EA-21983 · Breakout

Previous Candle Breakdown 2

This EA implements a previous candle breakout strategy, entering long when price breaks above the previous candle's high and short when it breaks below the previous candle's low. It is a systematic breakout system that trades on the assumption that momentum from a prior candle's range violation will continue. The strategy typically includes stop-loss and take-profit levels based on the candle range or fixed values.

Open the interactive view (equity curve, symbol switch)

Key facts

CategoryBreakout
RiskMedium
Rating★★☆☆☆
TypeTrading EA
TimeframesM15, H1, H4
IndicatorsPrevious Candle High/Low, ATR
AuthorCopyright © 2018, Vladimir Karputov

Backtest results (H1, about 1 year)

Not backtested yet — this EA could not be converted automatically.

Strategy analysis

The strategy concept is based on trading breakouts of the previous candle, going long when price breaks above the prior candle's high and short when it breaks below the low. Entry conditions are straightforward: a trade is triggered when the current price violates the high or low of the most recently completed candle, which is a classic breakout entry method. Exit conditions typically use fixed take-profit and stop-loss values, or dynamically calculate targets based on the previous candle's range. Position sizing generally employs either fixed lot sizes or percentage-based lot calculation derived from account balance. Money management may include maximum position limits and drawdown controls, though specifics depend on parameter configuration. The core risk of this strategy lies in false breakouts causing frequent losses, and the problem of repeated stop-outs during ranging or choppy market conditions.

Strengths

  • Strategy logic is simple and clear, easy to understand and verify
  • Breakout strategies perform well in trending markets with good profitability
  • Entry conditions are well-defined without ambiguous subjective judgment

Weaknesses

  • False breakouts cause frequent stop-losses, especially in ranging markets
  • Lacks a trend filter, may suffer repeated losses in sideways markets
  • Single candle breakout signal has low reliability and is susceptible to market noise

Possible improvements

  • Add a trend filter (e.g., moving average direction or ADX) to avoid trading in ranging markets
  • Incorporate volume confirmation or multi-breakout verification to improve signal quality
  • Implement dynamic stop-loss and trailing take-profit to better lock in profits

Risk assessment

Overall risk: Medium

  • False breakout risk: single candle breakout signals may generate many false signals
  • Lacks market regime filter: using the same parameters in ranging and trending markets may cause mismatch
  • May lack new bar check: could open duplicate positions within the same candle

Evaluation scores

Code quality3.0
Strategy logic3.0
Risk management2.0
Robustness2.0
Innovation2.0
Documentation1.0
Overall2.2

Parameters

ParameterDefaultDescription
LotSize0.1Fixed trading lot size
StopLoss50Stop loss in points
TakeProfit100Take profit in points
MagicNumber12345EA magic number,for distinguishing orders
TimeframeH1Trading timeframe
MaxSpread30Maximum allowed spread

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

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