Need-to-load-data-message-with-ASCII-data-in-MetaStrategy

A problem with running the backtest is not clear since 'Need to load data' is a normal indication. In the context of the Strategy Window when a "Backtest Data" setting has changed after running a backtest, data will be re-loaded according to the settings for the next backtest. 'Need to load data' simply indicates that's going to happen and wouldn't prevent a backtest.

If it seems like the backtest isn't running, that sounds like a runtime error. Check the Log Viewer for errors.

Thanks. I didnt know about the Log Viewer. There are no relevant error messages in it.

I tried again and will be very specific with what happened:
1. I have an ASCII dataset called RXM which contains one (1) csv file called RXMINDEX.csv
2. That dataset shows perfectly in the list of Datasets.
3. I have a Metastrategy where I tried 2 strategies being applied to the RXM portfolio (which only contains RXMINDEX) - they loaded data fine. But I also have 2 strategies to be applied to RXMINDEX - and they continue to show "Need to Load Data" and won't run. - please see image attached.
4. After 5 minutes I pressed Cancel on the backtest as the 2 strategies directly applied to RXMINDEX weren't loading data.
5. It is strange, as loading the portfolio / folder which only has RXMINDEX in it works.

Any ideas, please?

Thanks and regards - Rod

Ok, so the context is MetaStrategy - you didn't mention that before.
We'll try to duplicate this.

But first, what's the thinking behind putting one symbol in a DataSet and selecting the DataSet for 2 of the strategies and the Symbol it contains for the other 2? Not that it shouldn't work, but if it's giving your problems, why wouldn't you just go with what works?

Also, did you verify that the RXM DataSet is checked in the list of Historical Data Providers? If it's not, that explains it, and we're done.

Hi. Thanks for your answer. I put two directly as RXMINDEX as if there is a bug it needs to be solved, as in many cases I have multiple ASCII files in a folder - so can't always just point to the folder.

Yes, the RXM Dataset is checked in list of Historical Data Providers.

Thank you Cone
Regards
Rod

We're going to have to dig further.
1. What are the Data Loading settings? (All Data?, 1000 bars?, date range?, etc. )
2. What range of dates does the RXMINDEX data file cover?

Thanks. Data loading preferences attached below.
The data for RXMINDEX (which loads correctly in the chart) is daily from 1987 to yesterday.
Thanks
Regards
Rod

Those are the preferences for initializing data for charts.

I'm asking about the Strategy [Data Loading] Settings for your MetaStrategy. I can't duplicate your failure scenario, so it's probably going to take duplicating all your settings for starters.

Thanks. Do you mean this?

...and for the Metastrategy:

Yes. The MetaStrategy backtest is using the year range 2010 - 2024 with ^GSPC for the benchmark.

No joy here.
You'll need to post or send us the data for RXMINDEX.

OK - thanks. What email address?

support@wealth-lab.com

File emailed. Thanks

Something I noticed immediately after downloading the file: the symbol/filename is RXMindex.csv. So the symbol is RXMindex, not RXMINDEX - even though it shows up in all caps in the DataSet (I'll call changing the symbol case a bug).

Nonetheless, without changing the name of the file, it worked and loaded for me. For you, something to try would be this:
1. Close WealthLab.
2. Change the filename to RXMINDEX.csv so that the symbol is all caps.
Alternatively, you should just enter RXMindex for the Symbol fields in the MetaStrategy. Either way, it would be interesting to know if that made a difference.

fwiw, I can certainly duplicate it if the ASCII DataSet is unchecked, as would be expected (Post #3).

Hi Cone
Thanks. I closed WL, changed the filename and restarted - that didn't work.

What DID work was moving the dataset to the top in Historical Providers.

So that has been the solution for me twice today.

Is there a way to scan for duplicate tickers that are causing issues - or can that be incorporated please? Also - I presume this would be an issue in Strategy Monitor also (eg if a dataset has its order changed - it may not trigger orders anymore)?

Thanks and best regards
Rod

That's helpful, thank you