XAMD/AMDX ICT 01 SMC Quarterly Theory Cycles

The XAMD/AMDX ICT 01 SMC Quarterly Theory Cycles indicator provides a structured framework for analyzing daily market behavior by dividing the trading day into four distinct institutional phases based on the Power of 3 and Quarterly Theory concepts.

Usage

The Usage section describes how the script can be used to align with institutional trading patterns throughout the day. The tool visualizes four specific periods:

• Accumulation (19:00 - 01:00 EST): Typically a low-volatility phase where price is confined to a range. Traders use this period to identify key support and resistance zones and set alerts for future breakouts.
• Manipulation (01:00 - 07:00 EST): Characterized by deceptive movements or "Judas Swings" designed to trap retail liquidity. Traders should look for false breakouts and subsequent reversals.
• Distribution (07:00 - 13:00 EST): The phase where the dominant daily trend usually emerges. This is often the ideal window for trend-following entries as institutional volume enters the market.
• Continuation or Reversal (13:00 - 19:00 EST): A transitional phase that either reinforces the trend established during distribution or initiates a market reversal.

Details

The indicator is built upon the fractal nature of time, implementing the "Four Quarters Method" derived from Quarterly Theory. By extending the logic of ICT's Power of 3 (Accumulation, Manipulation, Distribution), this tool adds a fourth phase (X) to account for late-day continuation or reversals. It automatically detects the high and low of each session to draw visual boxes and labels, making it easier for SMC (Smart Money Concepts) traders to visualize liquidity pools and session ranges.

Settings

Accumulation

• Show Accumulation: Toggles the visibility of the Accumulation phase box.
• Session: Sets the time range for the Accumulation phase (default 19:00-01:00 EST).
• Color: Adjusts the color and transparency of the Accumulation box.

Manipulation

• Show Manipulation: Toggles the visibility of the Manipulation phase box.
• Session: Sets the time range for the Manipulation phase (default 01:00-07:00 EST).
• Color: Adjusts the color of the Manipulation box.

Distribution

• Show Distribution: Toggles the visibility of the Distribution phase box.
• Session: Sets the time range for the Distribution phase (default 07:00-13:00 EST).
• Color: Adjusts the color of the Distribution box.

Continuation/Reversal

• Show Continuation/Reversal: Toggles the visibility of the final phase box.
• Session: Sets the time range for the Continuation/Reversal phase (default 13:00-19:00 EST).
• Color: Adjusts the color of the final phase box.

FAQ

How do I access XAMD/AMDX ICT 01 SMC Quarterly Theory Cycles?

You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.

Can I change the session times for different time zones?

Yes, the session inputs can be modified in the settings menu to align with your local time or specific market opening hours, though the defaults are optimized for EST.

Which timeframes are best for this indicator?

The indicator is designed for intraday analysis and works best on timeframes of 60 minutes or lower to accurately capture the transitions between the four quarterly phases.