Most traders focus solely on price (the "what"), but they ignore the volume (the "why"). According to Bill Williams, relying on standard moving averages or indicators like RSI is dangerous because they are based on linear statistics that do not apply to the chaotic nature of markets
Here are the key takeaways on how to analyze Volume and Price correctly:
1. Price is the Advertisement, Volume is the Fuel
You should view the market mechanism simply:
• Price is just an advertisement. It calls out a value.
• Volume is the fuel. It is the energy required to make the market move.
• Momentum is the speed at which the market moves.
If the price moves (the ad is placed) but there is no volume (no fuel), the movement is a "Fake" and will likely reverse.
2. The Validity of Tick Volume
Many traders ignore volume in futures or crypto because they think "tick volume" isn't "real volume."
• Fact: Williams found that tick volume correlates with actual volume more than 90% of the time.
• It is the only real-time information available to traders that tells them "who is running the show". A change in tick volume always precedes a change in momentum and trend.
3. Replace Simple Averages with MFI (Market Facilitation Index)
Instead of just looking at where price is relative to an average (like VWAP), Williams suggests measuring market efficiency using the MFI.
• Formula: MFI=VolumeRange (High−Low)
• What it tells you: It measures how many points the market traveled per "tick" of volume.
• The Goal: You want to see if the volume entering the market is actually effectively moving the price.
4. Reading the "Profitunity Windows"
By combining Volume and MFI, you can instantly read the market's intent:
• Green (+Vol, +MFI): The market is moving, and volume is increasing. This is a solid trend (like a "Green Light").
• Squat (+Vol, -MFI): Volume is high, but price movement (MFI) has slowed. This is a battle between buyers and sellers and often signals a reversal or a major breakout. It is the strongest potential money-maker.
• Fake (-Vol, +MFI): The market is moving effortlessly, but there is no volume. This is often market manipulation and should be viewed with skepticism.
💡 Key Lesson for Traders:
Don't just ask "Is the price up?" Ask "Is the fuel (volume) supporting this move?" If you see a price breakout on low volume (a "Fake"), or a stalled price on high volume (a "Squat"), the trend is likely about to change.