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Weekly Update: Are we Headed for Bad Times?I have been on Trading View for almost a year now. In that timeframe I have been fortunate enough to have almost 2,600 people who follow my work, shared almost 700 ideas within that community, and founded my website for paying members. Yesterday, we held a training / education Zoom call and dissected the move up off the October low of 3502. The purpose of this call was to strictly adhere to EWT rules & guidelines as we went through the chart literally day by day. The quick version of the outcome of that call was we have topped in the primary B countertrend rally. This conclusion was reached largely because of 2 major areas of focus from the October 2022 lows. The initial pattern, and the final impulsive portion of the pattern from March until the recent highs. Now I know most people may find this hard to accept. I fully expect the comments section to be lively but the notion of the initial portion of the pattern started off as a leading diagonal, is just plain wrong . Please allow me to explain. In preparation for this training, I spent time putting together my deck of slides, with an agenda to refer back to the live chart. As I went through the pattern and spotted what some Elliottitions would consider a leading diagonal off the 3502 bottom, I decided to spend some time researching Leading Diagonals. The reason being the theme of the call was the proper application of EWT rules and guidelines. So I wanted to be sure I was not assuming when I applied rules associated with ending diagonals to leading diagonals. What I found was eye-opening to me because I never questioned what LD’s were. Like some, I have always applied diagonals (ending or leading) as 3,3,3,3,3’s. For the Elliott Wave uninitiated this would be a series of abc’s but labeled as 1,2,3,4 and 5 with the 4 overlapping the 1. NOT SO FAST! My research turned up that although Ending Diagonals are a legitimate Elliott Wave pattern with governing rules, the larger EWT community is not 100% agreed on Leading Diagonals. Here’s an excerpt from AJ Frosts and Robert Prechter’s book, “Elliott Wave Principle”. Leading Diagonal It has recently come to light that a diagonal occasionally appears in the wave 1 position of impulses and in the wave A position of zigzags. In the few examples we have, the subdivisions appear to be the same: 3-3-3-3-3, but the jury is out on a strict definition, as 5,3,5,3,5 that overlap are also accepted. These patterns were not originally discovered by R.N. Elliott but have appeared enough times and over a long enough period that the authors are convinced of their validity. The notion of an LD is a relatively new idea that, in truth is accepted among many Elliottitions, but not all due a lack of governing rules. Well, I now have a quandary with respect to my upcoming zoom call with my membership. The entire basis of the call is the proper application of EWT Rules and or Guidelines. If there are no agreed upon rules, let alone guidelines, what do I do when the call begins and we start to examine the initial pattern off the 3502 bottom? I had already announced and scheduled the call. I decided to apply both loosely mentioned counts to this pattern (3,3,3,3,3 and 5,3,5,3,5) …and guess what? None of them apply. Not even close. You can go through the pattern yourself and what anyone is going to come away with when analyzing the initial pattern from 3502 on October 13, 2022 to the high of 4180 on December 22, 2022 is a an abc. If you have any doubts here’s the pattern zoomed in. So, based on the initial pattern being an abc...this entire move from start to finish was going to be corrective, or a countertrend advance. Trend being down. The last portion of the pattern that is impulsive starting in March 13th, 2023 until July 27th, 2023 should be labeled as following: C waves will normally terminate at the 1.618% fib extension....in which price did. Therefore, I firmly believe we have topped based on the fact that the leading diagonal may not even be a legitimate Elliott Wave pattern at worst, and at best, if it exists, has loosely based governing rules or guidelines. Lastly the impulsive portion of the pattern from March to July terminated at 1.618% of the initial pattern. I think it's a VERY VERY high probability we topped in July....and more importantly...should lead to a decline that could signify bad times ahead. Best to all, Chris
CME_MINI:ES1!Short
by maikisch
8/8: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap As predicted in my last newsletter, the ES saw a relief bounce after putting in 4 consecutive red days for the first time since May. I went long late on Friday afternoon at 4493 and we saw a rally from 4493 on Friday to 4522 overnight on Monday, followed by a dip and then a continued rise. This was due to a technical backtest of a 3-week ascending triangle that broke out on July 12th. