What are VOL synthetic indices on Headway Broker?

VOL (Volatility) indices on Headway — VOL_10, VOL_20, and VOL_80 — simulate markets with constant, fixed volatility levels. VOL_10 has the lowest volatility (0.5 pip spread, calmest price action), VOL_20 has moderate volatility (1 pip spread), and VOL_80 has the highest volatility (3 pip spread, most aggressive price swings). The number represents the percentage volatility level.

Can I trade Headway Synthetics on MT4 or MT5?

Headway Synthetic Indices are available exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (MT5). They are not available on MT4. You must open an MT5 account with Headway to access BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME, and STORM synthetic instruments. MT5 is available on desktop (Windows and Mac), web browser, and mobile (Android and iOS).

What trading strategies work best for Headway BOOM and CRASH indices?

The most effective strategies for BOOM and CRASH indices on Headway are: (1) Spike catching — buying on BOOM indices and selling on CRASH indices immediately before a spike event using candlestick patterns and RSI divergence; (2) Trend following — trading in the direction of the steady trend between spike events; (3) Range trading — using support and resistance levels on VOL indices during low-volatility periods. All strategies should be tested on a demo account first due to the extreme volatility of synthetic spike events.

Headway Broker Synthetics: BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME & STORM Guide 2026

24/7 Markets · MT5 Only · Updated May 2026

Headway Broker Synthetic Indices — Complete Guide to BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME & STORM

Q: What are Synthetic Indices on Headway Broker?

Synthetic Indices on Headway Broker are algorithmically generated financial instruments that simulate real market price movements but are not tied to any underlying real-world asset. They include BOOM indices (sudden upward spikes), CRASH indices (sudden downward drops), VOL indices (constant volatility levels), FLAME, and STORM indices. They trade 24/7 including weekends and are unaffected by news events or economic data.

Q: What leverage is available on Headway Synthetic Indices?

All Headway Synthetic Indices — including BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME, and STORM — offer leverage of up to 1:500. However, leverage is automatically reduced based on total notional position size: positions between $100,001 and $500,000 get leverage reduced by 2x; $500,001–$1,000,000 by 10x; $1,000,001–$10,000,001 by 40x; and above $10,000,001 by 100x.

Q: What is the difference between BOOM and CRASH synthetic indices on Headway?

BOOM indices simulate markets that trend steadily and then experience sudden upward spikes (booms) at random intervals. CRASH indices do the opposite — they trend steadily and then experience sudden downward drops (crashes). On Headway, BOOM_100 and BOOM_200 represent different spike frequencies, and CRASH_100 and CRASH_200 represent different crash frequencies. The number indicates roughly how often the spike event occurs on average.

Q: Do Headway Synthetic Indices have swap fees or commissions?

No. All Headway Synthetic Indices — BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME, and STORM — have zero commission and zero swap (both long and short). The only trading cost is the spread, which ranges from 0.5 pips (VOL_10) to 3 pips (VOL_80) depending on the instrument.

Q: Are Headway Synthetic Indices available 24/7 including weekends?

Yes. All Headway Synthetic Indices trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays. Because they are algorithmically generated and not linked to any real-world market, they are not subject to market opening or closing hours. This makes them particularly attractive for traders in time zones where major forex sessions are inconvenient.

Everything you need to know about trading synthetic instruments on Headway: what each index does, live specs from the platform, leverage rules, and strategies that work.

📈 BOOM_100 & 200 📉 CRASH_100 & 200 〰 VOL_10, 20 & 80 🔥 FLAME ⚡ STORM_200 & 500

Trade Synthetics on Headway

24/7 Including Weekends

Up to 1:500 Leverage

Zero Commission & Zero Swap

MT5 Only

FSCA Regulated

Algorithm-Driven Prices

No News Impact

10 Synthetic Instruments

Last updated: May 2026 · 10 min read

What Are Headway Broker Synthetic Indices and How Do They Work?

Synthetic indices are artificially generated financial instruments — a category of assets that many traders search for but few fully understand before trading them.

