Bears Trapped at Key Support - Bulls Load for Reversal💡 To see my confluences and/or linework, Step 1: Grab chart, Step 2: Unhide Group 1 in object tree, Step 3: Hide and unhide specific confluences 📊
The Market Participant Battle:
Bears have exhausted themselves at a critical support zone (point 2 on the chart), where a set of proven market participants from the initial low has successfully defended their positions. With price making a higher low at point 4 while momentum indicators (RSI and MFI) show oversold conditions with bullish divergence, institutional buyers appear to be quietly accumulating. The expected price return should target the previous high at point 3 and potentially beyond as trapped shorts are forced to cover.
Confluences:
Confluence 1: Market Structure & Participant Analysis
The numbered reference points on the chart reveal a compelling narrative. Point 3 closes above point 1, establishing point 2 as a proven support zone defended by strong market participants. At point 4, we're witnessing a return to this proven participant zone, creating a textbook higher low formation. This structural setup suggests bears who sold the breakdown below point 2 are now trapped as price refuses to continue lower.
Confluence 2: Layered Divergence Complex
We're seeing a powerful second-degree divergence setup. While price formed a higher low at point 4, both RSI and MFI printed lower lows and entered oversold territory. The candle before the current one shows a bullish fractal formation, confirming divergence on lower timeframes. This layered divergence typically precedes explosive moves as momentum shifts from sellers to buyers.
Confluence 3: Volume & Bollinger Band Dynamics
OBV (On-Balance Volume) breaking below the lower Bollinger Band at point 4 signals capitulation selling - often the final flush before reversal. The CVD (Cumulative Volume Delta) candles show consistent red bars during the decline, indicating aggressive selling that has likely exhausted itself at these levels.
Confluence 4: VWAP Institutional Footprint
The VWAP analysis reveals sophisticated institutional activity. At the major low (point 2), price closed below the 1st deviation before moving higher, suggesting institutional entries. At point 4, price nearly touched the 2nd deviation before closing back above, creating a failed breakdown - a classic institutional accumulation pattern.
Web Research Findings:
- Technical Analysis: Multiple sources confirm US30 trading in strong consolidation around 45,900-46,000 support, with technical indicators showing "Strong Buy" signals across multiple timeframes
- Recent News/Earnings: Fed decision on September 17, 2025, delivered expected 25bp cut; markets now pricing in additional cuts
- Analyst Sentiment: Bullish momentum expected to extend with pivot at 45,675 and resistance target at 46,443
- Data Releases & Economic Calendar: No major data releases until next week; market in post-Fed calm period
- Interest Rate Impact: Lower rates traditionally bullish for equities; Fed signaling accommodative stance continues
Layman's Summary:
Think of this setup like a compressed spring. Sellers pushed hard (points 1 to 2), buyers defended and pushed back (points 2 to 3), and now at point 4, sellers tried again but with much less force - they're exhausted. The technical indicators are screaming "oversold" while smart money appears to be quietly buying. With the Fed cutting rates and no bad news on the horizon, this looks like a classic "buy the dip" opportunity where patient buyers are about to be rewarded.
Machine Derived Information:
- Image 1: Shows complete market structure with numbered reference points - Significance: Confirms higher low pattern formation with clear support/resistance levels - AGREES ✔
- Image 2: Displays Bollinger Band fan pattern - Significance: Multiple band levels converging at current price suggests imminent volatility expansion - AGREES ✔
- Image 3: Wide-view perspective with full VWAP deviations - Significance: Institutional accumulation zones clearly visible at extremes - AGREES ✔
Actionable Machine Summary:
All three chart perspectives confirm the same bullish reversal thesis. The numbered reference points provide clear structure, the Bollinger Bands show volatility compression ready to expand upward, and VWAP deviations reveal institutional accumulation at current levels. The confluence of oversold momentum indicators with bullish divergence at a proven support zone creates a high-probability long setup.
