Master Forex with OBV and Rounding Bottoms: The Insider’s Secret
Unlocking Forex Goldmines: How “On Balance Volume” and the “Rounding Bottom” Can Supercharge Your Trades
When Patterns Speak Volumes: Meet OBV and the Rounding Bottom
Picture this: you’re at a party, and everyone’s making noise, but only one person’s whisper is the key to winning the jackpot. In the Forex world, that whisper is On Balance Volume (OBV), and it’s whispering secrets hidden within price movements. Pair it with the “Rounding Bottom” pattern, and you’ve got a combo so powerful it’s like finding out your plain black coffee comes with a side of free dessert.
But here’s the twist: most traders completely overlook this duo. Why? Because they’re too busy chasing flashy indicators that light up their charts like Christmas trees. Let’s change that, shall we?
What is On Balance Volume (OBV) Anyway?
Think of OBV as the Sherlock Holmes of technical indicators. Developed by Joe Granville in the 1960s, OBV measures the flow of volume to predict price direction. Its premise is simple: when volume spikes without a matching price movement, it’s a sign that a big move is brewing.
Let’s break it down:
- Volume Up, Price Flat? Accumulation is happening—smart money is buying.
- Volume Down, Price Flat? Distribution is underway—smart money is selling.
How to Use OBV Like a Pro:
- Identify Divergence: When OBV rises while the price falls, a bullish reversal might be on the horizon.
- Confirm Breakouts: OBV spikes can confirm whether a price breakout has the momentum to sustain.
- Spot Hidden Trends: Use OBV to anticipate moves before they’re obvious on the price chart.
Quick Tip: Always use OBV in conjunction with other indicators (like moving averages) to avoid false signals. Trusting OBV alone is like skydiving without a backup parachute—thrilling but dangerous.
The “Rounding Bottom”: A Hidden Gem of Chart Patterns
Now, imagine this: your Forex chart starts looking like a soup bowl. That’s the “Rounding Bottom,” a rare yet highly reliable reversal pattern that signals a shift from a bearish to bullish trend. If OBV is Sherlock Holmes, the Rounding Bottom is Watson—indispensable but often overshadowed.
Why the Rounding Bottom Matters:
- Reliable Reversals: It’s a strong indicator that a downtrend is ending, and an uptrend is beginning.
- Time to Load Up: The pattern’s rounded curve often signifies a prolonged accumulation phase—perfect for strategic entries.
- High-Profit Potential: When paired with OBV, it can catch major bullish reversals early.
How to Combine OBV and the Rounding Bottom for Maximum Gains
Here’s where the magic happens: combining OBV’s volume insights with the Rounding Bottom’s price structure creates a ninja-level strategy.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Spot the Rounding Bottom: Look for a gradual U-shaped curve on the price chart.
- Check OBV: Confirm that OBV is steadily climbing during the pattern’s formation. This suggests accumulation.
- Wait for the Breakout: Enter your trade when the price breaks above the resistance level, and OBV spikes significantly.
- Set Stop-Loss and Targets: Place your stop-loss just below the rounding base and aim for a 1:2 or 1:3 risk-reward ratio.
Example: In early 2023, the EUR/USD chart formed a classic Rounding Bottom with OBV steadily climbing. Once the breakout occurred at 1.0750, the pair rallied to 1.1120, delivering a solid 370-pip gain.
Why Most Traders Miss This Strategy
Here’s the catch: most traders are too impatient to wait for the Rounding Bottom’s slow formation or dismiss OBV as outdated. But success in Forex isn’t about being trendy; it’s about being effective.
Think of it this way: ignoring OBV and the Rounding Bottom is like buying a stock because it’s trending on Twitter without checking the company’s financials. Spoiler: that rarely ends well.
Real-World Case Study: Turning Theory Into Profit
In mid-2024, GBP/USD exhibited a textbook Rounding Bottom over three months. Simultaneously, OBV showed consistent accumulation. Savvy traders who entered at the breakout point of 1.2750 saw the pair climb to 1.3400, netting over 650 pips.
Key lessons from this example:
- Patience Pays: Wait for the Rounding Bottom to fully form.
- Volume Confirms Trends: Trust OBV to validate price action.
- Data Over Emotion: Rely on the facts, not FOMO.
Pro Tips to Master This Strategy
- Combine Tools: Use moving averages or RSI alongside OBV and the Rounding Bottom for extra confirmation.
- Avoid Noise: Stick to higher timeframes (daily or weekly) to filter out false signals.
- Test It Out: Backtest this strategy on historical data before applying it in live trades.
Key Takeaways: Forex Success with OBV and Rounding Bottoms
- Detect Hidden Moves: OBV reveals what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Ride Powerful Trends: The Rounding Bottom signals major bullish reversals.
- Maximize Gains: Combining these tools amplifies your edge in the Forex market.
Ready to take your trading to the next level? Check out our exclusive Forex education resources and smart trading tools to gain an even greater advantage.
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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