How to Trade with AI: MetaTrader 5 AI New Features

Jitanchandra Solanki
8 Min read

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we trade, not just in theory but also in practice.  

What once seemed like a far-fetched idea is now a reality. With the evolution of machine learning and AI-powered insights, every other trading platform now offers one or another AI feature that supports trade optimisation and investment strategies. While AI tools can enhance speed and automation, they also introduce risks such as overfitting, reliance on historic data, and potential system errors. Trading losses remain possible. 

A report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that patent applications related to algorithmic trading have jumped from 19% in 2017 to over 50% each year since 2020. This highlights the growing interest in AI, though its application varies among market participants and is not suitable for all traders.  

With the use of AI-signal providers, trading automation and AI-powered trading bots or Expert Advisors (EAs), trading has significantly evolved, making the process faster and is capable of operating around the clock. 

Traders might also make use of AI stock scanners and algorithmic backtesting tools to optimise strategies across different trading time frames. 

In this article, we will understand how to trade with AI and also explore the AI features available in MetaTrader 5. 

Let’s begin. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • AI trading may improve speed, enable 24/7 market participation and provide AI-powered analytics and AI-driven investment tools. But traders must bear in mind that it does not eliminate risks. 
  • MetaTrader 5 offers AI-based tools such as CoPilot and ONNX model integration to support trading automation, algorithmic strategies and trade execution. 
  • Traders can explore a variety of AI strategies, including trend trading, swing trading, and position trading. But before going live, traders should validate them through backtesting. However, past performance does not guarantee future results.  
  • Risk management and performance tracking remain essential when using AI in trading. 

The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

How to Trade with AI: An Introduction 

Learning how to trade with AI, also known as artificial intelligence, might sound intimidating, especially if you are inexperienced with technology. But the whole process can be straightforward once traders understand how it works. 

AI trading means relying on automated trading robots to support your trading activities. In other words, a trading algorithm is programmed to buy or sell assets based on specific conditions a trader sets. This automated approach offers systematic decision-making compared to manual trading. But it does not eradicate risk from the process.  

AI trading also allows traders to implement multiple investment strategies, including trend trading, swing trading, and arbitrage trading, while leveraging AI-powered analytics to refine their approach. 

Here’s a gist of how AI trading is different from human-based trading. 

Aspect Traditional Trading (Human-based)  AI-Powered Trading 
Speed Limited by human reaction time  Executes quickly but is subject to system limitations and market conditions.  
Accuracy Prone to emotional bias  Follows predefined logic 
Availability  Limited to trader’s schedule  Operates 24/7 on markets but is subject to system limitations and market conditions. 
Judgment  Considers broader market context  Limited to programmed data inputs 
Adaptability Can adapt quickly to unexpected news  Needs retraining or reprogramming 

There are different ways in which traders make use of trading algorithms. One method involves programming the AI trading tool or algorithm itself. The system could then scan multiple markets and place trades whenever the conditions they set are met. 

But traders don’t necessarily need to be programmers to use AI trading. Most AI trading software also allows them to download pre-made algorithms. In this case, they might need to spend some time searching through the AI trading robots to find one that better suits their trading style. 

Traders might come across different kinds of AI trading strategies that they may find helpful. One common approach is a trend-following strategy, where the algorithm reacts to price momentum and enters or exits trades when certain patterns appear. 

Apart from the trend-following strategy, traders may also find AI tools that use sentiment analysis. These algorithms scan news headlines and reports to understand the sentiment of the markets and then trade based on that information. Traders can even code their personal trading strategy rules in the system. 

Additionally, traders can use AI model validation tools to ensure that their chosen algorithm or Expert Advisor performs as expected under different market conditions before applying it live. 

However, backtesting and evaluating the algorithm on a demo account is essential before applying the strategy to a live account. Traders usually do this by tracking trading performance ratios such as the win-loss ratio, drawdowns to understand how consistent the results are over time. However, it's important to remember that past performance, including backtested results, is not necessarily indicative of future results. 

What is the MetaTrader 5 Tool and How Does it Work? 

MetaTrader 5 is a multi-asset trading platform that traders use to trade Forex, CFDs on equities, CFDs on commodities, and more. It offers features that support algorithmic trading and the use of trading bots. 

For AI-based automated trading, the software supports machine learning algorithms or algo-based strategies. Traders can set their own indicators or choose from the ones already available in the platform. Moreover, those who already make use of the built-in AI features of MetaTrader 5 can extend the platform functionality by connecting external bots through API integration.  

For Forex signal providers, traders may explore the MQL5 trading bot marketplace, where they might find pre-built EAs and signals. However, traders may consider exercising caution and testing any strategy on a demo account before applying it to live trading. 

In the broader ecosystem, MetaTrader 5 is often recognised for combining multiple asset classes, advanced analytical tools, and AI-ready integration features in a single interface. 

MetaTrader 5 AI Features 

Let’s look at two AI features available in MetaTrader 5 

CoPilot Feature 

This feature in MetaTrader 5 may be useful both for beginners and for experienced coders. 

What is the CoPilot feature? 

CoPilot is an advanced automatic coding assistant that is powered by OpenAI-based models. With the CoPilot feature in MetaTrader 5, traders may create MQL5 code without having to write it directly in MQL5.  

Simply put, the Copilot feature lets a trader write commands in natural language. It then takes care of implementing the idea into an MQL5 code. This can make the process easier for beginners who may not be familiar with coding syntax, while also potentially saving time for developers. 