Unlike forex pairs, stocks, or commodities, Headway's synthetic instruments are not tied to any real-world underlying asset. Their prices are generated by a mathematical algorithm that simulates realistic market behavior — trends, volatility, support and resistance patterns — but operates independently of any economic data, central bank decisions, or geopolitical events.

This means synthetic indices on Headway trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends, public holidays, and during times when all major forex markets are closed. For traders in time zones where traditional sessions are inconvenient, or for those who want to trade without worrying about news events, synthetics offer a unique alternative.

Headway currently offers 10 synthetic instruments across five families: BOOM, CRASH, VOL (Volatility), FLAME, and STORM — all accessible exclusively via MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Key advantage of synthetics: Because prices are algorithm-driven and isolated from real-world events, synthetic indices are immune to market gaps caused by economic news releases, earnings reports, or geopolitical shocks. This makes risk management more predictable than traditional instruments in many conditions.

Understanding Each Headway Synthetic Index — What Every Instrument Does

Each synthetic instrument has a distinct behavior profile. Knowing what each one does before you trade is essential for choosing the right instrument for your strategy.

BOOM_100 & BOOM_200

Sudden upward spike indices

BehaviorSteady trend + random upward spikes

BOOM_100 spread1.0 pip

BOOM_200 spread1.1 pips

CommissionZero

SwapZero

Leverage1:500

Issued byDMC Global Inc.

Best for: Traders who want to catch upward spike events. The number (100/200) indicates roughly how many ticks occur on average between spike events.

CRASH_100 & CRASH_200

Sudden downward crash indices

BehaviorSteady trend + random downward crashes

CRASH_100 spread0.9 pips

CRASH_200 spread1.2 pips

CommissionZero

SwapZero

Leverage1:500

Best for: Traders who want to sell into sudden downward crash events. CRASH_100 has a tighter spread (0.9 pip) making it marginally more cost-efficient.

VOL_10, VOL_20 & VOL_80

Constant fixed volatility indices

BehaviorContinuous movement at fixed volatility

VOL_10 spread0.5 pips (tightest)

VOL_20 spread1.0 pip

VOL_80 spread3.0 pips (widest)

CommissionZero

Leverage1:500

Best for: Technical analysis traders. No sudden spikes — price moves continuously at a constant volatility level. VOL_10 is calmest; VOL_80 is most aggressive.

FLAME

High-intensity volatility index

BehaviorIntense, fast-moving price action

Spread2.0 pips

CommissionZero

SwapZero

Leverage1:500

PlatformMT5 only

Best for: Experienced traders comfortable with fast price movements. FLAME simulates highly energetic market conditions with sharp, frequent directional shifts.

STORM_200 & STORM_500

Extreme volatility storm indices

BehaviorHigh volatility with unpredictable surges

STORM_200 spread1.1 pips

STORM_500 spread2.5 pips (widest in family)

CommissionZero

SwapZero

Leverage1:500

Best for: Advanced traders. STORM indices simulate extreme market stress conditions. The number reflects storm intensity. Requires wider stops and strict risk management.

Headway Synthetics Full Instrument Specifications — Spreads, Leverage & Conditions

Complete specs for all 10 Headway synthetic instruments, sourced directly from the Headway trading platform. All instruments are MT5-only with zero commission and zero swap.

Instrument	Min. Spread	Spread Cost	Leverage
BOOM_100 DMC Global Inc. MT5	1.0 pip	Low	1:500
BOOM_200 DMC Global Inc. MT5	1.1 pips	Low	1:500
CRASH_100 MT5	0.9 pips	Lowest	1:500
CRASH_200 MT5	1.2 pips	Low	1:500
FLAME MT5	2.0 pips	Medium	1:500
STORM_200 MT5	1.1 pips	Low	1:500
STORM_500 MT5	2.5 pips	Medium-High	1:500
VOL_10 MT5	0.5 pips	Tightest	1:500
VOL_20 MT5	1.0 pip	Low	1:500
VOL_80 MT5	3.0 pips	Widest	1:500

Margin call: 30% · Stop out: 0% · Stop level: 0 — these platform-wide parameters apply to all synthetic instruments. The 0% stop out is unusual and means positions are only liquidated at exactly zero equity.

