Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

synonym

A True Composite Symbol for Multicharts.

Recommended Posts

Hi there

 

I'm a real coding novice and wondered if any of you experts (or non-experts, i'm not choosey!) out there could help me.

 

I want to be able to create a custom symbol in order to chart the spread differential between two (or ideally 3 or more) symbols in Multicharts.

 

I would want to be able to weight the consistuent symbols, so for example have symbol 1 as 1.00, symbol 2 as -0.50 and symbol 3 as -0.50. I would want the function to chart the differential between those symbols as one symbol (and not as an indicator). This would then allow me to utilise all of the indicators and functionality in MC to analyse this true composite symbol.

 

I know i can do this myself, through merging symbol data in excel and using ASCII format to bring it in to MC, but this is messy and timeconsuming. Ideally the composite symbol would be able to import the data from whatever dataprovider i am using and picking the data up from the selected symbols via quotemanager.

 

Someone has created a composite symbol (CompoSymbol) indicator on the MC forum and this can chart the differential between two symbols, but it does this as an indicator and so means you cannot have other indicators/analysis based on it.

 

I was wondering whether,

1. Is this actually possible in MC?

2. Has anyone has already had the need for this and so already done the coding?

3. If so, would they be kind enough to share it?

 

Looking forward to see if anyone can help or advise.

Regards

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
...

Someone has created a composite symbol (CompoSymbol) indicator on the MC forum and this can chart the differential between two symbols, but it does this as an indicator and so means you cannot have other indicators/analysis based on it...

 

Syn

 

 

 

 

Andrew already given you the solution, but I don't think you understood the process.

 

 

Let me try again here, with step-by-step instruction:

 

 

Step One:

 

create a function named spread_d1d2 with the following code:

 

spread_d1d2 = c data1 - c data2;

 

 

Step Two:

 

In your chart (with the 2 data series), apply any indicator you want to use for your analysis.

 

In the "Format Study" window, enter spread_d1d2 as the Price.

 

I have attached the moving average study as illustration.

 

 

HTH

 

 

attachment.php?attachmentid=12120&stc=1&d=1247417471

Format_Study.gif.63a6d70796206121c34152b4f1a92c83.gif

Edited by Tams

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wonder what the practical limit is of MC? In neoticker (which I no longer use) you could build your own indexes from the constituent components as the DAX dosent have a $TICK maybe I'll have a go at making one and seeing if MC can handle it.

 

Another thought does data2 .. data30 .. dataNN generate indicator updates on ticks and is there a limit on NN?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Andrew already given you the solution, but I don't think you understood the process.

 

 

Let me try again here, with step-by-step instruction:

 

Hi Tams,

that's fantastic. You're right Andrew did reply, but being a complete novice at coding i didn't realise the potential of what he was saying.

 

I really hope what you've mentioned works as i'd like it to. That'd be great! Don't take that as though i'm doubting you by the way. I'm just happy that you've probably solved my problem in such a simple way. I'll try it and let you know how i get on.

 

I assume that if i wanted to include more than two symbols in the spread, or make an equity spread where there is a partial ratio between the symbols, e.g. cdata1 - 0.70cdata2 - 0.30cdata2, i would simply include this in the code for the function. Am i right? I'm guessing i might be right in principle, but wrong in code! :haha:

 

Thanks again for your helpful reply.

Syn

Edited by synonym

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I wonder what the practical limit is of MC? In neoticker (which I no longer use) you could build your own indexes from the constituent components as the DAX dosent have a $TICK maybe I'll have a go at making one and seeing if MC can handle it.

 

Another thought does data2 .. data30 .. dataNN generate indicator updates on ticks and is there a limit on NN?

 

It'd be interesting to know how you get on if you do try it. It's a really useful function, as not all data providers have the groupings/sectors, etc that you might want to analyse.

 

I can't see why dataNN would not update on ticks, if you are charting on ticks, but then again, i am far from the best qualified person to answer that question.

 

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
...

I assume that if i wanted to include more than two symbols in the spread, or make an equity spread where there is a partial ratio between the symbols, e.g. cdata1 - 0.70cdata2 - 0.30cdata2, i would simply include this in the code for the function. Am i right? I'm guessing i might be right in principle, but wrong in code! :haha:

 

Thanks again for your helpful reply.

Syn

 

 

 

YUP... you've got it.

 

It is as simple as that !!!

 

 

close data1 - 0.70 * close data2 - 0.30 * close data3

 

 

note: * is the multiplication sign.

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. use brackets to group items together for easier identification:

 

close data1 - ( 0.70 * close data2 ) - ( 0.30 * close data3)

 

 

.

Edited by Tams

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tams do you happen to know if a new print on data2 will generate an indicator update and do you happen to know how you check which data stream generated the update if it does?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Tams do you happen to know if a new print on data2 will generate an indicator update and do you happen to know how you check which data stream generated the update if it does?

 

 

MultiCharts technical support had posted an explanation at their site. (I will try to look for the post.)

