Backtest Signals Guide

Contents:

• Cheat Sheet Table For Sierra Chart Backtesting - Some Possible Combinations
• Key Concepts for Spreadsheet Backtesting
• Prepare Charts and Studies
• Create Buy/Sell Signals
• Run The Backtest
• ◀️Previous Module: @Backtesting Introduction
• ▶️Next Module: @Export Bar and Study Data

Cheat Sheet Table For Sierra Chart Backtesting - Some Possible Combinations

Key Concepts for Spreadsheet Backtesting

• Basics:
• Buy and Sell logic in cell K3, and N3. 1 is true 0 is false
• The latest data is row 3, and when the bar forms it is sent to the row below, along with every other loaded row of data
• Spaces don’t matter in formulas and they will not cause syntax errors
• In the list of studies for a chart, the Spreadsheet System for Trading should be moved to the bottom of the studies list
• Use the absolute least amount of Number of Rows as possible, under study settings for the spreadsheet
• Become familiarized with key columns and cells:
• J Column relates to key spreadsheet and chart values, mixed between user defined and read-only
• All columns beyond Z be default are for studies. It is possible to modify the amount of formula columns
• There are static cells and main spreadsheet formula cells. It’s possible to use static cells in H or J column in other cells and references
• Understand referencing of studies and rows:
• Using absolute references. In case of referencing static stationary cells (J Column) from formula cells, simply add “$” between the name and number of the cell. Example: Instead of J8 cell we use the absolute reference of $J$8.
• The first study that is added to a chart containing a spreadsheet will be the AA column. The current data is row 3, so the latest value for that study is in cell AA3. Instead of referencing to that cell as AA3, we’ll identify by study name + row, for a more fluid sheet: ID1.SG1@3.
• ID1.SG1@3 means: ID1 = study ID, SG1 is sub graph 1, @3 means row 3 (the latest data)
• Example in a formula:
Copy

=IF(ID1.SG1@3 > 1000,1,0)
# This logic returns 1 if latest value of ID1.SG1 is greater than 1000.

• To refer to previous rows (bars), and also a range:
Copy

# This logic returns true when the current and last bar study value is > 1000
=AND(ID1.SG1@3 > 1000, ID1.SG1@4 > 1000)

# For a range, can try this
=AND(MIN(ID1.SG1@3:ID1.SG1@12) > 1000)

Prepare Charts and Studies

CRITICAL:

• Title Bar: Trade > Auto Trading Enabled - Global
• Disconnect from data feed when running backtest
• Chart Settings > Trading menu > Always Simulate Bid and Ask Prices During Replay: Yes

‣

Click Arrow to See Example of Simulate Bid and Ask Prices

• Open the chart to be backtested, ensure data on startup has finished downloading, and the desired studies have been applied (example: moving average 1 and moving average 2)
• Title Bar : Analysis > Studies > Spreadsheet System for Trading > Add
• If no backtest trading is desired, and user only wants to view or export signals, then use the Spreadsheet System/Alert study instead
• With the Spreadsheet study selected hit Settings from the Chart Studies window
• Configure Input Values as needed, and under Spreadsheet Name give the sheet any name before pressing OK. These settings vary vastly between traders, to see an example expand the arrow below:
‣
• Close the Chart Studies window

Other settings within the Title Bar: Chart Settings window to consider changing:

• Data Limiting Tab
• Days to Load for Intraday Chart Type: [Desired days to backtest]
• Symbol Tab
• Continuous Contract: Continuous Futures Contract - [User rollover of choice, volume or date based]

Create Buy/Sell Signals

This example creates a BUY when price is greater than EXAMPLE STUDY 1 and SELL when below EXAMPLE STUDY 2. When conditions of the AND formula occur, the value turns to TRUE (or 1).

Usually using 1 or more studies a signal is derived. To begin:

• Add any studies to be used for signals (Example: Moving Average 5, Moving Average 21)
• Open the recently created Spreadsheet from the above steps

In cell K3, click to edit cell and create a BUY signal:

	=AND(ID0.SG4@3 > ID1.SG1@3 , ID0.SG4@3 < ID2.SG1@3)

# ID0 IS THE ID OF STUDY, SG4 IS SUBGRAPH 4, @3 IS THIRD (CURRENT) ROW. ID0.SG4@3.

In cell M3, click to edit the cell and create a SELL signal:

=AND(ID0.SG4@3 < ID1.SG1@3,ID0.SG4@3 > ID2.SG1@3)

When either of these conditions are TRUE, the cell will return a 1. This triggers a buy or sell signal.

To back test simulated trades using these signals, proceed to the next step.

Run The Backtest

Initial Preparation:

• Trading is UNLOCKED
• Trade > Auto Trading Enabled - Global is checked
• Configure the Trade Order Window. Stop loss and targets if desired. Attached orders are checked. More info on the Trade Window HERE
• DISCONNECT from the data feed (Title Bar: File > Disconnect)

After the steps above have been followed it’s time to run a backtest:

• Title Bar: Trade > AutoTrade System Replay Backtest
• Replay Window pops up, change the settings:
• Charts To Replay: All Charts in Chartbook
• Replay Mode: Standard Replay is often sufficient, but can use: Accurate Trading System Back Test or others
• Speed: Try 10 or less, for very basic signals can try 100000
• Set Date to desired date and time
• Press Play

Results can be found:

• Title Bar: Trade > Trade Activity Log > Statistics menu

Note: For a full walkthrough of auto trading in Sierra Chart CLICK HERE

Back To Handbook Home

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