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 report analysis feature. The quality of your report directly affects the accuracy of the insights.

Video Guide

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

What Backtesting Does

Backtesting allows you to run your trading strategy on historical market data to evaluate its performance.

It helps you:

• Validate strategy logic
• Measure profitability and risk
• Identify weaknesses
• Prepare data for optimisation and analysis

Before You Start

Ensure your cBot:

• Compiles without errors
• Runs correctly in cTrader Algo
• Has valid input parameters
• Produces expected behaviour on a chart

Running a Backtest in cTrader

Follow these steps:

1. Open cTrader Algo
2. Select your cBot
3. Click the Backtesting tab
4. Choose:
5. Symbol (e.g. EURUSD)
6. Timeframe
7. Date range
8. Initial balance
9. Configure spread and commission if required
10. Click Start

Allow the test to complete fully before reviewing results.

Reviewing Results

After the backtest completes, review the key metrics:

• Net profit
• Drawdown
• Profit factor
• Number of trades
• Equity curve behaviour

Look for consistency rather than extreme results.

Accessing the Backtest Report

Once the test has finished:

1. Click on the logs tabs
2. Click on the folder icon top right.
3. Copy the report.html and parameters.cboset files
4. Paste them in your documents folder or any folder for easy access

These sections contain the data Xen will analyse.

Exporting the Report

To use Xen’s analysis feature, you need to export the report.

Typical export options include:

• HTML report
• Parameter settings file

Save the report locally.

Preparing the Report for Xen

Before uploading:

• Ensure the report covers a meaningful time period
• Avoid very short tests with few trades
• Confirm the data reflects the strategy you want analysed

Good reports usually include:

• Sufficient number of trades
• Realistic settings
• No obvious errors or anomalies

Using Xen for Analysis

After exporting your report:

1. Upload the report into Xen
2. Request analysis
3. Review the feedback provided

Xen can help you:

• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Highlight risk issues
• Detect overfitting
• Suggest improvements to your strategy

Recommended Workflow

Use this process:

1. Build and test your cBot
2. Run a full backtest
3. Review results manually
4. Export the report
5. Upload to Xen
6. Apply suggested improvements
7. Repeat testing

Related Guide

Before running backtests, you should optimise your strategy inputs:

• Optimising Backtest Settings

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Final Advice