Basically any new tick will generate a marker that something has changed, and MultiCharts will update all the dependent calculations and plot the chart accordingly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That sounds adequate to construct your own index.

 

I wonder how scalable it is, at times MC dosent feel that fast and efficient simply receiving storing and displaying data. Maybe OK for building the DJ 30 but I imagine the SP 500 or the Russel 2000 would not be practical.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
YUP... you've got it.

 

It is as simple as that !!!

 

 

close data1 - 0.70 * close data2 - 0.30 * close data3

 

 

note: * is the multiplication sign.

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. use brackets to group items together for easier identification:

 

close data1 - ( 0.70 * close data2 ) - ( 0.30 * close data3)

 

 

.

 

That's brilliant Tams, thank you! I've been unable to get the time to try this since your initial post. But i have today off from work and so i'll be doing it today.

Cheers

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Tams

i'm very please to say that i have got the spread function working perfectly along with various indicators based upon it. So, again thanks very much for your help!

 

The spread_d1d2, obviously plots as an indicator. So now the challenge is for me to find out whether i can base backtesting on this, using the spread_d1d2 indicator as the symbol price to use in the strategy, e.g. for the price of spread_d1d2 to be used as entry and exit points. I'm guessing that this may be rather difficult or impossible, because MC sees spread_d1d2 as an indicator and not a symbol and so MC might not actually allow you to treat it as a symbol.

 

Have you ever tried to use the spread_d1d2 indicator in such a way? It'd be really helpful to know as i have not done any backtesting in MC before and so have a bit of a learning curve to negotiate at the same time!

 

Cheers

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
That sounds adequate to construct your own index.

 

I wonder how scalable it is, at times MC dosent feel that fast and efficient simply receiving storing and displaying data. Maybe OK for building the DJ 30 but I imagine the SP 500 or the Russel 2000 would not be practical.

 

 

EasyLanguage was not designed to build a 2000 stock index.

 

As a matter of fact, EasyLanguage "was" not designed to do a lot of things we do now. It started life at a time when people were only making daily charts; intraday data were not yet readily available to the mass (pre-broadband days). You can see some of the keywords still have the EOD legacy to their design. e.g. Volume, Ticks.

 

In terms of speed, MultiCharts is one of the few programs that can utilize a multi-core CPU. I believe the limitation lies with the data feed, and not the program. (e.g. IB only allows 99 concurrent symbols for most users).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi Tams

i'm very please to say that i have got the spread function working perfectly along with various indicators based upon it. So, again thanks very much for your help!

 

The spread_d1d2, obviously plots as an indicator. So now the challenge is for me to find out whether i can base backtesting on this, using the spread_d1d2 indicator as the symbol price to use in the strategy, e.g. for the price of spread_d1d2 to be used as entry and exit points. I'm guessing that this may be rather difficult or impossible, because MC sees spread_d1d2 as an indicator and not a symbol and so MC might not actually allow you to treat it as a symbol.

 

Have you ever tried to use the spread_d1d2 indicator in such a way? It'd be really helpful to know as i have not done any backtesting in MC before and so have a bit of a learning curve to negotiate at the same time!

 

Cheers

Syn

 

 

Backtesting will give you varied results.

 

Bear in mind, backtesting is not REAL.

At least not "realistic" in 99% on the software on the market today.

 

The only way to make a "real" test is if the software can stream the data (with bid/ask) as if in real time.

 

 

If you base your backtesting on EOB and not IOG, you can obtain some workable results.

 

Enjoy!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Of course. I would only be wanting to do relatively simple backtesting. I like to keep things simple and i don't think complicated TA is useful on spreads. It's more about wanting to get a feel for what things are useful and how and what things are not.

 

Can you please explained what you mean by EOD or IOG?

 

And from your reply, i assume your implying that i can backtest on the basis of using the spread indicator in place of a symbol?

 

Cheers

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
...

And from your reply, i assume your implying that i can backtest on the basis of using the spread indicator in place of a symbol?

 

Cheers

Syn

 

 

see answer from prev post...

 

Backtesting will give you varied results.

 

...

 

If you base your backtesting on EOB and not IOG, you can obtain some workable results.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

p.s.

"Workable results" does not suggest "accurate/dependable/reliable/repeatable results".

With the current technology, backtesting cannot give you "accurate results".

Understanding the mechanics of "backtesting" can help you to "work" with the results you get.

Edited by Tams

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
EasyLanguage was not designed to build a 2000 stock index.

 

As a matter of fact, EasyLanguage "was" not designed to do a lot of things we do now. It started life at a time when people were only making daily charts; intraday data were not yet readily available to the mass (pre-broadband days). You can see some of the keywords still have the EOD legacy to their design. e.g. Volume, Ticks.

 

In terms of speed, MultiCharts is one of the few programs that can utilize a multi-core CPU. I believe the limitation lies with the data feed, and not the program. (e.g. IB only allows 99 concurrent symbols for most users).

