Sweeps & Absorptions

DOPE's signal engine analyzes order flow to detect two critical patterns: sweeps and absorptions. These patterns often precede significant price movements and can help you identify trading opportunities.

Signal Availability

Signals are currently available for Binance Perpetuals only. More exchanges coming soon.

Sweeps (Swp↑/Swp↓)

A sweep occurs when a large order moves through multiple price levels in the order book, clearing liquidity at each level. This aggressive order execution often indicates strong directional intent and can signal an impending price movement.

Signals panel showing sweep indicators (SWP↑ and SWP↓) with buy and sell sweeps, timestamps, prices, levels, and notional values

Buy Sweep (Swp↑)

A large buy order sweeps through ask-side liquidity, clearing multiple price levels. This indicates strong buying pressure and often precedes upward price movement.

Sell Sweep (Swp↓)

A large sell order sweeps through bid-side liquidity, clearing multiple price levels. This indicates strong selling pressure and often precedes downward price movement.

Sweep Metrics

Levels Cleared

Number of order book levels cleared by the sweep. Higher values indicate more aggressive execution.

Notional Value

Total USD value of the sweep. Larger values suggest institutional or significant trader activity.

Price Level

The price at which the sweep occurred. This helps identify support/resistance levels being tested.

Absorptions (Abs↑/Abs↓)

An absorption happens when a large order is placed but quickly absorbed by the order book without causing significant price movement. This pattern often indicates hidden liquidity, institutional accumulation/distribution, or market maker activity.

Signals panel showing absorption indicators (ABS↑/ABS↓) with timestamps, prices, volume (c), and notional values

Buy Absorption (Abs↑)

Large buy orders are absorbed by sell-side liquidity without moving price up. This may indicate accumulation or hidden buy-side support.

Sell Absorption (Abs↓)

Large sell orders are absorbed by buy-side liquidity without moving price down. This may indicate distribution or hidden sell-side resistance.

Absorption Metrics

Contracts Absorbed

Number of contracts absorbed by the order book. Higher values indicate stronger hidden liquidity.

Notional Value

Total USD value of the absorption. Large absorptions may indicate institutional positioning.

Price Stability

Price remains relatively stable despite large order. This suggests strong counter-side liquidity.

Using Signals in Your Trading

Signal Confirmation

Don't trade on signals alone. Combine signal data with other indicators:

  • Check lead-lag patterns for cross-exchange confirmation
  • Review order book depth to understand liquidity context
  • Consider overall market conditions and volume
  • Use proper risk management and position sizing

Signal Frequency

Signal frequency varies with market conditions. High volatility periods typically generate more signals, while quiet markets may have fewer. Focus on high-quality signals with significant notional values and clear directional intent.
Signals panel with multiple sweep and absorption events displayed, showing 21 active signals with timestamps and detailed metrics

Related Topics