This page is designed for users of the SENTINEL Heikin-Ashi Expert Advisor (MT5). If you’re looking for the .set files to replicate the backtests shown in the Market screenshots, they can be found in Market_Screenshot_Backtests.zip. For a forward-focused approach that balances risk and reward, we recommend considering SENTINEL_Heikin-Ashi_Set_Collection_1.zip.
SENTINEL Heikin-Ashi Set Collection
The SENTINEL_Heikin-Ashi_Set_Collection_1.zip file available for download on this page contains parameter configuration files (.set) for the SENTINEL Heikin-Ashi Expert Advisor. Below is an example of how these files are named:
Each name follows this format:
- Abbreviated Expert Advisor name and version
- Symbol
- Backtest start date
- Backtest end date
- Timeframe
- Strategy direction
The strategy direction is included because SENTINEL Heikin-Ashi allows parameter optimization separately for long and short strategies.
About Backtesting
Backtests are conducted over periods ranging from 4 to 7 years to ensure reliable results. To minimize overfitting, parameter optimization is performed using only the first half of the data, reserving the second half for forward testing. This approach reduces the risk of over-optimization and ensures more predictive parameter combinations.
Results that focus solely on maximum profitability are not considered indicative of quality. Instead, we use the Strategy Tester’s Complex Criterion max, a metric that evaluates backtesting quality through key factors such as the number of trades, drawdown, recovery factor, mathematical expectation, and Sharpe ratio. (Learn more here).
Given the variability in historical data, leverage, and broker-specific conditions, as well as differences in account capital, it is strongly recommended to conduct backtesting using data from the broker you intend to trade with. This is particularly important for strategies applied to lower timeframes.
The sets in the SENTINEL Heikin-Ashi Set Collection exclude configurations that do not individually outperform the S&P 500 index between 1989 and 2024. During this period, the S&P 500 achieved a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5% (excluding dividend reinvestment), a maximum drawdown of 57%, and a Sharpe ratio of 0.57. Furthermore, drawdowns in this collection have been normalized to a target of 12%.
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The average annual growth rate of an investment over a specified period, assuming all profits are reinvested at the end of each year.
Visual Insights from Backtesting
Below are backtesting charts that illustrate the historical performance of the optimized parameters included in each .set file.
Although the parameters were optimized using a forward approach, they have been applied to the full testing period to generate these visuals.
These charts reflect the results achieved using the historical data tested but are not universal. Specific testing with your broker’s data is strongly encouraged.
Backtesting updates are aligned with changing market conditions. Generally, 7-year backtests (H4) will be refreshed every 6 to 12 months, while 4-year backtests (M30) will be updated more frequently, approximately every 3 to 6 months.
The results obtained from using the software referenced in this guide are not guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The developer of this module is not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from its use. The developer does not guarantee ongoing support or updates. Use the software at your own risk.