Automatically Retrieve Volume Data with QM_Volume in Excel

The QM_Volume function helps you quickly pull up trading volume data for different types of symbols, directly within Excel using MarketXLS. Whether you are looking at a standard stock ticker or an option/futures symbol containing an "@" sign, QM_Volume determines which volume metric to fetch from QuoteMedia—either share volume or contract volume—and displays it in your spreadsheet. This helps traders, investors, and analysts avoid manually searching for volume data, making it easier to streamline their decision-making processes.

Why Use This Function?

• Easily fetch real-time or up-to-date share volume or contract volume (depending on symbol format).
• Automatically detect if a symbol is an option/futures symbol (contains "@") and retrieve the correct type of volume data.
• Quickly build dynamic dashboards and models that reference live or refreshable volume data.
• Get consistent results without manually updating the numbers each time you review your workbook.
• Simplify your research workflow in Excel—no more copying and pasting from external websites.

How to Use in Excel

QM_Volume(symbol)

1. Type “=QM_Volume(” in any cell.
2. Insert the symbol you need (e.g., "AAPL" for Apple Inc. or "AAPL@210915C150" if you are referencing a specific option symbol with an "@" sign).
3. Close the parenthesis and press Enter.
4. The function will look up the correct volume data from the MarketXLS and QuoteMedia backend.

Parameters Explained

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. =QM_Volume("MSFT")

   • Retrieves Microsoft’s share volume.
   • Result might appear as a number or “NA” if data is unavailable.

2. =QM_Volume("IBM")

   • Fetches IBM’s share volume.
   • If the data is being refreshed, you may briefly see “Refreshing.”

3. =QM_Volume("TSLA")

   • Displays Tesla’s currently reported share volume.
   • Quick and accurate for daily analysis.

Advanced Scenarios

1. Options Example with "@":

   • You might enter: =QM_Volume("AAPL@230120C150")
   • When the function sees "@" in the symbol and the symbol length is greater than 6, it retrieves contract volume instead of share volume.
   • Great for analyzing option liquidity directly in Excel.

2. Refreshing and Automatic Updates:

   • If you have auto-refresh turned on, periodically you may see “Refreshing” if the data is reloading.
   • Once the refresh completes, the function updates to the latest volume data.

3. Multi-Symbol Analysis:

   • You can place multiple QM_Volume calls in different cells (e.g., one for each symbol in a watchlist).
   • Combine with Excel’s built-in formulas for advanced comparison, sorting, or highlighting of volume trends.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• Why am I getting “NA”?
  • This appears when the data cache does not have valid volume information, or the symbol may not be recognized by the provider.
• What does “Refreshing” mean?
  • MarketXLS is in the process of updating the cache. Once finished, volume data should appear.
• Can I use this for non-U.S. stocks?
  • Depending on your MarketXLS subscription and data feeds, volume may or may not be available for certain international symbols.
• Why do I see “Please Refresh”?
  • This indicates the data is not in the cache yet and needs a manual or automatic refresh.
• Does the function require a valid license?
  • Yes. If your MarketXLS license is invalid, the function returns a license-related error message instead of volume data.

By using QM_Volume, you can seamlessly track trading activity for stocks, options, or futures in your Excel investment models. Whether you need quick references for daily trades or deeper analytical insights, QM_Volume keeps your volume data accurate and up to date.