Volume Rate of Change Definition
The volume rate of change (ROC) is a technical indicator used to gauge the volatility in a security's volume. The volume rate of change is a powerful indicator when estimating a security's ability to push through key resistance. The volume ROC is calculated the exact same way as the rate of change indicator except instead of tracking the closing price it tracks volume.
Volume Rate of Change Formula
The volume ROC is calculated by dividing the volume over the last "x" periods by the volume over the last "x" periods ago. If the volume from today is lower than "x" periods ago, then the volume ROC is trending lower. Below is the formula for the volume ROC:
Volume ROC = ((Volume - Volume n-periods ago )/ Volume n-periods ago) *100
Interpreting the Volume ROC
The volume rate of change indicator is subjective like many other technical indicators. The first question you have to ask yourself is how many periods should feed the input for the indicator. The shorter the periods, the greater price fluctuations will occur for the volume ROC indicator. Assuming you have selected the correct input value for the timeframe you are trading on, you want to see the volume ROC pick up significantly as it breaks through resistance. This is a sign that you are correct in your long position and the trend should remain intact for the near term. Traders can also use the Volume ROC to identify when there is a false breakout and use this as an opportunity to take a counter position.
Al Hill is the co-founder of mysmp.com (My Stock Market Power) which provides education on all topics finance; including stocks, bonds, options, futures, forex, technical analysis, and more! Please visit http://www.mysmp.com for more free financial educational content.
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