Many FTMO traders rely on strategy scripts from TradingView to gain an edge. But what if the clean, profitable chart you’re seeing is hiding the real story? Today, we uncover a hidden trick that some strategy creators use—barstate.islast—to make backtests look flawless.
What Is barstate.islast in Pine Script?
TradingView’s Pine Script includes a special condition called barstate.islast. This code runs only on the last candle of your chart. Think of it as the “final polish” after the chart is drawn.
Here’s what it does:
- Removes backtest clutter
- Deletes debug labels or false signals
- Redraws wave patterns for a cleaner look
For FTMO traders testing strategies, this can be deceptive.
How Strategy Creators Use It
Some developers use barstate.islast to:
- Hide test entries that didn’t perform well
- Remove false signals to make the strategy look accurate
- Smooth wave patterns to fit the ideal price move
The result? A chart that looks like it never missed a trade. But live trading tells a very different story.
Why FTMO Traders Should Be Cautious
FTMO challenges require consistent, disciplined trading. A misleading backtest can:
- Lure you into overconfident execution
- Lead to poor risk management decisions
- Cost you your FTMO account on challenge or funded stages
When barstate.islast is used, you’re seeing the chart after the edits, not the real-time chaos.
How to Spot the Trick
Want to spot fake-perfect charts? Watch for:
- Only polished signals on the last bar
- No visible losing trades or repainting
- Redrawn waves that magically match support/resistance
If it looks too perfect—it probably is.
FTMO and the Risk of Cherry-Picking
Another red flag is cherry-picking time frames. If a strategy shows results only for 2023 Q1 or a very narrow period, ask why.
FTMO traders must succeed across various conditions—not just cherry-picked months.
Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Funded
Barstate.islast is a useful developer tool—but it can be misused. FTMO traders should:
- Always test strategies live or in forward-testing
- Avoid relying solely on backtests
- Ask for transparency in Pine Script code
Think twice before trusting a perfect chart. Your FTMO account depends on it.
Also Read: Rithmic Funded Account: Spot Fake Trading Strategy Results
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