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Strategy vault / Trend following

Moving Average Crossover Multi Timeframe Strategy

This strategy is based on moving average crossover system, using golden cross and death cross of moving averages in different timeframes to determine entry and exit points. It also combines features like trailing…

Author
ChaoZhang
Complexity
Advanced · 318 lines
Parameters
37
Backtest bar
4h · intraday
Tested on
BTC/USDT · futures

Overview

This strategy is based on moving average crossover system, using golden cross and death cross of moving averages in different timeframes to determine entry and exit points. It also combines features like trailing stop loss, take profit and stop loss to lock in profits and mitigate risks.

Strategy Logic

The strategy utilizes two sets of moving averages, fast MA and slow MA. The fast MA has a shorter period to capture short-term trend, while the slow MA has a longer period for long-term trend. When the fast MA crosses above the slow MA, a golden cross occurs, signaling an uptrend. When the fast MA crosses below the slow MA, a death cross occurs, signaling a downtrend.

In the code, the fast MA is ma1, slow MA is ma2. Both ma1 and ma2 can be different types like SMA, EMA, with customizable periods. ma1 represents short-term trend with shorter period, ma2 represents long-term trend with longer period.

When ma1 golden crosses ma2, a long signal is generated. When ma1 death crosses ma2, a short signal is generated. In actual trading, features like trailing stop loss, take profit and stop loss can be added to lock in profits and control risks.

Advantage Analysis

The strategy has the following advantages:

  1. Simple and easy-to-understand logic.

  2. Flexible in choosing different types and parameters of MAs for different market conditions.

  3. Multi-timeframe design to capture both short and long term trends.

  4. Customizable entry rules to strictly control trading frequency.

  5. Configurable stop loss and take profit to effectively manage risks.

  6. Trend trailing stop loss allows profit to run.

  7. Optimizable parameters for more robustness.

Risk Analysis

The strategy also has the following risks:

  1. Lagging issue of dual MA crossovers may miss best reversal timing.

  2. Improper MA periods may generate more false signals.

  3. Sudden reversals may hit stop loss.

  4. Price may stay on one side of MA for extended periods in trending markets.

  5. Over-optimization over fitted parameters.

Risk management measures:

  1. Add filters to avoid false breakout signals.

  2. Test and optimize MA periods based on trading principles.

  3. Careful risk control and reasonable stop loss placement.

  4. Accept necessary cost of patience.

  5. Robustness test under different market conditions.

Optimization Directions

The strategy can be improved from the following aspects:

  1. Test more types of MA, like weighted moving average.

  2. Add dynamic periods based on volatility.

  3. Add filters like time and fundamentals to entry rules.

  4. Use adaptive stops that adjust to market volatility.

  5. Build parameter optimization system for backtesting.

  6. Incorporate machine learning to optimize parameters and filter signals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this moving average crossover multi timeframe strategy has simple and clear logic to follow trends using fast and slow MA crossovers. With proper parameter selection, optimized entry/exit rules and risk control, it can achieve steady profits. However, users need to tolerate lagging risks and waiting time costs. Overall it is a simple, practical strategy worth optimizing and risk control for adapting to more market conditions.

