Deriv Step Index: How It Moves, Strategies and Risk Settings
How Does the Step Index Move?
Each tick is one fixed step up or one fixed step down. Deriv also lists newer Step variants with larger steps; the bigger the step, the faster the price moves. Because there are no gaps, stop-losses tend to fill close to where you set them, which is one reason traders like it.
Step Index vs Volatility Indices
| Step Index | Volatility indices (e.g. V75) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tick movement | Fixed step up or down | Random size |
| Spikes | None | None (unlike Boom/Crash) |
| Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Feel | Smooth, orderly | Choppier, faster |
How to Trade the Step Index
It is available on Deriv MT5 (CFDs) and, depending on your account, as options and multipliers. Common approaches:
- Trend following with moving averages on 5–15 minute charts.
- Support and resistance bounces, with a stop beyond the level.
- Rise/Fall options over short durations (see the Rise/Fall guide).
Is There a Best Time to Trade the Step Index?
No market session drives it, so time of day does not change the odds. The best time is when you are rested and following your plan. See best time to trade on Deriv.
Risk Settings to Start With
| Setting | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Risk per trade | 1% of balance |
| Stop-loss | Always set before entry |
| Daily loss limit | 5–10% of balance |
| Lot size | Minimum until a month of demo results |
A Demo Practice Plan (One Week)
- Day 1: mark support and resistance on the 15-minute chart.
- Day 2–4: 15 demo trades following one rule (trend or bounce).
- Day 5: review wins, losses and how well stops filled.
- Day 6–7: repeat the best rule only.
Common Mistakes
- Moving the stop-loss further away when price approaches it.
- Overtrading because the chart looks orderly.
- Mixing several strategies in one session.
Try It Free on a $10,000 Demo
Open a free Deriv account, connect it to H-BOT Africa and test bots, signals and digit tools on virtual money before risking a shilling.
Open a free Deriv account Open Deriv Bot Open H-BOT Ask on WhatsApp
Have an audience? Become a Deriv partner and earn commission on clients you refer.
Disclosure: some links on this page are Deriv partner links. If you open an account or become a partner through them, H-BOT Africa may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Step Index on Deriv?
A synthetic index that moves up or down by a fixed step every tick, generated by Deriv’s random number generator.
What is the best strategy for the Step Index?
There is no guaranteed strategy; trend-following and support/resistance with strict stop-losses are common.
Is the Step Index good for beginners?
Its smooth movement is easier to read, but it is still random and leveraged on MT5. Practise on demo first.
What is the minimum lot size for Step Index?
It is shown in Deriv MT5 contract specifications; start with the minimum.
What is the best time to trade the Step Index?
It runs 24/7 with no sessions, so time of day does not change the odds.
Does the Step Index have spikes?
No. Spikes belong to Boom and Crash indices.
Related Guides
Volatility 75 Index (V75): What It Is, How It Works and How to Trade It
Boom and Crash Indices: How the Spikes Work, Strategies People Use and the Real Risks
Deriv Rise/Fall Strategy: How the Contract Works and How to Trade It Carefully
Risk Management for Deriv Traders: Stake Size, Stop-Loss and Daily Limits That Protect Your Account