How do you compare volume across different instruments and markets? (2024)

  1. All
  2. Financial Management
  3. Technical Analysis

Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community

1

Volume normalization

Be the first to add your personal experience

2

Volume indicators

Be the first to add your personal experience

3

Volume profiles

Be the first to add your personal experience

4

Here’s what else to consider

Be the first to add your personal experience

Volume is one of the most important indicators in technical analysis, as it shows the level of activity and interest in a particular instrument or market. However, comparing volume across different instruments and markets can be challenging, as there are many factors that affect the meaning and interpretation of volume data. In this article, you will learn how to compare volume across different instruments and markets using some common methods and tools.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Experts who add quality contributions will have a chance to be featured. Learn more

How do you compare volume across different instruments and markets? (1)

Earn a Community Top Voice badge

Add to collaborative articles to get recognized for your expertise on your profile. Learn more

1 Volume normalization

One way to compare volume across different instruments and markets is to normalize the volume data, which means adjusting it for factors such as price, time, and trading sessions. For example, you can divide the volume by the price to get the volume in terms of units traded, rather than dollars or other currencies. This can help you compare the relative demand and supply for different instruments, regardless of their price levels. You can also divide the volume by the time period to get the average volume per unit of time, such as hours or minutes. This can help you compare the intensity and momentum of different instruments or markets, regardless of their trading hours or frequency. Another option is to divide the volume by the average volume of a specific trading session, such as the open, the close, or the most active period. This can help you compare the relative strength and weakness of different instruments or markets, regardless of their trading cycles or patterns.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

2 Volume indicators

Another way to compare volume across different instruments and markets is to use volume indicators, which are mathematical formulas that transform the volume data into more meaningful and comparable signals. For example, you can use the volume-weighted average price (VWAP), which is the average price of an instrument weighted by the volume traded at each price level. This can help you compare the fair value and trend direction of different instruments, as well as identify support and resistance levels. You can also use the on-balance volume (OBV), which is the cumulative total of volume added or subtracted based on whether the price closes higher or lower than the previous close. This can help you compare the accumulation and distribution of different instruments or markets, as well as confirm or diverge from price movements. Another option is to use the volume oscillator, which is the difference between two moving averages of volume. This can help you compare the expansion and contraction of volume activity of different instruments or markets, as well as detect potential reversals or breakouts.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

3 Volume profiles

A third way to compare volume across different instruments and markets is to use volume profiles, which are graphical representations of the volume distribution at different price levels. For example, you can use the volume-at-price (VAP) chart, which shows the horizontal bars of volume at each price level. This can help you compare the supply and demand zones of different instruments or markets, as well as identify high-volume nodes (HVN) and low-volume nodes (LVN) that act as support and resistance levels. You can also use the market profile (MP) chart, which shows the vertical bars of volume at each time interval, along with the letters that represent the trading sessions. This can help you compare the time and price structure of different instruments or markets, as well as identify value areas (VA), point of control (POC), and initial balance (IB) that indicate the market sentiment and behavior. Another option is to use the volume delta (VD) chart, which shows the difference between the buy and sell volume at each price level. This can help you compare the order flow and aggression of different instruments or markets, as well as identify imbalances and divergences that signal potential price movements.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

Technical Analysis How do you compare volume across different instruments and markets? (5)

Technical Analysis

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Technical Analysis

No more previous content

  • Here's how you can apply logical reasoning to interpret data in Technical Analysis. 6 contributions
  • Here's how you can convey your innovative ideas to stakeholders as a technical analyst. 6 contributions
  • Here's how you can build your personal brand as a technical analyst through continuing education. 3 contributions
  • Here's how you can optimize your career by streamlining your technical analysis workflow. 9 contributions
  • Here's how you can reignite your motivation and overcome burnout as a technical analyst. 7 contributions
  • Here's how you can navigate a layoff in the technical analysis field without making common mistakes.
  • Here's how you can maximize productivity by optimizing your work schedule in Technical Analysis.
  • Here's how you can navigate temporary and contract work as a professional in technical analysis. 13 contributions
  • Here's how you can excel in technical analysis while working remotely.
  • Here's how you can use collaboration to identify market trends as a technical analyst. 11 contributions
  • Here's how you can overcome the key challenges faced by leaders in technical analysis. 11 contributions
  • Here's how you can articulate the limitations and risks of technical analysis to clients or stakeholders. 13 contributions

No more next content

See all

Explore Other Skills

  • Payment Systems
  • Economics
  • Venture Capital
  • Financial Technology

More relevant reading

  • Technical Analysis How do you reduce false signals and whipsaws from technical indicators?
  • Technical Analysis How do you explain technical indicators and oscillators to others?
  • Technical Analysis How can you improve your trading performance with cycle synchronization?
  • Technical Analysis How do you handle indicator lag?