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mostly down 🌍 Europe: Down a lot 🌎 US Index Futures: Down a lot 🛢 Crude Oil: Down 💵 Dollar: Up 🧐 Yields: Down 🔮 Crypto: Up a bit World Headlines China CPI and PPI data show deflation becoming a serious concern Moody’s downgrades numerous US regional banks and puts six larger banks on watch Key Structures The core structure now is a downtrend channel, extending from the July 27th high. This is a bull flag, with support at 4493-87 and resistance at 4592. Inside this structure, the 4550 zone and the 4528 level are noteworthy. The large rising uptrend channel in white, connecting the March lows and the May lows, is the primary medium-term channel. Support Levels The major support levels are 4527, 4509, 4493-87, 4475-70, 4448-51, 4438, 4421, 4397-4402, 4350-55, and 4307-4311. Resistance Levels The major resistance levels are 4538, 4556, 4577-80, 4591, 4620, 4634, 4668. Trading Plan I'm still holding my leftover 10% runner from 4493 and will only add if we get a good dip. After yesterday's rally, I think tricky, tactical, back and forth action is likely today. The best entry would be if we clipped 4509 support then popped to 4515. I'm not interested in buying the 4509 again as it's no longer a fresh level. In terms of shorts, I favor 4556 and 4577-80. Wrap Up While we dip today, bulls will want to defend that 4509 support at the lowest. The direct bull case would look something like holding above 4527, popping to 4549 or 4556, then heading up to 4577-80. The short-term bear case begins with the fail of 4509. I think things likely get tactical today, rewarding level to level day traders only with no bias. Expect bi-directional action. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
8/7: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap August started off with a bearish week for ES, marking its first red week in a month. The month is historically bearish at the start but bullish towards the end. Last week saw a rare three consecutive red days, a pattern only exceeded once since the March low. A relief bounce was anticipated, with a target of 4550, which played out as expected. ES then experienced its 4th red day in a row last Friday. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mixed 🌍 Europe: Down slightly 🌎 US Index Futures: Up 🛢 Crude Oil: Down 💵 Dollar: Up slightly 🧐 Yields: Up a bit 🔮 Crypto: Mixed World Headlines Bond market volatility continues as Fridays strong bounce is starting to look like a dead cat bounce this morning. Key Structures Several main structures are being monitored, including a new downtrend channel extending from the July 27th high. This is technically a bull flag, but only becomes one on the breakout. Inside this structure, the 4550 zone is significant, having been tested three times and failed, triggering a 50 point sell. The 4524 level is another critical point, acting as support for the ascending triangle that broke out on July 12th. Support Levels Key support levels include 4493, 4487, 4475-73, 4461, 4448-53, 4443, 4425-30, 4413, and 4395-4400. Resistance Levels Resistance is found at 4509, 4515, 4520-24, 4534, 4538, 4547-50, 4555, 4567, 4578-80, 4585, 4592, 4597, 4609, 4617, and 4624. Trading Plan A small long position was taken at the 4493 level last Friday. If this zone fails, the market could free fall again, with the "major" zones being potential knife catch spots. For the bulls, the key hurdles are 4509 and 4524. For the bears, the case begins on the loss of 4487. Wrap Up While bears remain in control, there is caution over short-squeeze risk after four consecutive red days. The general lean for today is that ES can hold the 4487-93 zone, then try to retest 4520-24, perhaps with a small dip, then try higher. If 4487 fails, the market could continue downward. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
#ES_F Day Trading Prep Week 7.31-8.05 Last Week : We continued our distribution above 4570 which is our bigger time frame Resistance area. We have been going sideways building up supply here with a few attempts to continue towards upper part of HTF Resistance at 4666 but were met with selling. Key Support and Key Resistance for the week provided great trades up and down the range. Thursday we trapped buyers over 4615-4603 Resistance which gave us a look above and fail, market flushed but wasn't just yet ready to break 4570-62 and who ever got too short Thursday at the lows provided us with buying on Friday to bring us back towards our trapped supply area or start at Key Resistance. This Week : We have been building Supply in this 4570-4615 range for almost 2 weeks with a failure to get current Key Resistance. We have stops lined up below us and trapped buyers above, this tells us if the market cannot get over 4614 area, hold and then take out 4628-23 then we shouldn't be looking for continuation higher for now. Previous Day and T2 highs are right above us with trapped time and volume over 4615. If market cant get over 4615 and accept then we would look for rotation lower as the longs who are buying in this range are not getting the upside and could start selling out. If we start triggering lower stops that can bring more selling. If current Cost basis and Swing Stops below 4562 get taken then we could see a move towards the stops at 4548.75-43 with a look under around 4637 and possibly test our next Key Support at 4532.50-24. Our next cost basis would be just under that and we could see buying front running that area on first attempts unless we will have size selling that could break it and continue then we could stay around that lower range this week that is IF we break of course. For the market to continue higher we would need to either see buying to take us over 4615 right away and hold above trapped last weeks shorts under for support or get under 4603, build a base above 4590 and then take out 4603-10 again, after that I think we could target next ranges Resistances and stops. Levels to Watch : Current Support : 4603-4598.75 If Broken Could Target 4589.50-84.75 // 4570-62.50 If Broken Could Target 4551.25-48.75-43.75 Next Key Support 4532.50-24.25 Possible to see buyers around 4537 on first tests Current Key Resistance 4614.50-9.75 IF broken and hold above Could Target 4623-28 Next Key Resistance 4646.25-4336.50
CME_MINI:ES1!
