How to read the OBV indicator divergence? How to capture the capital inflow signal?

OBV, developed by Joe Granville, measures crypto buying/selling pressure; divergence signals potential reversals, aiding traders in making informed decisions.

Jun 04, 2025 at 03:15 am

Understanding the OBV Indicator

The On-Balance Volume (OBV) indicator is a technical analysis tool used to measure the buying and selling pressure of a cryptocurrency. It was developed by Joe Granville and works on the principle that volume precedes price movement. The OBV indicator helps traders identify potential trend reversals and confirm existing trends by analyzing the volume flow in relation to price changes.

To calculate the OBV, the volume on up days is added to the OBV, and the volume on down days is subtracted from the OBV. The formula is as follows:

• If the closing price is higher than the previous closing price, then: OBV = Previous OBV + Current Volume
• If the closing price is lower than the previous closing price, then: OBV = Previous OBV - Current Volume
• If the closing price is the same as the previous closing price, then: OBV = Previous OBV (no change)

Identifying OBV Divergence

OBV divergence occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency moves in the opposite direction of the OBV indicator. There are two types of OBV divergence: bullish divergence and bearish divergence.

• Bullish Divergence: This occurs when the price of the cryptocurrency makes a lower low, but the OBV makes a higher low. This suggests that the selling pressure is decreasing, and a potential upward reversal might be on the horizon.
• Bearish Divergence: This occurs when the price of the cryptocurrency makes a higher high, but the OBV makes a lower high. This indicates that the buying pressure is waning, and a potential downward reversal might be imminent.

To identify OBV divergence, follow these steps:

• Monitor the price chart and the OBV indicator simultaneously.
• Look for instances where the price makes a new high or low.
• Check if the OBV makes a corresponding new high or low.
• If the price and OBV move in opposite directions, you have identified a divergence.

Capturing Capital Inflow Signals with OBV

Capital inflow signals are identified when the OBV indicator shows a consistent upward trend, indicating that more volume is associated with upward price movements than downward price movements. This suggests that there is significant buying pressure, and capital is flowing into the cryptocurrency.

To capture capital inflow signals using the OBV, follow these steps:

• Observe the OBV line over a period of time.
• Look for a consistent upward trend in the OBV line.
• Confirm that the price of the cryptocurrency is also trending upwards.
• If both the OBV and the price are trending upwards, it is a strong indication of capital inflow.

Using OBV Divergence to Make Trading Decisions

When you identify an OBV divergence, it can be used to make informed trading decisions. Here are some strategies:

• Bullish Divergence Trading Strategy:

  • Identify a bullish divergence where the price makes a lower low, but the OBV makes a higher low.
  • Wait for the price to confirm the divergence by breaking above the previous high.
  • Enter a long position once the price confirms the bullish divergence.

• Bearish Divergence Trading Strategy:

  • Identify a bearish divergence where the price makes a higher high, but the OBV makes a lower high.
  • Wait for the price to confirm the divergence by breaking below the previous low.
  • Enter a short position once the price confirms the bearish divergence.

Practical Example of OBV Divergence

Let's consider a practical example of using OBV divergence to trade Bitcoin (BTC).

• Step 1: Open your trading platform and add the OBV indicator to the Bitcoin chart.
• Step 2: Observe the price and OBV over a period of time. Let's say you notice that Bitcoin's price makes a new low at $20,000, but the OBV makes a higher low compared to its previous low.
• Step 3: This indicates a potential bullish divergence. Wait for the price to confirm the divergence by breaking above the previous high, say $22,000.
• Step 4: Once the price breaks above $22,000, enter a long position on Bitcoin.
• Step 5: Set your stop-loss just below the recent low at $20,000 to manage risk.
• Step 6: Monitor the trade and adjust your stop-loss as the price moves in your favor.

Combining OBV with Other Indicators

While the OBV is a powerful tool, it is often more effective when combined with other technical indicators. Here are some common combinations:

• OBV and Moving Averages: Use moving averages to confirm the trend direction indicated by the OBV. If the OBV is trending upwards and the price is above its moving average, it strengthens the bullish signal.
• OBV and RSI: The Relative Strength Index (RSI) can help confirm overbought or oversold conditions. If the OBV shows a bullish divergence and the RSI is below 30, it could indicate a strong buying opportunity.
• OBV and MACD: The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) can help confirm momentum. If the OBV shows a bullish divergence and the MACD line crosses above the signal line, it could reinforce the bullish signal.

To combine OBV with other indicators, follow these steps:

• Add the OBV indicator to your chart.
• Add the secondary indicator (e.g., moving averages, RSI, or MACD) to the same chart.
• Analyze the signals from both indicators to confirm the trend and potential reversals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can OBV be used for all cryptocurrencies, or is it better suited for certain types?

A1: The OBV indicator can be applied to any cryptocurrency, but it is most effective in markets with high liquidity and volume. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have high trading volumes, tend to provide more reliable OBV signals. For less liquid cryptocurrencies, the OBV may be more volatile and less reliable.

Q2: How often should I check the OBV indicator to capture capital inflow signals effectively?

A2: The frequency of checking the OBV indicator depends on your trading style. For day traders, checking the OBV on an hourly or even 15-minute chart can be beneficial. For swing traders, daily or weekly charts may be more appropriate. It's important to align the timeframe with your trading strategy and risk tolerance.

Q3: Are there any common pitfalls to avoid when using the OBV indicator?

A3: One common pitfall is relying solely on the OBV without confirming signals from other indicators or price action. Another mistake is not considering the overall market context, such as major news events that could impact volume and price. Additionally, traders often misinterpret short-term fluctuations in the OBV as significant trends, leading to false signals.

Q4: Can the OBV indicator be used in conjunction with fundamental analysis?

A4: Yes, the OBV indicator can complement fundamental analysis. While OBV focuses on volume and price action, fundamental analysis looks at the underlying value and potential of a cryptocurrency. Combining both can provide a more comprehensive view of the market. For example, if the OBV shows a strong capital inflow signal and fundamental analysis indicates positive developments for the cryptocurrency, it could reinforce a bullish trading decision.