Mastering Market Momentum: A Deep Dive into the VolumeCandlesticks Indicator for MT5
In the fast-paced world of forex trading, volume remains one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for gauging market sentiment. While price action tells you what happened, volume reveals why it happened—and the VolumeCandlesticks Indicator V1.08 for MetaTrader 5 (MT5) bridges this gap by merging volume data with classic candlestick patterns. Whether you’re a scalper hunting for short-term opportunities or a swing trader riding trends, this indicator can transform your analysis. Let’s unpack everything you need to know—from its core functionality to optimal settings and real-world applications.
Why Volume Matters in Trading
Before diving into the indicator, let’s revisit why volume is critical. In forex, “volume” typically refers to tick volume (the number of trades executed within a period) rather than physical shares traded (as in stocks). Tick volume acts as a proxy for liquidity and trader interest:
- High volume + upward movement: Strong buying pressure (bullish confirmation).
- High volume + downward movement: Strong selling pressure (bearish confirmation).
- Low volume: Indicates weak momentum, often preceding reversals or consolidations.
Traditional candlesticks show price action but ignore volume, leaving gaps in your analysis. The VolumeCandlesticks Indicator solves this by overlaying volume data directly onto candles, making it easier to spot “high conviction” setups.

What Is the VolumeCandlesticks Indicator V1.08?
The VolumeCandlesticks Indicator is a custom tool designed for MT5 that replaces standard candlesticks with colored, volume-weighted bars. Here’s how it works:
- Each candle’s size and color reflect the volume of the period.
- Higher volume = larger/thicker candles; lower volume = smaller/thinner candles.
- Colors (e.g., green for bullish, red for bearish) highlight trend direction, while volume intensity adds context.
Key Features of V1.08:
- Dynamic Candle Sizing: Candles automatically adjust based on volume, making trends visually intuitive.
- Color-Coded Trends: Green candles = bullish (close > open); red = bearish (close < open).
- Volume Threshold Alerts: Notifications for unusually high/low volume (configurable via settings).
- Multi-Timeframe Compatibility: Works across all MT5 timeframes (from M1 to MN).
- Customizable Parameters: Adjust colors, volume multipliers, and alert sensitivity.
Unlike basic volume indicators (e.g., On-Balance Volume), VolumeCandlesticks integrates volume directly into price action, reducing clutter and enhancing decision-making.
Suitable Currency Pairs for Volume Candlesticks
The indicator works on all forex pairs, but performance varies based on liquidity and volatility. Here’s a breakdown:
Recommendation: Stick to majors and minors for the most accurate volume readings. Exotics can be used but require extra caution due to wider spreads and erratic volume.
Optimal Time Frames for Trading
VolumeCandlesticks shines across multiple timeframes, but your strategy dictates the best fit:
Pro Tip: Combine shorter timeframes (e.g., M15) for entry signals with longer ones (e.g., H4) for trend validation. This reduces false positives and aligns trades with broader market momentum.

Setting Up the Indicator: Step-by-Step
Installing and configuring VolumeCandlesticks is straightforward:
- Download the Indicator: Obtain the
.ex5file (V1.08) from a trusted source (e.g., MQL5 Community or your broker’s resource library). - Install in MT5:
- Open MT5 →
File→Open Data Folder→MQL5→Indicators. - Copy the
.ex5file here.
- Open MT5 →
- Add to Chart:
- Open your desired pair/timeframe →
Insert→Indicators→Custom→ Select VolumeCandlesticks.
- Open your desired pair/timeframe →
- Configure Settings (Key Parameters):
VolumeMultiplier: Adjusts candle thickness (default: 1.0). Increase for clearer visuals.BullishColor/BearishColor: Customize candle colors (e.g., green/red or blue/orange).AlertOnHighVolume: Toggles notifications for volume spikes (set a threshold, e.g., 2x average volume).ShowVolumeLabel: Displays volume numbers on candles (helpful for backtesting).
Example Setup for Scalpers:
- Timeframe: M15
- VolumeMultiplier: 1.5
- BullishColor: #00FF00 (bright green)
- BearishColor: #FF0000 (bright red)
- AlertOnHighVolume: Enabled (threshold: 1.8x average volume)
Trading Strategies with VolumeCandlesticks
The indicator excels at highlighting “high-conviction” setups. Here are three proven strategies:
1. Volume Breakout Strategy
Concept: Trade breakouts of key support/resistance levels with confirming volume.
Rules:
- Identify a horizontal support/resistance level (e.g., a 200-period MA or pivot point).
- Wait for price to break the level with a large green candle (high volume).
- Enter long if breaking resistance; short if breaking support.
- Place stop-loss below/above the breakout level; take profit at next Fibonacci extension.
Why It Works: High volume during a breakout indicates strong trader agreement, reducing the chance of a fakeout.
2. Volume Pullback Strategy
Concept: Buy/sell pullbacks in a trend when volume drops (signaling exhaustion).
Rules:
- Confirm a trend using a moving average (e.g., 50 EMA).
- Wait for a pullback against the trend (e.g., a red candle in an uptrend).
- Enter when the pullback candle has low volume (thin red bar).
- Stop-loss above the recent high (uptrend) or below the recent low (downtrend).
Why It Works: Low volume during a pullback suggests weak selling/buying pressure, making the trend likely to resume.
3. Volume Divergence Strategy
Concept: Spot reversals when price and volume move in opposite directions.
Rules:
- Look for a series of higher highs (uptrend) with decreasing volume (smaller green candles).
- Enter short when price makes a lower high with even lower volume.
- Stop-loss above the last swing high; take profit at prior support.
Why It Works: Divergences signal weakening momentum—often a precursor to trend changes.
Pros and Cons of VolumeCandlesticks
Like any tool, the indicator has strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Intuitive Visualization: Merges volume and price action, making trends easier to read.
- Reduced Noise: Filters out low-volume periods, focusing on high-probability setups.
- Versatile: Works for scalping, swing trading, and position trading.
- Customizable: Adapts to personal preferences (colors, alerts, volume thresholds).
Cons
- Forex Volume Limitations: Tick volume ≠ true volume (unlike stocks). Liquidity fluctuations can distort readings.
- Not a Standalone Tool: Requires confirmation from other indicators (e.g., RSI, MACD) to avoid false signals.
- Learning Curve: New users may struggle to interpret volume context (e.g., high volume during a downtrend could mean capitulation, not strength).
Tips for Maximizing Success
- Combine with Trend Indicators: Use a 200-period MA or Ichimoku Cloud to confirm the overall trend before taking volume-based signals.
- Backtest Rigorously: Test strategies on historical data (e.g., 6 months) to validate reliability.
- Monitor News Events: Avoid trading during high-impact news (e.g., NFP reports), as volume spikes can be misleading.
- Start Small: Paper trade or use a micro account to master the indicator before risking capital.
Conclusion: Why VolumeCandlesticks Deserves a Spot in Your Toolkit
The VolumeCandlesticks Indicator V1.08 is a game-changer for traders seeking to decode market momentum. By integrating volume directly into candlestick analysis, it turns abstract data into actionable insights—whether you’re hunting for breakouts, pullbacks, or reversals. While no indicator is perfect, its simplicity and versatility make it a valuable addition to any MT5 setup.
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