How to identify buy signals with the AVL indicator?

The AVL Indicator combines price and volume to reveal hidden buying pressure, with bullish divergences and breakouts signaling strong crypto entry points.

Aug 01, 2025 at 01:07 pm

Understanding the AVL Indicator and Its Core Components

The AVL Indicator, also known as the Accumulation Volume Line, is a technical analysis tool that combines price and volume to assess buying and selling pressure in the cryptocurrency market. Unlike simple volume indicators, the AVL emphasizes the relationship between volume and price direction, making it particularly useful for identifying early buy signals. The core principle behind the AVL is that volume precedes price. When volume increases during upward price movements, it suggests strong accumulation by institutional or informed traders.

The indicator is plotted as a line that fluctuates above and below a baseline, typically zero. When the AVL line rises, it indicates that more volume is associated with upward price moves—this is interpreted as buying dominance. Conversely, a falling AVL line suggests selling pressure. To use the AVL effectively, traders must understand that the indicator is cumulative. Each period’s value is added or subtracted based on whether the closing price is higher or lower than the previous close.

For example, if today’s close is higher than yesterday’s, the day’s volume is added to the previous AVL value. If the close is lower, the volume is subtracted. This creates a running total that reflects net buying or selling pressure over time. The key insight is that sustained upward movement in the AVL, especially during price consolidations or minor pullbacks, can signal hidden accumulation—a strong precursor to bullish breakouts.

Spotting Divergences Between Price and AVL

One of the most reliable methods to identify buy signals using the AVL indicator is detecting bullish divergences. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the AVL forms a higher low. This scenario suggests that despite the downward price movement, selling volume is decreasing and buying volume is starting to dominate.

To spot this:

• Monitor the price chart for a clear lower low in a downtrend.
• Simultaneously, check the AVL indicator for a higher low at the same time period.
• Confirm that volume during the second dip is lower than during the first.
• Look for a subsequent price reversal supported by rising AVL.

This divergence indicates weakening bearish momentum and potential reversal. In cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is high and sentiment shifts rapidly, such signals often precede sharp upward moves. For instance, if Bitcoin drops to $58,000 (lower than a previous $59,000 low), but the AVL doesn’t reach a new low and instead starts rising, it suggests buyers are stepping in at lower prices without triggering large volume sell-offs.

Interpreting Breakouts Above Key AVL Levels

Another effective way to identify buy signals is when the AVL line breaks above a significant resistance level or a prior high. This breakout confirms that buying pressure has overcome previous resistance and is likely to continue. Such breakouts are especially powerful when they coincide with price breakouts from consolidation patterns like triangles or flags.

To validate this signal:

• Identify a horizontal resistance level on the AVL chart formed by previous peaks.
• Wait for the AVL line to clear this level with strong volume.
• Ensure the price is also moving upward, ideally closing above a key price resistance.
• Check for increased trading volume on the breakout candle to confirm authenticity.

For example, if Ethereum’s AVL has been capped at 1.5 million for weeks and suddenly surges to 1.7 million with a 20% volume spike, this indicates a break in selling pressure and a shift toward accumulation. Traders can interpret this as a confirmed buy signal, especially if the price follows with a close above a key moving average like the 50-day EMA.

Using AVL in Conjunction with Moving Averages

Enhancing the accuracy of buy signals involves combining the AVL indicator with moving averages. A common strategy is to apply a short-term moving average (e.g., 9-period) to the AVL line itself. When the AVL crosses above its moving average, it signals increasing buying momentum.

Steps to implement this:

• Add a 9-period simple moving average (SMA) to the AVL indicator on your charting platform.
• Watch for the AVL line to cross above the SMA from below.
• Confirm the crossover occurs during a period of price stabilization or uptick.
• Use additional filters such as RSI above 50 or MACD histogram turning positive for confluence.

In a real-world scenario, if Solana’s price is range-bound between $90 and $95, and the AVL crosses above its 9-SMA while volume increases, it suggests accumulation is accelerating. This crossover acts as an early warning before the price breaks out. The signal becomes stronger if the crossover happens near a support level or after a bullish engulfing candle.

Recognizing Volume Spikes with AVL Confirmation

Sudden volume spikes in cryptocurrency trading can indicate institutional activity or breakout attempts. However, not all spikes lead to sustained moves. The AVL indicator helps filter meaningful spikes by showing whether the volume is associated with upward or downward price action.

To identify valid buy signals from volume spikes:

• Detect a significant increase in volume—at least 1.5x the 20-day average.
• Verify that the price closes near the top of the day’s range.
• Check that the AVL line jumps upward on that candle, confirming net buying.
• Avoid signals where high volume occurs on down candles or long wicks.

For instance, if Cardano sees a volume spike to 2 billion ADA traded in a day, and the price closes 8% higher with the AVL surging, this reflects strong demand. Such events often precede multi-day rallies, especially if they occur after a prolonged consolidation phase.

Setting Up the AVL Indicator on Trading Platforms

To begin using the AVL indicator, proper setup is essential. Most platforms like TradingView, Binance, or MetaTrader support custom scripts or built-in volume indicators.

To add AVL:

• Open your preferred charting platform.
• Search for “Accumulation Volume Line” or “AVL” in the indicators section.
• If unavailable, manually create it using the formula:
  AVL = Previous AVL + Volume (if close > previous close)
  AVL = Previous AVL - Volume (if close < previous close)
• Apply the indicator to the chart and adjust the style for visibility.
• Optionally, add a moving average overlay for trend confirmation.

Ensure the data feed is accurate—especially for decentralized exchanges where volume may be fragmented across chains. Use centralized exchange data or aggregated volume APIs for reliability.

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FAQs

What is the difference between AVL and OBV?

Both AVL and On-Balance Volume (OBV) track volume-based accumulation. However, AVL is more sensitive because it uses the full volume value in its calculation, while OBV adds or subtracts volume based on price direction without cumulative scaling. AVL often provides earlier signals due to its responsiveness.

Can AVL be used on intraday timeframes for crypto trading?

Yes, AVL works effectively on 15-minute, 1-hour, and 4-hour charts. Shorter timeframes require stricter confirmation rules, such as aligning AVL crossovers with key support levels or candlestick patterns like hammers or bullish engulfing.

How do I avoid false buy signals with AVL?

False signals occur when AVL rises but price fails to follow. To reduce risk, require price confirmation—wait for the candle to close above resistance or for the RSI to exit oversold territory. Avoid acting on AVL signals during low-volume periods like weekends.

Is AVL suitable for all cryptocurrencies?

AVL performs best on high-liquidity assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins. Low-volume tokens may generate erratic AVL readings due to pump-and-dump activity or spoofing, making signals unreliable. Always cross-check with order book depth and exchange flow data.