Absorption and icebergs: spotting the big players

Absorption is one of the most reliable Order Flow signals. It happens when a large limit order soaks up market aggression without giving way.

How to recognize it

• Price refuses to advance despite persistent aggressive delta.
• Volume stacks up at the same level, candle after candle.
• On the heatmap, a wall refills (iceberg) where price keeps hitting.

Iceberg or spoof?

An iceberg is a hidden order that refills as it's consumed: it leaves a trail of executed trades. A spoof disappears before being hit: no trail. The distinction changes the whole read.

Price not advancing despite aggression is the market telling you a bigger player is on the other side.

How to use it

Absorption alone isn't enough: wait for confirmation (a break on the absorbed side, a delta flip). Combine it with imbalances and delta and a clear risk plan.

Want us to look at your screenshots and tell you if it's absorption or noise? Post them in the community.