January 9, 2019

POC Vs. VWAP…Is There A Difference?

The POC (Point Of Control) and VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) are two technical indicators used by traders.  Many traders use the terms interchangeably, but is it correct to do so?  No, it is not correct to equate the two indicators.

Both represent where the most trading occurred.

The VWAP relates to volume.  It is the PRICE at which the most VOLUME traded for a specified timeframe.

The thicker purple line represents the VWAP in the chart above.

The POC relates to time.  It is the PRICE at which trading spent the most TIME at.

Very often people confuse time with volume and think that the price the market traded at the longest would have the most volume, but this is a misconception. Especially when looking at 24-hour charts, the POC does not necessarily mean the highest volume price. If only viewing the day session, many times the POC and VPOC are very close or the same, but not always.

For day trading in our Short-Term Options Room, we use the VWAP.

 

about the author:

Mike Shorr

Since 1994, Michael has been an on-the-floor market maker, Vice-President of Interest Rate Derivatives for Knight Financial Products and Director of Education and Options Instructor at Trading Advantage. He makes the oftentimes complex world of options and trading accessible to the novice and advanced trader alike. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics and Finance from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. He presently is Director, Trader Education at ProsperTradingAcademy.

Read Similar Articles

May 8, 2024

What Is Delta In Options Trading?

Understanding the Delta of an option is crucial for both new and seasoned traders. It’s one of five specific calculations called “Greeks,” which help measure specific factors that could influence the price of an options contract. Delta is a metric that helps you gauge how much the value of an option contract is expected to […]

Read Article
March 28, 2024

Wait! There Is An Options Greek Called Rho?

Out of all the Greeks in options trading, Rho is capable of providing uniquely critical insights that others cannot offer. Rho measures an option contract’s susceptibility to changing interest rates. We’ll explain how Rho by defining its specific functions, how interest rates impact options trading, and cover some pertinent scenarios. What is Rho in Options […]

Read Article
March 25, 2024

You Have A Lot Of Options Out There

There are a number of different types of options expiration types.  In the vast majority of our signals, our options will be categorized as “American”-style options.  There are some, like VIX options, that are “European”-style options.  Here’s a quick explanation of both. The term “American style” in relation to options has nothing to do with […]

Read Article

Sign Up to Receive the Latest Trading Tips and News from Prosper

Categories

Most Popular

CONNECT WITH US

Read Similar Articles

May 8, 2024

What Is Delta In Options Trading?

Understanding the Delta of an option is crucial for both new and seasoned traders. It’s one of five specific calculations called “Greeks,” which help measure specific factors that could influence the price of an options contract. Delta is a metric that helps you gauge how much the value of an option contract is expected to […]

Read Article
March 28, 2024

Wait! There Is An Options Greek Called Rho?

Out of all the Greeks in options trading, Rho is capable of providing uniquely critical insights that others cannot offer. Rho measures an option contract’s susceptibility to changing interest rates. We’ll explain how Rho by defining its specific functions, how interest rates impact options trading, and cover some pertinent scenarios. What is Rho in Options […]

Read Article
March 25, 2024

You Have A Lot Of Options Out There

There are a number of different types of options expiration types.  In the vast majority of our signals, our options will be categorized as “American”-style options.  There are some, like VIX options, that are “European”-style options.  Here’s a quick explanation of both. The term “American style” in relation to options has nothing to do with […]

Read Article