Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

Martin Pring

The Basics of Volume Part 1

Recommended Posts

The Basics of Volume Part 1

 

by Martin Pring

 

Most all the indicators used in technical analysis are based on pricing data. We either use prices themselves, a statistical manipulation with moving averages, or oscillators, etc. Volume, though, is an independent variable and can therefore be extremely useful in confirming price action. There are lots of ways of using volume, such as the construction of oscillators, on balance volume lines, and the design of indicators using both volume and price. Some of these more sophisticated variations will be discussed in future articles. In this one, though, I am going to concentrate on the basics.

 

First, it is important to understand there is always a perfect balance between buyers and sellers because the amount of a security sold is always identical to that which is purchased. What moves pieces is the relative enthusiasm of buyers or sellers. If sellers are more motivated than buyers the price will decline and vice versa.

 

Volume is usually displayed in charts as a series of histograms underneath the price. This is a useful form of presentation since it reflects expansions and contractions in activity. There are several key principles used in interpreting volume. However, before I cover this aspect, it is important to understand that when I talk about changes in the level of volume I am referring to volume changes relative to the recent past. For example, it's not possible to compare the volume on the NYSE today when it's in the hundreds of millions with the volume at the start of the century when it was less than one million. This is because there are now far more shares listed. Activity has also grown because of futures and options arbitrage, and reduced commission charges allow more frequent trading. But you can compare high volume this week with volume two weeks ago. The following represents a brief synopsis of some of the basic principles of volume interpretation:

 

1. Volume should go with the trend

 

When prices are rising it is normal for volume to expand, and when prices are declining volume typically contracts as in Figure 1.

 

figure1.jpg

 

Figure 2 reveals that when we talk of rising or contracting volume, we mean the overall trendof volume, not individual sessions. The green arrows mark the trend, which is an expanding one. Within that trend, though, there are individual sessions, such the two flagged by the red arrows, where volume is below the surrounding days. When prices are rising and volume is expanding market action is not telling us much, except to say that this is a normal state of affairs and that the up trend is soundly based.

 

figure2.jpg

 

However, when prices rise, as in Chart 1, featuring the Mexico Fund, and the trend of volume is down, it is abnormal and warns us that rising prices are being fueled more by a lack of selling than the enthusiasm of new and aggressive buyers.

 

chart1.jpg

 

Most of the time you will find bear market rallies being associated with a trend of declining volume, such as that shown in Figure 3, where volume contracts as the short-term bear market rally develops. Just as falling volume and rising prices are abnormal, so are declining prices and expanding volume. In a healthy market, prices and volume contract together, more because of a lack of buying than a preponderance of selling. However, when prices decline and volume expands, it tells us that downside pressure is present because sellers are very aggressive and this is not a good portent for future prices.

 

figure3.jpg

 

In this regard, Chart 2 featuring Nucor, shows how volume starts to pick up as the price starts to decline. This is a very subtle sign, but a very important one nonetheless because it tells us that sellers are getting anxious. Since prices are declining it also informs us that buyers are not enthusiastic enough to pick up the slack. Quite often you will see the situation where, following a rally, prices start to slip. However, on the first or second day that this starts to happen, volume picks up noticeably. This is abnormal and again flags a danger signal since it indicates that prices are falling due to the urgency of sellers rather than falling of their own weight due to a lack of buyers.

 

chart2pring.jpg

2. Volume leads price during rallies

 

It is normal for a peak in prices to be preceded by a peak in volume. In Figure 4 you can see that the volume peaks at A but the price tops out at C. The level of volume at C is less than that at A and B. At point B, a negative divergence between price and volume developed as prices moved higher and the peak in volume moved lower. This type of action tells us that prices are no longer being supported by an influx of enthusiastic buyers and that the prevailing trend is suspect.

figure4.jpg

 

Chart 3 of IBM, displays two interpretive principles. First, we see the concept of volume leading price. Secondly, note how volume expands noticeably on the first two days of the decline. This, as discussed above, is abnormal because volume is not going with the trend, and is therefore a bearish sign.

