
Deriv’s synthetic markets are constantly leveling up, giving traders fresh ways to explore the market. The latest additions-Multi Step and Skew Step Indices-bring extra flexibility and spice things up a bit. But how did we get here? Let’s rewind and see how the Step Index family has grown.
The original step index: Where it all began
Think of the Step Index as the "classic"-simple, predictable, and easy to grasp. It was built for traders who like structure and want a market that behaves consistently.
- Fixed step size: Always 0.1.
- Balanced movement: Equal chance of moving up or down.
- Low volatility: Moves are steady and predictable.
This made it a great starting point for traders looking to understand synthetic markets without too many surprises.
More significant steps, bigger moves
As more traders jumped in, some wanted more action-so larger step sizes were introduced. These new indices kept the same mechanics but with wider steps, leading to more volatility and significant opportunities.
- Step sizes: Ranging from 0.2 to 0.5.
- Balanced movement: There is still an equal chance of moving up or down.
- Higher volatility: The bigger the step, the greater the potential price movement.
Some of the popular ones include:
- Step 200 Index
- Step 300 Index
- Step 400 Index
- Step 500 Index
Multi Step Indices: A bit of a wild card
Multi Step indices shake things up by blending different step sizes. Most movements are small (0.1), but now and then, you’ll see a more significant jump (0.2, 0.25, 0.3, or 0.5). This gives traders a mix of predictability with just enough randomness to keep things interesting.
- Step sizes: Ranging from 0.1 to 0.5.
- Balanced movement: Equal chance of price moving up or down.
- Low to moderate volatility: Mostly small steps, with occasional larger swings.
You’ll find these indices as:
- Multi Step 2 Index
- Multi Step 3 Index
- Multi Step 4 Index
Skew Step Indices: A market with a mind of its own
Skew-step indices take things a step further by making price movements uneven. Most of the time (80-90%), price moves in small steps (0.1 to 0.5), but occasionally (10-20%), you’ll see a bigger jump. This mimics real-world markets more closely, adding an extra strategic layer.
- Step sizes: Ranging from 0.1 to 0.5.
- Directional tendency: Usually moves in one direction (up or down) but occasionally makes a more significant move the other way.
- Moderate to high volatility: More dynamic price swings.
Some examples include:
- Skew Step 5 Up Index
- Skew Step 5 Down Index
- Skew Step 4 Up Index
- Skew Step 4 Down Index
Start trading the step indices family.
The Step Indices family gives you structure with a bit of flexibility, making it perfect for traders who love patterns but still want room for strategy. Whether you’re a fan of predictable moves or enjoy the thrill of unexpected jumps, there’s a Step Index for you.
How to get started:
- Open a free practice account.
- Try out the basic Step Index to see how it moves.
- Start with small trades to build confidence.
- Experiment with Multi Step and Skew Step Indices as you get comfortable.
Quiz
Which index should you go for if you like steady, predictable price movements?