VWAP (2024)

Table of Contents
Configuration Options Formula FAQs

Charts

The Volume Weighted Average Price indicator (VWAP) shows the intraday average traded price of an instrument based on both volume and price. In addition, you can use the indicator to calculate up to three standard deviations from the VWAP and display them in the Chart.

Note: You cannot apply the VWAP technical indicator to Price Distribution and Tick charts. VWAP applied to a spread chart is based on price updates to the spread chart. Each price update on either leg of a spread chart is assigned a volume value of one.

VWAP (1)

Configuration Options

VWAP (2)

  • Display 1 Standard Deviation (σ): Displays price bands one standard deviation from VWAP
  • Display 2 Standard Deviation (σ): Displays price bands two standard deviations from VWAP
  • Display 3 Standard Deviation (σ): Displays price bands three standard deviations from VWAP
  • Shading: Displays shading between bands
  • VWAP (line color)
    • 1 Standard Deviation (σ): Sets the color of the first standard deviation band
    • 2 Standard Deviation (σ): Sets the color of the second standard deviation band
    • 3 Standard Deviation (σ): Sets the color of the third standard deviation band
  • Opacity: Opacity of the shading
  • Display Axis Label: Whether to display the most recent value on the Y axis.
  • Include in auto scale: Adjusts the price ladder to show all VWAP indicators.

Formula

\[ VWAP = \frac{Cumulative(Volume * Typical Price)}{Cumulative(Volume)} \]

VWAP (2024)

FAQs

How reliable is VWAP? ›

Limitations of VWAP

Lagging indicator: As a moving average, VWAP is inherently lagging and may not accurately reflect sudden price changes. Limited predictive value: VWAP is not a predictive tool and should not be solely relied upon for trading decisions.

How to effectively use VWAP? ›

The VWAP is displayed as a line, similar to a moving average. On the chart, it's the purple line that goes through prices. Remember the VWAP is an average, which means it lags. Typically, when VWAP slopes up, it indicates prices might be trending up, and when it slopes down, prices might be trending down.

What is the success rate of VWAP? ›

VWAP Backtesting Results

Applying VWAP in 5-minute day trading alongside a Heikin Ashi chart delivered outstanding success, outperforming 93% of stocks with a buy-and-hold strategy. Despite a modest 29% win rate, the 4.1 reward/risk ratio translated into success across almost all stocks.

Do professional traders use VWAP? ›

The VWAP is used by traders to evaluate price and volume to determine entry and exit points. It can also be used to whether there are any trends or overlying sentiments in the market. It isn't bullish or bearish on its own. Rather, it points to a bullish trend if prices and volumes rise and bullish if they drop.

What is the best indicator to use with VWAP? ›

VWAP is a good indicator which acts as a resistance and a support to the stock. It does indicate breakouts and breakdowns. You can combine VWAP with MACD. If MACD give a bullish signal and the price crosses VWAP from below and moves up it gives a buy signal.

Why is the VWAP so powerful? ›

Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is a top trading indicator that blends price with volume to provide a more comprehensive view of market trends. Its significance lies in its ability to offer a snapshot of both trading momentum and value, making it an indispensable tool for traders and analysts alike.

How do I master VWAP? ›

General Strategies

If the price is above VWAP, it is a good intraday price to sell. If the price is below VWAP, it is a good intraday price to buy. However, there is a caveat to using this intraday. Prices are dynamic and what appears to be a good price at one point in the day may not be by day's end.

Is VWAP a lagging indicator? ›

VWAP is a lagging technical indicator. The VWAP qualifies as a lagging indicator since its calculation is based on historical data.

Is VWAP bullish or bearish? ›

Importance of Volume Weighted Average Price

The market is bearish when the price is below the VWAP and bullish if the price is above the VWAP. During a bullish market, there will be an increase in the buying price, and the trend line on the chart will move upward.

Which is better VWAP or anchored VWAP? ›

Unlike the traditional Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP), which resets daily and provides the average price of a security within a single trading day, the Anchored VWAP provides a more flexible view by allowing traders to set an anchor point from which the calculation begins.

Do swing traders use VWAP? ›

Swing and position traders use the VWAP in the same way as a moving average.

Is VWAP leading or lagging? ›

Since the VWAP calculation is based on historical data it is still considered a lagging indicator, but that doesn't stop traders from using this measure to establish support and resistance levels suitable for intraday trading.

Does price always come back to VWAP? ›

It's not a foolproof indicator by any means. Patterns and indicators are never foolproof, but keeping track of them is very important. The VWAP indicator shows the stock's equilibrium, and the stock will always come back if it moves too far away from it in either direction.

Is trading above VWAP good? ›

If the price is above VWAP, it is a good intraday price to sell. If the price is below VWAP, it is a good intraday price to buy. However, there is a caveat to using this intraday. Prices are dynamic and what appears to be a good price at one point in the day may not be by day's end.

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