 

chart3pring.jpg

 

Article printed with permission.

 

For more information on Martin Pring please visit Pring Research - Technical Analysis, Educational CDs, Financial Newsletters and Charting Tools.

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I always liked this great article... if we had to apply to intraday a YM 1 min would look like this :

 

attachment.php?attachmentid=5232&stc=1&d=1203082983

 

pullbacks are clearly identified by small volume... well not much of a volume trader myself, but on this hyatus I am taking being reading some of this good volume stuff... still for me, price action is king... (specially revealed thru candles) maybe Martin could add some more articles on this thread, that would be awesome... cheers Walter.

5aa70e3da1eb8_chimp1.thumb.png.6a7687ff928a076e942e82c8cd49083d.png

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I always liked this great article... if we had to apply to intraday a YM 1 min would look like this :

 

attachment.php?attachmentid=5232&stc=1&d=1203082983

 

pullbacks are clearly identified by small volume... well not much of a volume trader myself, but on this hyatus I am taking being reading some of this good volume stuff... still for me, price action is king... (specially revealed thru candles) maybe Martin could add some more articles on this thread, that would be awesome... cheers Walter.

 

Walter,

 

I've been trying to learn more about price action and trading with it. You mentioned price action being king espcially via candles. Can you suggest a book or article on candles that and how it provides info regarding price action?

 

David

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok here is the $64,000 question, we all know that when a trend is drying up, that volume decreases- but the real question is- WHEN? You see decreasing volume but unless you become an expert chart reader- you won't know exactly when the turn in trend will take place!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

often times if you are expecting a turn and volume is dried up then when you see large volume come back suddenly with a nice price push south this might be the start of the reverese and you can look to take pullbacks short. If price starts turning in a kinda drifting lower fashion but volume stays low, I would think twice about taking the short since it is more likely a lack of buyers rather then a increase in selling.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Wow, was it really him who posted this article? "We're not worthy!!!!". Great to see you back walterw! Thought you went on a long vacation.

 

Wellcome back Walter..

 

We definitely missed you

 

Thanks guys I am very happy to be back as well... cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Walter,

 

I've been trying to learn more about price action and trading with it. You mentioned price action being king espcially via candles. Can you suggest a book or article on candles that and how it provides info regarding price action?

 

David

 

we have the candle corner here on TL, powered by the legendary Brownsfan, a candle profesional among us... literature would be Steve Nison... cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ok here is the $64,000 question, we all know that when a trend is drying up, that volume decreases- but the real question is- WHEN? You see decreasing volume but unless you become an expert chart reader- you won't know exactly when the turn in trend will take place!

 

oh yes Sledge, reading volume its not easy... in terms of timing I would use some other easy simple methods... volume can be used as setup info, but not for timing.... 64.000...mmmm maybe more... once you master timing, you are in bussiness... cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
oh yes Sledge, reading volume its not easy... in terms of timing I would use some other easy simple methods... volume can be used as setup info, but not for timing.... 64.000...mmmm maybe more... once you master timing, you are in bussiness... cheers Walter.

 

Walter-

Can you elaborate on other "simple timing methods" Very interested in learning more about that!

Sledge

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Walter-

Can you elaborate on other "simple timing methods" Very interested in learning more about that!

Sledge

 

 

