DEX Indices 2026 | Complete Guide to DEX 600, 900 & 1500 on Deriv

What Are DEX Indices?

If you've ever traded traditional financial markets, you know the absolute chaos that happens during major news events like the US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) or Interest Rate decisions. The market goes quiet, and then boom—the price explodes up or down in a matter of seconds. It's fast, exciting, and highly profitable if you're on the right side.

But synthetic indices don't have news events. Or do they?

Welcome to DEX Indices on Deriv.

DEX (Digital Exchange) Indices are an innovative class of synthetic indices programmed to simulate these dramatic market-shaking news events. They feature dramatic spikes and drops that occur at regular, predictable average intervals (typically every 10, 15, or 25 minutes), with smaller, calmer fluctuations in between.

How Do DEX Indices Work?

Here is the technical mechanism behind DEX Indices:

• DEX Frequencies: DEX indices are named after their average event frequencies in seconds. Common versions include DEX 600 (average event every 10 minutes), DEX 900 (average event every 15 minutes), and DEX 1500 (average event every 25 minutes).
• Two Variants (UP and DOWN):
  • DEX UP Indices: Programmed to experience sudden, massive upward spikes, followed by a gradual drift downwards.
  • DEX DOWN Indices: Programmed to experience sudden, massive downward crashes, followed by a gradual recovery upwards.
• Calm Phases: Between the massive price shocks, the index experiences normal, small fluctuations, allowing for steady price action trading.

This structure means you know exactly what kind of shock to expect (either a spike up or a crash down) and roughly how often it will happen.

DEX Indices vs Crash/Boom Indices

Trading Strategies for DEX Indices

1. Timing the Event Window

Since DEX indices are mathematically designed to spike or crash on a specific average duration (e.g., every 10 minutes for DEX 600), you can track the time since the last major event. As the index approaches the 10-minute window, the probability of a spike increases. You can look for price action confirmations to enter before the expected move.

2. Trading the Gradual Drift

After a massive event occurs on a DEX index, the market enters a calm phase. For example, after a massive upward spike on a DEX UP index, the price will slowly drift downwards. You can trade this predictable downward drift using simple trendlines and moving averages, making sure to exit before the next event window opens.

3. Breakout Trading

The sudden spikes and drops on DEX indices will instantly shatter key support and resistance levels. You can place buy stop or sell stop orders just outside the consolidation ranges to automatically catch the momentum of the spike as it breaks out.

Lot Sizes & Risk Management for DEX Indices

Make no mistake: DEX Indices are highly volatile and carry high risk. A single spike or drop against your position can wipe out your account if you are over-leveraged.

The minimum lot size for DEX Indices on Deriv MT5 is 0.10.

• Always use a stop-loss. Keep in mind that during a massive spike or crash, slippage can occur, so keep your position sizes conservative.
• Never risk more than 1% of your account on a single DEX trade.
• Track the timer. Keep an eye on your charts and know exactly when the last event occurred.

Use our Lot Size Calculator to manage your risk and keep your account safe from sudden market shocks.

How to Start Trading DEX Indices

DEX Indices are exclusively available on the Deriv MT5 platform.

1. Go to Deriv and register for a free demo account.
2. Open a Synthetic Indices MT5 account.
3. Search for “DEX” in your MT5 market watch to see the available UP and DOWN indices.
4. Start practicing on demo to understand the timing and speed of the spikes before risking your real money!