Shapes of Volume Profiles

Volume Profile is a tool that shows how much volume (i.e. the number of trades) is happening at different price levels for a given asset. It is used by traders to analyze order flow and make inferences about market direction, support and resistance, and potential reversal areas. The patterns in a Volume Profile may appear random at first glance, but there are certain recurring shapes that can be used to make predictions about the market.

🔵P-Shaped Volume Profile: A P-shaped Volume Profile is a chart pattern that typically occurs when a market experiences a sharp rise followed by consolidation. The lower part of the P-shaped profile represents low volume rejection, while the wider upper part shows an increase in trading activity at a "fair" price. These patterns are often seen during uptrends, but can also indicate the end of a downtrend and a potential short covering rally, which is seen as a bullish signal.

🔵b-Shaped Volume Profile: A b-shaped Volume Profile is a chart pattern that forms when a market experiences a sharp decline followed by consolidation. It is the opposite of a P-shaped profile and is often seen during downtrends. The upper part of a b-shaped profile represents low volume and an "unfair" perception of price, while the wider bottom part shows an increase in trading activity and a balance between buyers and sellers. If a b-shaped profile appears during an uptrend, it could potentially indicate a reversal. These patterns are generally seen as bearish signals, as they often represent longs exiting the market.

🔵D-Shaped Volume Profile: A D-shaped Volume Profile is a chart pattern that occurs when there is a temporary balance in a market. The Point of Control (POC), which is typically located in the center of the profile, indicates an equal number of buyers and sellers. Some traders view a D-shaped profile as a sign of a choppy or sideways market without a clear direction, while others see it as an opportunity to anticipate a potential breakout in either direction as institutional players build up their positions.

🔵B-Shaped Volume Profile: A B-shaped Volume Profile is a chart pattern that occurs when two D-shaped profiles appear within a specific time period. It is characterized by a single value area and Point of Control (POC), although some traders may divide the profile into two separate "D-areas" with their own value areas. B-shaped profiles are generally seen as a continuation of a trend, but it is important to note which POC is more dominant, as this can indicate whether activity was highest at the top or bottom of the profile.