Sure Sledge ¡¡ maybe I can start a new thread about that... lately I am not having much time but I will try to get that asap... take care... cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Be careful who you blame.   I can tell you one thing for sure.   Effective traders don’t blame others when things start to go wrong.   You can hang onto your tendency to play the victim, or the martyr… but if you want to achieve in trading, you have to be prepared to take responsibility.   People assign reasons to outcomes, whether based on internal or external factors.   When traders face losses, it's common for them to blame bad luck, poor advice, or other external factors, rather than reflecting on their own personal attributes like arrogance, fear, or greed.   This is a challenging lesson to grasp in your trading journey, but one that holds immense value.   This is called attribution theory. Taking responsibility for your actions is the key to improving your trading skills. Pause and ask yourself - What role did I play in my financial decisions?   After all, you were the one who listened to that source, and decided to act on that trade based on the rumour. Attributing results solely to external circumstances is what is known as having an ‘external locus of control’.   It's a concept coined by psychologist Julian Rotter in 1954. A trader with an external locus of control might say, "I made a profit because the markets are currently favourable."   Instead, strive to develop an "internal locus of control" and take ownership of your actions.   Assume that all trading results are within your realm of responsibility and actively seek ways to improve your own behaviour.   This is the fastest route to enhancing your trading abilities. A trader with an internal locus of control might proudly state, "My equity curve is rising because I am a disciplined trader who faithfully follows my trading plan." Author: Louise Bedford Source: https://www.tradinggame.com.au/
    • SELF IMPROVEMENT.   The whole self-help industry began when Dale Carnegie published How to Win Friends and Influence People in 1936. Then came other classics like Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins toward the end of the century.   Today, teaching people how to improve themselves is a business. A pure ruthless business where some people sell utter bullshit.   There are broke Instagrammers and YouTubers with literally no solid background teaching men how to be attractive to women, how to begin a start-up, how to become successful — most of these guys speaking nothing more than hollow motivational words and cliche stuff. They waste your time. Some of these people who present themselves as hugely successful also give talks and write books.   There are so many books on financial advice, self-improvement, love, etc and some people actually try to read them. They are a waste of time, mostly.   When you start reading a dozen books on finance you realize that they all say the same stuff.   You are not going to live forever in the learning phase. Don't procrastinate by reading bull-shit or the same good knowledge in 10 books. What we ought to do is choose wisely.   Yes. A good book can change your life, given you do what it asks you to do.   All the books I have named up to now are worthy of reading. Tim Ferriss, Simon Sinek, Robert Greene — these guys are worthy of reading. These guys teach what others don't. Their books are unique and actually, come from relevant and successful people.   When Richard Branson writes a book about entrepreneurship, go read it. Every line in that book is said by one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.   When a Chinese millionaire( he claims to be) Youtuber who releases a video titled “Why reading books keeps you broke” and a year later another one “My recommendation of books for grand success” you should be wise to tell him to jump from Victoria Falls.   These self-improvement gurus sell you delusions.   They say they have those little tricks that only they know that if you use, everything in your life will be perfect. Those little tricks. We are just “making of a to-do-list before sleeping” away from becoming the next Bill Gates.   There are no little tricks.   There is no success-mantra.   Self-improvement is a trap for 99% of the people. You can't do that unless you are very, very strong.   If you are looking for easy ways, you will only keep wasting your time forgetting that your time on this planet is limited, as alive humans that is.   Also, I feel that people who claim to read like a book a day or promote it are idiots. You retain nothing. When you do read a good book, you read slow, sometimes a whole paragraph, again and again, dwelling on it, trying to internalize its knowledge. You try to understand. You think. It takes time.   It's better to read a good book 10 times than 1000 stupid ones.   So be choosy. Read from the guys who actually know something, not some wannabe ‘influencers’.   Edit: Think And Grow Rich was written as a result of a project assigned to Napoleon Hill by Andrew Carnegie(the 2nd richest man in recent history). He was asked to study the most successful people on the planet and document which characteristics made them great. He did extensive work in studying hundreds of the most successful people of that time. The result was that little book.   Nowadays some people just study Instagram algorithms and think of themselves as a Dale Carnegie or Anthony Robbins. By Nupur Nishant, Quora Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/    
    • there is no avoiding loses to be honest, its just how the market is. you win some and hopefully more, but u do lose some. 
    • $CSCO Cisco Systems stock, nice top of range breakout, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?CSCOSEPN Septerna stock watch for a bottom breakout, good upside price gap
    • $CSCO Cisco Systems stock, nice top of range breakout, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?CSCOSEPN Septerna stock watch for a bottom breakout, good upside price gap
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.