VWAP Pullback
The institutional favorite — buy where the big money buys.
What is it?
VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price) acts as a magnet for price throughout the day. Institutions use it as their benchmark — they buy below VWAP and sell above it. A VWAP pullback trade enters when price returns to VWAP after moving away from it, and VWAP holds as support (longs) or resistance (shorts).
When to use it
Best during trending days when a stock has made an initial directional move on volume. Works in any market regime but adapt: in calm markets (VIX < 15), use tight stops at 1x ATR. In volatile markets (VIX 20+), widen to 1.5-2x ATR. Avoid during the first 15 minutes — wait for the trend to establish.
Entry rules
1. Price pulled back to within 0.3% of VWAP 2. 1-hour trend confirms direction (9 EMA > 21 EMA for longs) 3. RSI on 15m is between 40-60 (not extreme) 4. Volume is above 1.5x average 5. MACD confirms momentum direction Enter at VWAP bounce with confirmation candle.
Exit rules
Stop: 1.5x ATR below VWAP (longs) or above (shorts) Target: 2-2.5x ATR from entry Trailing: After 50% of target reached, trail by 0.5x ATR Partials: Take 33% at 50% of target, 27% at 80% Scratch: Exit near breakeven if no progress after 2 hours
Common mistakes
• Entering before the bounce is confirmed (catching a falling knife) • Trading against the 1-hour trend • Setting stops too tight — VWAP needs room to work • Ignoring volume — a VWAP test on low volume often fails • Trading VWAP pullbacks during choppy, range-bound days
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