Should I chase or run if the volume rebounds to the pressure level? How to judge?

A volume rebound near a pressure level offers traders a critical decision: chase the breakout or run for profit, depending on price action and technical confirmation.

Jun 18, 2025 at 06:43 am

Understanding Volume Rebound and Pressure Levels

In cryptocurrency trading, volume rebound refers to a sudden increase in trading activity after a period of low volume. This often signals renewed interest or potential price movement. A pressure level, also known as a resistance level, is a price point where the asset has historically struggled to break above due to increased selling pressure.

When volume rebounds near a pressure level, traders face a critical decision: should they chase the breakout attempt or run (sell or short) if they suspect rejection? The key lies in analyzing the behavior of both price and volume at that level.

Volume alone does not confirm strength unless it aligns with price action.

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Identifying Key Indicators Before Making a Move

Before deciding whether to chase or run, traders must assess several technical indicators:

• Candlestick patterns: Look for bullish or bearish reversal candles such as engulfing patterns, hammers, or shooting stars.
• Moving averages: If the price is above key moving averages like the 50-day or 200-day EMA, it may suggest ongoing bullish momentum.
• Relative Strength Index (RSI): An RSI reading above 70 indicates overbought conditions, while below 30 suggests oversold levels. However, during strong trends, RSI can remain extended for long periods.
• Order book depth: Observe the liquidity available at the pressure level. Large orders stacked on the sell side might indicate strong resistance.

Analyzing these elements together gives a clearer picture than relying on volume alone.

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Chasing the Breakout: Conditions to Consider

If you're considering chasing a breakout at a pressure level supported by volume, ensure the following conditions are met:

• The candle closes above the resistance level with strong volume.
• There's no significant wick rejection from the top of the candle.
• The price continues to hold above the level in the subsequent candles.
• Momentum indicators like MACD cross into positive territory or show increasing strength.

Chasing without confirmation can lead to false breakouts and losses.

To execute this strategy effectively:

• Place a buy order slightly above the resistance level once the breakout candle closes.
• Set a stop-loss just below the breakout level.
• Use trailing stops to lock in profits if the move gains momentum.

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Running from Resistance: When to Sell or Short

Conversely, if signs point toward rejection at the pressure level, running becomes a viable option. Watch for:

• Long upper wicks on candles forming at the resistance level.
• Declining volume despite attempts to push higher.
• Bearish candlestick patterns like evening stars or dark cloud covers.
• Divergence between price and momentum indicators like RSI or MACD.

Shorting requires precise timing and strict risk management.

Steps to implement a short or sell strategy:

• Wait for a confirmed rejection candle closing below its open.
• Enter a short position or sell existing holdings once the price drops below key support zones.
• Place a stop-loss above the high of the rejection candle.
• Target previous swing lows or trendline supports for profit-taking.

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Using Timeframes to Confirm Decisions

Timeframe analysis plays a crucial role in determining whether to chase or run. Higher timeframes like the 4-hour or daily chart offer more reliable signals than lower ones like 15-minute or 1-hour charts.

• On the daily chart, a strong volume rebound and close above resistance can signal a new leg up.
• On the 1-hour chart, similar behavior might be part of a consolidation phase rather than a true breakout.

Align your trading decisions with the dominant trend seen on higher timeframes.

For example:

• If the daily chart shows bullish structure but the 1-hour chart hits resistance, it may be better to wait for pullbacks rather than short immediately.
• Conversely, if both timeframes show rejection, the probability of a downward move increases significantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a strong volume rebound in crypto markets?

A strong volume rebound typically involves a spike in trading volume that exceeds the average volume of the past 10–20 sessions. It should coincide with notable price movement—either a sharp rise or fall—to be meaningful.

How do I differentiate between real breakouts and fakeouts?

Real breakouts are characterized by strong volume, follow-through price action, and absence of large wicks. Fakeouts often feature high volume but quick rejections, long shadows on candles, and rapid reversals.

Can I use automated tools to detect volume and pressure level interactions?

Yes, platforms like TradingView allow users to set alerts for volume spikes and price nearing key levels. Some bots can even execute trades based on predefined conditions involving volume and resistance.

Is it safer to trade volume rebounds on altcoins or major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin?

Major cryptocurrencies tend to have more reliable volume data and less manipulation compared to smaller altcoins. Altcoin rebounds may appear strong but often lack sustainability unless tied directly to broader market sentiment.