by HollowMn
5
8/4: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap As we've moved into August, we've seen a shift in the “character” of ES, with volatility returning and large, bi-directional swings in the market. Despite this, it's important to note that August is not a “bearish month” but rather a seasonally neutral month, with a +0.1% average over the last 20 years. The focus for this month will be on tactical, unbiased level to level day traders. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Up 🌍 Europe: Down a bit 🌎 US Index Futures: Up a bit 🛢 Crude Oil: Up a bit 💵 Dollar: Down 🧐 Yields: Down 🔮 Crypto: Up slightly World Headlines Bond market showing early sign of stabilizing. Key Structures The core pattern containing the entire consolidation since the July 19th high was a broadening formation, which broke down on Wednesday. This pattern suggests that bears control below and bulls control above. Other key structures include the rising support trendline of the purple ascending triangle and the large rising uptrend channel in white. Support Levels Key support levels include 4525, 4517, 4509, 4493, 4487, 4476, 4464, 4448, 4441, 4428, 4411, 4395-4400, 4382, and 4376. Resistance Levels Resistance levels to watch are 4534, 4542, 4550-53, 4560, 4565, 4577-80, 4583, 4592, 4599, 4607-09, 4618, 4623, 4630, 4639, 4650, 4661, and 4671. Trading Plan For today, the short-term bull case depends on the 4509 level continuing to hold. The bear case begins if the 4509 level fails. As always, it's important to plan your zones of engagement in advance, wait for entry setup, take a level to level piece, then reset bias from scratch, and get to the sidelines. Wrap Up With the return of volatility, August is shaping up to be an interesting month for traders. Key levels and structures have been identified for both bull and bear scenarios, and as always, the focus should be on tactical, unbiased level to level trading. With Apple earnings expected to introduce some volatility into the market, it will be important to stay reactive and flexible in your trading approach. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
8/3: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap The last newsletter discussed the potential for bearish seasonality in August for SPX. This was timely as volatility was unleashed shortly after the newsletter was sent out. The catalyst for the volatility and selling was the US credit downgrade, which triggered a loss of critical multi-day support. This led to the most eventful evening session of 2023, followed by more daytime volatility. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mostly down 🌍 Europe: Down 🌎 US Index Futures: Down a bit 🛢 Crude Oil: Up 💵 Dollar: Down slightly 🧐 Yields: Up strongly 🔮 Crypto: Down World Headlines The timing and reasoning of the Fitch Treasuries downgrade is being questioned, limiting the downside which was much worse when S&P Global downgraded 11 years ago. Key Structures The core pattern containing the entire consolidation since the July 19th high was a broadening formation, also called a megaphone. This pattern broke down yesterday and will need to reclaim support to trigger any sustained squeeze upward. The next major support down below 4553 is 4508-15. This is the support of the large, purple ascending triangle structure we broke out on July 12th. Support Levels Supports are: 4531-33 (major), 4527, 4516 (major), 4509 (major), 4497-93 (major), 4486, 4475, 4467, 4455 (major), 4441-46 (major), 4431, 4424 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are: 4543, 4531-33, 4551-53 (major), 4560, 4565, 4575 (major), 4584 (major), 4592, 4599,4606-08 (major), 4613, 4620, 4624-26 (major), 4634, 4644, 4653, 4666-70 (major). Trading Plan For the bull case today, there is no short-term bull case until a resistance reclaims. For now, this is 4551-53 and reclaim there would trigger back to 4575, likely dip there, then probably back to 4605. The bear case today begins on the fail of 4531. One could short this 4527 or so with target of 4509-16. Wrap Up These are level to level traders markets and they are prime conditions. The focus will be on reacting to the action and not making predictions. If a prediction had to be made, it would be a backtest of 4553, perhaps a sell to 4509-16, then a rally from there. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
