Cycle MT4

Cycle is an expert advisor for MetaTrader 4 that trades in grid cycles. It keeps the BUY side and the SELL side as two independent baskets, increases position size from one cycle to the next, and closes a basket as a single unit rather than managing each trade alone.

How it works

Each direction has its own grid. When a cycle opens, the EA places an initial trade and then adds further trades at set distances as price moves against the basket. Once the basket reaches its exit condition, all of its trades are closed together and the cycle can reset. Because the two sides are separate, a BUY basket can be running deep while the SELL basket completes and restarts on its own schedule.

Lot scaling

Lot size changes between cycles. You can choose a multiplied progression, where each step is a multiple of the previous one, or an additive progression, where a fixed amount is added each time. Automatic lot sizing based on the account is also available. Scaling raises exposure quickly, so it deserves careful testing.

Distance between trades

The gap between grid trades can be fixed, multiplied as the grid deepens, or changed in stages. All distances are entered in pips.

Exits and protection

• Basket take profit, set either as a percentage of the basket's volume value or as pips from the average entry price.
• Virtual basket take profit, stop loss and trailing, handled inside the EA instead of as server-side orders.
• A drawdown-reduction routine that works to shrink an open basket.
• An emergency stop that protects the account when a loss limit is reached.

Trend filter

An optional moving-average filter reads a higher timeframe, while entries are timed on a faster one. The aim is to keep new cycles in line with the dominant direction. The filter can be switched off if you prefer pure grid behaviour.

Markets and timeframes

The EA is tuned for gold (XAUUSD) and runs on any symbol because its distances are in pips. Choose the entry timeframe and the trend timeframe in the inputs. Gold has wide swings and variable spreads, so check your broker's symbol specifications before running it live.

Settings

Exact input names and defaults can differ, so open the inputs tab and read them before trading. The main groups are listed below.

Risk

Grid methods with growing lot sizes can accumulate large positions during a prolonged move against the baskets. Use the built-in limits, keep leverage and lot size modest, and run the EA on a demo account first.

Installation

1. In MT4, choose File, then Open Data Folder.
2. Open MQL4, then Experts, and copy the expert file there.
3. Restart MT4 or refresh the Navigator panel.
4. Open a chart of your chosen symbol and set the entry timeframe.
5. Drag the EA onto the chart, review the inputs and allow algo trading.
6. Confirm the on-chart panel appears and that the AutoTrading button is active.