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S&P 500 E-mini Futures

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ES1! trade ideas

ID: 2025 - 0052.18.2025 Trade #5 of 2025 executed. So simple, yet far from easy... Trade entry at 178 DTE (days to expiration). Trade construct is a PDS (put debit spread) at Delta 15 combined with a PCS (put credit spread) at Delta 15. Overlapping short strikes give it the "unbalanced" butterfly nomenclature. Sizing and strike selection is designed to keep the risk/reward "AT EXPIRATION" to a 1:1 risk profile. This lets charm work it's magic (second order greek), while exploiting the fact that this is a non-directional bias. The process is a disciplined and systematic approach letting time decay evaporate the extrinsic time value from the short options until target profit is achieved. IF target profit is not captured after 60 DIT (days in trade), then target is reduced by 50% for the next 30 days. Happy Trading! -kevin
CME_MINI:ES1!
by Kevins
ES Morning Update Feb 18thPatience paid off for buyers. Friday morning, longs were triggered off 6120 support in ES, forming a solid flag from 6120 to 6147. The breakout target at 6154 was hit around 2am unfortunately, so now it’s time to protect gains and let the runners ride if you have them. No new entries unless we get some dips first. As of now: • Next targets are 6168 and 6185-88 • 6138 is holding as support • If the price dips back to 6120, prepare to sell below that level
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg
Leap Ahead with a Dual Breakout Setup on ES and MESThe Leap Trading Competition: A Chance to Trade S&P 500 Futures TradingView’s "The Leap" Trading Competition gives traders the opportunity to test their futures trading strategies in a competitive environment. Participants have access to select CME Group futures contracts, including E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) and Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures (MES). This article presents a dual breakout trade setup, analyzing both bullish and bearish scenarios based on key Fibonacci levels and low volatility price ranges. The goal is to trade the breakout of a well-defined range and target either a Fibonacci extension to the upside or a retracement level to the downside. Understanding Breakouts and Fibonacci Levels A breakout occurs when price moves beyond a defined support or resistance level, often leading to a strong trend continuation. In this case, the trading range between 6146.75 and 6121.25 is the key level to watch. A breakout above this range suggests bullish momentum, while a breakout below signals bearish pressure. Fibonacci retracement levels are used to identify potential support or resistance zones based on past price movements. The 50% retracement level at 5985.75 aligns with a UFO support, making it a key downside target if price breaks lower. Fibonacci extension levels project potential price targets beyond the most recent high or low. The 100% Fibonacci extension at 6288.75 serves as the projected upside target if price breaks higher. The Dual Breakout Trade Setup In a bullish scenario, a breakout above 6146.75 confirms entry to the upside. The target for this trade is the 100% Fibonacci extension at 6288.75. A stop loss is placed below the breakout level at a distance that ensures a minimum 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio. In a bearish scenario, a breakdown below 6121.25 confirms entry to the downside. The target is the 50% Fibonacci retracement at 5985.75, which aligns with a UFO support zone. A stop loss is placed above the breakdown level, ensuring a minimum 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio. Risk management considerations include adjusting stop losses based on a trader’s preferred risk-reward ratio. Scaling out at intermediate levels can help manage volatility and secure partial profits. Contract Specifications and Margin Requirements E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) details: Full contract specs: ES Contract Specifications – CME Group Contract size: $50 x S&P 500 Index Tick size: 0.25 index points ($12.50 per tick) Margin requirements depend on broker conditions and market volatility – Currently ≈$15,000 per contract. Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures (MES) details: Full contract specs: MES Contract Specifications – CME Group Contract size: $5 x S&P 500 Index (1/10th of ES) Tick size: 0.25 index points ($1.25 per tick) Lower margin requirements make it more accessible for smaller accounts – Currently ≈$1,500 per contract. Leverage in ES and MES magnifies both potential gains and losses. Traders should consider margin requirements and market conditions when determining position sizes. Execution and Market Conditions Before executing a trade, a typical breakout trader would watch price confirm a breakout by sustaining above or below the key levels. Additional confirmation from volume trends and momentum indicators can improve trade accuracy. If price does not break out, the setup remains invalid. If a false breakout occurs, traders may need to reassess conditions before re-entering. Conclusion A dual breakout setup provides both bullish and bearish opportunities depending on price movement. Fibonacci extensions provide upside targets, while retracement levels align with strong support zones for downside moves. For participants in The Leap Trading Competition, this setup highlights the importance of disciplined execution, confirmation, and structured risk management. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by traddictiv
Pivot Candles with MFI OpacityHow to Use the Pivot Candles with MFI Opacity Indicator for Trade Entries and Position Management Overview This indicator is designed not only to display key pivot levels (support and resistance) and Money Flow Index (MFI) signals on your chart, but also to help you structure systematic order entries and position management. By combining pivot levels with dynamic MFI-based candle opacity, the indicator provides a visual framework that technical analysts and quants can use to time buy and sell stop orders as well as to pyramid positions or take profits. Trade Entry with Pivot Levels Buy Stop Orders Above R1: Concept: In many technical setups, resistance levels such as R1 are viewed as potential breakout points. A buy stop order placed just above R1 allows you to enter a long position only when price decisively breaks the prior resistance, confirming bullish momentum. How It Works: The indicator calculates pivot levels based on the previous higher‑timeframe bar, so R1 is “locked in” for the current period. When the current candle closes above R1, it may signal a breakout. Technical analysts often place a buy stop order slightly above R1 (for example, a few ticks or pips above the level) to confirm the move. Practical Application: Quants and systematic traders can program their models to monitor when the current close exceeds R1. Once this condition is met, a buy stop order is triggered to capture the breakout move, ensuring that you only participate if the price decisively moves upward. Sell Stop Orders Below S1: Concept: Conversely, S1 acts as a support level. A sell stop order placed just below S1 is designed to capture a breakdown. This order is activated when price closes below S1, indicating that selling pressure may be overwhelming. How It Works: With pivot levels fixed from the previous higher‑timeframe bar, S1 provides a reference for potential support. A close below S1 can be interpreted as a sign of a bearish reversal or a continuation of a downtrend. Practical Application: Quants set up their systems to watch for a break below S1. A sell stop order is positioned just below S1 to ensure that if the support level fails, the system can quickly initiate a short position to capture the downward move. Using MFI for Position Management Pyramiding and Profit Taking: Dynamic Candle Opacity: The Money Flow Index (MFI) in this indicator not only provides overbought/oversold alerts but also controls the opacity of your candlesticks. When MFI readings are high, the candles become more opaque, indicating strong buying pressure. Conversely, lower MFI values lead to more transparent candles, suggesting reduced momentum. Pyramiding Long Positions: Strategy: In a strong trend, technical analysts might choose to add to a winning position gradually—a process known as pyramiding. Implementation: As long as the price remains above R1 and MFI readings are supportive (high and consistent), you may consider adding to your long position incrementally. Each new buy stop order can be set above R1 with slightly adjusted trigger levels to capture further breakout strength. Risk Management: Quants use the MFI reading as a risk filter; if MFI begins to drop or the candles become significantly more transparent, it may be a cue to stop pyramiding or even begin taking profits. Taking Profit Using MFI and Pivot Reversals: Profit Targeting: When price reaches higher resistance levels (e.g., R2 or R3) or shows signs of overextension in conjunction with extreme MFI levels (for instance, a sudden drop in MFI after a strong rally), you can begin taking partial profits. Systematic Exit: A systematic strategy might