8/2: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap After the ES rallied and trended cleanly for +390 points from June to mid-July, the last two weeks have been characterized by a grinding summer chop. Despite testing the 4609 level six times in the last week with two failed breakouts, the ES has remained stubbornly resistant. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Down 🌍 Europe: Down 🌎 US Index Futures: Down a lot 🛢 Crude Oil: Up 💵 Dollar: Up slightly 🧐 Yields: Up 🔮 Crypto: Down World Headlines United States government debt loses it’s AAA rating as Fitch downgrades US Treasuries from AAA- to AA+ Key Structures The core pattern containing the entire consolidation since the July 19th high is now a broadening formation. This structure, called a “right angled, ascending broadening formation”, has support roughly at 4560 and resistance roughly at 4660. Support Levels The major support levels are at 4599, 4592-89, 4570-73, 4562, 4548-50, 4493-88, 4445-50, 4410-15 and 4403. Resistance Levels Resistance levels are at 4608, 4614, 4618, 4623-26, 4648-4652, 4661, 4682-88, 4706-08, 4717, 4726, 4736, 4750 and 4760-65. Trading Plan Given the current unpredictable chop, trading will be done very seldomly. If we do get some upside today, 4623-26 is considered strong and likely has one final sell off before any breakout. The bear case would begin on the fail of 4592-89. Wrap Up We remain in a period of low predictability chop and the focus will be on executing the above trade plan. If 4589 fails, it's short to 4570-73, bounce, then probably lower down to 4550. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
8/1: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap ES continues its characteristic bull market cycle of multi-day squeezes followed by wide rangebound consolidation under resistance, as it has done since July 19th. This pattern is expected to continue until a breakout occurs. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Down a bit 🌍 Europe: Down 🌎 US Index Futures: Down 🛢 Crude Oil: Down 💵 Dollar: Up 🧐 Yields: Up strongly 🔮 Crypto: Down World Headlines Manufacturing data weak across China and Eurozone with Germany showing the steepest decline since the pandemic. Key Structures The triangle at 4609 remains the key structure, despite being somewhat "busted". This level has been tested six times in the last week and is proving to be a strong resistance. The ascending triangle at 4569-4571 is now support. The large rising uptrend channel connecting the March lows and the May lows is the primary medium term channel, with support currently at 4405 and resistance at 4650-55. Support Levels Supports are at 4608, 4602, 4594-92 (major), 4580, 4568-71 (major), 4556, 4549 (major), 4542, 4530 (major), 4515, 4500, 4488-92 (major), 4474, 4467, 4455-60 (major), 4442-45 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are at 4608 (major), 4617, 4622 (major), 4631 (major), 4641, 4652-55 (major), 4664, 4670, 4681-84 (major), 4697, 4705 (major), 4714, 4722, 4740-45 (major), 4751, 4762 (major). Trading Plan The bull case is in play above 4592 and 4600, with a potential breakout to 4622 and then up to 4652-55. The bear case begins on the fail of 4592, with a potential short at 4589 for a move down the levels. If 4592 fails, it's time to short. Wrap Up ES continues to consolidate and build its base. As long as 4600 holds, with any spikes down to 4592 quickly bought, ES can continue to base for a push to 4622, then a final dip, then a breakout up the levels to 4631, then the 4655 magnet. If 4592 fails, it's time to short. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/31: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap In the past week, the markets have shown a series of traps and failed breakouts/breakdowns, with a significant bear trap occurring last Thursday. The ES sold 75 points, only to bounce back, demonstrating the biggest bear trap in 2 months. The 4608 level has been resistance for a full week, tested 4 times with one failed breakout. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Up 🌍 Europe: Up 🌎 US Index Futures: Up 🛢 Crude Oil: Up 💵 Dollar: Unchanged 🧐 Yields: Down slightly 🔮 Crypto: Up World Headlines Bank of Japan appoints new head of monetary policy while buying bonds to offset the fallout from last weeks yield curve control policy adjustment. Key Structures Two basic patterns are at play: the purple triangle with 4609 resistance and 4569 support, and a broadening formation with support around 4560 and resistance around 4650. The combination of these two structures does bias bullish in terms of breakout direction targeting 4650s. Support Levels Key support levels are 4600, 4588-91(major), 4580 (major), 4569, 4560 (major), 4555, 4547 (major), 4530-35 (major), 4515, 4493-97 (major), 4487, 4475, 4455-60 (major). Resistance Levels Key resistance levels are 4608 (major), 4615, 4622 (major), 4633, 4642 (major), 4650-55 (major), 4663, 4678-80 (major), 4689, 4698-4703 (major), 4712, 4726 (major). Trading Plan Bulls should aim to hold the 4580-90 cluster on dips, with a hyper bullish case seeing ES continue to bull flag above 4600 and below Friday’s highs. Bears need 4560 to fail to see any real selling and could look to short at 4558 for a move down the levels. Wrap Up In summary, the market continues to base build with 4609-4560 being complete, random chop. The general lean is that the range will fill out more, ideally by dipping into the 4580-90 support cluster again. From there, ES can try a push up the levels to 4622, 4642, 4650-55. The 4560 level needs to fail to trigger shorts, and it would likely be a significant one. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/28: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap The post-FOMC session was marked by massive bi-directional moves, ultimately favoring the bears. Despite a promising 40 point overnight rally, the breakout turned into a failed breakout, erasing a week's worth of gains. This may be the setup bears have been waiting for. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mixed but China strong 🌍 Europe: Up slightly 🌎 US Index Futures: Up strongly 🛢 Crude Oil: Up slightly 💵 Dollar: Down a bit 🧐 Yields: Down 🔮 Crypto: Up a bit World Headlines Bank of Japan announcement that it will allow higher rates and eventually retire it’s yield curve controls sends shock waves through markets. Key Structures Key structures include the purple ascending triangle, which broke out and then failed, and various support and resistance levels. The failed breakout is a warning for bulls, as short-term tops usually occur on this pattern. Support Levels Resistances are at 4566-68 (major), 4573, 4584 (major), 4592, 4600, 4608 (major), 4613 (major), 4623 (major), 4628, 4636, 4644-47 (major), 4656, 4664, 4673 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are: 4607 (major), 4617-20, 4628, 4640 (major), 4650, 4663, 4668-71 (major), 4676, 4687 (major), 4700-05 (major), 4717, 4730, 4741 (major), 4755-60 (major). Trading Plan For longs, consider adding exposure on clearance of 4568, ideally after basing at the level. If selling continues, treat longs as high fail rate knife catches. For shorts, consider 4584 and 4608-13 as strong resistances and possible reaction points. Wrap Up The market is now in a volatile, complex phase that requires unbiased, level to level day trading. ES could try to engage more inside the triangle, possibly reclaiming 4568, running to 4584 or so, dipping again, then trying back to 4608. If 4555 fails, the triangle will be confirmed broken down and we can work down the levels to 4540-45, then 4527, and ultimately, all the way to 4490. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/27: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap Yesterday's FOMC session in ES was typical for those familiar with trading these sessions. Despite being defined by traps and volatility, there were several lucrative setups. We sold down to 4580, then right after the FOMC meeting undercut it by a couple of points, reclaimed, then put in a fantastic 25 point squeeze to ~4603 resistance, before rejecting into the second trap move. However, we ultimately ended the end basically unchanged. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mostly up 🌍 Europe: Up strongly 🌎 US Index Futures: Up strongly 🛢 Crude Oil: Up 💵 Dollar: Up 🧐 Yields: Up 🔮 Crypto: Up a bit World Headlines Fed no longer forecasting recession while raising rates 25bps as expected. ECB raises rates 25bps as expected. Key Structures Some core big picture structures and levels I am watching now (from highest to lowest). These are big picture structures that drive the broad trend, and provide context and orientation to the daily price action. They are not meant to be “predictive” and I will be trading the levels in the below plan level to level, one move at a time. Support Levels Supports are: 4592-94, 4582 (major), 4572, 4565 (major), 4560, 4549, 4543 (major), 4528, 4520-23 (major), 4515, 4502, 4493-86 (major), 4475 (major), 4460, 4448 (major), 4431-35 (major), 4424, 4408 (major), 4388-93 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are: 4607 (major), 4617-20, 4628, 4640 (major), 4650, 4663, 4668-71 (major), 4676, 4687 (major), 4700-05 (major), 4717, 4730, 4741 (major), 4755-60 (major). Trading Plan I am still holding my 10% long position. I consider everything between 4565 and 4607 to now be consolidation. Everything in this zone will be tactical, difficult chop and only traders taking level to level pieces out with 0 bias with profit. No trend until it breaks up or down, only traps and lack of conviction. Wrap Up In summary for today: I am holding long still and waiting for breakout. I consider 4607-4565 to be a large triangle and price inside this range is very trappy and impossible to predict - I will be watching for failed breakdowns to add exposure as always. My general lean is that we fill out this range more, then attempt the breakout which would target 4617-20, then 4640. 4565 fails, we sell.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
