Initiative Buying and Selling in Orderflow

Initiative Buying (IB) and Initiative Selling (IS) are foundational concepts in Orderflow analysis. These terms describe moments in the market where either buyers or sellers take control by aggressively crossing the bid-ask spread to push price in a new direction. Unlike passive trading, initiative activity marks a shift in conviction—where traders are no longer reacting to price, but driving it.

At Vtrender, we track IB and IS in real-time using custom Orderflow charts designed for traders on the NSE. These bars are not just color codes—they’re footprints of intent. An IB bar, for instance, reveals that buyers absorbed existing supply and are pushing higher with size. IS bars signal the opposite—dominant selling pressure that pierces through demand zones.

Why does this matter? Because initiative activity is often a precursor to trend development, failed auction reversals, or day-type changes in Market Profile. Recognizing IB/IS early helps traders avoid traps and time entries with precision. It’s especially powerful on intraday timeframes like 30-minute, 15-minute, and even 5-minute bars.

We train traders to identify IB and IS zones not just by price, but through volume clusters, trade pacing, and structural shifts in context. These tools help you distinguish between “noise” and “intent,” building an edge rooted in what the market is actually doing, not just what it looks like it’s doing.

Here are 5 resources to explore this concept further:

• Understanding Orderflow
  Explore how IB/IS signals map the real-time intent of buyers and sellers.
  👉 https://vtrender.com/posts/what-is-order-flow

• Glossary: IB and IS
  Quick definitions and trading logic behind IB and IS bars.
  👉 https://vtrender.com/glossary

• VLD Program (VMR) Watch IB and IS trades unfold live with expert commentary.
  👉 https://vtrender.com/live-desk

• Live Charts with IB/IS Signals
  Access real-time streaming Orderflow charts with live IB30, IB15, and IS30 markers.
  👉 https://charts.vtrender.com

• Forum & Blog Discussions
  See trader reactions, recaps, and setups based on IB/IS signals.
  👉 https://vtrender.com/forum-blog

Learn more at charts.vtrender.com.