Conclusion:
Trade Prediction: SUCCESS
Confidence: High
This setup presents a textbook reversal opportunity where exhausted bears have trapped themselves at proven support. The layered bullish divergence, institutional VWAP footprint, and oversold conditions all align for a powerful move higher. Target the previous high at point 3 (approximately 46,300) with potential continuation toward 46,500-47,000 as the Fed's accommodative stance supports risk assets.
MYMM2025 trade ideas
Dow Jones Futures October Rangebound GameplanGoing into October, Dow Jones is in a clear 1000 tick range from 46,000 to 47,000. Because of this, I will be setting my trend following strategy aside and pulling out my range bound toolbox.
Step one when in a range, stay away from the middle. Look for swing points in the middle to be swept.
In a range, you want to play it safe. Let the market entice others to take positions, see where their stops are and trade into them. Below, I have marked where the money is at.
Below I have drawn price mean reverting around 500 and the best buys and sells are at the extremes. Taking positions near the middle is riskier. They want to entice you into a position near the middle to then sweep you up.
So how can you use this in real life? Below is the last trade I have taken off the 1 hour.
YM 9/26I boxed last week in grey so we can see last weeks high, low and median range. then I skipped to the 4hr timeframe and marked out the levels and jumped to the 15min timeframe to plot the lower timeframe levels that stood out.
4 candles create 6 levels. I don't always mark all 6 levels. I like to focus on the Frontside candle or Inv.FS candle which are the most greedy parts of the range that minimize risk.
YM 9/18With a yearly high in black there might be some resistance above price. Its a major level of influence and strength. Above it I have two 15min fib levels as guesses at price targets.
below price is a weekly high support (grey), Daily median (red), an hourly trend (yellow) and a 5 min level at the 15min FS body (blue) and a monthly level (pink)
YM 9/30Levels are marked on the screen and color coded to the timeframe they were created on.
Weekly box is grey and shows the high, low and median range.
The red box is a daily high, low and median from yesterday.
Orange levels are 4hr timeframe
yellow is the hourly timeframe and blue is the 15min timeframe.
Waiting on a move up before the next BIG move down!Looking for a move back up to 46,600 area to see how price and volume react and if it looks weak then I'll look for shorts We have multiple confluence up there were sellers are sitting. Its a %50 retracement as well as a 1H FVG. This morning we traded up into a 4H zone and sold off and have multiple HTF bearish bias. There is External liquidity up at 46,785 but the way broke to the downside makes me want to wait till internal liquidity is swept down at 46,347 before we make that move up.
ym short
Position: SHORT E-mini Dow Futures
Current Price: 46,749
Market Context: Range-bound consolidation after overnight session
SMC Analysis:
Order Blocks & Liquidity:
Sell-Side Liquidity: Above 46,840 (session high) - our stop location
Buy-Side Liquidity: Below 46,440 (session low) - our target zone
Recent Order Block: 46,700-46,750 area showing distribution patterns
Market Structure:
Price failed to capture liquidity above 46,840
Currently trading below the consolidation midpoint (46,740)
Looking for breakdown below equilibrium to target lower liquidity pool
Breaker & FVG Levels:
Key Breaker: 46,760-46,780 (yesterday's late session rejection)
Bearish FVG: 46,710-46,690 (if broken, confirms downside momentum)
Mitigation Block: 46,800-46,820 (invalidation zone)
Trade Thesis:
Smart money is distributing at current levels after failing to push higher. Expecting a liquidity grab below 46,700 to target the buy-side liquidity pool at 46,440-46,500.
Risk Management:
Stop Loss: Above 46,860 (above recent liquidity pool)
Target 1: 46,550 (initial take-profit)
Target 2: 46,440 (liquidity grab zone)
Watch for: Breakdown below 46,690 with increased volume for confirmation.
ym 9/199 lines on the chart today
The hourly local distribution trend seems to be gaining strength.
