Low Volume Pullback

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Low Volume Pullback'

A technical correction toward an area of support that occurs on lower-than-average volume. The low volume is a signal to traders that the trend is not reversing and that it is only the weak longs looking to lock in a quick profit. Frequent moves that occur in the opposite direction of a trend, which are accompanied by low volume, are normal fluctuations and generally deemed to be insignificant. On the other hand, a large spike in volume in the opposite direction of the trend could be used to signal that the smart money is starting to look for the exits and that the trend is getting ready to reverse.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Low Volume Pullback'

Many technical traders will try to enter a position on the short-term weakness seen in a low volume pullback because it increases the risk/reward ratio as stop losses are closer to major support levels. It is common that large changes in volume will precede a price move. Traders will use indicators, such as the on-balance volume (OBV) to find situations where the trend and the volume are diverging.

Related Definitions

  • On-Balance Volume - OBV

    A method used in technical analysis to detect momentum, the calculation of which relates volume to price change. OBV provides a running total of volume and shows whether this volume is ...
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  • Weak Longs

    Refers to the group of investors that holds a long position and is quick to exit that position at the first sign of weakness. This group of investors is generally looking to capture the ...
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  • Pullback

    A falling back of a price from its peak. This type of price movement might be seen as a brief reversal of the prevailing upward trend, signaling a slight pause in upward momentum.
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    • Divergence

      When the price of an asset and an indicator, index or other related asset move in opposite directions. In technical analysis, traders make transaction decisions by identifying situations ...
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    • Volume

      The number of shares or contracts traded in a security or an entire market during a given period of time. It is simply the amount of shares that trade hands from sellers to buyers as a ...
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