What is ICT & SMC? Origin and the Real Connection

Welcome to the world of smart money flow. Before learning how to read graphs, we need to clarify the two most common terms today: ICT and SMC.

1. Origin of ICT

ICT (Inner Circle Trader) is a price action analysis method developed by American traders Michael J. Huddleston develop. He is considered by the community to be the "father" of SMC concepts. Michael shares his knowledge through thousands of hours of YouTube videos, focusing on how large money flows manipulate and distribute prices in financial markets.

2. Relationship between ICT and SMC

Many people often confuse these as two different methods, but in essence:

• ICT (Original): Very detailed, complex, deeply integrated with Time factors (Killzones, Macros) and interbank price distribution algorithm (IPDA).
• SMC (Smart Money Concepts - Derivative): Are the core concepts of ICT that have been simplified, renamed or repackaged by the community to be more accessible to the masses (mainly focusing on BOS, FVG, OB).