ICT & SMC difference and similarities

Beginner Questions Candlesticks, Chart Patterns, and Price Action
21

When it comes to smart money trading, two popular strategies are ICT (Inner Circle Trader) and SMC (Smart Money Concepts). Here’s a quick look at the similarities and differences between them.

Similarities:

Both ICT (Inner Circle Trader) and SMC (Smart Money Concepts) focus on tracking institutional traders (smart money). They rely on price action, market structure, and use order blocks to find entry and exit points. Both strategies also emphasize strong risk management with stop losses and position sizing.

Differences:

ICT is a detailed, complex approach developed by Michael Huddleston, incorporating advanced concepts like market structure and liquidity pools. SMC is a simpler, more practical method that focuses on identifying smart money footprints, such as order blocks and liquidity zones, without as much complexity.

22

SMC was marketed by ICT. It’s the same thing. I’m sure ICT waffles on about other things beyond just the SMC, but I can’t stand the guy, nor can he trade, so I have no interest in watching his stuff.

None of this was developed by him, he’s just rehashed existing stuff and given it new names. Then very aggressively publicised and monetised it. It’s not bad or wrong and his methods have value, but it’s not a golden ticket and even he has proven this several times by blowing accounts publicly.

2 Likes