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ES Daily: Bearish Divergence Detected at Resistance — Caution Taking a step back to the daily timeframe on ES. After the strong November rally, we're seeing some warning signs develop at these levels. Recon Summary: Coil: CHOPPY — avoid trend trades Rush: Momentum FADING but direction still bullish Venom: CONTESTED — no clear buyer/seller control Strike: LONG position active, but "watch momentum" warning MTF: LTFs BEARISH (60 + 240) vs HTFs BULLISH (1W + 1M) — classic timeframe divergence Pulse: Momentum UP 9 bars (avg 27, 90th: 55) Snap: BEARISH DIVERGENCE detected Fangs: Support 6805 | Resist 6900.5 Recon is flagging "BEARISH DIVERGENCE - momentum fading" This is significant. Price pushed to new highs but momentum didn't confirm. Snap is picking up the divergence and Recon is synthesizing it into a clear warning. Venom shows CONTESTED control with pressure at just 4.6 and flow FALLING. Volume is LOW. Nobody's committing here. Rush tells an interesting story — direction is BULLISH with STRONG strength (86%), but momentum is FALLING and market state is CHOP. That 86% strength reading is residual from the November move, but the fading momentum and chop state suggest distribution may be underway. My read: The weekly and monthly remain bullish (HTFs BULLISH 1W + 1M), but shorter timeframes are rolling over (LTFs BEARISH 60 + 240). With bearish divergence confirmed and momentum fading at resistance near 6900, this looks like a pullback setup rather than a continuation buy. Watching 6805 support — a break there opens 6630-6500. Bulls need to reclaim momentum above 6900 to invalidate. Not chasing longs here. Wouldn't go short. Stay Neutral.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by signalviper
Look at about four marketsDecember 16th think there are some markets that look like they're ready for reversal and that includes the oil market and some of the aggressive markets like the gold and the silver might be key ready to correct a little bit and I talk about that and they talked about S&P mini. I'm going to state here that I'm intentionally looking at markets that aren't quite ready to trade necessarily but we're in that part of the market where they may actually end up trading in the direction that we're looking for in other words if I want to trade oil I have an idea that I want to be a buyer when the market on oil is going lower so I wait for the market to go lower and I'll be I will be looking at the market this week as we see what goes on with the market and if I use my analysis I have a chance of spotting that market even though I talked about it a day or two earlier..... It's about using your time to find an opportunity and then having a little bit of patience to look a little bit longer if you need to and then you take the trade as a opposed to constantly looking at the market and wondering about the trade you're going to take and it's you're doing it every day and you don't have a plan. I spent time on Tesla as well.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ScottBogatin
ES_F is chopping. Watch levels below for moves up and down.Here are the major levels I would watch today for #ES_F. We had a nice trade during globex when price broke down 6795 and hit our target at 6775. This plan was shared before it happened on Substack (link in Bio). Price bounced off of that test and we want to see how it reacts at the 21MA(6825). Break/hold above is a long and holding below is a short back down to 6795. Check the Substack post for more levels on both sides. Have a good day! AMEX:SPY , SP:SPX , $ES_F, $NQ_F
CME_MINI:ESZ2025
by NOBSForex
Day 82 — Falling Asleep During the Session (But Still Green)Ended the day +$130 trading S&P Futures. I came into the session bearish, spotting a setup right at the 10-minute resistance. I managed to execute a short at the open and secure the profit, but the reality of trading US markets from Asia hours caught up with me. I was completely exhausted and literally fell asleep right after that first trade. While I’m happy to be green, it stings to wake up and realize I missed some great movements, including a perfect chance to go long when the market hit the oversold and longer-timeframe MOB levels. 📰 News Highlights *DOW, S&P 500, NASDAQ END LOWER AS TECH STOCKS TUMBLE AHEAD OF JOBS REPORT 🔔 VX Algo Signals 9:42 AM — MES Market Structure flipped bearish (X3) ✅ 10:40 AM — VXAlgo ES X1 Oversold signal ✅ 2 out of 2 signals worked — 100% accuracy today. 🔑 Key Levels for Tomorrow Above 6925 = Bullish Below 6910 = Bearish
CME_MINI:ES1!Short
by DiYWALLST
1
ES_F Bulls May Be Running Out of GasToday price tested that 21MA(6826) and still held it but bulls are looking weak here and really need to step up or the Bears are going to start smiling as they push price back into our previous downtrend and try to test the 50MA(6775). I don’t like how the Bulls have failed on their rally attempts above 6900 and I also don’t love that the 8 and 21MA are starting to curl down as price failed to break that lower high we were testing last week. The Bulls still have a chance here if they can hold the 21MA but price is testing below this level as I type this and they haven’t stepped up at all last week so I will be cautious and open to both sides depending on how this action plays out. Check out my Substack post for detailed levels and plans (link in Bio).
