The OBV's actual value is unimportant; instead, focus on its direction. The upward trend is likely to continue when both prices and OBV have higher peaks and lower troughs. The downward trend is likely to continue as both prices and OBV make lower peaks and lower troughs.
If the OBV rises during a trading range, accumulation may be taking place, signalling an impending upward breakout. If the OBV falls during a trading range, distribution may be taking place, signalling a downward breakout.
When the price continues to rise and the OBV fails to rise, the upward trend is likely to stall or fail. This is known as a negative divergence." When price continues to make lower troughs but OBV does not, the downward trend is likely to stall or fail. This is known as a positive divergence.