Monthly timeframe Pink
Weekly = Grey
Daily = Red
4hr = Orange
1hr = Yellow
15min = Blue
5min = Green
4 candles, 6 Levels, & MarketMeta
Range = 2 or consecutive candles of the same color.
Distribution Range - When price is above a distribution range it will act as support. When price is below, the SwingLow will be the boundary/entrance/exit of the range.
Distribution ranges consist of the 1st candle called the BackSide and last candle called the Frontside. Each has expectations.
BackSide candle (BS): expectation=strong reaction to price, support price. Hold price above it. Mark this level with a horizontal ray tool on the topside wick or topside body.
FrontSide candle (FS)
expectation = support price until trend reversal. Protects the SwingLow, exit of range.
To mark this level, place the horizontal ray tool on the topside wick or topside body.
SwingLow = the bottom side wick of the FrontSide Candle. Boundary of the range.
The Accumulation Range - When price is BELOW an accumulation range then these levels will act as resistance to price.
Inverse Backside (Inv.BS)= the first candle in the accumulation range. Its marked on the bottom side wick or body of the candle.
Its usually next to a Frontside candle. Traders like to see Inverse BackSide candles engulf Frontside candles and create an impulsive Fair Value Gap.
These f.V.G's next to FrontSide levels have higher probability than those that don't have the engulfing, F.V.G..
the last candle in the accumulation range is the Inverse FrontSide (Inv.FS)
marking the topside wick with the horizontal ray tool is to mark the SwingHigh Level. Mark the bottom side wick or body to display the Inv.FS level.
YM week 38Monthly timeframe Pink
Weekly = Grey
Daily = Red
4hr = Orange
1hr = Yellow
15min = Blue
5min = Green
4 candles, 6 Levels, & MarketMeta
Range = 2 or consecutive candles of the same color.
Distribution Range - When price is above a distribution range it will act as support. When price is below, the SwingLow will be the boundary/entrance/exit of the range.
Distribution ranges consist of the 1st candle called the BackSide and last candle called the Frontside. Each has expectations.
BackSide candle (BS): expectation=strong reaction to price, support price. Hold price above it. Mark this level with a horizontal ray tool on the topside wick or topside body.
FrontSide candle (FS)
expectation = support price until trend reversal. Protects the SwingLow, exit of range.
To mark this level, place the horizontal ray tool on the topside wick or topside body.
SwingLow = the bottom side wick of the FrontSide Candle. Boundary of the range.
The Accumulation Range - When price is BELOW an accumulation range then these levels will act as resistance to price.
Inverse Backside (Inv.BS)= the first candle in the accumulation range. Its marked on the bottom side wick or body of the candle.
Its usually next to a Frontside candle. Traders like to see Inverse BackSide candles engulf Frontside candles and create an impulsive Fair Value Gap.
These f.V.G's next to FrontSide levels have higher probability than those that don't have the engulfing, F.V.G..
the last candle in the accumulation range is the Inverse FrontSide (Inv.FS)
marking the topside wick with the horizontal ray tool is to mark the SwingHigh Level. Mark the bottom side wick or body to display the Inv.FS level.
Portfolio EducationPortfolio Education: Strategy Breakdown
1. Core Structure of Portfolio
10% BSV (Vanguard Short-Term ETF)
This portfolio follows the guidelines that Warren Buffett has written in his will for his wife's trust in the 2013 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. They state that the trustee should invest 90% in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund (VOO), with the remaining 10% invested in a short-term government bonds fund. The basic strategy is to own a major slice of all American businesses that are bound to grow in total. Buffett believes this portfolio is "superior to those attained by most investors - whether pension funds, institutions or individuals."
Role: Dividend Yield, diversification outside traditional assets.
50% Equities (Primary Plays)
Growth + Value core holdings.
TQQQ/Growth: TQQQ/FANG+ is a smart portfolio that consists of 10 of today’s most traded tech giants. It has Meta (META, formerly Facebook), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Netflix (NFLX), Alphabet (GOOGL), Tesla (TSLA), Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Snowflake (SNOW) (rotation slot, sometimes replaced by others). I swap SNOW with Broadcom, Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent, Robinhood, or Coinbase depending on index methodology/BTC Cycle.