ES SPX Futures - Welcome to FOMCmageddonIn reading the title of this post, I'm sure you can tell what I want to say. Since the new habit is to guffaw and lmao at any thesis that isn't bullish, because "we" all "know" US equities "always go up" and a new all time high is "in store," I'd like to point out the Nasdaq already shows signs of having topped. That July 20, 2023 candle was some 2%+ in range and on absolutely no news. And yet the SPX has not yet taken its equivalent intermediate term high. The significance of the intermediate term highs that the Nasdaq took and the SPX is probably about to take is that they represent the March of 2022 failure swing. Why does it matter? Because that swing and its destruction was the trumpet-backed announcement that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 stimmie QE bull run had come to an end. And so coming back to raid it at a time when Big Jerome Powell openly told reporters at the last FOMC meeting that no rate cuts were scheduled AND that inflation would take years, not months, to come back to levels they regard as apropos, is a very dangerous situation. The thing about tops and bottoms is that whoever calls them is always wrong, because you can only see a top or a bottom on hindsight. In the interim, as they unfold, you can only anticipate that at a certain key price level, over a certain high or a certain low, that reversal patterns might manifest. The geopolitical situation is very sharp. I note in a new call that oil is likely headed for a literal 3 handle this year. Oil - A New Long Leg Down Soon Begins And I note that the US Dollar Index is due for a rally to at least 108. DXY - The US Petrdollar And The "Prigozhin Coup" In Russia The cornerstone of the international chessboard is now, and always has been, Mainland China and its 5,000 year old country and culture, which has been ruined by the Chinese Communist Party over the course of its century of insanity. What's going on in the equities market is heavily wedded to the "War With Taiwan" narrative being espoused by the propaganda machine, which I discuss in my call on Taiwan Semiconductor TSM, a company that I believe is a significant long hedge during a potential upcoming downtrend. TSM - Taiwan, Your Semiconductor Long Hedge So as for this week's call, I would like to note that, unlike the Nasdaq, the SPX has not raided its March '22 intermediate high. This high at 4,631 happens to coincide with the new "JP Morgan Chase Collar," where one of the SIB's big funds sold calls at 4,665. I discuss this collar below: SPX/ES - An Analysis Of The 'JPM Collar' Something to understand about the big banks' business model is this: The first thing is that when they sell calls at a certain level, there is a buyer, and that buyer might be their clients. Their clients may have paid the bank the standard 10% fee in exchange for providing the liquidity. The reason the client would buy calls that JPM sells at a 10% premium is because they understand that the market will be made, in exchange, for those calls to be made worth more than they paid. Those calls were purchased at the end of June when the indexes traded circa 4,400. Why would JPM sell the calls and get themselves underwater? Because by September 29, Q3 end, they won't be underwater anymore, for one. For two, they're hedged long and are making money on the way up on the hedge. So they get to make money on the hedge, the calls ultimately expire worthless, and the client is happy because they got a big bag of cheap options at 4,400 to dump on the head of retail and Cathie Wood-style funds at 4,660. And all of this is to say that the 4,631 failure swing/pivot is very likely to be raided, and it is likely to be raided on Wednesday, FOMC day. During Monday's trade session, we will find out a lot about the intentions of the MMs. I believe they will only raid the 4,544 level on Monday market open, making it a buying opportunity to sell 100 points higher. However, if ES/SPX is to dump significantly to under 4,500 again, it stands to reason that the real target is the 4,800 ATH somewhere early in August. But I think, for a lot of reasons, this is just so less likely. Thus, SPX is likely to raid 4,544, which is to say the 4,550 psychological level, and trade over the 4,650 psychological level before Jerome Powell starts yapping. This FOMC is really significant because there isn't another rate hike until September, the end of Q3. So the trade is to long 4,540, sell it allllll at 4,650, and the target is under where JPM went long on puts and has been under water all month under 4,200 heading into the end of August and middle of September.
