This article provides a detailed explanation of Tick Data Suite, a backtesting tool. Tick Data Suite is a unique tool that enables backtesting using realistic tick data. Unlike regular MT4 backtesting, it allows you to obtain more accurate results that are closer to actual trading. This article thoroughly explains everything from an overview of Tick Data Suite to its features, installation, and usage, so if you’re interested, please give it a read.
1. What is Tick Data Suite?
Tick Data Suite is a tool used for backtesting. This tool uses real tick data to obtain results that closely resemble actual trading. Typically, MT4 generates artificial tick data for backtesting, which can lead to discrepancies from real trading. Tick Data Suite enables accurate backtesting by using real tick data from Dukascopy.
The main features of Tick Data Suite are as follows:
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Realistic Backtesting: Conduct backtests using actual, real tick data instead of simulated tick data. This allows for more accurate results.
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Variable Spreads: Replicates realistic spread fluctuations. Spread variations are considered during backtesting, allowing for verification under conditions similar to actual trading.
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High-Speed Backtesting: Enables fast backtesting. You can efficiently backtest while maintaining accuracy, allowing for quick evaluation of many strategies.
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Diverse Tick Data Options: Choose from a variety of tick data sources for backtesting. Users can select appropriate data based on their trading style and needs.
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Comprehensive Support: Tick Data Suite offers comprehensive support, including customer support and tutorials. You can receive assistance if any issues or questions arise.
Tick Data Suite is an extremely useful tool for EA (Expert Advisor) developers and traders who perform backtesting. It allows for accurate backtesting using real data, which enhances the reliability of trading strategies.
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2. Features of Tick Data Suite
Tick Data Suite is a tool that enables realistic backtesting. Regular MT4 backtesting uses simulated tick data, which can result in outcomes that differ from actual market movements. However, by using Tick Data Suite, you can perform accurate backtesting using real tick data from Dukascopy.
Here are the main features of Tick Data Suite:
2.1 Realistic Backtesting
Tick Data Suite performs backtesting using real tick data from Dukascopy (the data source can be changed if needed). This allows you to obtain results that closely reflect actual market movements.
2.2 Variable Spreads
While standard MT4 backtesting uses fixed spreads, Tick Data Suite allows for variable spreads, just like in real market conditions. This enables you to conduct backtests that account for actual market fluctuations.
2.3 High-Speed Backtesting
Tick Data Suite achieves high-speed backtesting. While standard MT4 backtesting has a maximum modeling quality of 90%, Tick Data Suite can achieve 99.90% modeling quality. This allows for more accurate and faster backtesting.
2.4 Tick Data Options
Tick Data Suite allows you to choose from 17 types of tick data. This enables backtesting verification with different tick data sources. The wide range of options emphasizes accuracy and reliability.
2.5 Help and Support
Tick Data Suite provides a help guide and a support team, offering assistance with usage and troubleshooting. Even first-time users can use it with confidence.
These are the main features of Tick Data Suite. It’s an excellent tool for anyone looking to perform realistic backtesting or obtain fast and accurate test results.
3. How to Install Tick Data Suite
Follow these steps to install Tick Data Suite:
1. Access the Official Website
First, access the official website: https://eareview.net/tick-data-suite.
2. Download the Software
Click the “TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS” button in the center of the page. Then, enter your name and email address and click the “SUBMIT” button. Once registered, a license key will be sent to your email. Use the download link provided in the email to download the software.
3. Start the Installation
Once the download is complete, begin the installation. Select “Japanese” for the language (or “English” if available) and click “Next.”
4. Agree and Enter License Key
As the installation progresses, agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box and clicking “Next.” Next, enter the license key provided in your email and click “Next.”
5. Specify Installation Destination
Specify the installation folder and click “Next.”
6. Run Installation
Finally, click the “Install” button to run the installation.
7. Launch TDS
Once the installation is complete, Tick Data Suite (TDS) will automatically launch.
Your Tick Data Suite installation is now complete, and you are ready to perform backtesting.
Once the installation is complete, the next crucial step is to prepare for accurate backtesting.
Among these preparations, **timezone settings** are particularly important as they significantly impact backtesting results. To make the most of Tick Data Suite, be sure to understand the importance of timezone settings and how to configure them correctly.
For more details, please refer to this article: “Don’t Overlook Timezone! Complete Guide for EA Backtesting.” Use it as a reference to enhance the accuracy of your backtesting.
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4. Tick Data Suite Backtesting Workflow and How to Use TDS
This section explains the backtesting workflow using Tick Data Suite and how to use TDS. The steps for using TDS are as follows:
1. Download and Install Tick Data Manager
First, download Tick Data Manager from the official website and install the software. You will need to enter your license key upon launch.
2. Download Historical Data
Launch Tick Data Manager and select the data provider. For example, if you want to use Dukascopy data, select Dukascopy. Choose the currency pair and start the download. Downloads can take time, so be mindful of your computer’s storage capacity and internet connection. Historical data can be quite large.
