Strategies/Algos,  T

Trend Hunter Auto Strategy

Trend Hunter Auto Strategy  is a fully automated trading strategy built for NinjaTrader 8, designed to leverage the custom indicator TrendHunterV1 to identify trend-based long and short setups. Whether you’re an algorithmic trading enthusiast or just looking to automate your edge, this strategy offers robust execution flexibility — including traditional stop/target-based management or ATM Strategy integration.

Let’s walk through exactly how it works.


🧠 How the Strategy Works

🎯 Core Logic: The TrendHunter Signal Engine

At its heart, TrendHunterAuto relies on a custom indicator called TrendHunterV1, which generates directional signals:

  • +1Long signal

  • -1Short signal

  • 0Neutral / no signal

Every time a new bar is formed, the strategy checks the SignalDirection value from the indicator:

  • If a new signal appears (i.e., different from the previous bar), the system arms the signal and saves the timestamp of when it appeared.

  • The strategy waits until a valid session time (based on two user-defined trading windows) to act on the signal.

  • Once confirmed, it triggers a trade in the direction of the signal — either Long or Short — depending on the selected execution method (ATM or classic stop/target).

Trend Hunter Strategy

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⏰ Time Filters: Trading Only When It Matters

You define two separate time windows for trading:

  • Morning: e.g., 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

  • Afternoon: e.g., 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM

The strategy will only enter trades if the signal first appeared during one of these periods. This prevents entries from being triggered outside your active trading hours — especially useful for avoiding overnight or low-liquidity setups.


⚙️ Two Execution Modes: ATM vs Classic Trade Management

✅ Option 1: Classic Stop Loss and Profit Target

If UseATM is set to false, the strategy uses NinjaTrader’s built-in trade management via:

  • SetStopLoss(CalculationMode.Ticks, StopLossTicks)

  • SetProfitTarget(CalculationMode.Ticks, ProfitTargetTicks)

This means:

  • When a signal fires, the system enters at market with your defined stop and target in ticks (e.g., 80-tick stop, 25-tick target).

  • No custom ATM logic is involved — this is straightforward and reliable for backtesting and consistent execution.

📊 Pros:

  • Great for backtesting and historical performance tracking.

  • Simple to manage and configure.

  • Fully contained inside the strategy.

⚠️ Cons:

  • Less flexible.

  • Cannot trail stops, auto-breakeven, or use advanced scaling logic.


✅ Option 2: ATM Strategy Execution (Advanced Trade Management)

If UseATM is set to true, the strategy will:

  • Launch an ATM template by name (set in AtmTemplateName)

  • Use that template’s pre-configured settings for stop, target, trailing logic, auto breakeven, etc.

  • Wait until the previous ATM strategy is completely flat before entering a new one.

📊 Pros:

  • Use NinjaTrader’s full ATM management tools: auto-breakeven, trailing stops, multiple targets.

  • Seamless integration with DOM/Chart Trader for visual monitoring.

  • Great for real-time discretionary control combined with automation.

⚠️ Cons:

  • Not backtestable in the Strategy Analyzer.

  • Can only run in real-time or playback.

  • Must ensure template name is correctly set and exists.


🔁 Entry Logic and Re-Arm Mechanism

One standout feature is the signal re-arm logic:

  • A signal is only acted upon once per appearance.

  • After a trade is taken, the system disarms the signal and waits for a new one.

  • If the same signal (e.g., +1) persists bar after bar, no repeated entries occur.

  • This prevents signal spamming and overtrading.


🎛️ Fully Customizable Parameters

You can adjust the following from the NinjaTrader Strategy menu:

Parameter Description
UseATM Enable ATM mode or classic trade logic
AtmTemplateName Name of your saved ATM strategy
Quantity Number of contracts per trade
ProfitTargetTicks Used when ATM is disabled
StopLossTicks Used when ATM is disabled
StartTime1 / EndTime1 First session window
StartTime2 / EndTime2 Second session window

🖥️ Visual Chart Integration

Upon startup, the strategy loads the TrendHunterV1 indicator directly onto your chart. This gives you:

  • Visual confirmation of entries.

  • Real-time coloring and signal arrows.

  • A clickable Discord link if included in the indicator.


🧪 Backtesting and Live Deployment

Mode Execution Type Backtest-Compatible
Classic Stop/Target logic ✅ Yes
ATM Mode ATM Templates ❌ No (real-time only)

Tip: Use Classic Mode for testing performance and ATM Mode when you go live with real money.

🧩 Final Thoughts

The TrendHunterAuto strategy brings powerful automation to your NinjaTrader workflow. Whether you prefer the simplicity of fixed stops/targets or the flexibility of ATM templates, it adapts to your trading style with confidence.

This setup is ideal for:

  • Trend-following traders looking to automate their setups

  • Hybrid traders who want ATM control with signal-based entries

  • Advanced users managing multiple time windows and custom indicators

✅ Build confidence through structured entries
✅ Stay disciplined with automated management
✅ Maintain control with ATM logic when needed


Ready to automate your edge?
Start using TrendHunterAuto today and experience hands-free trend execution that respects your strategy, your timing, and your risk.