Market Source
Start by choosing where your price data comes from. Pick a Provider (for example, Dukascopy) and then the Instrument you want to trade (for example, XAUUSD).
Once an instrument is selected, the panel shows its Available data range, along with the Digits and 1 point value so you know exactly what you are working with.
Only instruments you have already downloaded in Data Center will have data available. If the range looks empty, download the instrument first.
Trading Defaults
These settings decide how orders behave inside the simulation and become the defaults applied to your trades.
- Pip size — the pip/point value used for the instrument.
- Lot size — the default trade size.
- Spread — Real (variable) to replay historical spread, or a fixed value.
- Commission per lot — cost applied per lot (e.g. 1.00 USD; min 1, max 10,000).
Using Real (variable) spread gives the most realistic results, since it replays the actual spread recorded in the data.
Symbols
Build a correlated symbol set. Each row keeps its own pip, lot, leverage, spread and commission settings, so you can backtest several instruments together in one session.
Use Add Current to add the configured instrument to the table. The simulator then prepares chart history for every selected symbol, and you can drop any row with Remove.
Simulation Timing
Next, set the period and account conditions for your simulation.
Step 1
Pick the Start Date and End Date from the calendar pickers. This defines the historical window the simulation will play through.
Step 2
Set your Account currency (e.g. USD), starting Balance (e.g. 10,000; min 100, max 10,000,000)
Step 3
Choose Time on charts to control the session/timezone shown on your charts, such as GMT or New York Close.
Start Simulation
Step 1
When everything is configured, click Start Simulation at the bottom right. Previous Settings restores your last configuration if you want to reuse it.
Step 2
The simulator adds the charts and launches. You will see Adding charts… and then Launching simulation… as it prepares your workspace.
Step 3
Your workspace opens with the selected symbol(s) in a Paused state. Use the Start / Forward controls to step through price action and the Trade Panel to place buy and sell orders.
The simulation always begins paused, so you can set up your charts before pressing play. You are now ready to trade.