The Volume Point of Control (VPOC) Strategy is a precision-based trading approach that uses the most traded price level by volume within a specific session or range to identify key support, resistance, and breakout zones. As part of volume profile analysis, the VPOC represents the price level where the most market activity took place—often acting as a magnet for price or a pivot point for major reversals and continuations.

This strategy is particularly valuable for traders seeking high-probability entries based on value, volume dominance, and market acceptance.

What Is the Volume Point of Control (VPOC)?

The VPOC is the price level with the highest traded volume within a given profile period (daily, weekly, session-based, or custom). It reveals the price where buyers and sellers agreed most often—also known as the “fairest price.”

In volume profile analysis, this level holds high relevance because:

• Price often returns to the VPOC if it moves away too quickly
• It can act as support/resistance
• A shift in VPOC signals a change in market sentiment or trend

Core Principles of the VPOC Strategy

1. Reversion to Value: Price is likely to return to the VPOC if it diverges without acceptance
2. Breakout From Value: A breakout and retest away from the VPOC with volume can initiate a trend
3. VPOC Shifts: Watching the VPOC move session-to-session helps identify evolving market bias

Trade Setups Using VPOC

1. VPOC Reversion Trade

Objective: Trade price as it returns to the VPOC after a temporary move away.

Setup:

• Price moves quickly away from VPOC without volume confirmation
• Price stalls and shows signs of rejection
• Enter trade back toward the VPOC

Entry: On confirmation of rejection (wick, volume drop, RSI divergence)
Stop-Loss: Above the failed breakout or structural high
Target: The VPOC level

Best Used In: Balanced markets or failed breakout conditions

2. VPOC Breakout Strategy

Objective: Trade a breakout from the VPOC zone into a new area of price discovery.

Setup:

• VPOC acts as a consolidation base
• Price breaks above or below VPOC with high volume and momentum
• A retest of the VPOC level confirms breakout strength

Entry: On successful retest of VPOC after breakout
Stop-Loss: Back inside the VPOC area
Target: Next high-volume node or measured move (e.g. Initial Balance range)

Best Used In: Trending markets or post-news volatility

3. VPOC Shift Continuation Trade

Objective: Follow the directional bias indicated by a shifting VPOC.

Setup:

• Observe the daily or session-based VPOC moving consistently higher or lower
• Use a pullback to the previous session’s VPOC to join the trend

Entry: On bounce from prior VPOC in direction of the shift
Stop-Loss: Below/above the prior session’s value area
Target: 1.5x to 2x risk or based on structural highs/lows

Best Used In: Sustained directional markets (e.g. during macro trend continuation)

Tools Needed

• Volume Profile Indicator: Available on platforms like TradingView, Sierra Chart, NinjaTrader
• VPOC Highlight: Most volume profile tools show the VPOC as a coloured horizontal line
• Confirmation Indicators: Use RSI, MACD, or candlestick patterns for entry timing

Volume Profile vs Time-Based Levels

Unlike moving averages or pivot points, VPOC is based on real traded volume, offering a deeper insight into what prices were most actively negotiated—making it more objective and reliable in high-volume markets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Chasing price far from VPOC: Always wait for confirmation or retracement
• Ignoring volume confirmation: Breakouts without strong volume are prone to failure
• Using static VPOC across all sessions: Adjust to the timeframe and session you’re trading (e.g. London open vs NY close)

Ideal Markets and Timeframes

• Markets: Futures, forex, indices, crypto (with access to volume data)
• Timeframes: Intraday (15M–1H), swing (4H–Daily)

Conclusion

The Volume Point of Control Strategy gives traders a clear edge by identifying the market’s most accepted price and using it as a reference point for reversion, breakout, or trend continuation trades. By incorporating VPOC into your technical playbook, you can anchor your trades to the most objective value level on the chart.

To master VPOC-based trading, volume profile setups, and professional-level execution techniques, enrol in our Trading Courses at Traders MBA and trade with clarity, confidence, and market-driven precision.