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Accumulation/Distribution

Overview​

The Accumulation/Distribution profile colors the market by institutional pressure. The Accumulation/Distribution Score evaluates the buying and selling behavior of institutional investors over the past quarter, using factors like 50-day average volume, daily closing ranges, closing prices, and daily price changes. Scores run from -3 to +3: positive values mean accumulation (institutional buying), negative values mean distribution (institutional selling).

Grouped by sector and industry and sized by market cap, the map shows where big money is quietly building positions and where it is heading for the exits, often before the price chart makes it obvious.

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The score is computed over a one-quarter period, so it reflects sustained institutional behavior rather than one day's flows. The map updates in real time.

Strategy Focus​

  • Map where institutional buying and selling pressure concentrates across the market
  • Confirm breakouts and uptrends with evidence of accumulation behind them
  • Treat heavy distribution in leaders as an early warning of tops
  • Find quiet accumulation, strong scores in stocks that have not moved yet
  • Read industry-level flows, groups being bought or sold as a whole

Map Configuration​

  • Main Category: Sectors
  • Sub Category: Industries
  • Box Size: Market Capitalization ($)
  • Box Color: Accumulation/Distribution Score

Metrics Behind the Map​

  • Market Capitalization ($): The total dollar value of a company's outstanding shares, keeping the map weighted like the real market.
  • Accumulation/Distribution Score: Measures institutional buying and selling pressure over one quarter, using the 50-day average volume, daily closing ranges, closing prices, and daily price changes. The score runs from -3 (strong distribution) to +3 (strong accumulation).

Practical Use Cases​

  • Check any breakout candidate here: a move backed by positive accumulation carries more weight
  • Scan for industries glowing with accumulation, where institutions are positioning as a group
  • Watch for distribution creeping into market leaders, often the first crack in a rally
  • Hunt pre-move setups: strong accumulation scores in stocks still trading quietly
  • Combine with MarketAlpha Rating to find quality names that institutions are actively buying