What does it mean that the VR indicator breaks below 70?

When the VR indicator drops below 70, it signals weakening bullish momentum, suggesting potential trend reversal or consolidation in cryptocurrency markets.

Jul 25, 2025 at 10:01 pm

Understanding the VR Indicator in Cryptocurrency Trading

The Volume Ratio (VR) indicator is a technical analysis tool used primarily in cryptocurrency trading to assess market sentiment by comparing the volume of rising price periods to the volume of declining price periods. It helps traders determine whether a market is experiencing bullish or bearish momentum based on volume activity. The formula for the VR indicator is typically calculated as:

VR = (Volume of Rising Periods + 0.5 × Volume of Flat Periods) / (Volume of Falling Periods + 0.5 × Volume of Flat Periods) × 100

The resulting value oscillates around a centerline, often 100, and is used in conjunction with threshold levels such as 70 and 150 to identify overbought or oversold conditions. When the VR indicator breaks below 70, it signals a shift in volume-based market dynamics, often interpreted as weakening bullish sentiment.

Significance of the 70 Threshold in the VR Indicator

The number 70 serves as a key reference level in the VR indicator. When the VR value is above 70, it generally indicates that buying volume is strong relative to selling volume, suggesting bullish momentum. Conversely, when the VR drops below 70, it suggests that the volume supporting upward price movements is diminishing. This could imply that bullish traders are losing control and bearish forces are gaining influence.

It is critical to understand that breaking below 70 does not automatically mean a price reversal will occur. Instead, it acts as a warning signal that the strength behind upward price movements is waning. Traders should look for confirmation from price action or other technical indicators before making trading decisions.

How to Interpret a VR Break Below 70 in a Crypto Chart

To interpret a VR break below 70, traders must analyze the context in which it occurs. The following steps outline how to conduct a detailed assessment:

• Open a cryptocurrency charting platform such as TradingView or Binance Trading Interface.
• Apply the VR indicator to the chart—this may require manually inputting the formula if not preloaded.
• Set the threshold lines at 70 and 150 to visualize overbought and oversold zones.
• Observe the VR line closely as it approaches and crosses below 70.
• Check whether the price is in an uptrend or overbought condition prior to the break.
• Look for divergence between price and VR—e.g., price making higher highs while VR makes lower highs.

A break below 70 during a prolonged rally may suggest that the rally is losing volume support, increasing the likelihood of a pullback or consolidation. This scenario is particularly significant if accompanied by high selling volume or bearish candlestick patterns like bearish engulfing or dark cloud cover.

Practical Steps to Respond to a VR Break Below 70

When the VR indicator breaks below 70, traders can take the following actions to manage risk and position themselves appropriately:

• Reduce long exposure: If holding long positions in a cryptocurrency showing this signal, consider partially closing the position to lock in profits.
• Set tighter stop-loss orders: Adjust stop-loss levels to just above recent support to protect against sudden downturns.
• Monitor for confirmation signals: Wait for bearish confirmation such as a close below key moving averages (e.g., 50-day or 200-day EMA) or a breakdown of a trendline.
• Use complementary indicators: Combine VR analysis with tools like RSI, MACD, or OBV to validate the weakening momentum.
• Watch for volume spikes on down days: A surge in volume during price declines reinforces the bearish signal from the VR break.

It is essential to avoid acting solely on the VR signal. Market manipulation, especially in low-cap cryptocurrencies, can produce false signals. Always assess the broader market context, including Bitcoin’s price movement and overall market sentiment.

Common Misinterpretations of the VR Break Below 70

Many traders misinterpret the VR break below 70 as an immediate sell signal. However, this level is not a definitive reversal trigger. In ranging or consolidating markets, VR values frequently fluctuate around 70 without leading to sustained downtrends. Additionally, in highly volatile cryptocurrencies, short-term dips below 70 may be noise rather than meaningful shifts.

Another common mistake is ignoring the timeframe. A VR break below 70 on a 15-minute chart may be less significant than the same signal on a daily chart. Higher timeframes provide more reliable signals due to reduced noise and stronger volume data.

Traders also often overlook the flat volume adjustment in the VR formula. Periods with no price change still contribute to the calculation, and in low-movement markets, these can distort the VR reading. Ensuring accurate data inputs is crucial for correct interpretation.

Configuring the VR Indicator on Trading Platforms

To set up the VR indicator correctly, follow these steps:

• Log in to your preferred trading platform (e.g., TradingView).
• Open the chart of the cryptocurrency you wish to analyze.
• Click on the “Indicators” button and search for “Volume Ratio” or “Custom Indicator.”
• If unavailable, click “Pine Editor” and paste the following Pine Script code:

//@version=5
indicator("Volume Ratio (VR)", overlay=false)
rising_volume = request.security(syminfo.tickerid, timeframe.period, volume * (close > open ? 1 : 0))
falling_volume = request.security(syminfo.tickerid, timeframe.period, volume * (close < open ? 1 : 0))
flat_volume = request.security(syminfo.tickerid, timeframe.period, volume * (close == open ? 1 : 0))
vr = (rising_volume + 0.5  flat_volume) / (falling_volume + 0.5  flat_volume) * 100
plot(vr, color=color.blue, title="VR")
hline(70, "70 Level", color=color.red)
hline(150, "150 Level", color=color.green)

• Save and add the script to the chart.
• Adjust the timeframe to align with your trading strategy.
• Observe how the VR line interacts with the 70 level across different market phases.

Ensure that the volume data is accurate and that the exchange provides reliable tick volume. Discrepancies in volume reporting can lead to misleading VR values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the VR indicator be used on all cryptocurrencies?
Yes, the VR indicator can be applied to any cryptocurrency that has volume data. However, its reliability increases with higher liquidity. Low-volume altcoins may produce erratic readings due to thin markets and potential volume manipulation.

Q: What timeframes are best for monitoring VR breaks below 70?

Daily and 4-hour timeframes are preferred for reliable signals. Shorter timeframes like 5-minute or 15-minute charts may generate frequent false breaks due to market noise.

Q: Does a VR break below 70 always lead to a price drop?

No. While it indicates weakening bullish volume, price may continue rising if supported by strong fundamentals or market news. Always use additional confirmation tools before acting.

Q: How does the VR indicator differ from OBV?

The On-Balance Volume (OBV) accumulates volume based on price direction, while the VR indicator calculates a ratio of rising to falling volume. VR normalizes volume into a bounded range, making overbought/oversold conditions easier to identify compared to OBV’s cumulative nature.