POC (Point of Control)

The Point of Control (POC) is the single price level within a volume profile or market profile that had the highest traded volume (or the most TPO letters). It represents the price at which the most business was transacted: the market’s consensus of fair value for that period.

POC in volume profile

In a volume profile, the POC is the horizontal bar that extends furthest to the right: the price with the most contracts traded. On a well-formed session, the POC sits near the center of the value area, with volume tapering symmetrically above and below (a normal distribution shape).

POC as a price magnet

The POC is one of the most powerful price magnets in futures trading. Price tends to rotate back toward the POC because:

• It represents the price where the most participants transacted and feel “in position”
• Market makers and algorithms often anchor quotes around high-volume levels
• The POC is the equilibrium price: equal amounts of business above and below

On a typical range day, price will make a high, sell off, retest the POC, rally again, and repeat: oscillating around the session’s center of value.

Trading the POC

POC as support: in a bullish context, price pulling back to the POC often finds buyers. Long setup with the POC as the entry or confirmation level.

POC as resistance: in a bearish context, a rally back to the POC offers sellers an opportunity to re-enter. Short setup at the POC.

POC break: when price decisively breaks through the POC with volume, it signals a structural shift: value is migrating in that direction.

Session POC vs composite POC

• Session POC: the POC for a single trading day
• Weekly POC: the POC across the full trading week
• Composite POC: the POC across a custom multi-day range

Composite POCs from significant prior periods (weeks, months) can act as major support and resistance levels.