OHLCV
OHLCV stands for open, high, low, close, and volume. It is the standard data structure used to summarise market activity during a specific time period and forms the basis of most candlestick charts.
✦ Key Insight
OHLCV data allows traders to analyse how an asset traded during each interval. It is used in technical analysis, chart patterns, indicators, backtesting, trading algorithms, and market research. Understanding OHLCV helps traders read candlesticks accurately instead of focusing only on the latest price.
✕ Common Misconceptions
Ignoring the selected timeframe
Comparing volume from incompatible sources
Assuming all exchanges have identical OHLCV data
Treating one candle as a complete trading signal
Confusing trading volume with liquidity
Detailed Explanation
How It Works
For each selected timeframe, the dataset records:
Open: The first traded price
High: The highest traded price
Low: The lowest traded price
Close: The final traded price
Volume: The amount traded during the period
A one-hour chart uses one OHLCV record for each hour. A daily chart uses one record per day.
Data can differ slightly between exchanges because each venue has its own trades, liquidity, and opening times.
FAQs
What does a green candle mean?
It generally means the closing price was higher than the opening price.
Does volume show buying or selling only?
Every completed trade contains both a buyer and seller. Volume measures traded activity.
Why does OHLCV vary across exchanges?
Each exchange records its own order flow and executions.