Volume Analysis on the CMT Exam
Volume is the second most important data point after price. As Dow Theory states in Tenet #5: "Volume must confirm the trend." Volume analysis carries significant weight across all three CMT levels and is closely linked to market breadth.
For the full exam overview, see the CMT Exam Guide 2026.
On-Balance Volume (OBV)
Developed by Joe Granville, OBV is a cumulative volume indicator:
- If close > prior close: Add today's volume to OBV
- If close < prior close: Subtract today's volume from OBV
- If close = prior close: OBV unchanged
Key signals:
- OBV rising with price rising = trend confirmed
- OBV diverging from price = early warning of reversal
- OBV breakouts can precede price breakouts
Accumulation/Distribution Line (A/D Line)
The A/D Line refines OBV by incorporating the close's position within the day's range:
Close Location Value (CLV) = ((Close − Low) − (High − Close)) / (High − Low)
A/D = Prior A/D + (CLV × Volume)
This indicator reveals whether smart money is accumulating or distributing shares.
Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP)
VWAP = Σ(Price × Volume) / Σ(Volume)
- Acts as dynamic support/resistance for institutional traders
- Price above VWAP = bullish intraday bias; below = bearish
- Used heavily in algorithmic trading
- Anchored VWAP from significant events provides longer-term levels
Chaikin Money Flow (CMF)
CMF measures money flow over a period (typically 20 days):
- Positive CMF: Accumulation pressure — bullish
- Negative CMF: Distribution pressure — bearish
- Combines well with moving averages for trend confirmation
Volume Profile
Volume profile shows volume by price level rather than by time:
- Point of Control (POC): Price with highest volume — acts as magnet
- Value Area: Range containing 70% of volume — key support/resistance
- Low Volume Nodes: Price moves quickly through these zones
- Important for market microstructure questions
Volume Patterns & Rules
| Pattern | Signal | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| High volume at S/R | Significant level | Strong |
| Breakout on high volume | Valid breakout | Strong |
| Breakout on low volume | Likely false breakout | Weak |
| Volume climax | Exhaustion / reversal | Moderate |
| Declining volume during consolidation | Coiling — breakout coming | Standard |
| Volume precedes price | OBV breakout first | Leading signal |
CMT Exam Focus
- Level 1: OBV calculation, volume-trend confirmation rules, Dow Theory Tenet #5
- Level 2: A/D Line, CMF, volume profile, combining with point & figure
- Level 3: Integrating volume analysis into portfolio management essays
Practice volume-based questions with our 8,000+ question bank. Full guide: CMT Exam 2026.
On-Balance Volume (OBV) — Price vs. Cumulative Volume
OBV rising with price confirms the uptrend; divergence warns of reversal
Volume Pattern Rules — Breakout Confirmation
Volume relative to average (%) required for valid signals