One of my biggest hesitations when I was considering switching over to a Mac was the fact that certain trading programs were not available. In particular, I had to have Forex Tester and Metatrader on Mac. When I found out that you can use VMWare Fusion to run Windows on a Mac and I could finally have the trading software I needed, I was all about it.
How to backtest trading strategies in MT4 or TradingView This is an approach to backtest your trading strategy if you have no programming knowledge. The idea is to “hide” the future data and go through the chart bar by bar, and objectively trade the markets (as though it’s live).
Unfortunately, I initially went about it the wrong way. Instead of saving up to buy a real Mac, I turned a cheap Dell Mini into a Mac. Although I loved it at the beginning, the screen turned out to be a little too small, the processor too slow and all the fiddling that I had to do to get OS X onto the Dell made the computer unstable when there were new updates to the operating system.
Then recently, it dawned on me that if I sold my Windows PCs plus a couple of other things that I had lying around on Ebay, I could raise the money for a real Mac, right now. So that is what I did.
How is it?
I have been an IT consultant for about 11 years now and I have used all types of computers. The other day I counted and I have personally owned 9 computers in my lifetime and have used countless others.
But guess what?
This MacBook Pro 13 is the best damn computer I have ever used. Period.
Almost everything about this computer just makes sense. I got tired of Windows updates running twice a day and having to ghetto rig a program just to get it to work like it is supposed to.
Yes, it is more expensive than your average Windows computer. But guess what? It actually comes out cheaper in the end because you are not fixing stupid problems or having to buy third party software for stuff that should be included in the operating system.
Anyway, if you are in the market for a new computer, even a trading one, I would highly recommend a Mac. Still skeptical? Check out this video and see what it looks like to run Metarader on Mac.
We are pleased to announce a new version of Waves plugins, Waves V11. 
Note: Keep in mind that you also have to have a copy of Windows handy so you can install it in VMWare Fusion.
UPDATE (10/10/2012): A reader emailed me and wondered if she had to get virus protection for her Windows installation. She was very worried about infecting her Mac. If you are just running Metatrader and/or Forex Tester, then you are probably OK without it. But it is Windows after all (the least secure of the major consumer operating systems), so you should get something.
Fortunately, Microsoft does do something right. Enter Microsoft Security Essentials. It is their version of anti-virus software and it is free. It also works better than some of the paid products that I have used and it doesn't slow the computer down.
Be sure to get a copy of Windows XP (if you can) because that runs the fastest. You can still find a copy on eBay.
Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links in which I make a commission if you purchase through them, but the proceeds go towards supporting this blog and a portion is donated to Kiva. Thanks!
- First Post:Oct 27, 2018 12:57pmOct 27, 2018 12:57pm
Personally, I have experienced that manual trading can be learned and performance improved through practice based on historic data. However, I always lacked a proper backtesting platform. I did buy Forex Tester, but found it limited and complex. Simulated live trading, such as offered by Trading View for example, is too slow for proper practice.
Now, having also stocks, various securities and cryptocurrencies in mind, I was wondering if there is need for a tool that does just that. In my head, it would be something that provides a realistic trading simulation (with margins, transaction costs, etc.) where you could not only trade manually, but test various strategies (written in, let’s say, JavaScript).
One pain I experienced was actually obtaining historic data. I would’ve really appreciated the option to subscribe to certain data packages, such as FX, certain stocks or cryptocurrencies.
Having all this in mind, I would love to create a software that does just that, but it would be a waste to create it only for myself. That’s why I’m curious what you think about it.
Do you believe backtesting is important?
Is there a need for a backtesting software as described?
How do you currently conduct backtesting? What is good/bad about your solution?
Which features would you love to see in a backtesting software?
Would you prefer a classic software (such as Forex Tester) or an online solution (such as Trading View)?
I’d love to hear your input!
Cheers,
Pavel
- Oct 27, 2018 1:40pmOct 27, 2018 1:40pm
- Commercial MemberJoined Oct 201867 Posts
I'm not a great fan of back testing, apart from the basic testing of an idea. I much prefer forward testing. It is more realistic in my humble opinion, guards against curve-fitting and is a great way to practice patience.
- Hidden for breach of Trader Code of Conduct
- Edited Oct 29, 2018 2:35amOct 28, 2018 1:47pm EditedOct 29, 2018 2:35am
- Joined Oct 2018Status: Junior Member4 Posts
- Oct 28, 2018 3:06pmOct 28, 2018 3:06pm
- Joined Oct 2018Status: Junior Member1 Post
From my point of view, if you think longterm, you have to do your homework. Don't skip this step. Do it manually, even it takes lot of time, that's the way. Trust me
Cheers!
- Last Post:Oct 28, 2018 8:26pmOct 28, 2018 8:26pm
- Joined Oct 2018Status: Member265 Posts
I would use as many learning tools I could get my hands on it. Paid for subscriptions and software in the trading industry can get pricey though.