If you’ve ever read about Linda Bradford Raschke’s famous “Holy Grail” concept—trend strength + pullback to the 20-EMA—this expert advisor will feel instantly familiar. LBR Holy Grail EA V3.0 (MT4) takes that time-tested idea and wraps it with execution logic, volatility-aware risk, and prop-friendly guardrails. No wild grids, no roulette martingale—just a disciplined, rules-based approach designed to keep you on the right side of strong trends and let pullbacks do the heavy lifting.


Overview



  1. Identify a strong trend (often via ADX and/or higher-TF confirmation).

  2. Wait for a measured pullback into the 20-EMA value area.

  3. Enter when momentum resumes with protective, volatility-scaled stops.

  4. Manage the trade via partial profits and trail logic—aiming to capture the next impulse leg, not the whole world.

  5. Platform: MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

  6. Best Timeframes: M15–H1 (scalpers can try M5, swing traders H4)

  7. Symbols: Major FX pairs (EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY), plus XAUUSD for experienced users

  8. Style: Trend continuation with structured pullback entries

  9. Philosophy: Capital preservation first, consistency second, profits third


Key Features



  • Authentic Trend Filter
    Integrates ADX (e.g., rising above a threshold) and slope/EMA checks to confirm trend state before any signal is valid.

  • 20-EMA Pullback Zone
    Classic Holy Grail value area: price retraces to (or slightly through) the 20-EMA, then picks up momentum in the trend direction.

  • Momentum Re-Entry Trigger
    Uses a candle/oscillator kick or micro-breakout to confirm “pullback complete; continuation likely.”

  • Volatility-Scaled Risk
    ATR-based stop placement, dynamic position sizing, and optional trailing—so your SL isn’t the same size in sleepy vs. manic sessions.

  • Partial Take-Profit + Break-Even Logic
    Trim at 1R (configurable), push runners with a trail that hugs structure or EMA. Calm, methodical curve-smoothing.

  • News/Sessions Aware
    Optional session filters and a news pause window—so you’re not jumping in right as spreads spike.

  • No Grid, No Martingale
    Clean, single-entry logic. There’s an optional add-on mode for one pyramid add when conditions are even stronger—fully capped.

  • Prop-Friendly Guardrails
    Daily loss stop, max concurrent trades, and equity protection features—so rules aren’t “suggestions.”

  • Multi-Pair Ready, Lightweight
    Efficient enough to run on several symbols—just avoid over-correlation (EURUSD + GBPUSD + EURGBP = yikes).


TEAM SEO 1 6


How the Strategy Works (Under the Hood)



  1. Trend State
    The EA evaluates ADX strength (e.g., rising and above a threshold), slope of the 20-EMA, and (optionally) a higher-timeframe filter. Only in confirmed trend will it arm for entries.

  2. Pullback Detection
    Price retraces toward the 20-EMA value area. The EA waits for price to interact with that “fair value.” No touch = no trade; patience is the alpha.

  3. Continuation Trigger
    A momentum condition (e.g., strong close back with trend, micro-break of the pullback structure) fires the entry. This is where most manual traders hesitate—EA clicks without drama.

  4. Risk & Exit



  • Stop: ATR-scaled below/above recent swing, so it breathes without being silly.

  • TP1: Partial profit near 1R to smooth outcomes; stop to break-even.

  • Runner: Trailing logic—EMA/structure/ATR track—to try catching the next impulse leg.


Recommended Markets & Timeframes



  • Pairs: EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY first. XAUUSD after you’ve got stats—use wider buffers.

  • Timeframes: M15 (active intraday), H1 (balanced), H4 (fewer, stronger signals).

  • Sessions: London and London→NY overlap usually provide cleaner flows.


Starter Settings (Tweak After Forward-Test)



  • Risk per Trade: 0.4%–0.8% (prop-style), up to 1% if personal account

  • ADX Threshold: 22–28 (higher to avoid weak trends, lower to be more active)

  • EMA: 20 (classic), optional EMA 50 check for trend agreement

  • ATR Period: 14 (Wilder); SL = 1.2–1.8 × ATR depending on pair

  • TP1: 1.0R partial (30–50% off), BE on remainder

  • Trail: EMA-based or swing-low/high trail; start only after TP1 or 1R

  • Max Trades: 1 per pair (2 if you know correlation risks)

  • Daily Loss Stop: 2%–3% hard stop (EA sleeps for the day)

  • News Pause: 15–30 mins pre/post red events


TEAM SEO 9


Practical Playbooks


1) The Textbook Holy Grail



  1. Context: ADX rising, EMA20 sloping up/down.

  2. Trigger: Pullback into EMA20, strong continuation candle.

  3. Exit: Partial at 1R, then trail behind EMA or structure.

  4. Where It Shines: Clean, directional days—London session esp.


2) Micro-Breakout After Shallow Pullback



  • Context: Trend is very strong; pullback barely tags EMA20.

  • Trigger: Micro-break of pullback’s mini-range.

  • Exit: Partial early; trail tight to keep the edge when trends get vertical.


3) “Let It Breathe” Swing Approach



  1. Context: H1/H4 trend, ADX high; wider pullbacks.

  2. Trigger: EMA20 touch + reversal bar confirmation.

  3. Exit: Partial at prior swing high/low; runner with wider ATR trail.


Risk Management (Non-Negotiable)



  • Respect the Daily Loss Stop. When it’s hit, done for the day—no “revenge tweaks” coz the market doesn’t owe you.

  • Limit Correlation. Don’t run identical logic on 3 highly related pairs at once.

  • Size to the SL. Let ATR define stop distance; adjust lots so risk stays consistent.

  • Journal Everything. Keep stats by pair, TF, ADX threshold, and session. Your data will tell you where the edge lives.


Backtesting & Forward-Testing Tips



  • Use tick or 1-minute data for realistic fills.

  • Add a bit of slippage to not kid yourself.

  • Test both trending months and choppy periods—Holy Grail thrives in trends, so know your weak spots.

  • Track: win rate, average R, max DD, avg trade length, % of trades that hit TP1, distribution by session.


Installation (MT4)



  1. Download LBR_HolyGrail_EA_V3.0.ex4.

  2. MT4 → File → Open Data Folder → MQL4 → Experts → paste file.

  3. Restart MT4 (or right-click Experts → Refresh).

  4. Drag EA to chart → check Allow live trading.

  5. Load starter preset (if provided) → set risk and ATR/ADX thresholds.

  6. Optional: enable push/email alerts for entries/exits.

  7. Run first on demo/VPS; confirm broker behavior.


FAQ


Does it martingale or grid?
No. Single-entry by default. Optional one add-on (capped) is available for exceptional trend quality—disabled by default.


Is it prop-friendly?
Yes—if you configure daily loss stops, max trades, and risk per position to match your firm’s rules.


Minimum deposit?
Micro lots allow small starts, but for sensible ATR-based stops on majors, $300–$500 is a realistic floor.


Can I use it on gold?
Yes, but widen ATR multipliers, keep risk on the low side, and prefer H1. Gold whips can be brutal.


Conclusion & Call-to-Action


LBR Holy Grail EA V3.0 MT4 leans on a battle-tested trading idea—strong trend + pullback to value—and lets rules handle the discipline part. If you crave clearer entries, consistent risk, and calmer decision-making, this robot can be your daily driver. Start small, gather stats, then scale what works. And remember: the edge lives in consistent execution, not predictions.


Happy Trading