Parameters

NameDefaultWhat it controls
v_input_12018Backtest Start Year
v_input_2trueBacktest Start Month
v_input_3trueBacktest Start Day
v_input_49999Backtest Stop Year
v_input_512Backtest Stop Month
v_input_631Backtest Stop Day
v_input_70--------Moving Average 1----------: ----
v_input_8falseUse Different Resolution?
v_input_960Set Resolution Minutes
v_input_100MA: EMA | SMA | DEMA | TEMA | WMA | VWMA | SMMA | Hull | LSMA | ALMA
v_input_11_close0Source: close | high | low | open | hl2 | hlc3 | hlcc4 | ohlc4
v_input_1215Period
v_input_13trueLeast Squares (LSMA) Only - Offset Value
v_input_140.85Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Offset Value
v_input_156Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Sigma Value
v_input_160--------Moving Average 2----------: ----
v_input_17falseUse Different Resolution?
v_input_1860Set Resolution Minutes
v_input_190MA: EMA | SMA | DEMA | TEMA | WMA | VWMA | SMMA | Hull | LSMA | ALMA
v_input_20_close0Source: close | high | low | open | hl2 | hlc3 | hlcc4 | ohlc4
v_input_2130Period
v_input_22trueLeast Squares (LSMA) Only - Offset Value
v_input_230.85Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Offset Value
v_input_246Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Sigma Value
v_input_25falseLongs Only
v_input_26falseShorts Only
v_input_27falseFlip the Opens
v_input_28truePyramiding less than
v_input_29falsePyramiding equal to
v_input_301000000Pyramiding greater than
v_input_31falseTrailing Stop
v_input_321000Activate Trailing Stop Price (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)
v_input_33575Trailing Stop (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)
v_input_34falseTake Profit
v_input_35300Take Profit (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)
v_input_36falseStop Loss
v_input_37575Stop Loss (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)

Source Pine Script

/*backtest
start: 2023-09-08 00:00:00
end: 2023-10-08 00:00:00
period: 4h
basePeriod: 15m
exchanges: [{"eid":"Futures_Binance","currency":"BTC_USDT"}]
*/

//@version=3
// The majority of this script I took from the Autoview website. There are some typos in the original that I've fixed, some things I've added, things I will add, and I'm tired pulling my strategy code out and uploading this to pastebin for people.
// DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial advisor, this is not financial advice, do not use this code without first doing your own research, etc, etc, it's not my fault when you lose your house.

strategy("Moving Averages Cross - MTF - Strategy", "MA Cross", overlay=true, pyramiding=0, initial_capital=100000, currency=currency.USD, default_qty_type = strategy.percent_of_equity, default_qty_value = 100, commission_type=strategy.commission.percent, commission_value=0.1)

bgcolor ( color=black, transp=40, title='Blackground', editable=true)

///////////////////////////////////////////////
//* Backtesting Period Selector | Component *//
///////////////////////////////////////////////

//* https://www.tradingview.com/script/eCC1cvxQ-Backtesting-Period-Selector-Component *//
//* https://www.tradingview.com/u/pbergden/ *//
//* Modifications made *//

testStartYear = input(2018, "Backtest Start Year") 
testStartMonth = input(1, "Backtest Start Month")
testStartDay = input(1, "Backtest Start Day")
testPeriodStart = timestamp(testStartYear,testStartMonth,testStartDay,00,00)

testStopYear = input(9999, "Backtest Stop Year")
testStopMonth = input(12, "Backtest Stop Month")
testStopDay = input(31, "Backtest Stop Day")
testPeriodStop = timestamp(testStopYear,testStopMonth,testStopDay,0,0)

testPeriod() => true

/////////////////////////////////////
//* Put your strategy logic below *//
/////////////////////////////////////

sp1 = input("----", title="--------Moving Average 1----------", options=["----"])
maUseRes1   = input(defval = false, title = "Use Different Resolution?")
//maReso1     = input(defval = "60", title = "Set Resolution", type = resolution)
maReso1     = input(defval='60', title = "Set Resolution Minutes")
maType1     = input("EMA", title="MA", options=["SMA", "EMA", "DEMA", "TEMA", "WMA", "VWMA", "SMMA", "Hull", "LSMA", "ALMA"])
maSource1   = input(defval = close, title = "Source")
maLength1   = input(defval = 15, title = "Period", minval = 1)
lsmaOffset1 = input(defval = 1, title = "Least Squares (LSMA) Only - Offset Value", minval = 0)
almaOffset1 = input(defval = 0.85, title = "Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Offset Value", minval = 0, step = 0.01)
almaSigma1  = input(defval = 6, title = "Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Sigma Value", minval = 0)

