On Balance Volume: A Comprehensive Guide | TrendSpider Learning Center (2024)

3 mins read

Introduction

The On Balance Volume (OBV) is a technical analysis indicator that measures the volume of a security and uses this information to predict future price movements. The concept was introduced by Joseph Granville in 1963 in his book “Granville’s New Key to Stock Market Profits.” The main premise behind OBV is that volume precedes price, and changes in volume can be a strong indication of future price movements. An anchored variation of the OBV, known as the Anchored On Balance Volume (AOBV), was later introduced to provide additional insights by allowing traders to select a specific starting point for the calculation, making it more adaptable to various market conditions.

Calculation of On Balance Volume (OBV)

The formula for calculating On Balance Volume is straightforward. It involves comparing the closing price of a security with its previous closing price and then adjusting the volume accordingly. Here’s the formula:

OBV = OBV(previous) + Volume (if Close > Close(previous))

OBV = OBV(previous) - Volume (if Close < Close(previous))

OBV = OBV(previous) (if Close = Close(previous))

Interpretation of On Balance Volume

Interpreting the On Balance Volume indicator involves looking at the overall trend of the OBV line. When the OBV line is rising, it suggests that buying pressure is increasing, and the price may follow an upward trend. Conversely, a falling OBV line indicates that selling pressure is increasing, which could lead to a downward price trend.

Example scanners and strategies that use On Balance Volume

The On Balance Volume can be used in both Scanning the market and Testing Strategies. To see how exactly it can be used in these ways, we provide the following samples. The scanner searches the market for stocks using this indicator, and the strategy tests buying and selling rules built around this indicator.

How to Use On Balance Volume in Trading

1. Identify potential trend reversals: When the OBV line diverges from the price trend, it could signal a possible trend reversal. For example, if the price is increasing, but the OBV line is declining, it might indicate that buying pressure is weakening, and the upward trend may soon reverse.
2. Confirm price breakouts: A breakout occurs when the price moves outside a predefined support or resistance level. The OBV can be used to confirm these breakouts by ensuring that the volume supports the price movement.
3. Evaluate the strength of a trend: A rising OBV line during an uptrend confirms the trend’s strength, suggesting that it may continue. Similarly, a falling OBV line during a downtrend indicates intense selling pressure, which could mean the downward trend will persist.

Advantages of On Balance Volume

1. Simple calculation and interpretation: The On Balance Volume indicator is relatively easy to calculate and interpret, making it accessible to traders of all experience levels.
2. Effective for identifying potential trend reversals: OBV can help traders identify possible trend reversals by analyzing divergences between the price and the OBV line.
3. Helpful in confirming price breakouts: The OBV indicator can help traders confirm price breakouts by ensuring that the volume supports the price movement, thus increasing the likelihood of a successful trade.

Limitations of On Balance Volume

1. Lack of standardized volume data: The quality of volume data can vary significantly between different data sources, which may impact the accuracy of the OBV indicator.
2. Not always reliable in isolation: Like any technical indicator, the OBV should not be relied upon in isolation. Combining OBV with other technical and fundamental analysis tools can lead to better trading decisions.
3. Susceptible to sudden volume changes: The OBV indicator can be influenced by sudden and significant changes in volume, which may not necessarily correlate with price movements. These sudden changes can sometimes generate false signals, leading to poor trading decisions.

The bottom line

In summary, the On Balance Volume indicator is a helpful tool for analyzing the relationship between volume and price movements. Its simplicity and effectiveness in identifying potential trend reversals, confirming price breakouts, and evaluating the strength of a trend make it a valuable addition to a trader’s toolkit.

However, it’s essential to remember that no single technical indicator is infallible. Traders should use the OBV in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis tools to make well-informed trading decisions. By doing so, investors and traders can harness the full potential of the On Balance Volume indicator to improve their market analysis and potentially increase their chances of success in the financial markets.