Smart Money Concepts (SMC) operates on the premise that large institutional players, such as central banks and global hedge funds, dictate the primary direction of the market. Rather than relying on traditional retail indicators, this framework focuses on identifying “institutional footprints” hidden within price action. Key elements include identifying Order Blocks, which represent areas of significant institutional interest, and recognizing liquidity grabs that often trap retail participants before a major move. By analyzing market structure shifts and supply-demand imbalances, a research analyst can align their perspective with the entities that possess the capital to move markets, ensuring a more disciplined approach to understanding price delivery.