sp2 = input("----", title="--------Moving Average 2----------", options=["----"])
maUseRes2   = input(defval = false, title = "Use Different Resolution?")
//maReso2    = input(defval = "60", title = "Set Resolution", type = resolution)
maReso2     = input(defval='60', title = "Set Resolution Minutes")
maType2    = input("EMA", title="MA", options=["SMA", "EMA", "DEMA", "TEMA", "WMA", "VWMA", "SMMA", "Hull", "LSMA", "ALMA"])
maSource2   = input(defval = close, title = "Source")
maLength2   = input(defval = 30, title = "Period", minval = 1)
lsmaOffset2 = input(defval = 1, title = "Least Squares (LSMA) Only - Offset Value", minval = 0)
almaOffset2 = input(defval = 0.85, title = "Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Offset Value", minval = 0, step = 0.01)
almaSigma2  = input(defval = 6, title = "Arnaud Legoux (ALMA) Only - Sigma Value", minval = 0)

//Function from @JayRogers thank you man awesome work
variant(type, src, len, lsmaOffset, almaOffset, almaSigma) =>
    v1 = sma(src, len)                                                  // Simple
    v2 = ema(src, len)                                                  // Exponential
    v3 = 2 * v2 - ema(v2, len)                                          // Double Exponential
    v4 = 3 * (v2 - ema(v2, len)) + ema(ema(v2, len), len)               // Triple Exponential
    v5 = wma(src, len)                                                  // Weighted
    v6 = vwma(src, len)                                                 // Volume Weighted
    v7 = na(v5[1]) ? sma(src, len) : (v5[1] * (len - 1) + src) / len    // Smoothed
    v8 = wma(2 * wma(src, len / 2) - wma(src, len), round(sqrt(len)))   // Hull
    v9 = linreg(src, len, lsmaOffset)                                   // Least Squares
    v10 = alma(src, len, almaOffset, almaSigma)                         // Arnaud Legoux
    type=="EMA"?v2 : type=="DEMA"?v3 : type=="TEMA"?v4 : type=="WMA"?v5 : type=="VWMA"?v6 : type=="SMMA"?v7 : type=="Hull"?v8 : type=="LSMA"?v9 : type=="ALMA"?v10 : v1
//Different resolution function    
reso(exp, res, use) => use ? security(tickerid, res, exp) : exp    
    
ma1 = reso(variant(maType1, maSource1, maLength1, lsmaOffset1, almaOffset1, almaSigma1), maReso1, maUseRes1)
ma2 = reso(variant(maType2, maSource2, maLength2, lsmaOffset2, almaOffset2, almaSigma2), maReso2, maUseRes2)

plotma1 = plot(ma1, color=green, tranps=50, linewidth = 2 )
plotma2 = plot(ma2, color=red,   tranps=50, linewidth = 2 )

// Long/Short Logic
longLogic =  crossover(ma1,ma2) ? 1 : 0
shortLogic = crossunder(ma1,ma2) ? 1 : 0

//////////////////////////
//* Strategy Component *//
//////////////////////////

isLong = input(false, "Longs Only")
isShort = input(false, "Shorts Only")
isFlip = input(false, "Flip the Opens")

long = longLogic
short = shortLogic

if isFlip
    long := shortLogic
    short := longLogic
else
    long := longLogic
    short := shortLogic

if isLong
    long := long
    short := na

if isShort
    long := na
    short := short
    
////////////////////////////////
//======[ Signal Count ]======//
////////////////////////////////

sectionLongs = 0
sectionLongs := nz(sectionLongs[1])
sectionShorts = 0
sectionShorts := nz(sectionShorts[1])

if long
    sectionLongs := sectionLongs + 1
    sectionShorts := 0

if short
    sectionLongs := 0
    sectionShorts := sectionShorts + 1

//////////////////////////////
//======[ Pyramiding ]======//
//////////////////////////////

pyrl = input(1, "Pyramiding less than") // If your count is less than this number
pyre = input(0, "Pyramiding equal to") // If your count is equal to this number
pyrg = input(1000000, "Pyramiding greater than") // If your count is greater than this number

longCondition = long and sectionLongs <= pyrl or long and sectionLongs >= pyrg or long and sectionLongs == pyre ? 1 : 0
shortCondition = short and sectionShorts <= pyrl or short and sectionShorts >= pyrg or short and sectionShorts == pyre ? 1 : 0

