Volume Is Key

When a stock takes off or breaks out of a bullishAccording to Bill O'Neil, founder of IBD, you would like
formation you must have a 50% or more increase into see a 1% or greater move in the market
volume to validate the move. This works just like theaverages with an increase in volume from the prior
thrusters on the space shuttle. The greater thetrading day. This is called a "follow through day." All
volume, the greater the thrust to propel a stockmajor market moves have started with this type of
higher! You always want to see that surge of buyingprice and volume action.
in a stock. It validates your opinion that it is a stockVolume confirms price action....IT IS JUST COMMON
you want to own because it obvious that everyoneSENSE.
else wants to own it too. This upward movement onDon't panic in those early minutes when your stock
increased volume creates momentum which pushesopens underwater. Keep a level head and know the
the stock high and in turn brings in more buyers.first half hour is often bizarre. If an hour of trading
The same holds true for the market. The only waygoes by and your stock hasn't done squat, it's time
to confirm if the price action you are seeing is real isto consider alternatives, but if it's making it's way
to see if you have a huge increase in volume toback up, it's usually best to keep it in play.
confirm it.