 

As an old supercharts user I appreciate it was very different in those days. You may be right, though MC certainly has odd bottlenecks (rasterising used to be very slow pre V5.0 not sure how it is now). Anyway I guess if you are going to do this sort of work Neoticker would be worth considering. The multi core stuff is mainly (only?) for optimising strategies I think? Some of the core tasks (receiving, storing and displaying data) still feel 'sluggish' to me.

 

Having said that it would be fun to do the DJ 30 and see if that works efficiently.

 

As an aside imho some of MC's biggest weaknesses are due to retaining old TS 'features' obviously EL is a massive plus point but some of the other architectural and UI design decisions where hampered by basing them on an ancient (for software) application.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
As an old supercharts user I appreciate it was very different in those days. You may be right, though MC certainly has odd bottlenecks (rasterising used to be very slow pre V5.0 not sure how it is now). Anyway I guess if you are going to do this sort of work Neoticker would be worth considering. The multi core stuff is mainly (only?) for optimising strategies I think? Some of the core tasks (receiving, storing and displaying data) still feel 'sluggish' to me...

 

 

MultiCharts can use multi-core in backtesting/optimization as well as real time charting.

 

You can see a difference if you have multi-screen, lots of charts, and lots of indicators.

Each chart is assigned to a CPU core. If you have a quad-core CPU, you can see the workload is distributed over all 4 cores.

p.s. you can verify this by looking at the CPU Performance graphs in your Task Manager.

 

IO tasks are handled by one CPU. This is a PC hardware and OS logistics limitation, not a MultiCharts issue. This architecture is shared by most computers, except the mainframe and supercomputers.

 

 

.

Edited by Tams

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
MultiCharts can use multi-core in backtesting/optimization as well as real time charting.

 

You can see a difference if you have multi-screen, lots of charts, and lots of indicators.

Each chart is assigned to a CPU core. If you have a quad-core CPU, you can see the workload is distributed over all 4 cores.

However the IO tasks are handled by one CPU. This is a PC hardware and OS logistics limitation, not a MultiCharts issue. This architecture is shared by most computers, except the mainframe and supercomputers.

 

I didn't know that different charts used different threads,you live and learn.:) In the past 'IO' (receiving data, storing it and rasterising it) has been slugish (imo of course). Mind you the v5.0 patch notes mentioned significant improvements, 10 times for rasterising charts I believe. One way of looking at that is the old stuff was 'slow' well 10 times slower at least.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I wonder what the practical limit is of MC? In neoticker (which I no longer use) you could build your own indexes from the constituent components as the DAX dosent have a $TICK maybe I'll have a go at making one and seeing if MC can handle it.

 

Another thought does data2 .. data30 .. dataNN generate indicator updates on ticks and is there a limit on NN?

 

Hi BlowFish

just out of interest, does that mean neotciker can create such a custom symbol that can be used just as a real symbol, i.e. so you can make full use of neoticker's functionality on it?

Also, not being nosey, i just wondered why do you no longer use neoticker? Any particular weakness(es)?

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi BlowFish

just out of interest, does that mean neotciker can create such a custom symbol that can be used just as a real symbol, i.e. so you can make full use of neoticker's functionality on it?

Also, not being nosey, i just wondered why do you no longer use neoticker? Any particular weakness(es)?

Syn

 

Neoticker is a great product though it has a pretty steep learning curve compared to good old easy language it seems pretty hard to me! It is fast and flexible but you pay for that power by having a lot to learn. The main reason I stopped using it (many years ago now) was I had some data management issues with odd holes appearing in my tick data. Looking back it probably wasn't that big of a deal though it was irritating. Take a look at TickQuest Inc. NeoTicker® - Professional Traders & Analysts NeoBreadth halfway down the page. Though I don't want to distract you from what you are doing!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NeoTicker is one powerful program; little known in the retail sector, it is mostly used by professionals and institutions. If I had not bought MultiCharts, it would be on the top of my list.

 

 

BTW, NeoTicker can do multi-stream tick playback. It is one of the few programs that can perform a forward backtest.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Neoticker is a great product though it has a pretty steep learning curve compared to good old easy language it seems pretty hard to me! It is fast and flexible but you pay for that power by having a lot to learn. The main reason I stopped using it (many years ago now) was I had some data management issues with odd holes appearing in my tick data. Looking back it probably wasn't that big of a deal though it was irritating. Take a look at TickQuest Inc. NeoTicker® - Professional Traders & Analysts NeoBreadth halfway down the page. Though I don't want to distract you from what you are doing!

 

I've just had a look. Looks absolutely perfect for my needs. But if it involves having to be more reliant on tougher coding than MC then i don't think it would be for me. But i'll definitely take a closer look.

 

Thanks BlowFish!

 

Syn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
NeoTicker is one powerful program; little known in the retail sector, it is mostly used by professionals and institutions. If I had not bought MultiCharts, it would be on the top of my list.

 

 

BTW, NeoTicker can do multi-stream tick playback. It is one of the few programs that can perform a forward backtest.

 

I looked at Neoticker when i was buying MC. But i was put off by the complexity of it. In my perfect world, i could do the whole lot without having to touch any code. I guessed to use Neoticker you have to rely upon code more than you do using MC?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.