Markets · 6 pages · 12 min

How open interest differs from volume

Volume counts contracts traded in a period, while open interest counts contracts still outstanding.

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From the opening

Volume counts how many contracts traded during a period, with each trade adding to the count. Open interest counts how many contracts remain open at a moment, the positions not yet closed, delivered, or expired. The opening covers volume counts the day's trades, open interest counts what remains, and transfers can leave interest flat.

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Inside

  • Volume counts the day's trades
  • Open interest counts what remains
  • Transfers can leave interest flat
  • New positions raise the stock
  • Where the idea stops applying
  • A distinction worth keeping

Sources

  • Futures open interest
  • Volume as a flow versus open contracts