CoPilot supports AI model training, meaning it is able to learn and improve from user inputs and past inputs, so that strategy building becomes more refined. Traders may use it for trading bot development and automate entries, exits, stop losses and position sizing rules. 

By combining natural language processing with automated MQL5 coding, CoPilot may help traders build strategies, though outcomes depend on implementation and market conditions.  

ONNX Models 

ONNX, or Open Neural Network Exchange, is an open-source format that allows machine learning models to be used across platforms. 

In other words, ONNX is a common format that may allow models built in one framework, such as PyTorch, to be converted and then used in another framework, like TensorFlow, without needing to rebuild them from scratch. 

ONNX is supported by some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Amazon Web Services, Facebook, and Microsoft. 

MetaTrader 5 indirectly supports ONNX integration via MQL5, where traders may load and run ONNX models inside Expert Advisors or indicators. Traders may also make use of backtesting tools on MetaTrader to test imported models on historical data. This would assist in assessing the performance, consistency, and areas of potential weakness. However, bear in mind that backtesting is conducted on historical data, and the past performance does not always translate into future outcomes. 

For more advanced applications, ONNX can support deep learning trading, too, whereby it may identify market trends, volatility clusters, or sentiment-driven price movements. 

Visualising Machine Learning Models and Neural Networks 

Understanding how machine learning models work might be the first step toward trusting and developing them and therefore understanding how to trade with AI more effectively. MetaTrader 5 may help with this by allowing traders to visualise machine learning and deep learning models. 

By visualising and backtesting these models, traders might understand how the AI model performs under different market conditions. Beyond performance, visualisation may support AI risk modelling, giving traders a clearer picture of potential weaknesses or exposure under different scenarios.  

These insights may be useful in creating and developing stronger AI trading models. 

How to Trade with MetaTrader 5 at Admiral Markets 

  • Create an account: Traders may register and choose between a demo account (practice) or a live account (real capital).  
  • Download the platform: Install MetaTrader 5 and log in.  
  • Add funds (for live accounts): Deposit via a chosen payment method. However, only deposit money you can afford to lose. Trading leveraged products involves a high risk of losing capital.  
  • Set up trading parameters: Set up charts, timeframes, order types, indicators and Expert Advisors, if you wish to try your hand at AI-based trading.  
  • Risk management: Set stop-loss and take-profit levels and monitor your exposure closely. Remember that leverage in trading can magnify both gains and losses. 

If you would like to practice trading on the financial markets with virtual funds, you can register for a free Admiral Markets demo trading account. Click the banner below to register. 

Build confidence in realistic market conditions

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Frequently Asked Questions 

 

How can I use AI for trading? 

It may be possible to trade using AI through various AI trading tools available in the market these days. As mentioned earlier, MetaTrader 5 is one of those platforms which support AI trading. 

Beyond MT5, traders might also explore broader AI-driven options, including trading bot marketplaces such as the MQL5 Market, where automated bots are available for different trading strategies. In addition, traders may consider AI signal providers, which can offer trade alerts based on machine learning models. 

  

Can AI tools assist in trading? 

It may be possible to get AI to trade for you. Traders may use automated trading systems for full trade execution, supported by AI-powered analytics, while considering risk factors and consistently monitoring performance outcomes. 

 

What are the main risks of AI trading? 

Trading involves risk, and the use of AI does not eliminate that risk.

  • AI Models might overfit past data, making them less reliable in real market conditions.  
  • Sudden volatility can also lead to unexpected losses.  
  • Technical failures like glitches or connectivity issues may disrupt trades. 

 

How do I choose an AI trading strategy? 

Before choosing an AI trading strategy, traders must analyse their risk tolerance, preferred time frame, like intraday, swing, positional, etc. Accordingly, they might explore strategies that fit their requirement. If you are choosing an EA, it is recommended to do it with due diligence and backtest it on a demo account. An AI model validation and performance evaluation matrix may help you evaluate how the tool would work in real market conditions.

 

About Admiral Markets     

Admiral Markets is a multi-award-winning, regulated Forex and CFD broker, offering trading on over 8,000 financial instruments via the world's most popular trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.   

INFORMATION ABOUT ANALYTICAL MATERIALS:

The given data provides additional information regarding all analysis, estimates, prognosis, forecasts, market reviews, weekly outlooks or other similar assessments or information (hereinafter “Analysis”) published on the websites of Admiral Markets investment firms operating under the Admiral Markets trademark (hereinafter “Admiral Markets”) Before making any investment decisions please pay close attention to the following:

  • This is a marketing communication. The content is published for informative purposes only and is in no way to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and that it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
  • Any investment decision is made by each client alone whereas Admiral Markets shall not be responsible for any loss or damage arising from any such decision, whether or not based on the content.
  • With view to protecting the interests of our clients and the objectivity of the Analysis, Admiral Markets has established relevant internal procedures for prevention and management of conflicts of interest.
  • The Analysis is prepared by an analyst (hereinafter “Author”). The Author Jitanchandra Solanki is an employee for Admiral Markets. This content is a marketing communication and does not constitute independent financial research.
  • Whilst every reasonable effort is taken to ensure that all sources of the content are reliable and that all information is presented, as much as possible, in an understandable, timely, precise and complete manner, Admiral Markets does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained within the Analysis.
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