How to Backtest and Access Reports in cTrader for Xen

This guide explains how to run a backtest in cTrader and export the report so it can be analysed by Xen.

Backtesting is a required step before using Xen’s analysis feature. The quality of your report directly affects the usefulness of the insights, so it is important to run tests correctly and use realistic settings.

Video Guide

Tip: Set the video quality to HD (1080p) for the best viewing experience.

What Backtesting Does

Backtesting runs your trading strategy on historical market data so you can evaluate how it would have performed.

It allows you to validate your logic, measure profitability and risk, and identify weaknesses before using the strategy in a live environment. The resulting report is what Xen uses to analyse performance and suggest improvements.

Before You Start

Before running a backtest, make sure your cBot is working correctly. It should compile without errors, run on a chart, and behave as expected with its current settings.

Check that:

• the code compiles successfully
• the cBot runs without runtime errors
• input parameters are valid
• behaviour on a chart matches expectations

Running a Backtest in cTrader

To run a backtest, open cTrader Algo and select your cBot. Switch to the Backtesting tab and configure the test using realistic inputs.

You will need to set:

• the symbol, such as EURUSD
• the timeframe
• the date range
• the initial balance
• spread and commission settings, if required

Once configured, start the test and allow it to complete fully before reviewing the results.

Reviewing Results

After the backtest completes, review the key metrics to understand how the strategy behaves. Focus on consistency rather than extreme results.

Important metrics include:

• net profit
• drawdown
• profit factor
• number of trades
• equity curve behaviour

A smooth equity curve and controlled drawdown are generally more important than high profit alone.

Accessing the Backtest Report

Once the test has finished, open the logs section and locate the folder icon in the top right. This will open the location where the report files are stored.

You should copy the following files:

• report.html
• parameters.cboset

Save these files to a convenient location, such as your documents folder.

Exporting the Report

To use Xen’s analysis feature, you need a complete report. The HTML report contains the performance data, while the parameter file shows the settings used.

Make sure you export and save:

• the full HTML report
• the parameter settings file

Preparing the Report for Xen

Before uploading the report, confirm that the test is meaningful. Very short tests or tests with only a few trades will not provide useful insights.

A good report should:

• cover a reasonable time period
• include a sufficient number of trades
• use realistic settings
• be free from obvious errors or anomalies

Using Xen for Analysis

After exporting your report, upload it into Xen and request analysis. Xen will process the data and provide structured feedback on the strategy.

Typical analysis includes:

• identifying strengths and weaknesses
• highlighting risk issues
• detecting potential overfitting
• suggesting areas for improvement

Recommended Workflow

A consistent process will produce better results over time. A typical workflow is:

1. Build or update your cBot
2. Run a full backtest
3. Review the results manually
4. Export the report
5. Upload the report to Xen
6. Apply improvements
7. Repeat the process

Related Guide

Before running backtests, you may want to optimise your strategy inputs:

• Optimising Backtest Settings

Final Advice