Master Forex Trading with Price Volume Trend and Current Account Balance
Price Volume Trend + Current Account Balance: The Ninja Approach to Forex Mastery
When it comes to Forex trading, understanding the Price Volume Trend (PVT) and its interplay with the Current Account Balance can be like finding the secret sauce in a recipe: it turns the ordinary into extraordinary. But first, let’s tackle the obvious—why should you care about these two seemingly unrelated concepts? Because combining these factors can help you predict market behavior like a psychic at a stockbroker’s convention.
What is the Price Volume Trend (PVT)?
Imagine PVT as the Robin to Batman’s price movement. PVT takes volume into account, giving you insights that price alone can’t deliver. It’s calculated by:
Formula:
PVT = Previous PVT + [Volume x (Current Close – Previous Close) / Previous Close]
This nifty calculation shows the cumulative flow of money in or out of an asset, indicating the strength behind a price movement.
Here’s the kicker: When PVT rises with the price, the uptrend is likely strong. But if price rises while PVT lags, you might be looking at a false breakout—or as I like to call it, “market’s April Fool’s joke.”
Why the Current Account Balance Matters
The Current Account Balance (CAB) reflects a country’s trade health. It’s like a report card but for economies. If a country exports more than it imports (surplus), its currency typically strengthens. On the flip side, a deficit means the currency might weaken.
Picture this: The CAB is the pulse of the economy. An Australian Dollar (AUD) rally after a surplus report? Not surprising. But if PVT tells you volume doesn’t support the move, it’s time to tread carefully.
How to Combine PVT and CAB for Forex Mastery
Now, let’s put these two together. If the CAB suggests strength but PVT hints at weakness, the market might be overestimating the currency’s strength. That’s a red flag for contrarian traders.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Analyze the CAB: Check recent trade balances. A surplus strengthens the currency; a deficit weakens it.
- Monitor PVT: Look for alignment with price trends. Divergence often signals a potential reversal.
- Combine the Insights: Use CAB to understand macroeconomic forces and PVT for real-time volume confirmation.
- Set Your Strategy:
- If CAB is strong and PVT confirms, consider trend-following trades.
- If they diverge, prepare for a contrarian approach.
Example: Trading AUD/USD with PVT and CAB
Let’s say Australia announces a trade surplus. AUD/USD spikes, but you notice PVT is flatlining. This mismatch is your clue that the rally might lack sustainable momentum. Enter a short position cautiously, and watch the market react like you’ve just revealed a magician’s secret.
Advanced Tactics: Ninja Strategies for PVT and CAB
1. Spot Hidden Divergences
While the crowd focuses on price alone, use PVT to identify hidden divergences. For example:
- Bullish Hidden Divergence: Price makes a higher low, but PVT makes a lower low. This indicates strong buying pressure.
- Bearish Hidden Divergence: Price makes a lower high, but PVT makes a higher high. This hints at selling pressure.
2. Pair CAB with Central Bank Policies
Keep an eye on central bank announcements. A positive CAB combined with hawkish monetary policy is a recipe for bullish currency moves.
3. Use Multiple Timeframes
Check PVT and CAB trends on multiple timeframes. For instance, use weekly data for macro trends and 4-hour charts for entry points.
4. Employ Risk Management
Divergences can provide high-probability setups, but nothing is guaranteed. Use tight stop-losses and sensible lot sizes. Think of it as wearing a parachute while skydiving—essential for survival.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring Context: PVT and CAB don’t operate in isolation. Factor in geopolitical events and economic reports.
- Overloading Indicators: Adding too many indicators can cloud your judgment. Keep it simple and focus on what matters.
- Chasing False Breakouts: PVT divergence often warns of false breakouts. Heed the warning, or risk becoming the market’s next punchline.
Trading with PVT and CAB is like having night vision in a dark forest. You see opportunities others miss. By understanding volume trends and macroeconomic balances, you’ll stay ahead of the herd—and maybe even feel like a Forex ninja.
So next time someone asks why you’re watching CAB and PVT like a hawk, just smile and say, “Because I like my trades profitable.”
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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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