Headway Synthetics Leverage Reduction Rules Based on Position Size

All Headway synthetic instruments start at 1:500 leverage, but this is automatically reduced as your total notional position value increases — a critical rule to understand before scaling up your trading.

Total Position Notional Value (USD)	Effective Leverage	Reduction Applied
$0 — $100,000	1:500 (Standard)	None — full leverage applies
$100,001 — $500,000	1:250	Reduced by 2×
$500,001 — $1,000,000	1:50	Reduced by 10×
$1,000,001 — $10,000,001	1:12.5	Reduced by 40×
Above $10,000,001	1:5	Reduced by 100×

Why this matters for scalpers and position traders: If you are running multiple lots on synthetic indices simultaneously, your combined notional value can quickly exceed the $100,000 threshold where leverage drops to 1:250. Always calculate your total exposure across all open synthetic positions, not just individual trades.

Trading Strategies That Work for Headway BOOM, CRASH & VOL Indices

Each synthetic instrument family has a distinct price behavior that calls for a specific trading approach. These are the most effective strategies used by synthetic index traders.

📈

Spike Catching on BOOM Indices

BOOM_100 BOOM_200

BOOM indices produce sudden upward spikes followed by a return to the prevailing trend. Spike catchers attempt to enter a buy position just before or immediately after a spike using candlestick confirmation (e.g., bullish engulfing on M1 or M5) and RSI divergence signals. The goal is to ride the spike for a short, sharp profit. Key rule: Set a tight stop-loss below the pre-spike level. Never hold through a spike if you are already in a losing position — the recovery can be slow.

Risk level: High — spike timing is unpredictable

📉

Sell-Side Positioning on CRASH Indices

CRASH_100 CRASH_200

CRASH indices trend steadily and then experience sudden sharp downward drops. Sell-side traders look to enter short positions either at the peak of an upward trend using resistance levels, or immediately after a crash spike has resolved, anticipating a slow recovery that can be shorted again. Moving averages (50 EMA, 200 EMA) are commonly used to identify the direction of the prevailing trend between crash events.

Risk level: High — crash events can move against open longs violently

〰

Range Trading and Scalping on VOL Indices

VOL_10 VOL_20 VOL_80

VOL indices have no sudden spikes — they move continuously at a fixed volatility level. This makes them ideal for technical analysis strategies: scalping on M1/M5 using Bollinger Bands, range trading using support and resistance on H1, and trend following using EMA crossovers. VOL_10 (0.5 pip spread) is the most cost-efficient for scalpers. VOL_80 is better for swing traders who want larger price swings per session.

Risk level: Medium — predictable volatility but leverage still amplifies losses

📊

Trend Following with EAs on STORM & FLAME

FLAME STORM_200 STORM_500

STORM and FLAME indices feature intense, fast-moving price action that is difficult to trade manually at scale. Many advanced traders use MetaTrader 5 Expert Advisors (EAs) — automated trading algorithms — to execute trend-following strategies on these instruments 24/7 without human fatigue. STORM_200 (1.1 pip spread) is the more cost-efficient choice for automated strategies compared to STORM_500 (2.5 pips).

Risk level: Medium-High — requires thoroughly backtested EA and risk parameters

Critical warning for BOOM & CRASH traders: Never use a tight stop-loss during a spike event. On CRASH_100, a sudden crash can move 20–50 pips in a single tick. A stop that is too tight will be hit by the spike itself, not the sustained trend. Widen your stops on BOOM and CRASH indices beyond what you would normally use on forex pairs.

How to Start Trading Synthetic Indices on Headway Broker MT5 — Step by Step

Synthetics are only available on MetaTrader 5. Follow these steps to access them from scratch, even if you are a complete beginner.

