Volume Plus Bollinger Bands Width
Jul 5, 2020

The Volume Plus Bollinger Bands Width indicator combines standard volume analysis with Bollinger Band volatility metrics to help traders identify periods of significant market expansion and contraction.
Usage
The tool is primarily used to visualize volume alongside market volatility. The standard volume bars are displayed in the background, while a specialized "BBW Line" (Bollinger Band Width) is overlaid to highlight volatility shifts.
When the Bollinger Band Width (BBW) is above the user-defined threshold, the markers change color (defaulting to fuchsia), indicating a period of high volatility or potential breakout. When the width is below the threshold, the markers change to yellow, signaling a period of consolidation or "squeeze."
Traders can use this to:
- Identify high-volume breakouts confirmed by expanding Bollinger Bands.
- Spot low-volatility periods where a significant move might be brewing.
- Filter volume signals based on whether the market is currently in a trending or ranging state.
Details
The script calculates the Bollinger Band Width using the standard formula: (Upper Band - Lower Band) / Basis. This value is then normalized against the historical maximum volume to create a visual overlay that scales with the volume bars. This unique scaling allows for a direct comparison between trading activity (volume) and price volatility (BBW) on a single pane.
The indicator also includes built-in alerts that trigger when the Bollinger Band Width crosses above or below the specified threshold, allowing for automated monitoring of volatility shifts.
Settings
- Color bars based on previous close: If enabled, volume bars are colored based on the current close relative to the previous close. If disabled, they are colored based on the current bar's open vs. close.
- Bollinger Band Length: The lookback period used for the Simple Moving Average and Standard Deviation calculations.
- Bollinger Band StdDev: The multiplier for the standard deviation, determining the sensitivity of the bands.
- Bollinger Band Threshold: The level at which the BBW markers change color to signal a volatility transition.
FAQ
How do I interpret the colored crosses?
The crosses represent the Bollinger Band Width. Fuchsia typically indicates the width is above your threshold (high volatility), while yellow indicates it is below (low volatility).
Can I use this for volume-based breakout trading?
Yes, look for high volume bars coinciding with fuchsia crosses to identify breakouts backed by both participation and volatility.
How do I access Volume Plus Bollinger Bands Width?
You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.
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