-steps "Direct link to Next Steps")

* To explore the detailed empirical trade statistics and see the live interactive terminal, visit the [Portfolio & Presets Guide](/eas/aims-bubble/docs/portfolio.md).
* To understand the mechanics of the Keltner band exhaustion signals, read the [Two-Tier Strategy Guide](/eas/aims-bubble/docs/strategy.md).
* For institutional hedge-fund validation metrics (Monte Carlo, Walk-Forward, and Spread-Shock), view the [Institutional Robustness Audit](/eas/aims-bubble/docs/institutional-audit.md).