Explore the strategy →Description
EA LAB • EA #012 • MT5 v1.08
Bollinger MA Reversal
Test three closed-candle band-reversal models in one configurable MT5 Expert Advisor. Choose your moving-average permission, physical initial stop, target model and trailing behavior.
What this EA does
EA012 automates rule-based Bollinger Band rejection and re-entry on ordinary MT5 candles. It evaluates completed candles on a user-selected signal timeframe, applies optional MA direction filtering, checks execution conditions and places a market order with a physical initial stop. No separate custom indicator needs to be installed.
The supplied GBPUSD M30 configuration uses Bollinger 20/2, EMA 50 price-side permission, a 4 ATR initial stop and dynamic opposite-band exit with BB-basis trailing. You can change these choices and test your own system. The preset documents an example; it is not a universal live recommendation.
Configurable entries
Next-candle confirmation, same-candle rejection or close-outside/close-back re-entry. Candle-color, strong-close or no-color confirmation.
Configurable exits
Opposite band, BB middle, fixed initial RR or dynamic band-touch exit. Optional ATR/basis trailing and opposite-signal close.
Strategy logic you can inspect
- Calculate Bollinger Bands, a separate MA and ATR on the selected signal timeframe.
- Identify a closed lower-band BUY or upper-band SELL setup using the selected model.
- Apply candle confirmation and the configured MA rule.
- Check license, trade permissions, session, spread, existing symbol positions and cooldown.
- Validate initial SL/TP, volume and margin; place the order and manage subsequent closed-bar exits.
BUYs execute at Ask and SELLs at Bid after signal confirmation. The actual fill can differ from the signal close. Dynamic exits and trailing are new-bar evaluations, not continuous intrabar chasing. Broker SL and fixed TP orders may execute between evaluations.
The system is an independent configurable reconstruction inspired by a Bollinger + MA video. Undisclosed original execution rules are explicit choices in this EA. It is not an official or certified replication, and results attributed to the video are not results for this product.
The controls that matter
| Category | Available controls |
|---|---|
| Signal | Timeframe, three entry modes, three confirmation choices, Bollinger period/deviation, touch tolerance and cooldown. |
| MA permission | Off, price-side, slope or both; configurable period/method and slope lookback. |
| Initial SL | Two-candle extreme plus ATR buffer, ATR multiple, or outer band plus buffer. |
| Targets | Fixed opposite band, fixed BB basis, fixed RR or dynamic opposite-band market close. |
| Trailing | Off, ATR distance from closed candle, or BB basis; only tightens valid stops. |
| Money management | Nominal balance-risk percentage or fixed lot, with broker step/minimum and user maximum. |
| Execution | BUY/SELL switches, ATR-scaled spread ceiling, cooldown and broker server-time hours. |
| Visuals | Clean dark chart, optional band/basis/MA lines, actual entry/exit paths and signed realized RR. |
Real historical examples
The preset uses a dynamic target, so the inactive FixedRR setting does not predict the realized outcome. RR compares signed actual price distance with the original stop distance before commission/swap. It is not account-return percentage.
Visible examples include both favorable and unfavorable outcomes. The chart’s generic TP caption does not identify the broker exit reason. Use MT5 Deals to verify exact reason, costs and net P/L. The full test model, period, profitability and drawdown cannot be established from these individual images alone.
What you receive
- EA_012_Bollinger_MA_Reversal_EALAB_v1_08.ex5 – compiled MT5 Expert Advisor.
- EA_012_Bollinger_MA_Reversal_GBPUSD_M30.set – example input configuration.
- English PDF user manual with actual screenshots and complete parameter reference.
- English quick-start README explaining installation, activation and preset behavior.
- EA LAB license for demo/live use; Strategy Tester and optimization bypass online validation.
The source MQ5 is not included in the customer download. Download delivery is intended through WooCommerce after purchase; the compiled paid robot must not be exposed at a public permanent media URL.
Installation and activation
- Copy the compiled EX5 into MQL5/Experts using File > Open Data Folder.
- Restart or refresh MT5 Navigator, then attach the EA to your broker symbol.
- Load the example SET in Inputs and confirm the signal timeframe and risk.
- Enable Algo Trading and allow WebRequest for https://ea-lab.dev in Tools > Options > Expert Advisors.
- Enter your EA012 license key and verify LICENSE ACTIVE on demo/live. TESTER MODE is normal in Strategy Tester.
The standard license supports two authorized MT5 account/server combinations, enforced by EA LAB’s license service. After a successful check, temporary network failure can use a 72-hour authorization grace period. Explicit license rejection blocks new entries without grace. Existing positions remain managed.
Backtesting and optimization
Use the exact broker symbol and saved SET. Real-tick validation matters even for closed-candle signals because spread and physical stop/target execution are intrabar. Keep an untouched chronological validation window and inspect neighboring parameters; then run demo forward testing.
Select Custom max to rank by Smooth Equity. This criterion weighs return, equity linearity and weekly balance progress and penalizes drawdown, underwater volatility and stagnation. The default gates require at least 40 trades and at most 35% relative equity drawdown. Those gates are optimizer acceptance rules, not account protection during live trading.
Optimize entries and MA permissions first, then active stop/target inputs, then optional trailing and execution filters. Do not optimize a huge simultaneous grid or inactive settings. Timeframes should be selected discretely. The manual gives suggested research ranges rather than claiming a best configuration.
Version and compatibility
Version 1.08: historical ENTRY and exit text is anchored at exact deal time/price. Candle wicks remain visible; live SL/TP/target-RR overlays are intentionally hidden. Legacy InpShowActiveLevels remains in older SETs for compatibility but does not draw active levels. ATR is internal and not plotted.
The supplied source, EX5 filenames and screenshot panels identify v1.08. Source was reviewed for this description; compilation, binary equivalence and live execution were not independently certified here. Broker contract specifications, quotes, spread, costs and execution can change results.
Frequently asked questions
Can I backtest without activating a live account?
Yes. Strategy Tester and optimization bypass the online license check.
Can I trade more than one position on a symbol?
EA012 does not pyramid. Any existing position on that symbol blocks a new entry, including manual or other-EA positions.
Does the trading-hours filter close positions?
No. It restricts new entries; management remains active. Hours use broker server time.
Why does a setup marker have no entry?
It marks the signal rules, while spread, license, hours, volume, margin, cooldown and symbol occupancy can still prevent execution.
Does the original 3% SET fix my maximum loss?
No. It targets nominal initial stop risk from balance; costs, gaps and slippage can change realized loss. Choose your own risk after testing.
Is there a ready cTrader or TradingView version?
This release is MT5. Another platform would require a separate confirmed implementation.
UNDERSTAND THE RULES
Bollinger MA Reversal Strategy
Explore the entry models, MA permission, dynamic exit timing and actual winning/losing examples before testing your own configuration.
Trading software, not managed investing. Historical results do not guarantee future performance. Trading can result in partial or total loss of capital. Support: ea@ea-lab.dev.
Video inspiration
The original inspiration for the Bollinger MA Reversal approach was this YouTube video. EA012 is an independent, configurable EA LAB implementation for MT5. No affiliation or endorsement by the video creator is implied. Video results are not EA012 backtest results.