include scaling out of the position as the price approaches the next resistance level or when the MFI indicates that buying momentum is waning. Similarly, for short positions entered below S1, profit targets might be set near subsequent support levels, with exits triggered if MFI suggests a reversal. Summary Entry Orders: Place buy stop orders just above R1 to capture breakouts. Place sell stop orders just below S1 to capture breakdowns. Position Management with MFI: Use MFI-based candle opacity as a visual indicator of momentum. Pyramid positions in the direction of the trend when MFI confirms strength. Consider partial exits if MFI readings start to reverse or if the price nears the next pivot level. By following this systematic approach, technical analysts and quants can use the indicator not only as a visual tool but as an integral part of an automated or semi-automated trading system that emphasizes disciplined entries, pyramiding, and profit-taking.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by livingdracula
#ES_F Day Trading Prep Week 2.16 - 2.21Last Week : Sunday Globex again opened on a gap down just like previous week but this time it opened right at lower VAH and got a push back into over 6074 - 54 Edge. Holding over 6050s and inside/over the Edge meant stability for the market which brough in more buying but as we can see it took us a whole week of consolidating under VAL before we were able to push into upper Value towards the end of the week. We pushed into the Mean right up against our previous Supply area and that served as good resistance to keep us in small balance to finish the week on Friday. This Week : Tricky spot we find ourself in this week, on higher time frames like Monthly we are having inside month, weekly we are still holding sideways/up trend inside this 6230s - 5950s balance but one thing to note is we have mostly been back and forth between this balances Mean area and the low, so far dips under the low kept getting bought but we are not really getting any upside or holds over the Mean areas which could mean no acceptance inside it to cause continuation towards the top. On Daily TF we have been holding over between the Daily upper Edge of 6073 - 43 and upper Daily VAL of 6144 - 25 where we found balance to end the week on Friday. Going into this week we are again inside the Value of this 6074 - 6195 Hourly's range and there are few things we can watch from here. If the market has truly accepted inside this range then we may hold inside the Value which will mean ranges will tighten up and we look to balance inside Current Intraday Range of 6155 - 6114, we have supply over 6144 so any pushes over it towards 6155 could find their way back into the Mean and we could see covering under 6125 over VAL. BUT something we have to watch out for is IF we again fail inside this Value and get into/under VAL this will be our first signal for a failure which can bring in weakness towards lower Edge, IF that happens and we find ourself inside lower Edge under 6074 - 60s that would confirm the failure and may bring in more weakness for market to try and go find Value lower, we do have lots of HTF stops lined up under us which would keep bringing weakness if we start taking them. We don't have any market moving data until Fed on Wednesday which could mean a slow start to the week and we must be careful forcing for downside IF we are holding over VAL because that keeps us stable. Of course IF we do again open on a gap down like we did last 2 weeks then that could change things BUT this time around IF we do then we need to be careful looking for a full return back like we had last 2 times. For more strength out of this Value we would want price first show us holds over 6144 AND find stronger buying that can take us into/over upper VAH, until this happens we really need to watch out over 6140 as we may finish this month either inside +/- month inside this Value under 6160s OR since its our 3rd month in these areas without any upside, we could see size sell us back down towards Monthly balance lows which are down at 5950s.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by HollowMn
S&P 500 (March 2025) - A Whole Heap Of Mumbo JumboThe markets is not presenting low resistance liquidity runs due to all the politics and tariffs being implemented right now but once things settle, ES will be in for the chance to test all time highs once again. What we saw is perfection with the alignment of my bearish bias and how price respected the daily FVG @ $5,950 (mapped out with the red rectangle tool) on the Sunday going into Monday before repricing higher inside of the gap.