3. MT4 Settings
Launch MT4 with Tick Data Manager running. Confirm that the Strategy Tester looks different than usual. Click “Use tick data” on the right side of the Strategy Tester and change the spread to “Variable.” Next, click “Tick data settings” to open the settings window and select the downloaded tick data. After making your preferred settings, click “OK” to start the backtest.
4. Execute Backtest
With Tick Data Suite, unlike regular backtesting, you don’t need to download historical data or generate timeframes. You simply execute the backtest using MT4’s Strategy Tester. Backtesting with TDS is fast and provides accurate results.
5. Analyze Backtest Results
Once the backtest is complete, analyze the results. Review the backtest report and charts to evaluate the EA’s performance and the validity of your strategy.
The above is the backtesting workflow using Tick Data Suite. By using TDS, you can perform backtests in an environment that closely simulates real market conditions.
5. Tick Data Suite vs. TickStory Comparison
Overview of TickDataSuite and TickStory
Similar to Tick Data Suite, there’s a tool called “TickStory.” TickStory offers a free Lite plan, which is its biggest advantage as it incurs no running costs. However, I found Tick Data Suite to be significantly easier to use. Here, we’ll compare TickStory and TDS.
TickDataSuite vs. TickStory Comparison Points
Below is a comparison of TickDataSuite and TickStory:
- Plan:
– TickDataSuite: Paid (14-day free trial available)
– TickStory: Free plan available - Tick Data:
– TickDataSuite: Compressed data
– TickStory: Large file size - MT4 Integration:
– TickDataSuite: Automatic
– TickStory: Manual integration
The main differences between Tick Data Suite and TickStory are “cost,” “historical data size,” and whether they can “automatically integrate with MT4.” I actually tried downloading about 10 years of USD/JPY historical data with TickStory.
TickStory Data Size
The USD/JPY historical data I tested, covering about 10 years, was approximately 1GB. In contrast, Tick Data Suite’s 18 years of historical data was about 600MB. From a storage capacity perspective, TDS is superior.
TickStory Also Offers a Free Plan
TickStory does not have a purchase plan, but a free plan (Lite) is available. There are also paid plans: monthly (Standard) and annual (Professional). However, the Lite plan is limited to one year of backtesting. While TickStory can help reduce costs compared to Tick Data Suite, for long-term use, the Tick Data Suite purchase plan is recommended.
TickStory Requires MT4 Export
Historical data downloaded with TickStory needs to be exported to MT4. This is another significant difference from Tick Data Suite. To import TickStory’s historical data into MT4, you need to delete existing data, load 1-minute data, and then use PeriodConverter to create each timeframe.
On the other hand, Tick Data Suite doesn’t require such manual steps. It integrates automatically, and once you download historical data, you can start backtesting immediately.
Tick Data Suite and TickStory are both tools for backtesting, but they have different characteristics. Tick Data Suite is paid, uses less storage, and is easy to use, while TickStory has a free plan but requires more storage and manual export to MT4. It’s best to choose the tool that fits your specific needs and backtesting requirements.
Summary
Tick Data Suite is a convenient tool that allows for backtesting using realistic tick data. While standard MT4 backtesting uses simulated data, which can lead to discrepancies from actual trading, Tick Data Suite enables more accurate backtesting results. It boasts many attractive features, including high processing speed, variable spreads, and extensive data options. On the other hand, the free TickStory is also an option, but it has limitations in data capacity and requires manual MT4 integration, making it less user-friendly than Tick Data Suite. We recommend choosing the tool that aligns with your needs to conduct more effective backtesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of Tick Data Suite?
The main features of Tick Data Suite include realistic backtesting, the ability to replicate spread fluctuations, high-speed backtesting, a variety of tick data options, and comprehensive support. These features enable more accurate and reliable backtesting.
How do I install Tick Data Suite?
First, access the official website and click the “TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS” button to register. Then, enter your license key to proceed with the installation. Select “Japanese” for the language (or “English” if available), agree to the terms of use, specify the installation folder, and execute the installation. Finally, Tick Data Suite will launch automatically, and you’ll be ready for backtesting.
What is the difference between Tick Data Suite and TickStory?
The main differences between Tick Data Suite and TickStory are cost, historical data size, and MT4 integration methods. Tick Data Suite is paid but uses compressed data and offers automatic MT4 integration. TickStory, on the other hand, has a free plan but uses larger data files and requires manual export to MT4. It’s important to choose the right tool based on your specific needs.
What is the backtesting procedure for Tick Data Suite?
The backtesting procedure for Tick Data Suite is as follows: First, download and install Tick Data Manager, then select and download historical data. Next, launch MT4 and configure the Strategy Tester to use tick data. After that, execute the backtest and analyze the results to evaluate your EA’s performance and the validity of your strategy.