EnterLong Order is created 1 bar after plot of the same logic??

[Gav_G]

Hi

I am creating a simple strategy for testing, based on a MACD cross, entering long when the fast period crosses above the slow period & vice versa

I am also plotting a triangle up or down based on the same logic in the OnBarUpdate method, however the EnterLong order is placed at the next bar open, after the plot is displayed. I want the EnterLong order to be placed bar open price, where the triangle is plotted.

Please see the code I'm using below, where you can see the plots defined & also the strategy logic

				AddPlot(new Stroke(Brushes.Crimson, 10), PlotStyle.TriangleDown, "Short");
				AddPlot(new Stroke(Brushes.Lime, 10), PlotStyle.TriangleUp, "Long");
			}
			else if (State == State.Configure)
			{
                SetProfitTarget(CalculationMode.Ticks, 450);
                SetStopLoss(CalculationMode.Ticks, 300);
			}
            else if (State == State.DataLoaded)
            {
                MACD1 = MACD(FastPeriod, SlowPeriod, Smooth);
                AddChartIndicator(MACD1);
            }
        }

		protected override void OnBarUpdate()
		{
            //Add your custom strategy logic here.

            if (CurrentBars[0] < BarsRequiredToTrade)
                return;

            // Long Entry
            
            /*if (CrossAbove(MACD1.Default, MACD1.Avg, 1))
            {
                EnterLong();
                Long[0] = Low[0] - TickSize * 100;
            }*/

            if (MACD1.Default[1] < MACD1.Avg[1] & MACD1.Default[0] >= MACD1.Avg[0])
            {
                EnterLong();
                Long[0] = Low[0] - TickSize * 100;
            }
            
            // Short Entry
            if (CrossBelow(MACD1.Default, MACD1.Avg, 1))
            {
                EnterShort();
                Short[0] = High[0] + TickSize * 100;
            }
        }

I've also added a screen shot where you can see the chart from the Strategy Analyser.

I'm sure it must be some kind of config on how I'm calculating or something.

I've tried using the CrossAbove function but also using a simple calculation to make sure there wasn't any difference, you can see that in the commented code.

I'd be grateful if you could let me know how to achieve this thanks

Gav

[Gav_G]

Hi

I've actually managed to work through this in terms of the order & why the order is placed on the bar that it is, what I don't understand now though, is why the plot is placed one bar behind

If you could explain that would be great

[NinjaTrader_AlanP]

Hello Gav_G,

Thank you for your note.

Assuming you’re running your strategy with calculate set to OnBarClose, then when the bar which is being evaluated closes, if the condition is true, will fire an order on the next bar.

See Calculate Section of our helpguide,

https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt8/en-us/?calculate.htm

If you are running your strategy with Calculate set to OnEachTick, then on each tick of data you’re conditions will be evaluated for true or false. This setting would fire your order on the current bar in real time. If you are testing with calculate set to OnEachTick, historically, you would need to pull in a secondary data series for the strategy to act historically as it would in real time.

See the following explanation,

https://ninjatrader.com/support/forum/showthread.php?t=64156

You may be interested in the following sample for pulling in a secondary tick series,

https://ninjatrader.com/support/forum/showthread.php?t=19387

Please let us know if you need further assistance.