What does it mean that the trading volume has been below the 120-day average for 10 consecutive days?

A sustained trading volume below the 120-day average for ten days often signals market indecision, potentially preceding a breakout or breakdown once volatility returns.

Jun 18, 2025 at 07:21 pm

Understanding the 120-Day Average Trading Volume

The 120-day average trading volume is a technical indicator that calculates the mean number of shares or contracts traded over the past 120 days. It serves as a benchmark to assess whether the current trading activity is above or below the historical norm. When analysts refer to this metric, they are essentially comparing today's trading volume against a long-term average, which helps in identifying unusual patterns or market behavior.

Traders and investors often use this metric to gauge liquidity, interest, and potential price movements. A consistently high volume above the 120-day average could indicate strong buying or selling pressure, while a volume below average might suggest waning interest or consolidation phases.

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What Happens When Volume Falls Below the 120-Day Average for Ten Days?

When trading volume remains below the 120-day average for ten consecutive days, it signals a prolonged period of low participation from traders and investors. This condition typically reflects a lack of conviction in the current price direction, either bullish or bearish. During such times, markets may experience sideways movement or reduced volatility.

• Market participants may be waiting for significant news or economic data before making large moves.
• In cryptocurrency markets, this can also imply that whales or large holders are not actively moving their positions.
• Technical traders might interpret this as a sign of potential breakout or breakdown once volume returns.

This pattern is commonly observed before major price swings, as low volume periods are often followed by sharp increases in volatility when new information enters the market.

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How to Identify This Condition on a Chart

To determine if the volume has been below the 120-day average for ten straight days, you need to overlay the 120-day moving average of volume on your charting platform. Most platforms like TradingView, Binance’s native tools, or CoinMarketCap Pro offer this feature.

• Open your preferred charting tool and select the asset you’re analyzing.
• Locate the volume section at the bottom of the price chart.
• Apply a 120-day simple moving average (SMA) to the volume bars.
• Visually inspect whether the volume bars have remained under the SMA line for at least ten days.

Some advanced platforms allow users to create custom alerts that trigger when volume crosses above or below specific thresholds, including moving averages.

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Implications in Cryptocurrency Markets

In the context of cryptocurrencies, where volatility is a defining characteristic, extended low-volume periods can carry unique implications. Since crypto markets operate 24/7, any sustained deviation from average volume levels is worth noting.

• Low volume could indicate profit-taking after a rally or capitulation during a downtrend.
• It might also reflect broader market uncertainty, such as regulatory developments or macroeconomic concerns.
• Seasonality factors, such as summer doldrums or holiday seasons, can also contribute to lower-than-average volume.

Cryptocurrency traders should cross-reference this volume signal with other indicators like RSI, MACD, or order book depth to avoid false signals or premature entries.

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Historical Examples and Case Studies

There have been several instances in the crypto space where major moves followed prolonged low-volume periods. For example:

• In early 2021, Bitcoin experienced a multi-week consolidation phase with volume consistently below the 120-day average before surging past $60,000.
• Ethereum saw similar patterns ahead of its bull run in late 2020, where volume picked up only after an extended quiet period.
• Altcoins like Cardano and Solana have shown increased volatility following weeks of subdued volume.

These examples highlight how institutional and retail traders tend to accumulate or distribute positions quietly before initiating a directional move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can low volume always predict a breakout?

A: No, low volume does not guarantee a breakout. While it often precedes one, markets can remain in low-volume ranges for extended periods without significant price movement. Always confirm with additional technical indicators.

Q: Is there a difference between spot volume and futures volume in this context?

A: Yes, spot volume refers to actual trades on exchanges, while futures volume includes leveraged positions. Low spot volume with rising futures volume may indicate speculative positioning rather than real demand.

Q: How does exchange data affect the accuracy of volume readings?

A: Some exchanges report inflated or manipulated volume figures. Use trusted sources like CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap that verify exchange data to ensure accurate analysis.

Q: Should I trade based solely on volume trends?

A: It’s not advisable. Volume should be used alongside price action and other indicators to form a well-rounded trading strategy.