What does it mean when the VRSI volume relative strength indicator goes sideways after being overbought? Will there be a second surge?

When the VRSI flattens after overbought levels, it signals stalled momentum, indicating neither buyers nor sellers are in control, often leading to consolidation or a pullback.

Jun 24, 2025 at 10:36 am

Understanding the VRSI Volume Relative Strength Indicator

The VRSI (Volume Relative Strength Index) is a technical analysis tool that combines both price and volume to assess overbought or oversold conditions in financial markets, including cryptocurrency. It builds upon the traditional RSI by incorporating trading volume as an additional factor, which can provide more accurate signals of market momentum.

In the context of cryptocurrency trading, where volatility is high and sentiment shifts rapidly, the VRSI helps traders gauge whether an asset might be overbought or oversold based on not just price movement but also the strength of buying or selling pressure through volume. When the VRSI reaches above 70, it typically signals overbought territory, suggesting a potential pullback or consolidation phase.

What Happens When the VRSI Goes Sideways After Being Overbought?

When the VRSI goes sideways after reaching overbought levels, it indicates a neutralization of momentum. This means that the strong upward push has stalled, and neither buyers nor sellers are currently in control of the market direction.

• Sideways movement in the VRSI suggests that volume is no longer increasing with rising prices.
• It could signal that traders are taking profits or hesitating before pushing the price higher.
• In many cases, this plateauing behavior acts as a cooling-off period, allowing the market to digest recent gains before deciding its next move.

For example, during a sharp rally in Bitcoin, the VRSI may quickly surge above 70, indicating extreme bullishness. If it then flattens out instead of dropping immediately, it may mean that while buying pressure has weakened, there isn’t yet significant selling pressure either.

Interpreting the Market Behavior During VRSI Consolidation

A sideways VRSI after being overbought often coincides with price consolidation or a pullback in the chart. Traders should look at the broader context, such as the prevailing trend, support/resistance levels, and other indicators like moving averages or MACD.

• If the price remains above key support levels, it may suggest that the uptrend is still intact and the sideways VRSI is part of a healthy correction.
• If the price starts breaking down below key supports, it may indicate that the overbought condition was a warning sign and that a deeper correction is likely.

In crypto markets, especially altcoins, this kind of behavior can often precede a retest of previous resistance levels, which now act as support. The sideways VRSI can be seen as a waiting game between bulls and bears.

Will There Be a Second Surge Following a Flat VRSI?

Whether or not a second surge occurs depends heavily on how the market absorbs the prior rally and what happens with volume and order flow afterward.

• If accumulation resumes and volume picks up again, the VRSI may begin to rise once more, signaling renewed bullish momentum.
• However, if volume continues to dwindle or starts declining, it’s more likely that the rally has run its course for now.

Traders should monitor candlestick patterns and volume bars alongside the VRSI to confirm any potential resumption of the uptrend. A breakout above the prior swing high combined with rising volume and a rising VRSI would be a strong indication of a second surge.

It's also important to note that in highly speculative assets like cryptocurrencies, sudden news events or whale movements can override technical indicators, so one shouldn't rely solely on the VRSI for decision-making.

How to Trade the VRSI Sideways Phase After Overbought Conditions

Trading during a flat VRSI following overbought conditions requires careful observation and patience. Here are some steps traders can follow:

• Monitor price action closely for signs of reversal or continuation.
• Look for volume spikes or dips that may indicate institutional activity.
• Use Fibonacci retracement levels to identify potential areas of interest.
• Combine the VRSI with other tools like Bollinger Bands or Ichimoku Cloud for confirmation.
• Set tight stop losses and manage risk carefully due to the uncertain nature of consolidation phases.

One effective strategy is to wait for the VRSI to re-enter the neutral zone (between 40 and 60) and observe whether it begins to climb again. That could serve as a signal to re-enter long positions, especially if accompanied by bullish candlestick formations.

Common Misinterpretations of the VRSI Signal

Many traders misinterpret a flat VRSI after overbought levels as a bearish signal. While it does suggest weakening momentum, it doesn't necessarily mean the trend is reversing.

• Some assume that a drop from overbought directly implies a downtrend, which isn't always true.
• Others expect immediate follow-through after a breakout, ignoring the need for consolidation.
• Failing to account for volume distortions caused by large orders or exchange-specific anomalies can lead to false readings.

In crypto markets, especially on smaller-cap coins, volume can be manipulated or skewed due to wash trading or pump-and-dump activities. Therefore, it's essential to cross-check data sources and use trusted platforms when analyzing VRSI values.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the VRSI stay overbought for a long time?

Yes, especially during strong bull runs, the VRSI can remain overbought for extended periods. This usually indicates sustained buying pressure and high volume, which keeps the indicator elevated.

Q: How is the VRSI different from the regular RSI?

The VRSI incorporates volume into its calculation, whereas the standard RSI only considers price changes. This makes the VRSI potentially more reliable in confirming trends or reversals.

Q: Should I short a cryptocurrency when the VRSI is overbought and going sideways?

Not necessarily. A sideways VRSI after overbought levels is a neutral signal, not a direct sell or shorting opportunity. It's safer to wait for further confirmation before initiating short positions.

Q: Does the VRSI work equally well across all cryptocurrencies?

No, the effectiveness of the VRSI varies depending on the liquidity and trading volume of the asset. It tends to be more reliable for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum than for low-volume altcoins.