Volume Expansion Index (VEI)

Measures volume relative to historical average levels

Overview

VEI compares current volume to historical average volume as a ratio or percentage. High VEI indicates unusual activity compared to normal trading patterns, signaling potential moves. Low VEI shows complacency and potential reversals.

Key Use: Identify abnormal volume activity that precedes major price moves.

Formula

VEI = Current Volume / SMA(Volume, 50)

VEI > 1.0 = Above average volume

VEI < 1.0 = Below average volume

Use Cases

Volume Surge Detection

VEI spikes signal abnormal activity - likely catalyst at work.

Breakout Strength

High VEI breakout = likely to persist vs low VEI breakout.

Reversal Warnings

Very low VEI on reversal patterns often signals exhaustion.

Characteristics

✓ Advantages

  • • Adjusted for historical norms
  • • Easy interpretation (1.0 = baseline)
  • • Security-agnostic comparison

⚠ Limitations

  • • Sensitive to time period choice
  • • Historical data dependent
  • • Can give false signals in new trends

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