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    Enhanced Cumulative Volume Index for cTrader

    Enhanced Cumulative Volume Index for cTrader


    Limited Support

    The Cumulative Volume Index (CVI) for cTrader is a volume-based breadth indicator which tracks the net flow of volume in or out of a market by cumulatively adding or subtracting volume based on price movement. Ideal for spotting early shifts in institutional sentiment, this free indicator offers traders an edge in volume-based trend analysis.
    (OS) Type: Windows & Mac OS Compatible
    Current version: 1.0.0
    Updated: Saturday, 23 August 2025

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    £0.00 Excl. VAT.

    Free for personal use under our license agreement. Redistribution & resale are strictly prohibited.

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    History and Background

    The Cumulative Volume Index was developed as a way to measure the cumulative net inflow or outflow of volume in a market. It was first applied to market breadth analysis in the stock market, mainly to track the movement of advancing versus declining issues.

    The idea is simple: if a market closes higher, that day's volume is considered "up" volume and added to the CVI. If it closes lower, it's "down" volume and is subtracted. Over time, this running total paints a clearer picture of whether volume is supporting price direction, often revealing hidden accumulation or distribution before a significant move.

     

    cTrader Enhanced Cumulative Volume Index Indicator

     

    How the Indicator Works

    At its core, the CVI operates on a simple premise:

    • Up day (close > previous close): Add volume

    • Down day (close < previous close): Subtract volume

    • Unchanged day: No change

    The result is a cumulative line that rises when volume supports upward price moves and falls when volume backs downtrends. Divergences between price and the CVI can offer early reversal signals.

     

    Key Features

    • Tracks cumulative volume flow to reveal market sentiment
    • Histogram or line visualisation options
    • Real-time updates as each new bar closes
    • Clear divergences between price and volume trends
    • Customizable visual styles and parameters
    • Designed for all timeframes and asset classes
    • Compatible with cTrader Desktop

     

    How to Use it for Trading

    • Confirm Trends: A rising CVI confirms strong bullish trends when paired with rising prices.

    • Spot Divergences: If price makes new highs but CVI does not, it may signal weakening momentum.

    • Volume Confirmation: Helps filter false breakouts by checking whether volume is supporting the move.

    • Institutional Activity: Sudden surges in CVI often point to larger players entering or exiting positions.

     

    Cumulative Volume Index Formula

    CVIt = CVIt-1 + Vt × D

    Where:

    • Vt = Volume at time t
    • D = Direction factor (+1 for up day, -1 for down day, 0 for no change)

     

    While the CVI is a powerful tool for understanding volume trends, it can be less effective in sideways or low-volume markets. Without strong directional volume, it may flatten out, offering limited insight. Like all volume indicators, it should be used alongside price action or confirmation tools to avoid false signals.

     

    How To Install & Remove

    First, ensure that you have the cTrader trading platform installed. Then, unzip the file and double-click it to install the platform automatically.

     

    Need Extra Help?

    Get instant answers with cTrader Sensei — our free AI assistant built for the cTrader platform. It can explain the indicator settings, suggest trading strategies, and guide you step-by-step through this indicator. Rated 4.9 out of 5 in the ChatGPT Store.

    Chat with cTrader Sensei

    Prefer human help? Visit our support forum where our team and community can assist you.

    Note: cTrader Sensei runs on OpenAI's ChatGPT platform. To use it, you will be asked to create a free OpenAI account. Registration is quick and costs nothing.

    The free version works immediately, but upgrading to a ChatGPT Plus subscription unlocks the latest GPT model, which provides more accurate and detailed answers for trading, coding, and product support.

    To upgrade, log in to ChatGPT, click your profile in the bottom left, and select Upgrade to Plus.

     

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