How to combine AVL indicator with trading volume? Is AVL standard when volume and price diverge?

The AVL indicator, when combined with trading volume, helps traders identify market trends and potential reversals in the cryptocurrency market.

May 22, 2025 at 07:28 am

The Average Volume Line (AVL) indicator is a valuable tool for traders in the cryptocurrency market, providing insights into market trends and potential trading opportunities. When combined with trading volume, the AVL can enhance a trader's ability to make informed decisions. This article will explore how to effectively combine the AVL indicator with trading volume and discuss whether the AVL is standard when volume and price diverge.

Understanding the AVL Indicator

The Average Volume Line (AVL) is a technical indicator that calculates the average trading volume over a specified period. It is typically used to identify trends in trading activity and to confirm the strength of a price movement. The AVL can be plotted on a chart alongside price data, providing a visual representation of volume trends.

To calculate the AVL, you need to determine the average volume over a chosen period. For example, if you choose a 20-day period, you would sum the volume of the last 20 days and divide by 20. This average volume is then plotted on the chart, creating a line that moves up or down based on changes in the average volume.

Combining AVL with Trading Volume

Combining the AVL with trading volume can help traders identify significant market movements and potential reversals. Here's how to effectively integrate these two metrics:

• Plot the AVL on Your Chart: Start by plotting the AVL on your trading chart. This can be done using most trading platforms, which usually offer the option to add the AVL as a custom indicator. Ensure that the period for the AVL matches your trading strategy.

• Compare Current Volume to AVL: As you monitor the market, compare the current trading volume to the AVL. If the current volume is significantly higher than the AVL, it may indicate strong buying or selling pressure. Conversely, if the current volume is lower than the AVL, it could suggest a lack of interest in the current price movement.

• Identify Volume Spikes: Look for instances where the volume spikes above the AVL. These spikes can signal potential turning points in the market. For example, a volume spike accompanied by a price increase may indicate a strong bullish trend, while a volume spike with a price decrease could signal a bearish trend.

• Confirm Price Movements: Use the AVL to confirm price movements. If the price is rising and the volume is consistently above the AVL, it suggests that the uptrend is supported by strong buying activity. Similarly, if the price is falling and the volume is consistently above the AVL, it indicates strong selling pressure.

Is AVL Standard When Volume and Price Diverge?

When volume and price diverge, the AVL can provide additional context to help traders understand the market dynamics. However, the AVL itself is not a standard indicator that automatically signals a divergence between volume and price. Instead, it is a tool that can be used to analyze such divergences.

• Volume and Price Divergence: A divergence occurs when the price moves in one direction while the volume moves in the opposite direction. For example, if the price is increasing but the volume is decreasing, it may suggest that the uptrend is losing momentum.

• Using AVL to Analyze Divergence: When you observe a divergence between volume and price, you can use the AVL to gauge the significance of the divergence. If the volume is below the AVL during a price increase, it might indicate that the uptrend is not supported by strong buying activity. Conversely, if the volume is above the AVL during a price decrease, it could suggest strong selling pressure.

• Confirming Divergence: To confirm a divergence, look for consistent patterns where the volume consistently moves in the opposite direction of the price. If the AVL remains below the current volume during these periods, it can strengthen the case for a potential reversal.

Practical Example of Combining AVL with Trading Volume

Let's walk through a practical example of how to combine the AVL with trading volume to make trading decisions in the cryptocurrency market.

• Select a Cryptocurrency: Choose a cryptocurrency you want to analyze, such as Bitcoin (BTC).

• Set Up Your Chart: Open your trading platform and set up a chart for BTC. Ensure that you can add custom indicators and view both price and volume data.

• Add the AVL Indicator: Add the AVL indicator to your chart. Set the period for the AVL to match your trading strategy, such as a 20-day average.

• Monitor Volume and AVL: As you monitor the chart, pay attention to the relationship between the current volume and the AVL. Look for instances where the volume spikes above or falls below the AVL.

• Analyze Price Movements: Observe the price movements of BTC and compare them to the volume and AVL. If the price is increasing and the volume is consistently above the AVL, it suggests a strong bullish trend. If the price is decreasing and the volume is consistently above the AVL, it indicates a strong bearish trend.

• Identify Divergences: Look for divergences between the price and volume. If the price is increasing but the volume is decreasing and consistently below the AVL, it may suggest that the uptrend is losing momentum. Conversely, if the price is decreasing but the volume is increasing and consistently above the AVL, it could indicate strong selling pressure.

• Make Trading Decisions: Based on your analysis, make trading decisions. For example, if you observe a strong bullish trend supported by high volume above the AVL, you might consider entering a long position. If you observe a bearish trend with high volume above the AVL, you might consider entering a short position.

Adjusting the AVL Period

The period used for the AVL can significantly impact its effectiveness in your trading strategy. Here's how to adjust the AVL period based on your trading goals:

• Short-Term Trading: For short-term trading, you might use a shorter period for the AVL, such as a 5-day or 10-day average. This can help you identify quick changes in volume trends and make more immediate trading decisions.

• Long-Term Trading: For long-term trading, you might use a longer period for the AVL, such as a 50-day or 100-day average. This can help you identify more significant trends in volume and make more strategic trading decisions.

• Testing Different Periods: Experiment with different periods for the AVL to see which one works best for your trading strategy. You might find that a certain period provides more reliable signals for your specific trading goals.

Limitations and Considerations

While combining the AVL with trading volume can be a powerful tool, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

• False Signals: Like any technical indicator, the AVL can produce false signals. It's important to use the AVL in conjunction with other indicators and analysis techniques to confirm your trading decisions.

• Market Volatility: In highly volatile markets, the AVL may be less reliable. Sudden spikes in volume can skew the average and lead to misleading signals.

• Contextual Analysis: Always consider the broader market context when using the AVL. Factors such as news events, market sentiment, and overall trends can impact the effectiveness of the AVL as a trading tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the AVL be used for all cryptocurrencies, or is it more effective for certain types?

A: The AVL can be used for all cryptocurrencies, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the liquidity and trading activity of the specific cryptocurrency. For highly liquid cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the AVL can provide more reliable signals due to the higher volume of trading data. For less liquid cryptocurrencies, the AVL might be less effective due to lower trading volumes and more erratic price movements.

Q: How often should the AVL be recalculated to maintain its accuracy?

A: The frequency of recalculating the AVL depends on your trading strategy and the period you have chosen for the indicator. For short-term trading, you might recalculate the AVL daily or even intraday. For long-term trading, weekly or monthly recalculations might be sufficient. The key is to ensure that the AVL remains relevant to the current market conditions and your trading goals.

Q: Are there any specific trading platforms that offer the AVL indicator as a built-in feature?

A: While the AVL is not a standard built-in indicator on most trading platforms, many platforms allow you to add custom indicators. Platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader, and CryptoWatch offer the ability to add custom indicators, including the AVL. You might need to download a script or code the indicator yourself to add it to your trading platform.

Q: Can the AVL be used in conjunction with other volume-based indicators to enhance trading signals?

A: Yes, the AVL can be used in conjunction with other volume-based indicators to enhance trading signals. For example, you might combine the AVL with the On-Balance Volume (OBV) indicator to confirm volume trends. The OBV measures buying and selling pressure by adding volume on up days and subtracting volume on down days. By using both the AVL and OBV, you can gain a more comprehensive view of volume trends and make more informed trading decisions.