Is it reliable that the trading volume is only 80% of the previous high when breaking through the previous high?

A breakout with 80% of prior volume can still be valid if supported by consolidation, institutional buying, or strong order book depth.

Jun 26, 2025 at 09:01 am

Understanding Trading Volume and Price Breakouts

In the cryptocurrency market, trading volume is one of the most crucial indicators for confirming price movements. When a cryptocurrency breaks through its previous high, traders often look at whether the volume supports that breakout. A common question arises: is it reliable if trading volume is only 80% of the previous high during a breakout?

To answer this, we need to understand how volume correlates with price action. Typically, strong breakouts are accompanied by increased volume, indicating strong buying pressure and market participation. However, there are scenarios where volume may not reach previous peaks yet still support a valid breakout.

Why Volume Matters in Technical Analysis

Volume serves as a confirmation tool in technical analysis. In crypto trading, volume reflects the strength behind a price move. If a coin breaks out to a new high on low volume, it might suggest that the move lacks conviction and could be prone to reversal or retest. Conversely, a breakout with high volume indicates that more traders are participating, increasing the likelihood of sustained momentum.

When volume reaches only 80% of the prior peak during a breakout, it raises questions about the sustainability of the move. This situation can occur due to several factors:

• Market consolidation after a large rally
• Institutional accumulation without retail frenzy
• Reduced volatility leading to less aggressive trading

Each of these factors affects how reliable the breakout is despite lower volume.

How to Analyze Volume During a Breakout

Analyzing volume during a breakout involves more than just comparing current levels to past ones. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Identify the previous high and corresponding volume: Look at the candlestick chart and locate the highest point before the current breakout. Note the volume bar associated with that peak.
• Compare current volume to historical average: Instead of focusing solely on the previous high’s volume, calculate the average volume over the last 20 periods. If current volume is above average, even if it’s only 80% of the prior peak, it may still indicate strength.
• Check for divergence between price and volume: If price makes a new high but volume doesn’t confirm, it could signal weakening momentum.
• Observe candlestick patterns near resistance: Bullish engulfing candles or strong close prices near session highs can add credibility to a breakout, even with slightly lower volume.
• Use additional indicators like On-Balance Volume (OBV): OBV helps track cumulative volume flow, giving insight into whether volume is supporting the trend beneath the surface.

These steps help traders determine if a breakout is legitimate, regardless of volume being below the previous high.

Scenarios Where Lower Volume Can Still Be Reliable

There are specific conditions under which a breakout with only 80% of the prior volume can still be considered reliable:

• Market consolidation phase: After a long uptrend followed by a sideways movement, volume naturally declines. A breakout from such a pattern on moderate volume can still be valid.
• Strong support level retested: If the previous high was broken and retested successfully, a second push upward may require less volume because traders who missed the first move jump in.
• Large-cap cryptocurrencies: Established coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum often experience smoother moves with less volatile volume swings compared to altcoins.
• Professional accumulation: Smart money or institutional investors may buy gradually without causing spikes in volume, making the breakout appear weaker than it actually is.

Understanding these contexts allows traders to avoid prematurely dismissing potentially profitable setups.

Practical Steps to Confirm a Breakout With Lower Volume

If you observe a breakout with only 80% of the prior volume, here’s what you can do to verify its legitimacy:

• Wait for a pullback and retest: A healthy breakout often sees a retest of the broken resistance turned support. If price holds above that level, the breakout gains validity.
• Check timeframes across multiple charts: Use higher timeframes like the 4-hour or daily chart to see if volume aligns with broader trends.
• Look for fundamental catalysts: News events, protocol upgrades, or exchange listings can justify a breakout even with seemingly weak volume.
• Monitor order book depth: A deep order book with strong bid-ask walls suggests real demand, even if volume appears low on the chart.
• Set tight stop-loss orders: If entering a trade, protect capital by placing stops just below the breakout level to manage risk effectively.

By following these practical steps, traders can filter false signals and improve their decision-making process when volume doesn’t fully align with expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if volume is rising but price isn't breaking out?

This often indicates accumulation or distribution phases. Buyers may be absorbing sell pressure without pushing the price significantly higher, suggesting a potential future breakout.

Can a breakout fail even with high volume?

Yes, a breakout can fail even with high volume. If the price quickly reverses and closes below the breakout level, it suggests rejection despite initial strength.

Is volume more important than price in crypto trading?

Price and volume should be analyzed together. Volume provides context to price action, but neither should be used in isolation.

How can I measure average volume for comparison purposes?

You can calculate the average volume manually by taking the sum of volume over a set period (e.g., 20 days) and dividing it by the number of periods. Many charting platforms also offer built-in tools like the Volume Moving Average.