How to research your first trading strategy
This guide explains the SYNBAI Nexus workflow without assuming prior backtesting experience. It uses XAUUSD as the main example.
1. Select historical data
Start with a broker export that includes timestamp, open, high, low and close. Choose the correct symbol and timeframe. Compare the timezone and symbol specifications, then set spread, commission and slippage to realistic values. The included demo files are useful for learning the controls, not for proving a live edge.
2. Pick a guided strategy setup
In the strategy builder, select an XAUUSD preset or Automatic scan. A strategy family is a type of rule, such as an EMA trend filter, ATR channel or breakout. A preset is only a starting configuration. Keep the advanced controls closed until you know which setting you need to change.
3. Understand the time split
In-sample (IS) history is used to compare candidate rules. Out-of-sample (OOS) history is held back and evaluated after selection. Looking repeatedly at the same holdout while changing many rules can create selection bias, so reserve fresh history for later confirmation.
4. Read robustness results
Walk-forward analysis applies repeated chronological windows. Monte Carlo reorders or resamples completed OOS trades to illustrate uncertainty. These checks are not forecasts, tick replays, or guarantees; they also cannot correct missing broker costs or incorrect data.
5. Archive and export
Inspect drawdown, trade count, OOS period, WFO folds and the data hash before archiving a candidate. MQL5 export generates source code; it is not compiled or attached to a live chart by the app. Compile in MetaEditor, review it and test on a demo account first.
No strategy is guaranteed profitable. Historical performance is not a promise of future returns. SYNBAI Nexus does not place trades.