EA-20976 · Trend Following

Exp_AbsolutelyNoLagLwma_X2

This EA is a dual moving average crossover system using AbsolutelyNoLagLWMA (a zero-lag linearly weighted moving average) on two timeframes to generate trend-following signals. It enters long when the fast NoLagLWMA crosses above the slow NoLagLWMA and enters short on the reverse cross, with exits on opposing signals. The strategy aims to eliminate lag inherent in traditional moving averages for faster trend detection and earlier entry.

Open the interactive view (equity curve, symbol switch)

Key facts

RiskMedium
Blow-up riskLow
Rating★★★☆☆
TypeTrading EA
TimeframesM15, H1, H4
IndicatorsAbsolutelyNoLagLWMA, LWMA
AuthorCopyright © 2018, Nikolay Kositsin

Backtest results (H1, about 1 year)

SymbolP&LAnnualMax DDTradesWin rateSharpeRecoveryLosing streakPer tradeStatus
EURUSD0.00%0.00%0.00%0—————Not convertible yet
GBPUSD0.00%0.00%0.00%0—————Not convertible yet
USDJPY0.00%0.00%0.00%0—————Not convertible yet
XAUUSD0.00%0.00%0.00%0—————Not convertible yet

Why this EA never traded: no entry rule survived the conversion.

Converted from MQL5 to Python and run with the same rules for every EA. Positions use MT5 lot sizes (100,000 units per FX lot, 100 oz per gold lot) with 1:100 leverage, one order at a time, and a stop-out below 10% of the starting balance. Sharpe is computed from the equity curve. Results marked as unreliable are shown for completeness only.

Blow-up risk: No blow-up pattern found

None of the usual blow-up patterns were found in the code, and the account was not stopped out in our backtests. That is not a guarantee: any EA can lose money.

High: stopped out in our backtest, or martingale/grid sizing without a stop loss. Elevated: martingale or grid sizing with a stop loss, or several positions at once without a stop loss. What the label means and what we found →

Strategy analysis

The strategy concept is based on crossover signals from the AbsolutelyNoLagLWMA, a zero-lag variant of the linearly weighted moving average, with the X2 version employing two NoLagLWMAs of different periods for trend identification. Entry conditions trigger a long position when the faster NoLagLWMA crosses above the slower NoLagLWMA and a short position on the reverse crossover, representing a classic dual moving average crossover trend-following approach. Exit conditions primarily rely on opposing crossover signals for position closure, supplemented by configurable stop-loss and take-profit parameters for risk control. Position sizing is handled through a Lot parameter that controls trade volume, but the EA lacks sophisticated dynamic position sizing mechanisms such as ATR-based or equity-based scaling. Money management relies on fixed lot sizes or simple proportional rules without dynamic adjustment based on account equity, drawdown, or market volatility. Overall, the core advantage of this strategy lies in the fast response characteristic of the zero-lag moving average, but it still faces the inherent problem of false signals during ranging markets that all moving average crossover systems encounter.

Strengths

  • The zero-lag moving average reduces signal delay inherent in traditional MAs, enabling earlier detection of trend reversals
  • Dual timeframe confirmation helps filter out some false signals and improves entry quality
  • Strategy logic is clean and simple with few parameters, making it easy to understand and optimize
  • Systematic execution eliminates emotional interference, strictly following signal-based trading rules

Weaknesses

  • Moving average crossover systems are prone to frequent false signals during ranging markets, leading to consecutive losses
  • Default stop-loss and take-profit values are 0, presenting unlimited loss risk
  • Lacks dynamic position sizing that adapts to market volatility
  • No range market filter, so the trend-following strategy underperforms during sideways markets
  • Single indicator dependency without multi-dimensional confirmation mechanisms

Possible improvements

  • Add an ADX or volatility filter to reduce trading frequency or pause trading during ranging markets
  • Implement ATR-based dynamic stop-loss, take-profit, and position sizing for adaptive risk control
  • Add multi-timeframe trend consistency checks, only entering when the higher timeframe trend aligns

Risk assessment

Overall risk: Medium

  • Default stop-loss of 0 presents unlimited loss risk if not manually configured
  • MA crossovers generate consecutive false signals in ranging markets leading to drawdown
  • Lacks maximum drawdown protection and money management rules
  • No trade frequency limit, potentially opening many positions in quick succession

Evaluation scores

Code quality3.0
Strategy logic3.0
Risk management2.0
Robustness2.0
Innovation4.0
Documentation2.0
Overall2.7

Parameters

ParameterDefaultDescription
Lot0.1Lot size per trade
StopLoss0Stop loss in points, max loss per trade
TakeProfit0Group TP in points, close all at this profit
NoLagLwma_Period112Fast no-lag LWMA period
NoLagLwma_Period224Slow no-lag LWMA period
Timeframe1H1First timeframe
Timeframe2H4Second timeframe
MagicNumber12345EA magic number to distinguish trade instances
Slippage3Maximum allowed slippage

Similar Trend Following EAs

Backtests are historical simulations and do not guarantee future results. Not financial advice.

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