CME_MINI:ESH2025Long
by LegendSince
Understanding Buy The Dip In TradingBuying the dip is a trading strategy where you take advantage of temporary price drops in an overall uptrend. The goal is simple: enter the market at a lower price before it resumes its upward move. It sounds easy, but knowing when and how to do it makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore key setups, ideal market conditions, and smart risk management techniques to help you trade dips like a pro. 🚀 1. Understanding Market Structure 🏗️ Before jumping into a trade, it’s crucial to understand how price moves. A strong uptrend is characterized by higher highs and higher lows—this is where buying dips can be very profitable. But beware: not every drop is a buying opportunity. Some dips are part of a pullback, a temporary retracement before the trend resumes, while others signal a complete reversal—the last thing you want to buy into. Key levels to watch include support zones, Fibonacci retracement levels, and high-volume areas. These zones act as potential turning points where the price is likely to bounce. 2. Proven Setups for Buying the Dip 🎯 🔢 Fibonacci Retracement Support When the price pulls back within a strong trend, it often lands on key Fibonacci levels like 38.2%, 50%, or 61.8%. These act as natural support points where buyers step in. If a strong bullish candle appears at one of these levels, it can signal a solid dip-buying opportunity. Combine this with an oversold RSI and rising volume, and you have a strong case for entry. 🎭 Liquidity Grab (Stop Hunt) Markets love to shake out weak hands. Sometimes, the price dips below a previous low, triggering stop-loss orders before reversing sharply. This is called a liquidity grab—smart money accumulates positions while retail traders panic. If the price quickly reclaims the level it just broke, it’s a strong buy-the-dip signal. Look for big buy orders, a sharp recovery, and bullish candlesticks to confirm entry. 📊 Anchored VWAP Test Institutions often base their trades around VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price), especially when anchored from a significant swing low. When the price revisits this VWAP in a strong uptrend, it’s a potential dip-buying zone. Watch for bounces off VWAP, rising volume, and confluence with other support levels for confirmation. 🔥 Point of Control (POC) Revisit Markets move towards areas of high liquidity. If the price revisits the Point of Control (POC)—the price level where most volume is traded in a range—it often serves as strong support. When price pulls back into the POC and finds buying interest, it’s a great spot to enter. Look for strong reactions, failed attempts to move lower, and confluence with Fibonacci levels. 📏 Previous Range Support A breakout from a trading range is significant, but the price often returns to retest the range high as new support before continuing higher. If this happens on low selling pressure and aligns with moving averages or VWAP, it can be a golden buy-the-dip opportunity. Look for bullish reactions, buying volume, and strong candles off the level. 3. When Buying the Dip Works Best ✅ Not all dips are worth buying. The best setups occur when: The market is in a strong uptrend, making higher highs consistently. 📈 Volume is high, showing that buyers are stepping in. 🔥 Macro conditions support upside movement, like favorable economic news. 📰 4. Risk Management: Protecting Your Capital 🛡️ Even the best traders take losses. What matters is how you manage risk: Set a Stop Loss 🎯: Always place a stop below key support levels. Position Sizing 📊: Never risk more than a small portion of your capital per trade. Have an Exit Plan 🚪: Know where you’ll take profits, whether it's at a resistance level or a trailing stop. Scale In and Out 🎢: Enter gradually instead of all at once, and take profits along the way to lock in gains. Key takeaways 🎤 Buying the dip can be a powerful strategy—when done correctly. The key is patience: wait for strong trends, allow price to reach significant levels, and confirm with volume and momentum. Combine technical analysis with solid risk management, and you’ll improve your chances of success in the markets. Happy trading! 🚀
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by CandelaCharts
5
S&P500 Weakness in 15 Min TimeframeHi Fellow traders I'll be starting my regular post of my bias of the market. Using Futures market as a indication of potential strength and weakness of the market. Bias will be shorter bearish on S&P as you can see from the comparison of Nasdaq VS S&P that S&P is failing to break higher higher forming a bearish SMT. As overall longer term trend 1H and 4H is still bullish. We will be playing a retracement leg. Specifically shorting S&P > Nasdaq. My prediction would be that market will open lower.
CME_MINI:MES1!Short
by ZanderGoh
S&P 500 (March 2025) - A Whole Heap Of Mumbo JumboThe markets is not presenting low resistance liquidity runs due to all the politics and tariffs being implemented right now but once things settle, ES will be in for the chance to test all time highs once again. What we saw is perfection with the alignment of my bearish bias and how price respected the daily FVG @ $5,950 (mapped out with the red rectangle tool) on the Sunday going into Monday before repricing higher inside of the gap.
CME_MINI:ESH2025Short
by LegendSince
2