Accumulation-Distribution - Flow pressure with tick volume confirmation (MT4)

Accumulation-Distribution (A-D) tracks whether closes happen near the high or low of the bar and weights it by tick volume. The running line rises when demand dominates and falls when supply takes over. It is a classic way to validate breakouts and spot divergences in MetaTrader 4.

What it shows

• Rising A-D: accumulation and positive pressure.
• Falling A-D: distribution and negative pressure.
• Divergence: price makes HH or LL while A-D lags or turns - reversal risk.
• Optional alerts on new A-D swing highs or lows and slope flips.

Trade ideas

1. Breakout confirmation: only trade breakouts that are confirmed by A-D making a new swing in the same direction.
2. Pullback continuation: during pullbacks, A-D should hold its slope - if it flips, skip the setup.
3. Divergence reversal: look for bullish divergence at support and bearish at resistance - add a price trigger.
4. Multi TF: higher TF A-D up and lower TF breakout provides cleaner timing.

Inputs that matter

• Smoothing period for the A-D line.
• Alert filters for new swings and slope changes.
• Price source and tick volume usage where applicable.
• Visual styles for line and background.

Suggested usage

• M5-M15: breakout filter and momentum check.
• M30-H4: swing confirmation and divergence control.
• Daily+: regime bias and trend validation.

Installation (MT4)

1. Open MetaTrader 4 - File - Open Data Folder.
2. Copy Accumulation.ex4 to MQL4/Indicators.
3. Restart MT4 or refresh Navigator and attach Accumulation-Distribution.
4. Adjust inputs - OK.

FAQ

Does it repaint? No on closed bars.
Direction or volume? A-D uses tick volume on many brokers - treat it as a flow proxy.
Use in EAs? Yes, via iCustom.

Disclaimer: Always test on a demo first - risk management matters.