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

How do you compare volume across different instruments and markets? (2024)

FAQs

How do you compare volume across different instruments and markets? ›

One way to compare volume across different instruments and markets is to normalize the volume data, which means adjusting it for factors such as price, time, and trading sessions. For example, you can divide the volume by the price to get the volume in terms of units traded, rather than dollars or other currencies.

How do you analyze market volume? ›

Here are some common ways to use volume to confirm a bullish price move, as well as an example of how volume can undermine a price trend.
  1. Upside breakout with above average volume. ...
  2. Uptrend accompanied by increasing volume. ...
  3. An uptrend with decreasing volume. ...
  4. Downside breakout accompanied by heavy volume.

What is the best volume indicator for trading? ›

Popular volume indicators include three mentioned above—on-balance volume (OBV), Chaikin Money Flow, and Klinger oscillator—as well as the volume price trend indicator and Money Flow Index.

How to measure trade volume? ›

How is volume measured? Volume measures the amount that a financial asset changes hands during a given period of time. For stocks, volume is based on the number of shares traded and for futures and options volume is measured in terms of contracts.

What is the market based on volume? ›

It is a measure of market liquidity and activity. High volume indicates a high level of trading activity, while low volume suggests subdued interest in the market. Volume is recorded on both the buy and sell sides of transactions, reflecting the number of shares changing hands between buyers and sellers.

How do you calculate market volume? ›

Number of target users x purchases expected in a given period = market size or volume.

How can you tell if stock volume is buying or selling? ›

High or increasing volume in an uptrend can signal a buying opportunity. Decreasing volume in an uptrend may suggest that it's time to sell and take profits. High or increasing volume in a downtrend can signal that it's best to stay on the sidelines.

Which technical indicator is the most accurate for swing trading? ›

Bollinger Bands (BB) is a momentum indicator considered one of the best swing trading indicators. It consists of three lines: a moving average and two standard deviation lines of positive and negative.

What is the indicator for buy and sell volume? ›

The Money Flow Index (MFI), considered one of the best volume indicators for day trading, is an oscillator that offers a quick glimpse into the buying and selling pressure on an asset. It combines both price and volume to create a more comprehensive view of market sentiment.

What is the volume rule in trading? ›

Trade volume is said to be high when a given security is traded more actively and vice versa. A higher trade volume is representative of better order execution and higher liquidity.

What is a good trading volume? ›

High Volume Stocks and Low Volume Stocks

Meanwhile, low volume stocks are more thinly traded. There's no specific dividing line between the two. However, high volume stocks typically trade at a volume of 500,000 or more shares per day. Low volume stocks would be below that mark.

What is the formula for the volume indicator? ›

VPT = Previous VPT + Volume x (Today's Closing Price – Previous Closing Price) / Previous Closing Price. The idea behind the indicator is to multiply the market volume of a stock by the percentage change in its price. If the price of the stock declines, the value of the indicator falls.

What is the best indicator for volume? ›

10 Best Volume Indicators for Day Trading
  • #1 Volume Price Trend Indicator. ...
  • #2 On-Balance Volume Indicator. ...
  • #3 Accumulation/distribution. ...
  • #4 Money Flow Index. ...
  • #5 Volume-weighted Average Price. ...
  • #6 Klinger Oscillator. ...
  • #7 Chaikin Money Flow Indicator. ...
  • #8 Ease of Movement.
Nov 20, 2023

How to study volume in trading? ›

How can I analyze volume in trading? Volume analysis involves studying patterns, trends, and changes in trading volume. Traders can analyze volume by observing volume spikes or surges, comparing volume to price movements, identifying volume divergences, and using volume-based indicators.

What is the best volume indicator on TradingView? ›

5 Best Volume Indicators on TradingView For Day Trading
  • #1 Volume Profile. Imagine you enter an open air market to buy apples. ...
  • #2 Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) Have you ever wondered how floor traders on the New York Stock Exchange are evaluated? ...
  • On Balance Volume. ...
  • Accumulation Distribution (A/D) ...
  • Chaikin Money Flow.
Mar 18, 2024

How do you interpret volume at price? ›

How Do You Interpret Volume-by-Price Bars? Volume-by-Price can be used to identify current support and resistance levels and estimate future support and resistance levels. Price zones with heavy volume reflect elevated interest levels that can influence future supply or demand (a.k.a. resistance or support).

How to do volume price analysis? ›

Step 1: Price Calculation = Change in average selling price multiplied by prior period volume. Step 2: Volume Calculation = Change in volume multiplied by current period price minus mix impact (see step 3).

How do you analyze a volume profile? ›

1. Select a time frame: Determine the specific time frame for which you want to analyze the Volume Profile, such as a day, week, or month. 2. Divide the time frame into price intervals: Divide the selected time frame into smaller price intervals, such as 0.5 points, 1 point, or any other desired increment.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 6463

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.