Open a Headway Broker Account with an MT5 Account Type

Register at Headway using the link below. When selecting your account type during setup, choose Standard or Pro — both support MT5. The Cent account also supports MT5 and is ideal if you want to test synthetics with minimal capital ($1 minimum deposit).

Open MT5 Account

Download MetaTrader 5 and Log in With Your Headway MT5 Credentials

Download MT5 from the MetaQuotes website or from Headway's trading platforms page. After installation, enter the server name (provided in your Headway welcome email), your MT5 login number, and password. MT5 is available for Windows, Mac, Android (Google Play), and iOS (App Store).

💡 Do not confuse your MT5 account number with your Headway portal login. They are different credentials. Your MT5 credentials are sent in a separate email when your trading account is created.

Find Synthetic Instruments in MT5 Market Watch

In MetaTrader 5, go to View → Market Watch (or press Ctrl+M). In the Market Watch panel, right-click and select "Show All" to see all available instruments, then scroll to the Synthetics section. Alternatively, right-click → "Symbols" → search for "BOOM", "CRASH", "VOL", "FLAME", or "STORM".

💡 Once you find your preferred instrument, right-click it and select "Show in Market Watch" to pin it for quick access in future sessions.

Open a Chart and Study the Instrument's Behavior Pattern Before Trading

Double-click any synthetic instrument in Market Watch to open a chart. Spend at least 30–60 minutes observing how the specific instrument moves before placing any trade. BOOM and CRASH indices have visually distinct spike patterns that are easy to identify on a 1-minute or 5-minute chart. VOL indices show continuous, smoother price action.

Start on a Demo Account — Test Your Strategy on Synthetics With Virtual Funds

Headway offers a free demo account with virtual funds. Use it to test any synthetic strategy for at least 2–4 weeks before committing real capital. This is especially important for BOOM and CRASH indices, where spike events can behave very differently from anything seen in traditional forex or stock markets.

💡 When on demo, use the same lot sizes you intend to use on your live account. Using larger demo lots than you would realistically trade gives false confidence.

Go Live With a Minimum Lot Size and Scale Gradually

When you are ready to trade synthetics with real money, start with the minimum lot size (0.01 lots on most instruments). Scale your position size only after achieving consistent positive results on the same instrument over a minimum of 30 trading sessions. Remember the leverage reduction rules for positions above $100,000 notional value.

💡 Never increase lot size after a losing streak to "recover." Synthetic indices are high-volatility instruments — one oversized trade during a spike event can eliminate an account balance in seconds.

Risk Considerations Every Headway Synthetic Trader Must Understand

Synthetic indices offer unique trading opportunities, but they also carry risks that differ significantly from traditional forex trading. Know these before you start.

Spike events can trigger stop-losses instantly

On BOOM and CRASH indices, a spike event can move 20–100 pips in a single tick. If your stop-loss is too tight, it will be hit by the spike itself — filling at a price far beyond your intended stop due to slippage. Always use wider stops on spike-based instruments than on smooth-trending instruments.

High leverage (1:500) amplifies losses, not just profits

At 1:500 leverage, a 0.2% adverse price move wipes your entire margin for a position. On volatile instruments like VOL_80, STORM_500, or during a CRASH spike, a 0.2% move can happen in seconds. Use the minimum available lot size until you have a thoroughly tested strategy, and never risk more than 1–2% of your account on a single synthetic trade.

Algorithm changes can alter instrument behavior

Because synthetic prices are broker-generated, Headway can adjust the algorithm parameters — spike frequency, volatility level, or spread — at any time. A strategy that worked well for 3 months may stop working if the instrument's behavior is modified. Monitor your strategy's performance continuously and be prepared to adapt.

24/7 availability leads to overtrading for some traders

Because synthetics never close, some traders fall into the trap of trading continuously without adequate rest or strategy discipline. Overtrading — making too many trades too frequently — is one of the most common causes of account drawdown among synthetic index traders. Define your trading hours in advance and stick to them.

