ICT, or Inner Circle Trader, refers to a comprehensive trading methodology developed by Michael J. Huddleston, a professional trader and educator.
The ICT approach focuses on understanding how institutional traders, or “smart money,” operate in the financial markets, particularly in forex, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
1. What is ICT?
ICT teaches traders to read and interpret price action based on principles such as:
- Market structure: Identifying trend direction and potential reversals.
- Liquidity pools: Recognizing areas where retail traders’ stop losses are likely placed and where institutional traders might target.
- Order blocks: Specific price zones where institutions have placed large orders, often signaling potential reversals or continuations.
- Fair Value Gaps (FVGs): Imbalances in price action that indicate where the market might retrace or correct.
- Smart Money Concepts (SMC): This involves understanding how large financial institutions manipulate prices to accumulate liquidity before driving the market in a desired direction.
The ICT methodology is rooted in observing price behavior, understanding institutional order flow, and using specific tools and strategies to capitalize on these market movements.
Unlike other retail trading strategies, ICT emphasizes deeper knowledge of market mechanics and institutional trading techniques.
2. Who is Michael J. Huddleston?

Michael J. Huddleston is a well-known trading educator who developed the ICT methods.
With decades of experience in trading financial markets, Huddleston focuses on teaching traders how to anticipate market movements by understanding the actions of institutional players like banks, hedge funds, and large financial institutions.
His techniques gained popularity due to the detailed and in-depth nature of his educational content, which he shares through various online platforms and courses.
Huddleston’s teaching style is unique in that he emphasizes patience, discipline, and mastery of trading concepts over quick profits.
His extensive videos, webinars, and mentorship programs have helped many traders adopt a more professional approach to trading.
In summary, ICT is a trading methodology that empowers retail traders to understand and navigate the markets the way institutional traders do.
Michael J. Huddleston’s ICT strategies have gained significant recognition for their focus on institutional trading methods, price action, and market manipulation techniques.
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