Accumulation-Distribution Candles

This structural visualization tool maps each candle through the lens of Effort vs. Result, blending Volume, Range, and closing bias into a normalized pressure score. Candle bodies are dynamically color-coded using a five-tier system—from heavy accumulation to heavy distribution—revealing where energy is building, dispersing, or neutral. This helps to visually isolate Markup, Markdown, Re-accumulation, and Distribution at a glance.

The indicator calculates a strength score by multiplying price result (close minus open) by effort (volume or price range), smoothing this raw value using a Fibonacci-based EMA. (34 for standard, 55 for crypto; the higher crypto value acknowledges that 24/7 trading offers more hours per week or month than trad markets.) The result is standardized against its rolling deviation and clamped to a [-1, 1] range. This score determines the visual tier:

• 💙 Dark Blue = heavy Accumulation (strong upward result on strong effort)
• 🩵 Pale Blue = mild Accumulation
• 🌚 Gray = neutral (low conviction or balance)
• 💛 Pale Yellow = mild Distribution
• 🧡 Deep Yellow = heavy Distribution (strong downward result on strong effort)

The tool is optimized for the 1D chart, where Wyckoff phases are most clearly expressed. However, it adapts well to lower timeframes when used selectively. Traders may hide the body coloring and enable only zone highlighting to preserve other candle overlays such as SUPeR TReND 2.718, which offers directional clarity and trend duration. This combination is especially useful on intraday charts (15m–1H) where microstructure matters but visual clutter must be avoided.

When used alongside other Volume overlays (such as the OBVX Conviction Bias) or Volatility indicators (such as the Asymmetric Turbulence Ribbon (ATR)), this indicator adds confluence to directional setups by contextualizing pressure with Volatility. For example: compression zones marked by ATR may align with persistent pale blue candles—indicating quiet Accumulation before expansion.

Optional Overlays:

Normally ON -
• 📌 Pin Bars, filtered by volume, to isolate wick-dominant reversals from key zones
• 💪🏻 Strong-Body Candles — fuchsia candles w/ high body-to-range ratio reflect conviction
• 🧯 Wick Absorption Candles — red candles w/ long wicks and low closing strength indicate failed pushes or absorbed breakouts
• 🟦/🟧 Zone Highlighting for candles above a defined Accumulation/Distribution threshold

Normally OFF -
• 🔺 Fractals (5-bar) to map swing pivots by underlying pressure tier (normally OFF)
• 🟥/🟩 Engulfing patterns, filtered by directional conviction (normally OFF)

The Pin Bar strategy benefits most from the zone logic—when a bullish pin bar appears in an Accumulation zone (esp. pale or dark blue), and Volume exceeds its rolling average, it may mark a spring or failed breakdown. Conversely, bearish pins in Distribution zones can mark rejection or resistance.

This is not a signal engine—it’s a narrative filter designed to slot cleanly into a multi-layered workflow of visual structure and informed execution. Use it to identify bias and phase. Then deploy trade triggers from tools like SUPeR TReND 2.718, or the liquidity flows shown the The Silver Lining or the AltSeasonality - MTF indicators, for example. The candle colors tell you who’s in control—the other tools tell you when to act.