Contents
Key Takeaways🔑
→Chaikin Volatility indicator measures the market volatility by analyzing the gap between low and high prices of an asset. |
→Low volatility indicates a stable intraday price range, while high volatility indicates a wide price range. |
→Understanding market volatility can help traders make better-informed decisions and manage risks effectively. |
What is a good indicator for volatility?
Today I am going to present the Chaikin Volatility indicator. Market volatility is quite an important factor in analysing the behaviour of security prices. The trend changes more often and more rapidly during times of higher volatility. The changes in the prices are slower and less frequent in periods of lower volatility. These changes affect the readings of indicators as the signals may come too early or too late. This is why it is important to include the volatility factor in the calculations.
Chaikin Volatility basics
The indicator invented by Marc Chaikin is a tool that measures volatility by analysing the gap between the low and high prices of the asset over a specific time. It is known as the Chaikin Volatility indicator (VT).
Adding the Chaikin Volatility to the IQ Option chart
Log in to your IQ Option account. Choose the financial instrument you are going to trade during this session. Set the chart period. Click on the Chart Analysis icon and then on the Volatility group of indicators. The Chaikin Volatility will be displayed on the list on the right side.

Of course, you may also start typing the name of the indicator needed in the search window in the top right corner.
The VT will appear in the separate window beneath your price chart. It has a form of a line that oscillates around the 0 line.

How do you use Chaikin Volatility indicator?
The indicator calculates the exponential moving average of the difference in the price's high and low. Then, it measures the change of this moving average over time in a percentage value.
Chaikin advises using a 10-day moving average to review volatility.
When the indicator shows low values, it means that the intraday prices range from high to low is comparatively constant. When the indicator readings show high values, the intraday prices range from high to low is pretty wide.
The situation when the price creates tops on the price chart and the volatility is increased in a short time indicates the traders get nervous. When the market tops are accompanied by decreasing volatility over a long time, it indicates a growing bull market.

Now, when the price forms bottoms and the volatility decreases over a long time, it suggests the traders do not put much interest in the market.

When volatility increases over a short period of time and there are bottoms in the market, it means traders sell in panic.

Low volatility and its decrease can be observed during the upward movement of the prices.
At the top of the uptrend, prior to a reversal of the trend, a slow increase in volatility can occur.
Higher volatility can be noted during the downward move.
Near the bottom of the downtrend, a short time volatility increase can be seen.
Pros and Cons of Chaikin Volatility Indicator👍👎
Pros:
- 📊 Provides insights into market volatility, helping traders manage risks and make informed decisions.
- 🔧 Easy to apply and interpret, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
- 🔄 Can be used in conjunction with other indicators to confirm trends and identify potential reversals.
Cons:
- ⚠️ May generate false signals in choppy or sideways markets, leading to potential losses.
- 📈 Not a standalone tool for predicting price direction, meaning it should be used alongside other indicators or analysis techniques.
- 🔀 Indicator settings may need to be adjusted for different markets or trading styles, requiring trial and error.
Market Situation | Chaikin Volatility Indicator Behavior |
---|---|
Price tops formation | Increased volatility over a short period |
Growing bull market | Decreasing volatility over a long period |
Price bottoms formation | Decreasing volatility over a long period |
Panic selling | Increased volatility over a short period |
Upward price movement | Low volatility and decreasing |
Final words
The Chaikin Volatility indicator measures volatility. The author recommends using a 10-day moving average in calculations.
Head to the IQ Option demo account and check how the Chaikin Volatility works. This is a free practice account where you can check every new indicator or trading technique. It is supplied with virtual cash that you can power up any time you want. You do not lose your own money even in case of a failing transaction. Train your skills before moving to the real account.
Below, you will find the comments section. Share your thoughts about the Chaikin Volatility indicator with us. I would be glad to hear from you.
Good luck!
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions about Chaikin Volatility Indicator💡
- Q: Can Chaikin Volatility indicator be used in different timeframes?
- A: Yes, the Chaikin Volatility indicator can be applied to various timeframes, from intraday charts to daily, weekly, or even monthly charts. However, the optimal settings may vary depending on the timeframe used.
- Q: How can I combine Chaikin Volatility indicator with other technical analysis tools?
- A: Chaikin Volatility can be used alongside other indicators, such as moving averages, RSI, or MACD, to confirm trends or identify potential reversals. Combining different tools helps improve the accuracy of trading signals and reduce false signals.
- Q: Can the Chaikin Volatility indicator be used for all types of assets?
- A: Yes, the Chaikin Volatility indicator can be applied to various asset classes, such as stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. However, the optimal settings may differ depending on the asset's specific characteristics and market conditions.
- Q: How can I adjust the settings of the Chaikin Volatility indicator?
- A: The primary setting to adjust in the Chaikin Volatility indicator is the length of the moving average. Marc Chaikin recommends a 10-day moving average, but traders may experiment with different lengths to find the most suitable setting for their trading strategy and market conditions.
- Q: Does the Chaikin Volatility indicator work well in all market conditions?
- A: While the Chaikin Volatility indicator is useful in various market conditions, it may generate false signals during choppy or sideways markets. In such cases, traders should use additional tools or techniques to filter out false signals and improve the accuracy of their trading decisions.