VTV/Value = Tilted toward financials, energy, healthcare, and industrials. Consists of dividend-paying stocks that could generate constant money flow in the long term. I use APD, CL, EMR, IBM, JNJ, KMB, KO, MMM, PG, and WMT as a leveraged bet.
TQQQ, provides compounding and exposure to economic expansion. TQQQ Breadth: If only 2–3 names are carrying index gains (like NVDA & MSFT), risk of correction is higher.
Value investing is about buying securities for less than their intrinsic value, then holding them until the market recognizes that value. Key Metrics: Price-to-Earnings (P/E) → low P/E may mean undervalued. Price-to-Book (P/B) → useful for banks/asset-heavy firms. Price-to-Sales (P/S) → for low-profit companies. Dividend Yield / Payout Ratio → sustainable income source. PEG Ratio (P/E ÷ Growth) → checks if valuation is fair vs growth rate. Free Cash Flow Yield. (FCF/Market Cap) → shows true cash generation. I would look for 3/6 to be good before buying.
Rule of thumb (forward P/E too high = Risk) adds a macro filter. I prefer a PEG of 2 or less for Large-Caps and 1 or less for Mid-caps. When they pay dividends, I use PEGY over PEG. A ROA >6% and ROE > 8% are very crucial. A strong balance sheet has an Gross Margin > 20~40%, Operating Margin > 5~15%, and a Net Margin 10~20%. Interest Coverage is moat proxy, anything above 3~5 is works. Optionally, FCF is good if >0. P/S < 5, or <20 for Pharmacy/Biotech. P/B < 1.5, better for banks/sector. I avoid small-caps, but when I buy one I first check the Debt/Revenue ratio.
40% Cash/Options/Futures/Futures Options
Futures: ES (S&P 500), NQ (Nasdaq), YM (Dow) for intraday or short swing trading.
Options: directional and hedging overlay. Start via the Wheel.
Cash buffer allows tactical pivots (gold, silver, REITs, etc.).
2. Futures Trading (Main Arena)
Preferred Instruments: ES, NQ, YM → highly liquid index futures.
Approach: Funded accounts = less personal margin risk.
Commodities:
Gold: Held overnight in rally phases (safe-haven demand).
Natural Gas: Overnight trades (volatile, seasonally spiky).
⚠️ Key Risk: Overnight NG is notorious for gaps; good to size very small relative to ES/NQ. WTI moves 1 dollar up or down in average every afternoon.
3. Hedging Framework
DXY vs WTI/HO Inverse Play
If DXY rises → WTI/HO usually falls, but edge lies in catching synchronized moves (both rising or falling). Expect the opposite move for WTI that DXY performed the following day, and plan accordingly.
These conditions are more common on “down days,” particularly Thursdays.
Practical Tip: Track inventory reports (EIA on Wed/Thurs) and macro dollar drivers.
Friday Hedge Rule
Buy gold equities (WPM, AEM, etc.) on Friday.
Sell Monday open.
Works best in “inflammatory” macro periods (rate hikes, inflation scares, high valuations).
4. Metals Seasonality
Gold vs Silver Timing
Silver tends to outperform gold:
Dec–Feb: winter demand + industrial rebound.
Jul–Aug: summer volatility + monetary policy lull.
Gold outperforms during inflationary panic or when equities look stretched.
Practical Rule:
Winter/Summer → overweight silver.
Panic macro (e.g., VIX stretched/elevated) → switch to bonds, gold, and other safer assets.
5. REIT Allocation Logic
Optimal Entry Condition: When yields < 2–4%.
Lower yields → cheaper borrowing → REITs rally.
Trend Filter: Only enter if above 21 SMA (trend confirmation).
Style: Slow movers, better for weekly charts & trend following.
Role: Defensive equity exposure; bond proxy with dividend yield.
