ICT Macro Time Simplifying the Time Based Strategy
ICT (Inner Circle Trader) Macro is a time-based strategy that focuses on when the trading algorithm is more active towards liquidity sweeps. This typically happens when the IPDA (Interbank Price Delivery Algorithm) is most active during the trading day.
Time and price are two critical components when trading with the ICT strategy. It’s a common myth that one can find equal trading opportunities 24 hours a day, five days a week. For day traders, it’s crucial to understand the specific ICT macro times when high-probability trading setups are more likely to form. In this blog post, we’ll explore these key periods and how to leverage them for more effective trading.
What Is ICT Macro Time?
ICT Macro refers to the periods when trading algorithms are hyperactive towards liquidity. These are specific time frames when the Interbank Price Delivery Algorithm (IPDA) sweeps the liquidity and engineers new liquidity to trap the retail mindset.
Table below showing the ICT Macro times in both GMT and UTC-4 (New York Local Time).
| Macro | Start (UTC-4) | End (UTC-4) | Start (GMT) | End (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Macro | 02:33 AM | 03:00 AM | 06:33 AM | 07:00 AM |
| 04:03 AM | 04:30 AM | 08:03 AM | 08:30 AM | |
| New York AM Macro | 09:50 AM | 10:10 AM | 01:50 PM | 02:10 PM |
| 10:50 AM | 11:10 AM | 02:50 PM | 03:10 PM | |
| New York Lunch Macro | 11:50 AM | 12:10 PM | 03:50 PM | 04:10 PM |
| New York PM Macro | 01:10 PM | 01:40 PM | 05:10 PM | 05:40 PM |
| 03:15 PM | 03:45 PM | 07:15 PM | 07:45 PM |
ICT Macro Complete Step by Step Trading Strategy
During macro hours, the algorithm seeks and destroys liquidity. To trade effectively during these times, follow these steps:
- Select the macro time you want to trade.
- Before the opening of the selected macro time, mark the liquidity levels on a 15-minute time frame chart.
- Wait for the algorithm to sweep the liquidity during the macro period.
- Trade in the direction of the macro trend after the liquidity sweep.
This is the ICT quick scalp strategy for trading macro times.
For example, if the algorithm takes sell-side liquidity during the London Open Macro and a Market Structure Shift (MSS) occurs on the 5-minute time frame, you can enter the trade by targeting the next buy-side liquidity.
It’s important to note that having a higher time frame bias is crucial for successful trading.
Does ICT Macro work with cryptocurrency or digital assets?
Yes, the macro strategy works in forex, indices, and digital currencies. The chart below (BTC1!) is a Bitcoin futures chart and demonstrates a trading setup formed at the opening of the London macro.
The price delivery algorithm first sweeps buy-side liquidity, creating a new high. Then, a Market Structure Shift (MSS) occurs on the 3-minute time frame. This MSS leaves a Fair Value Gap (FVG), which the price retraces to fill before moving down to target the next liquidity level.
It’s important to note that it is not necessary for the price to sweep the next liquidity level within the same macro period. Your trade can extend beyond the macro time, but the trading setup is eventually formed.
Consider another example of EURUSD pair and how Macro work.
