Where can I find OBV data?

Discussion in 'Data Sets and Feeds' started by CarterUSM, Apr 22, 2016.

  1. CarterUSM

    CarterUSM

    Hi

    I’m a relative novice to technical investing, and having read a few articles on the subject, it would seem that one of the best leading indicators would appear to be on balance volume. However, although most of the (free) technical analysis sites I’ve come across show the OBV graph, they do not appear to hold the OBV data upon which the graph is based.

    Does anyone know if there are any sites out there – free or otherwise – which has easily accessible OBV data for any given share?

    Otherwise – I might have to try converting the graphs to data somehow – again, can anyone recommend any conversion tools for this?

    Generally speaking, do people agree that OBV is one of the best leading indicators? If not, does anyone have views as to any leading indicators they consider to be more reliable than OBV?

    Many thanks in anticipation.
     
  2. K-Pia

    K-Pia

    From what I've read,
    It's easy to replicate it.
    You just need the volume,
    As well as the open and the close.

    If Close > Open then add volume.
    If Close < Open then substract it.
    If Close = Open then let it flat.

    I don't use it.
    You may have to backtest.
    Especially to build a strategy.
    One may have a leading indicator,
    But one can still lose money ...
    Because it's tricky.

    You see divergences,
    Where ? When do I take the Loss ?
    Where ? When do I Enter and Exit ?

    It can look easy, leading, theoretically.
    But in practice it is certainly different.

    You could combine it with a break out strategy.
    It gives some formality as where and where to take actions.
    Because if things are loosely defined, even with an edge,
    It's easier to screw up than to profit from it.
     
  3. Metamega

    Metamega

    K-Pia pointed out the formula for the indicator. You probably wouldn't find any site that provides this as it'd be the same as getting data for RSI values or Stochastics.

    It's just a value created from Close values and volume.

    The idea behind it measuring the pressure of buyers vs sellers. If pride goes up but theirs a lack of participation(volume) then theirs a possibility for it to come down.

    Only way to know is to backtest with a backtester or even do some manual backtesting and track it with an excel spreadsheet.

    I don't know if theirs such thing as a leading indicator. Indicators areall tools derived from historical prices. Best bet is to pick a few tools and see how they help your decisions and confirmations.

    I for one use a 3/10/16 MACD for helping with pullback entries. If I see a divergence in the fast line on a previous swing, the momentum has slowed and I'll skip the setup. If I see the slow line come down during the pullback, I know it has slowed down.

    One could see this on the chart without the MACD but it's just a visualization tool.

    Like my keltner bands on a 20 day EMA. No magical number here but it's just s visual tool for me to gauge swing sizes and perhaps over extension. Buying a pullback past the Keltner top band is not a great setup as its most likely over extended. If I'm in a trade and price explodes up past the top band, I tighten my stops and trail them quickly as when price gets climatic, it can come down faster then it we t up.

    Like I said though, their just tools. Know how to use it and know how it's helping you.
     
    K-Pia likes this.
  4. K-Pia

    K-Pia

    Don't make things more complex than they already are.

    Here is a conjecture :
    People are very sensitive to the presentation
    of problems and the information that they contain.

    If an indicator doesn't remove some of the complexity.
    Then just throw it away. If it gives clear and robust evidence,
    Then you may consider to keep it in your decisions making tools.
    However don't rely only on one tool, evidence. There ain't no magic.
    Speculation is about finding reliable evidences that make a difference,
    For weighting different scenarios, conclusions, about what could happen.
     
  5. http://www.marketvolume.com/stocks/obv.asp?s=QQQ&t=powershares-qqq-trust
    but you will have to get their free trial to use their technical calculators and have more data.

    OBV is a cumulative by its nature and its values depends on a start point in calculation. On high volume stocks its reading may run very high or very low when changes in reading could be too small too notice. There are plenty of other volume based indicators which could be used as leading indicators. The leading indicators are good, yet, they are not always played and you will need additional conformational indicaors.