6. Options Overlay
Tactical Use:
Selling premium (income) in high IV environments.
Buying calls/puts for directional plays (funded futures act).
Macro Filter:
High VIX → collect more premium. I would match my % allocation to VIX levels.
Earnings season → buy options for directional volatility plays.
7. Portfolio Risk Management
Sizing:
10% → BSV.
50% → Equities (core growth + Value/REITs).
40% → Tactical cash (options/futures/hedges). IEF/TLT 40/60 Portfolio can work as well.
Correlation Awareness:
ES/NQ/YM → move together, pick one to trade; hedge with DXY, WTI, Gold.
Metals and REITs can diversify during equity drawdowns.
Crypto is uncorrelated in some regimes, but can collapse in risk-off (-70%). Altcoins peak either during summer or during winter, check before hand. Meme-coins fall off -99% every 2 years, so I would check for something else to invest.
Other:
Good for V-shaped Corrections: 40% PGR, FICO 22%, LLY 16%, VST 10%, NRG 4.5%, ACGL 4.5%, IRM 3%.
Better than holding APY = BOXX 10%, BIL 2%, TBIL 13%, BILS 29%, SGOV 46%.
ETF: CSPX.AS 30%, IUT.L 20%, ISX5.L 20%, IWDA.L 25%, EIMI.L 5%.
Execution Cadence:
Daily: ES/NQ/YM futures.
Weekly: REIT trend checks.
Seasonal: Silver vs Gold switches.
Macro triggers: TLT hedge when valuation chatter spikes.
Dow Futures (YM) Resumes Upward Drive in Impulsive FormationThe short-term Elliott Wave analysis for Dow Futures (YM) indicates a cycle from the 1 August 2025 low is forming an impulse. The wave 1 peaked at 45,841, followed by a wave 2 pullback that ended at 44,996. Wave 2’s internal structure developed as a zigzag. From wave 1’s peak, wave ((a)) dropped to 45,183, and wave ((b)) rose to 45,801. Wave ((c)) then fell to 44,996, completing wave 2 at a higher level. The index now trends upward in wave 3.
From the wave 2 low, wave (i) reached 45,844 as a diagonal. A wave (ii) pullback concluded at 45,414. Wave (iii) higher is currently in progress and in the near term, the pivot at 45,996 must hold. If it does, dips should attract buyers in swings 3, 7, or 11, supporting further gains. This analysis highlights a structured upward movement. The wave patterns suggest strength after the wave 2 correction. Traders should watch the 45,996 level closely. A break below could signal a shift. Until then, the outlook favors buyers. Potential target for wave 3 higher is 100% – 161.8% Fibonacci extension of wave 1. This area comes at 47393 – 48871.
Technicals Illustrating Current Positioning of BullsEquities have bulls building into positions as seen with rising support, and the pressure against the supply zone around ATHs are becoming more squeezed as we get closer to next week.
The zone is main Key Level holding direction. Tomorrow's news will give more volatility and will be the next clue as to what may happen.
CPI Bullish Fake out (Bearish Range- False Break Reversal)
I am anticipating a Bullish close on Thursday to close above these highs for a 1% rally. Then Friday to wipe the board to start the move back down to the other side of the range for the true support Long.
I will continue to look for Sells until support. This is a Bearish range at the top.
Revision to Prior Idea. Range Bound SellsI want to scratch my prior idea as the market is showing me it is in a distribution phase in this range.
I am confident that the all time high will hold until price pulls back down to the prior low of 43,400 and then take out the all time high.
Does this look familiar?
The exhaustion bar with ZERO follow through is what is telling me this range will break bearish. Price is bumping its head on that weekly close
Another clue is on the Weekly chart. Price closed above barely with a peek a boo. High chance of a false break reversal.
On the weekly chart, you don't want to see a break and close above with no follow through. It is not a sign of continuation. It is a sign of a false break reversal. When it false breaks, it reverses back to the other side of the range.