What is fvg
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- Represents unfilled space created by price gaps on candlestick charts
- Based on market equilibrium principle that inefficiencies get corrected
- Primarily used in technical analysis and algorithmic trading strategies
- Can be identified on any trading timeframe from minutes to days
- Helps traders identify potential support, resistance, and reversal zones
Definition and Origin
FVG, or Fair Value Gap, is a technical analysis concept that identifies price inefficiencies in financial markets. The term gained prominence through the ICT (Inner Circle Trader) market structure framework, which emphasizes how markets move through imbalances and equilibrium seeking. When price gaps appear on charts, creating unfilled space, traders interpret these as temporary inefficiencies that the market will eventually correct.
How Fair Value Gaps Form
Fair Value Gaps form when price makes a sudden move—either up or down—that creates space between candlestick bodies or wicks. This happens during high volatility, news events, or strong directional moves where not all price levels are touched. The gap represents an imbalance between buyers and sellers that the market typically seeks to correct by returning price to fill that gap.
Trading Applications
- Entry Signals—Traders enter positions expecting price to move toward FVG zones
- Stop Loss Placement—FVGs help determine where to place stops based on market structure
- Profit Targets—Gap filling zones often serve as natural profit-taking levels
- Trend Identification—Multiple consecutive gaps can confirm strong trends
- Reversal Points—Large gaps sometimes mark significant reversal areas
Practical Analysis
To identify FVGs, traders examine candlestick charts looking for three consecutive candles where gaps exist. The concept assumes that markets operate on supply and demand principles and that unfilled price levels represent areas where traders' orders accumulate. This makes these zones psychologically and technically significant for future price movement.
Important Considerations
While FVG analysis is popular among technical traders, gaps don't always get filled, and market context remains crucial. Fundamental news, macroeconomic events, and broader market trends should always inform trading decisions. FVGs work best as part of a comprehensive trading strategy that includes risk management, position sizing, and multiple confirmatory indicators.
Related Questions
What causes fair value gaps to form in financial markets?
Fair value gaps form when price moves rapidly due to news, earnings announcements, or strong directional momentum, creating gaps that skip price levels. This imbalance between supply and demand represents temporary market inefficiency.
Do all fair value gaps eventually get filled?
Not all FVGs get filled; some gaps may never be revisited if market structure changes fundamentally or if newer gaps render old ones irrelevant. Historical context and ongoing market analysis are necessary.
How do professional traders use fair value gaps?
Professional traders use FVGs as zones for entries, exits, and stop placement within comprehensive trading strategies. They analyze gap size, location, and market context to assess probability and risk-reward ratios.
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Sources
- Investopedia - Gap Definition CC-BY-4.0
- CME Group - Futures Education Custom