Definition. A level in the footprint where one side's aggressive volume clearly exceeds the other side's.
How it works
Usually the ask volume at a level is compared with the bid volume one level lower (diagonally). When the difference exceeds a set threshold, the level is marked as an imbalance.
Example
Several buy imbalances stacked on top of one another during a move up show strong buyer initiative.
What to watch out for
The number and significance of imbalances depend on the threshold and settings. They're part of the picture, not a signal.
This is the footprint in the Hetman Terminal (Hetman X-Ray). Screenshot from the Hetman Index (IHA) – a training instrument, simulated data. See all the Hetman Terminal tools →
♛ The Hetman Terminal is part of Club: live for Dow Jones from the Bishop plan, 6 markets (Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq, gold, crude oil, Bitcoin) and automatic detection of order flow events from the Rook plan. A session on the ♛ Hetman Index (training, simulated data) in the full panel comes with the Knight plan and above. Compare the plans →
You'll find the full explanation with graphics, examples and exercises in the 📖 Order flow encyclopedia space, and its use in the live market in the 🔴 Live Room. Both are available to Club members (in Polish).