No fundamental news risk — a genuine advantage

Unlike forex or stocks, synthetic indices cannot gap on an economic news release, an unexpected central bank decision, or a geopolitical event. This makes certain risk management tools — particularly tight stop-losses on VOL indices — more reliable than the same tools applied to traditional assets during news events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headway Broker Synthetics

Answers to the most common questions traders ask about synthetic indices on Headway Broker.

What are Synthetic Indices on Headway Broker?

Synthetic indices are algorithm-generated financial instruments available on Headway Broker that simulate real market price behavior but are not tied to any actual underlying asset. Headway offers 10 synthetic instruments across five families: BOOM (upward spikes), CRASH (downward crashes), VOL (constant volatility), FLAME (high-intensity), and STORM (extreme volatility). They trade 24/7 including weekends and are unaffected by economic news or geopolitical events.

What is the difference between BOOM and CRASH synthetic indices on Headway?

BOOM indices trend steadily and then experience sudden random upward spikes. CRASH indices trend steadily and then experience sudden random downward drops. Both BOOM and CRASH families have two variants on Headway: _100 (spikes occur roughly every 100 ticks on average) and _200 (spikes occur less frequently, roughly every 200 ticks). The _100 variants have spikes occurring more often, which creates more trading opportunities but also more unpredictability.

Can I trade Headway Synthetic Indices on MT4?

No. Headway Synthetic Indices are available exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (MT5). They are not listed on MetaTrader 4 (MT4). You must open or switch to an MT5 account type to access BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME, and STORM instruments. MT5 is available as a desktop application, web terminal, and mobile app for both Android and iOS.

What leverage is available on Headway Synthetic Indices?

All Headway synthetic instruments start at 1:500 leverage for positions under $100,000 notional value. As total position size increases, leverage is automatically reduced: $100,001–$500,000 = 1:250; $500,001–$1,000,000 = 1:50; $1,000,001–$10,000,001 = 1:12.5; above $10,000,001 = 1:5. This reduction applies to total notional value across all open synthetic positions combined.

Do Headway Synthetic Indices have swap fees or commissions?

No. All 10 Headway synthetic instruments — BOOM, CRASH, VOL, FLAME, and STORM — have zero commission and zero swap fees for both long and short positions. The only cost of trading synthetics on Headway is the spread, which ranges from 0.5 pips (VOL_10, the tightest) to 3.0 pips (VOL_80, the widest).

Which Headway Synthetic Index has the tightest spread?

VOL_10 has the tightest spread at 0.5 pips, making it the most cost-efficient synthetic instrument on Headway for high-frequency strategies like scalping. CRASH_100 comes second at 0.9 pips. The widest spread is VOL_80 at 3.0 pips, followed by STORM_500 at 2.5 pips.

Are Headway Synthetic Indices available 24/7 including weekends?

Yes. All Headway synthetic instruments are available for trading 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and all public holidays. Because they are algorithm-generated and independent of real-world markets, they are not subject to any market open or close schedule. This makes them particularly attractive for traders in regions where major forex sessions occur during inconvenient hours.

What is the best Headway Synthetic Index for beginners?

For beginners, VOL_10 is the most approachable starting point. Its 0.5 pip spread is the lowest cost, its volatility is the lowest among all synthetic instruments, and it moves continuously without sudden spikes — making it easier to apply standard technical analysis tools. Avoid STORM_500, VOL_80, and FLAME until you have at least 2–4 weeks of consistent demo trading results on a lower-volatility instrument.

Headway Brokers Editorial Team

Forex & Synthetic Instruments Research · headwaybrokers.com

This guide was produced by our team of forex and synthetic instruments analysts. Instrument specifications (spreads, leverage, swap rates, margin requirements) were sourced directly from the Headway Broker MT5 platform and the Headway trading instruments page as of May 2026. Trading strategies described in this article are for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. All trading involves risk and past performance of any instrument or strategy does not guarantee future results.

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Synthetic indices are high-risk instruments. Capital is at risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please read the full Risk Disclosure before trading.