Anchored VWAP from all-time high

Anchored VWAP from the all-time high helps crypto traders assess trend strength, identify key support/resistance levels, and spot potential reversals by analyzing price action relative to a fixed volume-weighted average.

Jul 12, 2025 at 07:00 am

Understanding Anchored VWAP from All-Time High

Anchored Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is a specialized technical analysis tool used by traders to identify key price levels based on historical volume and price data. When anchored from the all-time high, it becomes particularly significant for assessing market sentiment and potential reversal points in cryptocurrency trading.

The concept of anchored VWAP involves fixing the calculation point at a specific historical level, often chosen due to its relevance in price history. In this case, anchoring at the all-time high allows traders to analyze how the price reacts relative to that critical level, especially during pullbacks or bear markets.

Important:

Unlike standard VWAP which resets daily, anchored VWAP remains fixed from a selected point, providing long-term context in volatile crypto markets.

How Anchored VWAP Differs from Standard VWAP

Standard VWAP is calculated using intraday data starting from market open and resets every trading day. It's commonly used by institutional traders to execute large orders without significantly affecting the market price.

In contrast, anchored VWAP does not reset and instead starts from a user-defined point—such as the all-time high. This version provides insights into how price and volume have behaved since that pivotal moment, making it more suitable for analyzing longer timeframes in cryptocurrency charts.

• VWAP resets daily, while anchored VWAP stays fixed from a historical point.
• Anchored VWAP helps assess whether the price is above or below a psychologically important level.
• Crypto traders use anchored VWAP from all-time high to evaluate retracement depth and support/resistance zones.

Steps to Calculate Anchored VWAP from All-Time High

To calculate anchored VWAP from the all-time high, follow these steps:

• Select the candlestick where the asset reached its all-time high.
• For each candlestick after that point, calculate the typical price: (High + Low + Close) / 3.
• Multiply the typical price by the volume for that candlestick to get Price × Volume.
• Accumulate both the total Price × Volume and total volume from the anchor point forward.
• Divide the accumulated Price × Volume by the accumulated volume to get the Anchored VWAP value at each point in time.

This formula can be implemented manually in spreadsheets or via trading platforms like TradingView or Binance with custom scripts.

Note:

Many platforms offer built-in tools or allow users to add scripts to automatically compute anchored VWAP from any desired point.

Interpreting Anchored VWAP in Crypto Charts

When applied to a chart, anchored VWAP appears as a line that extends from the all-time high. Traders monitor how the current price interacts with this line to determine whether the market is bullish or bearish.

• If the price consistently trades above the anchored VWAP, it suggests strength and continuation of an uptrend.
• Conversely, if the price remains below the anchored VWAP, it may indicate weakness or a downtrend.
• Breakouts above or below the anchored VWAP can act as potential signals for trend reversals.

Crypto traders often combine anchored VWAP with other indicators like RSI or MACD to confirm signals and filter out false breakouts.

Caution:

Like any indicator, anchored VWAP should not be used in isolation but rather as part of a broader analytical framework.

Use Cases for Anchored VWAP in Cryptocurrency Trading

Traders apply anchored VWAP in several strategic ways within the crypto space:

• Determining fair value: After sharp declines, anchored VWAP from the all-time high helps assess whether the price has overshot to the downside.
• Identifying support/resistance: The line acts as a dynamic reference point for potential bounces or breakdowns.
• Evaluating accumulation/distribution: If the price moves above the anchored VWAP after a prolonged decline, it might signal early accumulation by smart money.

This technique is especially useful in highly volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins that experience rapid price swings and deep corrections.

Pro Tip:

Use anchored VWAP alongside volume profiles to better understand liquidity concentrations around key price zones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use Anchored VWAP on lower timeframes like 15-minute or hourly charts?

Yes, you can apply Anchored VWAP on any timeframe. However, its significance increases on higher timeframes like daily or weekly charts, especially when anchored from major historical highs.

Q2: Is Anchored VWAP reliable during sideways or range-bound markets?

During consolidation phases, Anchored VWAP may become less effective as price oscillates around the line without clear direction. In such cases, combining it with range tools or volatility filters improves accuracy.

Q3: How do I choose the right anchor point besides the all-time high?

Besides the all-time high, common anchor points include major swing highs/lows, halving events, or significant news dates. Choose anchors based on their psychological or structural importance in the chart.

Q4: Can Anchored VWAP be adjusted dynamically once set?

Once anchored, the calculation remains fixed unless manually changed. Some traders adjust the anchor point periodically, but doing so reduces its objectivity and historical relevance.