Correlation limits in EAs: approaches and their pitfalls
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2026 7:30 am
Adding a correlation filter to a multi-pair EA, so it won't open EURUSD and GBPUSD longs at the same time, sounds simple. Several approaches have known pitfalls.
It's easier to test, easier to explain and doesn't need parameter tuning.
Has anyone made correlation filters work in a live EA?
- Rolling correlation on short windows: a 20-day window jumps around, so the filter turns on and off for no good reason.
- Long windows: 120 days reacts too slowly to regime changes, for example a sterling-specific crisis.
- Correlation on M1 returns: noisy, and dominated by the dollar leg anyway.
- Counting exposure by currency instead of correlation: simpler, and often more robust.
It's easier to test, easier to explain and doesn't need parameter tuning.
Has anyone made correlation filters work in a live EA?