SYNTHETIC INDICES
Synthetic Indices Trading Explained
Synthetic indices are instruments generated by a cryptographically secure random number generator. They mimic real markets, but they are not affected by real-world news or market hours, so they trade 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. To trade them on Deriv, open a free account, practise on a zero-risk demo, then choose a synthetic index from the Markets page and place your trade from MT5, TradingView or the Deriv platform of your choice.
Derived indices are the family of instruments that includes Volatility, Boom, Crash, Step and Jump indices. Because their prices come from a random number generator rather than an order book, historical patterns can be coincidental, and leverage magnifies both gains and losses. CFDs are complex and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly, so read the Risk Disclosure before you trade.
Start with a free demo
Crash, Boom, Volatility and Step Families
Deriv's synthetic indices fall into a few main families, each built to behave differently. Pick the family that matches how you want to trade. Tick frequencies and volatility levels differ by index, so check the Markets page for the exact specs of any instrument before you trade it.
- Crash and Boom Indices: sudden downturns on Crash indices and rapid surges on Boom indices, with tick frequencies from 50 to 1,000 ticks.
- Volatility Indices: constant volatility from 10% to 250%, including Volatility 100, for traders who want steady, measurable movement.
- Step and Multi Step Indices: fixed, step-by-step price moves with no wild swings or complicated trends.
- Jump Indices: prices that leap on average every 20 minutes, with volatility set from 10% to 100%.
- Range Break and Drift Switching Indices: ranging markets that break out, and trends that shift between bullish, bearish and sideways.
Volatility at a glance
The synthetic range covers a wide spread of volatility and tick speeds, so you can pick the profile that fits your approach.
- 99
- Synthetic indices listed
- 10–250%
- Volatility range
- 50–1,000
- Tick frequencies
- 1:1000
- Max leverage, selected
Specifications change over time. The Markets page shows current values for each instrument. Leverage involves risk, so read the risk disclosure before trading.
Synthetic indices FAQ
The questions traders ask most before they open an account on Deriv, answered directly. Synthetic indices are simulated, so the answers below focus on how they behave and what to check before you trade.
Can I trade Volatility 100 on Deriv?
Yes. Volatility 100 is one of the constant-volatility Volatility Indices available on Deriv, which run at a 100% volatility level. You can check its current contract specs and trading hours on the Markets page before you place a trade.
Can I trade synthetic indices 24/7?
Yes. Synthetic indices trade around the clock, including weekends and public holidays, because they are not tied to exchange opening hours. Support is also available 24/7 through live chat, or by calling 01481 725932.
Are synthetic indices reliable to trade?
Synthetic indices are generated by a cryptographically secure random number generator, so they are not affected by real-world news. They have no order book, so there is no underlying market equilibrium behind each price, and any historical pattern you spot may be coincidental. Treat them as a product to understand and manage carefully, not as a source of predictable returns.
Is there a demo account for synthetic indices?
Yes. You can start a free demo account to test synthetic indices and the platform without risking money. Selected synthetic indices are also available on the swap-free Deriv MT5 account. Demo results do not guarantee live trading results, and CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
Do technical indicators work on synthetic indices?
Mostly not. Because synthetic indices have no order book, most indicators will not reliably reflect a pattern, except on Range Break indices, which move between support and resistance levels before breaking out, so channel analysis may be more useful there. For guidance on combining indicators with a Deriv platform, see Deriv trading platforms.