Buying/Selling PressureBuying/Selling Pressure - Volume-Based Market Sentiment
Buying/Selling Pressure identifies market dominance by separating volume into buying and selling components. The indicator uses Volume ATR normalization to create a universal pressure oscillator that works consistently across all markets and timeframes.
What is Buying/Selling Pressure?
This indicator answers a fundamental question: Are buyers or sellers in control? By analyzing how volume distributes within each bar, it calculates cumulative buying and selling pressure, then normalizes the result using Volume ATR for cross-market comparability.
Formula: × 100
Where Delta = Buying Volume - Selling Volume
Calculation Methods
Money Flow (Recommended):
Volume weighted by close position in bar range. Close near high = buying pressure, close near low = selling pressure.
Formula: / (high - low)
Simple Delta:
Basic approach where bullish bars = 100% buying, bearish bars = 100% selling.
Weighted Delta:
Volume weighted by body size relative to total range, focusing on candle strength.
Key Features
Volume ATR Normalization: Adapts to volume volatility for consistent readings across assets
Cumulative Delta: Tracks net buying/selling pressure over time (similar to OBV)
Signal Line: EMA smoothing for trend identification and crossover signals
Zero Line: Clear visual separation between buyer and seller dominance
Color-Coded Display: Green area = buyers control, red area = sellers control
Interpretation
Above Zero: Buyers dominating - cumulative buying pressure exceeds selling
Below Zero: Sellers dominating - cumulative selling pressure exceeds buying
Cross Signal Line: Momentum shift - pressure trend changing direction
Increasing Magnitude: Strengthening pressure in current direction
Decreasing Magnitude: Weakening pressure, potential reversal
Volume vs Pressure
High volume with low pressure indicates balanced battle between buyers and sellers. High pressure with high volume confirms strong directional conviction. This separation provides insights beyond traditional volume analysis.
Best Practices
Use with price action for confirmation
Divergences signal potential reversals (price makes new high/low but pressure doesn't)
Large volume with near-zero pressure = indecision, breakout preparation
Signal line crossovers provide momentum change signals
Extreme readings suggest potential exhaustion
Settings
Calculation Method: Choose Money Flow, Simple Delta, or Weighted Delta
EMA Length: Period for cumulative delta smoothing (default: 21)
Signal Line: Optional EMA of oscillator for crossover signals (default: 9)
Buying/Selling Pressure transforms volume analysis into actionable market sentiment, revealing whether buyers or sellers control price action beneath surface volatility.
This indicator is designed for educational and analytical purposes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct thorough research and consider consulting with financial professionals before making investment decisions.
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