Andrew I think MetaStock can do everything you ask. Whether you can can get a handle on the different techniques reqired is another matter. This is not a put-down but a simple observation that it takes more than a few answers to questions on a forum to be come skilled in MetaStock. A properly functioning timed exit (on that ignores secondary entry signals) requires a PREV-based latch. This device counts the bars since entry to determine the exit point. {Timed Trade Exit} D:=25; {trade length in bars} N:=Fml("Entry Signal"); {entry} X:=0; {independant exit signal} Tr:=If(PREV<=0,N, {set with entry signal} If( X {independant exit} OR BarsSince(PREV=0)>=D, {bars since entry} {OR any other entry related exit} -1 {negative spike signals exit}, 1)); {or trade continues} X:=Tr<0; {exit bar} X; This is one form of the basic structure you will need for an on-chart stop. The System Tester can use the Simulation function for timing trades but that function is not available to other tools. Plotting a signal only from a certain point is easy if you can define that starting point ValueWhen(1, Cum("start signal")>0, "my plot"); A "date filter" formula might be helpful in this respect. The Date Range function from the Forum dll might be useful here also. Hope this gives you something to work on. Roy MetaStock Tips & Tools