CME_MINI:ES1!Short
by LordWrymouth
7/26: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap In the last week, ES built a sideways base after a steep rally, forming a new chart pattern between 4590s and 4560s. Yesterday, we saw a breakout and a continued upward trend. This pattern was a triangle with a bullish breakout bias, which broke out this morning at 4590, starting a push higher. However, there is concern as the breakout occurred before the FOMC meeting, adding risk to those in the breakout move. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mixed 🌍 Europe: Down a lot 🌎 US Index Futures: Down slightly 🛢 Crude Oil: Down 💵 Dollar: Down slightly 🧐 Yields: Down 🔮 Crypto: Down slightly World Headlines FOMC rate statement later today and ECB tomorrow. Key Structures The green triangle pattern broke out yesterday, with support now at 4564 and resistance around 4580. The light blue channel resistance broke out on July 13th and is now a key support at 4540. The major June/July resistance is at 4486-93, and the large rising uptrend channel in white has support currently at 4390 with resistance at 4635. Support Levels Supports are at 4593-95, 4580-84, 4572, 4565, 4560, 4555, 4542-44, 4537, 4525, 4515, 4493, 4486, 4474, 4462, 4453, 4448, 4442, 4430-35, 4425, 4414, 4408, 4402, and 4389-93. Resistance Levels Resistances are at 4603, 4608, 4612-14, 4624, 4635, 4650-53, 4665-70, 4683, 4694, 4700-03, 4709, 4725, and 4740. Trading Plan Today's trading plan will be light, perhaps not trading at all unless an A+ setup is seen. The core task for bulls will be to maintain the triangle breakout, particularly the triangle support at 4565. If a deeper sell is seen, 4545 is the final support before a deep leg down to 4490s. Wrap Up Heading into the FOMC meeting, it's important to note that these days are often filled with traps and are generally unpredictable. The best approach is to react to the market, not try to predict it. It's also crucial to size down and avoid gambling in the post-FOMC noise. Today, it will be important for bulls to hold 4565 on any FOMC flushes down. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/25: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap In my last newsletter, I predicted a bounce from 4564 back to 4580-90, and this played out perfectly yesterday. ES has now put in 5 daily candles stacked side by side, suggesting a large move is incoming. We are now consolidating for the next big move, with the FOMC on Wednesday being a potential catalyst. Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Mostly up, China up strongly 🌍 Europe: Up a bit 🌎 US Index Futures: Mixed 🛢 Crude Oil: Down a bit 💵 Dollar: Up slightly 🧐 Yields: Up 🔮 Crypto: Down slightly World Headlines China’s Politburo vows to “adjust and optimize policies in a timely manner” and increase stimulus to jump start economic recovery. Russia attacks Ukraine grain export infrastructure and ports. Key Structures The pattern forming now looks like a rough triangle, with 4560-62 support, and 4590-92 resistance. Some core big picture structures and levels I am watching now include 4590-92, 4560-62, 4539, and 4493-97. Support Levels Supports are: 4583, 4572 (major), 4560-62 (major), 4548, 4539 (major), 4529, 4523, 4516, 4505, 4493 (major), 4487, 4476 (major), 4460-63, 4448-50 (major), 4441, 4433 (major), 4418 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are: 4593-95 (major), 4604 (major), 4616, 4629 (major), 4640, 4655, 4667 (major), 4676 (major), 4683, 4694, 4703 (major). Trading Plan Currently, I am still holding my 10% long runner. With today being a pre-FOMC day, I would not be surprised to see very complex, difficult bi-directional chop. The key supports today to watch are 4572 and 4560-62. If we do get the breakout, I would not be surprised if we run to 4630 before any micro-dip. Wrap Up In summary, we remain in complex chop and this should be the case until FOMC on Wednesday. This will be a level to level traders market. I see 4590-4560 as being pure chop. Ideally, we can sell to test 4572ish, perhaps bounce there back up the levels and continue filling out the above-mentioned range and triangle until FOMC, which would favor a bullish breakout. If 4560 fails, its short to 4539. