GoldRaven - Multi-Timeframe Trend-Following cBot for XAUUSD
Overview
GoldRaven is a fully automated trading bot built for gold (XAUUSD) trending markets. It uses a multi-timeframe approach that combines higher-timeframe trend detection with lower-timeframe precision entries, filtering out noise and catching high-probability moves in the direction of the dominant trend.
Important: GoldRaven is designed for trending conditions. It performs best when gold is making directional moves and is not suited for sideways, consolidating, or choppy markets.
How It Works
GoldRaven operates on two timeframes simultaneously:
- Bias Timeframe (Higher) - Determines the overall market direction using EMA fast/slow crossover. When the fast EMA is above the slow EMA, the bot identifies a bullish bias. When below, bearish.
- Entry Timeframe (Lower) - Once bias is confirmed, the bot waits for a Break of Structure (BOS) on the lower timeframe. For longs, this means price closes above a recent swing high. For shorts, price closes below a recent swing low.
This two-layer filter ensures you're only entering trades that align with the bigger picture trend, dramatically reducing false signals.
Stop Loss Modes (5 options per side)
- Previous candle low/high on the Bias timeframe
- Entry candle low/high on the Entry timeframe
- ATR-based dynamic stop (ATR x multiplier)
- Fast EMA level on the Bias timeframe
- Fast EMA level on the Entry timeframe
Choose the mode that fits your risk tolerance and trading style.
Take Profit Modes (3 options)
- ATR Target: Fixed take profit at ATR x multiplier from entry
- Bias TF EMA Cross: Exits when EMAs cross against the trade on the higher timeframe
- Entry TF EMA Cross: Exits when EMAs cross against the trade on the lower timeframe
EMA cross exits allow the bot to ride trends longer, while ATR targets lock in profits at predefined levels.
Trade Management
- Trailing Stop: Three modes available - ATR-based, percentage of price, or fixed points. Activates after the trade reaches a configurable R-multiple, then follows price to lock in profits.
- Partial Profit: Automatically closes a percentage of your position (e.g., 50%) when profit reaches a target R-multiple (e.g., 3R). After partial close, the stop loss is moved to break-even, giving you a risk-free runner.
- Cooldown: Configurable waiting period (in bars) after a trade closes before the bot can enter again. Prevents overtrading and revenge entries.
Risk Management
- Position Sizing: Choose between fixed dollar risk per trade or percentage of account balance
- Daily Risk Cap: Set a maximum daily loss percentage. Once hit, the bot stops opening new trades for the rest of the day
- Min/Max Lot Control: Set boundaries for position sizes to match your account and broker requirements
- One Trade Per Direction: No stacking, no grid, no martingale. Maximum one long and one short position at any time
Session Filtering
Restrict trading to specific market hours in broker server time. Supports multiple sessions (e.g., "09:00-12:00;14:00-17:00") and overnight windows (e.g., "22:00-03:00"). Choose whether the bot should continue managing open trades outside sessions or pause all activity.
Notifications
Popup alerts for key events, each individually toggleable:
- Trade opened
- Trade closed
- Partial profit taken
- Trailing stop updated
- Risk limit reached
Backtesting & Optimization - READ BEFORE GOING LIVE
The default parameters are provided as a starting point and general direction only - they are not optimized settings ready for live trading. Every account, broker, spread, and market condition is different.
Before running GoldRaven on a live account, you should:
- Backtest extensively using cTrader's built-in backtester across different time periods
- Experiment with parameters - try different EMA periods, ATR multipliers, SL/TP modes, timeframe combinations, and trailing stop settings
- Test on demo first to validate your settings in real-time market conditions
- Optimize for your broker - spreads and execution speed vary, which affects performance
- Review different market phases - ensure your settings hold up in both strong trends and mild pullbacks
The bot is intentionally built with full parameter flexibility so you can fine-tune every aspect of the strategy. Take the time to find the configuration that suits your risk profile, account size, and trading goals. The effort you put into backtesting and optimization directly impacts your results.
Who Is This For?
- Traders who want to automate a trend-following strategy on gold
- Accounts looking for disciplined, rule-based execution without emotional interference
- Users who prefer transparent logic with full control over every parameter
- Anyone tired of black-box bots with hidden strategies
What This Bot Does NOT Do
- Does not trade ranges or consolidations effectively
- Does not use grid, martingale, or averaging down
- Does not guarantee profits - past performance is not indicative of future results
- Does not work well on non-trending instruments without parameter adjustment
Built for traders who respect the trend, manage their risk, and put in the work to find their edge.