////////////////////////////////
//======[ Entry Prices ]======//
////////////////////////////////

last_open_longCondition = na
last_open_shortCondition = na
last_open_longCondition := longCondition ? close : nz(last_open_longCondition[1])
last_open_shortCondition := shortCondition ? close : nz(last_open_shortCondition[1])

////////////////////////////////////
//======[ Open Order Count ]======//
////////////////////////////////////

sectionLongConditions = 0
sectionLongConditions := nz(sectionLongConditions[1])
sectionShortConditions = 0
sectionShortConditions := nz(sectionShortConditions[1])

if longCondition
    sectionLongConditions := sectionLongConditions + 1
    sectionShortConditions := 0

if shortCondition
    sectionLongConditions := 0
    sectionShortConditions := sectionShortConditions + 1
    
///////////////////////////////////////////////
//======[ Position Check (long/short) ]======//
///////////////////////////////////////////////

last_longCondition = na
last_shortCondition = na
last_longCondition := longCondition ? time : nz(last_longCondition[1])
last_shortCondition := shortCondition ? time : nz(last_shortCondition[1])

in_longCondition = last_longCondition > last_shortCondition
in_shortCondition = last_shortCondition > last_longCondition

/////////////////////////////////////
//======[ Position Averages ]======//
/////////////////////////////////////

totalLongs = 0.0
totalLongs := nz(totalLongs[1])
totalShorts = 0.0
totalShorts := nz(totalShorts[1])
averageLongs = 0.0
averageLongs := nz(averageLongs[1])
averageShorts = 0.0
averageShorts := nz(averageShorts[1]) 

if longCondition
    totalLongs := totalLongs + last_open_longCondition
    totalShorts := 0.0

if shortCondition
    totalLongs := 0.0
    totalShorts := totalShorts + last_open_shortCondition

averageLongs := totalLongs / sectionLongConditions
averageShorts := totalShorts / sectionShortConditions

/////////////////////////////////
//======[ Trailing Stop ]======//
/////////////////////////////////

isTS = input(false, "Trailing Stop")
tsi = input(1000, "Activate Trailing Stop Price (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)") / 100 
ts = input(575, "Trailing Stop (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)") / 100

last_high = na
last_low = na
last_high_short = na
last_low_short = na
last_high := not in_longCondition ? na : in_longCondition and (na(last_high[1]) or high > nz(last_high[1])) ? high : nz(last_high[1])
last_high_short := not in_shortCondition ? na : in_shortCondition and (na(last_high[1]) or high > nz(last_high[1])) ? high : nz(last_high[1])
last_low := not in_shortCondition ? na : in_shortCondition and (na(last_low[1]) or low < nz(last_low[1])) ? low : nz(last_low[1])
last_low_short := not in_longCondition ? na : in_longCondition and (na(last_low[1]) or low < nz(last_low[1])) ? low : nz(last_low[1])

long_ts = isTS and not na(last_high) and low <= last_high - last_high / 100 * ts and longCondition == 0 and last_high >= averageLongs + averageLongs / 100 * tsi
short_ts = isTS and not na(last_low) and high >= last_low + last_low / 100 * ts and shortCondition == 0 and last_low <= averageShorts - averageShorts/ 100 * tsi

///////////////////////////////
//======[ Take Profit ]======//
///////////////////////////////

isTP = input(false, "Take Profit")
tp = input(300, "Take Profit (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)") / 100
long_tp = isTP and close > averageLongs + averageLongs / 100 * tp and not longCondition
short_tp = isTP and close < averageShorts - averageShorts / 100 * tp and not shortCondition

/////////////////////////////
//======[ Stop Loss ]======//
/////////////////////////////

isSL = input(false, "Stop Loss")
sl = input(575, "Stop Loss (%). Divided by 100 (1 = 0.01%)") / 100
long_sl = isSL and close < averageLongs - averageLongs / 100 * sl and longCondition == 0
short_sl = isSL and close > averageShorts + averageShorts / 100 * sl and shortCondition == 0

