Volume is one of the most important things in forex trading, but many traders ignore it.
Have you ever wondered why some price movements are stronger than others?
Or why some breakouts fail while others keep going? The secret is hidden in volume.
Understanding volume can help traders make better decisions and avoid unnecessary losses.
But what exactly does volume mean in forex? How does it affect trading? And most importantly, how can you use it to your advantage? Let’s look into it.
In This Post
What is Volume in Forex?
In forex trading, volume refers to the total number of transactions that happen in a market within a specific period.
Unlike in the stock market, where volume is measured by the number of shares traded, forex volume is tracked by the number of price changes (ticks) in a currency pair.
The more price changes, the higher the volume.
Why is Volume Important?
Volume helps traders understand the strength of a market move. When a currency pair moves with high volume, it means many traders are involved, making the move more reliable.
But if a price move happens on low volume, it might not be strong enough to continue.
Think of it like this: if a crowd of people starts running in the same direction, there’s probably a big reason behind it.
But if only a few people are running, you might question if it’s really worth following. The same logic applies to forex volume.
How to Use Volume in Forex Trading
1. Confirm Breakouts
When a price breaks out of a key level (like support or resistance), high volume shows strong momentum. If the breakout happens on low volume, it might be a false signal.
2. Spot Reversals
If price is moving up but volume is dropping, it could mean buyers are losing strength, and a reversal might be coming.
3. Identify Market Trends
High volume during an uptrend confirms that buyers are still in control, while decreasing volume could signal the trend is weakening.
Can You See Volume in Forex?
Unlike stocks, forex trading doesn’t have a central exchange to track actual trading volume.
However, most trading platforms provide tick volume, which shows how many times the price changed in a given period.
Many traders use tick volume as an alternative to real trading volume.
Conclusion
Volume is a tool in forex trading. It helps confirm trends, spot reversals, and avoid false breakouts.
While you can’t see the actual number of trades happening in the forex market, tick volume can give you a good idea of market activity.
If you learn how to read volume correctly, it can give you an edge in your trading strategy.