Is it normal to adjust with a shrinking volume for three consecutive days after breaking through the previous high with a large volume?

A breakout with high volume followed by three days of shrinking volume often signals healthy consolidation, not necessarily a reversal, especially if price holds above key support levels.

Jun 25, 2025 at 03:49 pm

Understanding Volume and Price Relationship in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency markets, volume is a critical metric that reflects the number of assets traded over a specific period. When a cryptocurrency breaks through a previous high with large volume, it typically signals strong buying pressure and market confidence. However, it's not uncommon for the subsequent days to show shrinking trading volumes, even if the price continues to rise or consolidates.

The phenomenon of declining volume after a breakout can be attributed to several factors. One possible explanation is profit-taking. After a significant rally, early buyers may start selling their positions to lock in profits, leading to a temporary decrease in volume. Another reason could be market hesitation — traders might wait for clearer signals before entering new positions, especially if they're uncertain about the sustainability of the breakout.

Technical Interpretation of Shrinking Volume Post-Breakout

From a technical analysis perspective, a breakout accompanied by high volume is considered more valid than one with low volume. This is because high volume confirms the strength behind the move. However, what happens afterward is equally important.

When volume shrinks for three consecutive days after such a breakout, it doesn’t necessarily mean the trend is reversing. In fact, this kind of consolidation phase often precedes further upward movement. The key here is to assess whether the price remains above the breakout level and whether any pullbacks are shallow. If both conditions hold true, the shrinking volume may simply reflect a pause rather than a reversal.

It’s also crucial to analyze volume patterns across multiple timeframes. For instance, on daily charts, a drop in volume might seem concerning, but zooming into the 4-hour or 1-hour chart could reveal consistent accumulation by institutional players or whales, which isn't immediately visible on higher timeframes.

Historical Patterns in Crypto Markets

Looking at historical data from major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), similar patterns have occurred during bullish phases. For example, during the late 2020 bull run, BTC experienced multiple breakouts followed by periods of declining volume. Despite the lower activity, prices continued to climb as long as support levels held and no bearish candlestick patterns emerged.

Another case was observed in mid-2021 when ETH broke out of its resistance zone with massive volume. Over the next few days, volume dropped significantly, yet the price maintained an upward trajectory. This illustrates how volume contraction after a breakout doesn’t always equate to weakness.

One should also consider market sentiment indicators like the Fear & Greed Index or social media engagement metrics. These tools help determine whether the decline in volume is due to complacency or strategic positioning by larger players who are quietly accumulating without triggering panic or euphoria.

How to Analyze Shrinking Volume: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're observing a scenario where a cryptocurrency breaks out with high volume but then experiences three days of shrinking volume, follow these steps to conduct a deeper analysis:

• Confirm the Breakout: Ensure that the asset has indeed broken above a significant resistance level with substantial volume.
• Check Key Support Levels: Monitor whether the price stays above the breakout level or starts to retrace significantly.
• Analyze Candlestick Patterns: Look for signs of rejection, like long upper shadows or bearish engulfing patterns, which may indicate weakening momentum.
• Compare Volume Against Average: Use volume moving averages to see if the current volume is still above or below normal levels.
• Review Order Book Data: If available, examine order book depth to detect hidden buying or selling pressure that isn't reflected in the volume chart.
• Use On-Balance Volume (OBV): This indicator helps track cumulative volume flow and can provide insights into whether smart money is still supporting the trend.

By following these steps, traders can better understand whether the volume contraction is healthy consolidation or a sign of impending reversal.

Psychological Aspects Behind Shrinking Volume

Market psychology plays a pivotal role in volume dynamics. After a strong breakout, retail traders often rush in, pushing up the price and volume. Once the initial excitement fades, the market enters a phase where only serious participants remain active. During this time, volume naturally decreases as the noise from emotional traders subsides.

This phase can be likened to a "breathing" moment in the market. It allows for fresh entries and stops the price from overshooting too quickly. Traders who understand this dynamic often view three days of shrinking volume post-breakout as a potential accumulation phase rather than a cause for alarm.

Moreover, institutions and whales tend to operate during these quieter periods. Their trades aren’t always visible through standard volume charts, especially if they use dark pools or over-the-counter (OTC) desks. Therefore, low volume does not always mean weak interest — sometimes it means professional players are taking positions without drawing attention.

What Other Indicators Can Help?

To get a comprehensive picture, combine volume analysis with other technical tools:

• Moving Averages: Check if the price is holding above key moving averages like the 50-day or 200-day SMA.
• Relative Strength Index (RSI): See if the RSI is showing overbought or neutral readings. A rising RSI during low volume can indicate underlying strength.
• Fibonacci Retracement Levels: Use them to identify potential support zones during the consolidation phase.
• Volume Profile: This shows where most trading activity occurred and can highlight areas of value that might attract future buying or selling.

These additional tools help contextualize the volume behavior and determine whether the market is likely to resume its prior trend.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does shrinking volume always mean a reversal is coming?

A: No, shrinking volume can signal various scenarios including consolidation, accumulation, or distribution. Context matters — especially price action and support/resistance levels.

Q: Should I sell if volume drops after a breakout?

A: Not necessarily. You should evaluate whether the price remains above the breakout level and whether there are bearish signs like rejection candles or breakdowns.

Q: How long is a typical consolidation phase after a breakout?

A: Consolidation can last from a few hours to several days depending on the timeframe and market conditions. There's no fixed duration, but patience and monitoring key levels are essential.

Q: Can I trade based solely on volume patterns?

A: While volume is a powerful tool, it's best used in conjunction with price action and other technical indicators for confirmation and risk management.