VSA analysis – what signals it may provide?

If you are familiar with trading, you probably know the basics of fundamental and technical analysis. Generally speaking, fundamental analysis answer to the question “Why does the market move?” and technical analysis tries to find out “When will the price movement occur?” However, you may not know the type of analysis, which combines both fundamental and technical practices. This approach is called VSA (volume spread analysis) and it is widely used by the stock traders. Here we will explain to you how the VSA may be applied to Forex trading.

What is the VSA?

VSA was invented by Richard D. Wyckoff, who started to trade stocks at the age of 15. At the end of XX century, Tom Williams improved the Wyckoff’s research and developed his own methodology. In his book called “Master the Markets”, he mentioned the importance of the price differences (spreads) connected with volumes and the closing price.

So what the VSA is about? Volume spread analysis is the type of analysis based on volumes and the spread of the candlestick. It tries to find out the differences between supply and demand, which the biggest players create in the Forex market (professional traders, institutions, banks and market makers). If you know how to understand their actions, they may give you good signals to enter the market.

VSA’s elements

You need to determine three main variables to find out the balance between supply and demand. They are, as follows:

• The quantity of volume on a price bar;
• High and low of the price bar (the range);
• The closing price.

Volumes are usually underestimated by newbies, however, it is an important element of the market analysis. The volume shows the transaction amounts while the range of the price demonstrates the movement in relation to the volume.

Based on these elements, trader may understand the current phase of the market. We can identify four of these stages, according to Mr. Wyckoff:

• Accumulation (professional members of the market buy at wholesale prices during the oversold conditions);
• Mark-Up (bullish movement);
• Distribution (professional members of the market sell at retail prices during the overbought conditions);
• Mark-Down (bearish movement).

Wyckoff price cycles

As we know, Richard D. Wyckoff used this analysis to trade stocks, but how the Forex trader may apply it on practice? Let’s find out.

VSA for Forex traders

There are huge debates among traders on whether the VSA can be used in the Forex market. The reason for it is that the Forex market is decentralized, unlike the stock one.  As a result, actual volumes are not available. However, you may analyze the market by looking at the volume observed in each bar.

In MT4, you just need to right-click on the chart and press “Volumes” to see them. Also, you can press Ctrl+L on your keyboard.

Classic models of the VSA analysis

There are a lot of different interpretations of the VSA, which makes it difficult to understand it for a beginner trader. Here, we are going to introduce to you some of the most commonly used models of the VSA, according to Tom Williams, which may help you to trade with professional players.

Signs of strength with bullish candlesticks

1^st model – The bullish bar with a regular size. The price closed near the high. The volume is higher than the average in 15-20 days and, most importantly, higher than in the previous bar. 

This model shows that the demand is increasing and the rise will continue.

2^nd model – Bullish/bearish candlestick (Bullish gives a stronger signal). It updated the minimum. The size is bigger than usual. The closing price is placed close to the high. High volume.

This model signals a possible reversal.

3^rd model – Bullish/bearish candlestick (Bullish gives a stronger signal). It updated the minimum. The size of the candlestick is big and the closing price is placed close to the high. Low volume.

It shows that professional players do not support the bearish market anymore.

Signs of strength with bearish candlesticks

1^st model – Small size of the candlestick. The closing price is placed close to the high. High volumes.

 Major market players cover all the supply. Bears don’t have enough strength to overcome the opening price.

2^nd model – Bearish candlestick. It has a small size and a small volume. The closing price is placed close to the low.

This model shows the absence of sellers in the market.

Signs of weakness

1^st model – Bullish bar. It has a small size. The closing price is close to the low of the candlestick. High volumes.  Occurs during the uptrend.

This is a sign of strong selling pressure.

2^nd model – Bullish bar, small size, low or extremely low volume. Occurs during the downtrend.

This model may signal the possible end of correction amid the downward trend.

Tom Williams listed even more examples, but don’t follow them blindly and check twice before making trading decisions.

Conclusion

The volume spread analysis helps to understand the behavior of the market, based on the volumes and the analysis of the candlesticks. However, you need to apply this analysis very carefully and take into account all the variables.

FBS Analyst Team