Quick Facts
- Smart Money Sentiment is a popular indicator on TradingView used to gauge market sentiment.
- It analyzes order flow data from professional traders and investors.
- The indicator calculates the percentage of buys and sells from institutions.
- Smart Money Sentiment uses a moving average strategy.
- There are two types of Smart Money Indicators available: US-based vs non-US based.
- Smart Money Indicators are most effective during fast-trading sessions.
- US Smart Money Sentiment data is updated five times an hour.
- The indicator is most active during trading hours
- Non-US data is updated daily.
- Smart Money Sentiment requires multiple subscriptions to access.
Unlocking the Power of Smart Money Indicators on TradingView
As a trader, you’re always on the lookout for that edge that sets you apart from the crowd. In today’s fast-paced markets, having the right tools at your disposal can mean the difference between profit and loss. One such tool that has gained popularity in recent years is the Smart Money Indicator on TradingView. But what exactly is this indicator, and how can you use it to inform your trading decisions?
What is the Smart Money Indicator?
The Smart Money Indicator is a technical indicator that attempts to identify the behavior of “smart money” – institutional investors, hedge funds, and other large players in the market. These entities have the resources and expertise to analyze market trends and make informed decisions, often ahead of the curve. By tracking their activity, individual traders can gain valuable insights into potential market moves.
The Smart Money Indicator on TradingView is based on the concept of volume-weighted price, which takes into account both price movement and trading volume. This allows the indicator to highlight areas of strong buying or selling pressure, providing traders with a more nuanced view of market sentiment.
How to Use the Smart Money Indicator on TradingView
So, how can you incorporate the Smart Money Indicator into your trading strategy? Here are a few ways to get started:
Identifying Areas of Support and Resistance
The Smart Money Indicator can help you identify areas of strong buying or selling pressure, which can serve as support or resistance levels. For example, if the indicator shows a strong accumulation zone (green area) near a key support level, it may indicate that smart money is buying up shares in anticipation of a bounce.
Spotting Market Tops and Bottoms
By analyzing the Smart Money Indicator, you can identify potential market tops and bottoms. For instance, if the indicator shows a strong distribution zone (red area) near a recent high, it may signal that smart money is selling shares, potentially indicating a market top.
Confirming Trade Entries
The Smart Money Indicator can also be used to confirm trade entries. For example, if you’re considering entering a long position, you can look for areas where the indicator shows strong buying pressure. Conversely, if you’re considering a short position, look for areas of strong selling pressure.
Real-Life Example: Tesla (TSLA)
Let’s take a look at a real-life example using Tesla’s stock (TSLA):
| Date | Price | Smart Money Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 10 | 580.00 | Strong Accumulation Zone |
| Feb 15 | 620.00 | Weak Distribution Zone |
| Feb 20 | 650.00 | Strong Accumulation Zone |
| Feb 25 | 680.00 | Weak Distribution Zone |
In this example, the Smart Money Indicator is showing a clear pattern of accumulation and distribution. The strong accumulation zones on February 10 and 20 suggest that smart money is buying up shares, potentially indicating a bullish trend. The weak distribution zones on February 15 and 25, on the other hand, may indicate that smart money is selling shares, potentially signaling a correction.
Common Misconceptions About the Smart Money Indicator
While the Smart Money Indicator can be a powerful tool, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Here are some common misconceptions to avoid:
The Smart Money Indicator is a Holy Grail
The Smart Money Indicator is not a foolproof system that guarantees profits. It’s a tool that should be used in conjunction with other forms of analysis and risk management techniques.
The Smart Money Indicator is Only for Day Traders
The Smart Money Indicator can be used by traders of all timeframes, from day traders to long-term investors.
The Smart Money Indicator is a Lagging Indicator
While the Smart Money Indicator is based on historical data, it can still provide valuable insights into potential market moves.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Smart Money Indicators TradingView FAQ
What are Smart Money Indicators?
*Smart Money Indicators* are a set of indicators created by Mark Minervini and David Bach that aim to identify the behavior of institutional traders and large investors. These indicators help traders understand the market’s dynamics by analyzing the relationship between price and volume.
How do Smart Money Indicators work?
Smart Money Indicators use a combination of proprietary calculations that involve volume, price, and time. The indicators are based on the idea that smart money (institutional traders and large investors) always trades differently than dumb money (retail traders).
What indicators are available on TradingView?
On TradingView, you can access the following Smart Money Indicators:
* Smart Money Index: Measures the extent to which institutional money is participating in the market.
* Smart Volume Index: Compares the trading volume on up days to the trading volume on down days.
* Smart Strength Index: Identifies when institutional traders are controlling the market.
How can I access Smart Money Indicators on TradingView?
To access Smart Money Indicators on TradingView:
1. Open TradingView and navigate to the chart you want to analyze.
2. Click on the “Indicators” button at the top of the chart.
3. Select “Invite-Only Script” and then type “Smart Money” in the search bar.
4. Click on the Smart Money Indicator you want to use.
What are the best settings for Smart Money Indicators?
The best settings for Smart Money Indicators vary depending on your trading strategy and the market conditions. We recommend experimenting with different settings to find the optimal configuration for your needs.
Can I backtest Smart Money Indicators?
Yes, you can backtest Smart Money Indicators on TradingView using the platform’s built-in backtesting feature. This will help you evaluate the performance of the indicators in various market scenarios.
Are Smart Money Indicators free to use?
While some basic versions of the Smart Money Indicators are available for free on TradingView, the full range of features and proprietary calculations are only accessible through a paid subscription to the indicator developer’s platform.

