What should I do if the moving average is arranged in a bullish pattern but the VOL volume column diverges?

A bullish moving average crossover may signal an uptrend, but without rising volume, the move could lack momentum and lead to false signals.

Jun 23, 2025 at 08:56 am

Understanding the Moving Average Bullish Pattern

When traders analyze price charts, a bullish moving average pattern typically refers to a situation where short-term moving averages cross above long-term ones. For example, when the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average, this is known as the "golden cross," which many interpret as a sign of an upcoming uptrend.

In such scenarios, the price often follows the direction of the moving averages, and traders may look for entry points based on this alignment. However, it's crucial to not rely solely on moving averages without considering other indicators like volume.

The key takeaway here is that while moving averages can indicate trend strength, they do not always confirm the validity of the move unless supported by volume.

What Does Volume Divergence Mean?

Volume divergence occurs when the price action suggests one thing, but the volume tells another story. In the case described, if the moving averages are aligned in a bullish manner (suggesting rising prices), but the volume bars (VOL column) are declining or showing lower peaks, this could signal weakness in the rally.

For instance, during a price increase driven by a bullish moving average crossover, you would expect to see increasing volume, indicating strong buyer participation. If instead, volume remains flat or decreases despite rising prices, it suggests that the buying pressure might be waning.

This divergence between price/volatility indicators and volume can be a warning sign that the current trend may not be sustainable.

Why Volume Matters in Technical Analysis

Volume is a critical component in technical analysis because it reflects the conviction behind price movements. High volume during a price rise confirms that the move has support from market participants. Conversely, low or decreasing volume during a price rise may suggest that the move lacks momentum and could reverse soon.

Traders use tools like the On-Balance Volume (OBV) or simply observe the VOL column in candlestick charts to gauge whether buyers or sellers are in control. When volume diverges from the moving average bullish setup, it introduces uncertainty into the trade.

Ignoring volume divergence can lead to entering trades based on false signals, especially in volatile crypto markets where sudden reversals are common.

Steps to Analyze and React to This Scenario

• Confirm the Moving Average Setup: Ensure that the moving averages are indeed arranged in a bullish formation. Check multiple timeframes (e.g., daily and 4-hour charts) to verify consistency.
• Analyze Volume Trends: Look at the volume bars over the same period. Are they increasing alongside the price? Or are they forming lower highs even as the price makes higher highs?
• Compare with On-Balance Volume: Use OBV to check if institutional or large-volume players are supporting the price movement.
• Watch for Candlestick Patterns: Bearish reversal patterns like shooting stars, hanging men, or bearish engulfing candles near resistance levels may reinforce the idea that the rally is losing steam.
• Evaluate Market Context: Consider broader market conditions. Is the cryptocurrency sector rallying broadly, or is this a solo move by a particular asset?

By taking these steps, traders can avoid being misled by a seemingly strong bullish signal that lacks underlying support from volume.

Possible Trading Strategies to Apply

• Wait for Confirmation: Instead of entering immediately after a moving average crossover, wait for a breakout accompanied by increased volume.
• Use Volume as a Filter: Only consider long entries when volume supports the trend. For example, only enter when the VOL column shows a clear increase compared to the previous few days.
• Set Tighter Stop-Loss Levels: If you decide to trade despite volume divergence, protect yourself with tighter stops to limit potential losses.
• Incorporate Other Indicators: Combine moving averages and volume with oscillators like RSI or MACD to filter out false breakouts.
• Monitor Order Flow: In more advanced setups, watching order book depth or analyzing whale transactions can help validate or reject the strength of a move.

These strategies allow traders to adapt their approach depending on how strong the volume supports the moving average-based trend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ignore volume divergence if the moving average alignment is strong?

While moving average alignment is important, ignoring volume divergence can expose you to false trends. Volume provides insight into the strength of the move, so it should not be overlooked.

How do I visually identify volume divergence on a chart?

Look for discrepancies between the price trend and the volume histogram. If price is trending up but volume bars are shrinking or making lower highs, that indicates divergence.

Is volume divergence more significant in certain cryptocurrencies?

Yes, in less liquid altcoins, volume divergence can be more pronounced due to thinner order books and fewer market participants. Bitcoin and Ethereum tend to have more reliable volume data due to higher liquidity.

Should I sell my position immediately if I notice volume divergence?

Not necessarily. You should assess the context. If the divergence is minor and the overall trend remains intact, it might just be a consolidation phase. Evaluate using additional tools before deciding to exit.