/////////////////////////////////
//======[ Close Signals ]======//
/////////////////////////////////

longClose = long_tp or long_sl or long_ts  ? 1 : 0
shortClose = short_tp or short_sl or short_ts ? 1: 0

///////////////////////////////
//======[ Plot Colors ]======//
///////////////////////////////

longCloseCol = na
shortCloseCol = na
longCloseCol := long_tp ? purple : long_sl ? maroon : long_ts ? blue : longCloseCol[1]
shortCloseCol := short_tp ? purple : short_sl ? maroon : short_ts ? blue : shortCloseCol[1]
tpColor = isTP and in_longCondition ? purple : isTP and in_shortCondition ? purple : white
slColor = isSL and in_longCondition ? red : isSL and in_shortCondition ? red : white

//////////////////////////////////
//======[ Strategy Plots ]======//
//////////////////////////////////

// Comment out these lines to use alerts
plot(isTS and in_longCondition ? averageLongs + averageLongs / 100 * tsi : na, "Long Trailing Activate", blue, style=3, linewidth=2)
plot(isTS and in_longCondition and last_high >= averageLongs +  averageLongs / 100 * tsi ? last_high - last_high / 100 * ts : na, "Long Trailing", fuchsia, style=2, linewidth=3)
plot(isTS and in_shortCondition ? averageShorts - averageShorts/ 100 * tsi : na, "Short Trailing Activate", blue, style=3, linewidth=2)
plot(isTS and in_shortCondition and last_low <= averageShorts - averageShorts/ 100 * tsi ? last_low + last_low / 100 * ts : na, "Short Trailing", fuchsia, style=2, linewidth=3)
plot(isTP and in_longCondition and last_high < averageLongs + averageLongs / 100 * tp ? averageLongs + averageLongs / 100 * tp : na, "Long TP", tpColor, style=3, linewidth=2)
plot(isTP and in_shortCondition and last_low > averageShorts - averageShorts / 100 * tp ? averageShorts - averageShorts / 100 * tp : na, "Short TP", tpColor, style=3, linewidth=2)
plot(isSL and in_longCondition and last_low_short > averageLongs - averageLongs / 100 * sl ? averageLongs - averageLongs / 100 * sl : na, "Long SL", slColor, style=3, linewidth=2)
plot(isSL and in_shortCondition and last_high_short < averageShorts + averageShorts / 100 * sl ? averageShorts + averageShorts / 100 * sl : na, "Short SL", slColor, style=3, linewidth=2)

///////////////////////////////
//======[ Alert Plots ]======//
///////////////////////////////


// Uncomment to use Alerts, or the new Signal Plots, but not both
// Old Signal Plots
//plot(longCondition, "Long", green)
//plot(shortCondition, "Short", red)
//plot(longClose, "Long Close", longCloseCol)
//plot(shortClose, "Short Close", shortCloseCol)

// Uncomment for your alerts
//alertcondition(condition=longCondition, title="Long", message="")
//alertcondition(condition=shortCondition, title="Short", message="")
//alertcondition(condition=longClose, title="Long Close", message="")
//alertcondition(condition=shortClose, title="Short Close", message="")

///////////////////////////////////
//======[ Reset Variables ]======//
///////////////////////////////////

if longClose or not in_longCondition
    averageLongs := 0
    totalLongs := 0.0
    sectionLongs := 0
    sectionLongConditions := 0

if shortClose or not in_shortCondition
    averageShorts := 0
    totalShorts := 0.0
    sectionShorts := 0
    sectionShortConditions := 0

////////////////////////////////////////////
//======[ Strategy Entry and Exits ]======//
////////////////////////////////////////////

// Comment out to use alerts
if testPeriod()
    strategy.entry("Long", 1, when=longCondition)
    strategy.entry("Short", 0,  when=shortCondition)
    strategy.close("Long", when=longClose)
    strategy.close("Short", when=shortClose)

Published by ChaoZhang on the FMZ strategy square · last modified 2023-10-09. Collected in the Quant Trading Vault. Unvalidated research: re-test with your own data and costs before trusting it.

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