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/21-7/24: Weekend Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap Over the past 1.5 weeks, we've seen a significant long trade from 4420 on June 10th to 4585 this week, thanks to the market’s 8 straight days of higher highs with nearly no pullback. However, on Thursday, we lost the first major support in 1.5 weeks, triggering the first short in the same time period for ~30 points, before bouncing. We're now in what I call post-trend conditions, and it's time for complex, corrective action. The Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Down 🌍 Europe: Down a bit 🌎 US Index Futures: Up slightly 🛢 Crude Oil: Up 💵 Dollar: Up slightly 🧐 Yields: Down 🔮 Crypto: Down World Headlines G20 Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting in Goa India ends without agreement on phasing out fossil fuels. Key Structures Some core big picture structures and levels I am watching now include 4590-93, 4533-37, 4493-97, and the large rising uptrend channel in white. These structures drive the broad trend and provide context and orientation to the daily price action. Support Levels Supports are: 4564, 4552 (major), 4545, 4533-37 (major), 4523, 4516, 4497-93 (major), 4487, 4467-70 (major), 4454 (major), 4441, 4431 (major), 4420, 4408 (major). Resistance Levels Resistances are: 4572 (major), 4482, 4490-93 (major), 4603 (major), 4619, 4627 (major), 4640, 4650-55 (major), 4664, 4672(major), 4680, 4691, 4700-05 (major). Trading Plan For today, I’ll be focusing on pure reaction at the levels. If I had to provide a coin toss guess, I’d like to see something like bounce from 4564 back to 4580-90, perhaps dip then 4533-37, but we could easily sell to 4533-37 there directly. I’ll trade whatever path it takes. Wrap Up We're now in complex, corrective action after a 190 point rally. Days like Thursday and Friday will be the norm, and they will punish those who are trying to “predict”. Take it level to level, one move at a time. After a big trend move, I am always on the lookout for the early stages of classical chart pattern formation on the 4hr chart. When do choppy conditions end and trend conditions resume? When a pattern forms and breaks out. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro
7/20: Daily Recap, Outlook, and Trading PlanRecap For the first time in years, the market has seen two continuous trades without stop outs. Long 4420 on July 9th, with a trailing stop kicking me out last Friday at 4538 (trade 1, 113 points). Then this week, long 4533 on Monday, with trailing stop still going for 70 points, making these the best trades of 2023 by a very large margin. The Markets Overnight 🌏 Asia: Down 🌍 Europe: Up a bit 🌎 US Index Futures: Mixed 🛢 Crude Oil: Up a bit 💵 Dollar: Up slightly 🧐 Yields: Up 🔮 Crypto: Up World Headline Negative reaction to Telsa and Netflix putting pressure on investor optimism after a solid start to earnings season. Key Structures The success of these trades were due to simple, widely accessible technical analysis: A 3 week ascending triangle which tested support last Wednesday, broke out Thursday, then ran to its measured move target. A structure based trailing stop system that kept me in the trade. Support Levels Some core big picture structures and levels I am watching now (from highest to lowest) are 4588, 4532, 4493. Resistance Levels The large rising uptrend channel in white. This connects the March lows and the May lows is the primary medium term channel. Support is currently 4370 and the most immediate resistance line is 4617 now (with 5000+ being the upper rail and ultimate long-term magnet as long as the channel is play). Trading Plan My plan is to hold my 25% runner from this morning as it has not clipped 4613-14 next target up yet for a profit take. I am more cautious with longs now, sizing them smaller, as we are up in a strong resistance zone and these “elevated” conditions are my absolute least favorite to trade, with little comparison. Wrap Up While this phase of the trend will end with a multi-week period of complex chop and correction, it is important to remain focused on the core big picture structures and levels that drive the broad trend, and provide context and orientation to the daily price action. These are not meant to be “predictive” and I will be trading the levels in the below plan level to level, one move at a time. Disclosure: This is not financial advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by spytradingpro