CME_MINI:ESZ2025
by NOBSForex
ES | Wk 5`T.A explained - BackSide (BS) FrontSide (FS) Inverse BS (Inv.BS) Inverse FS (Inv.FS) BS & FS levels are expected support when dashed lines, tested when dotted and resistance when solid lines. The inverse is true for the Inv. BS Inv. FS levels, they are resistance as dashed lines, tested as dotted and support as solid lines. Monthly timeframe is color pink weekly grey daily is red 4hr is orange 1hr is yellow 15min is blue 5min is green if they are shown. strength favors the higher timeframe. 2x dotted levels are origin levels where trends have or will originate. When trends break, price will target the origin of the trend. its math, when the trend breaks, the vertex breaks too so the higher timeframe level/trend that breaks, the more volatility there could be as strength in the orders flow in to fuel the move.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by StudyGuideTA
ES_F is at a crossroads for Bulls and BearsBulls are trying to hang on to the breakout and Bears are trying to break the 21MA(6826). We have some familiar levels from last week as we are back in the same choppy range that we were stuck in previously. Short term resistance is at 6865 and short term support is at 6826. I would be bullish on a break/hold above resistance to target 6890 and I would be short on a break/hold below support to target 6805. I share a lot more levels and discussion on Substack which you can find in my signature.
CME_MINI:ESZ2025
by NOBSForex
ES | Week 50 | 1hr chartT.A explained - BackSide (BS) FrontSide (FS) Inverse BS (Inv.BS) Inverse FS (Inv.FS) BS & FS levels are expected support when dashed lines, tested when dotted and resistance when solid lines. The inverse is true for the Inv. BS Inv. FS levels, they are resistance as dashed lines, tested as dotted and support as solid lines. Monthly timeframe is color pink weekly grey daily is red 4hr is orange 1hr is yellow 15min is blue 5min is green if they are shown. strength favors the higher timeframe. 2x dotted levels are origin levels where trends have or will originate. When trends break, price will target the origin of the trend. its math, when the trend breaks, the vertex breaks too so the higher timeframe level/trend that breaks, the more volatility there could be as strength in the orders flow in to fuel the move.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by StudyGuideTA
Inflation Impact on the Market1. Impact on Stock Market Inflation influences stock markets in complex ways, creating both opportunities and risks for traders and investors. a. Corporate Earnings and Profit Margins When inflation rises, companies face higher costs for raw materials, labor, transportation, and utilities. If businesses cannot pass these costs to customers through higher prices, their profit margins shrink. Lower profits often lead to a decline in stock prices because investors expect reduced future earnings. b. Investor Sentiment High inflation creates uncertainty. Investors begin to worry about: Reduced consumer spending Declining profitability Increased interest rates Slower economic growth This negative sentiment causes selling pressure in equity markets, especially in growth stocks. c. Sector-Wise Impact Inflation does not affect all sectors equally: Beneficiaries: Energy, commodities, metal, mining, and FMCG often benefit because they can pass on higher costs to customers. Losers: Technology, banking, real estate, and discretionary sectors often struggle because their valuations depend heavily on future growth. When inflation rises, the present value of future earnings decreases. d. Value Stocks vs. Growth Stocks Value stocks generally perform better during high inflation because they have stable cash flows today. Growth stocks tend to underperform because higher inflation reduces the future value of their expected earnings. 2. Impact on Bond Market Bonds are significantly affected by inflation because their returns are fixed. a. Rising Inflation Reduces Bond Value When inflation rises, the real return on bonds falls. For example, if a bond gives 6% interest and inflation rises to 7%, the bond has a negative real return of –1%. As a result, investors sell bonds, causing bond prices to fall and yields to rise. b. Central Bank Response To control inflation, central banks like the RBI typically raise interest rates. Higher interest rates push bond yields upward and reduce the attractiveness of older bonds with lower rates. c. Impact on Long-Term Bonds Long-term bonds suffer more during inflation because they lock in low interest rates for many years. Investors shift to short-term bonds or inflation-protected bonds. 3. Impact on Currency Market Inflation directly influences exchange rates and currency strength. a. Weakening Domestic Currency When inflation rises in a country faster than its trading partners: The domestic currency loses value Imports become costlier Foreign investors withdraw money A weak currency increases inflation even more because imported goods like crude oil, electronics, and chemicals become more expensive. b. Foreign Investment Outflows High inflation reduces real returns for foreign investors. They move money to stable and low-inflation countries like the U.S., causing depreciation of the domestic currency. 4. Impact on Commodity Market Commodity markets are highly sensitive to inflation because commodities are physical goods used in production. a. Commodities Act as an Inflation Hedge During inflation, investors prefer: Gold Silver Oil Natural Gas Metals These commodities usually rise in value, making them a hedge against inflation. b. Cost-Push Inflation When commodity prices rise, the cost of production increases for companies. This leads to: Higher retail prices Reduced consumer spending Lower corporate profits This is known as cost-push inflation, which slows economic growth. 5. Impact on Real Estate Market Inflation influences real estate in multiple ways. a. Rising Property Prices Inflation increases the cost of construction materials like cement, steel, and labor. This results in: Higher property prices Increased rental yields Real estate is often seen as a hedge against inflation. b. Higher Interest Rates Affect Demand When central banks raise interest rates: Home loans become expensive Demand for housing slows Real estate transactions reduce Thus, inflation can both push real estate prices up (due to costs) and reduce demand (due to financing costs). 6. Impact on Consumers Inflation directly hits consumers’ pockets. a. Reduced Purchasing Power Consumers can buy fewer goods and services with the same amount of money. This reduces: Savings Consumption Discretionary spending (luxury items) b. Shift in Spending Patterns Consumers prioritize essentials: Food Utilities Healthcare Transport and reduce spending on: Travel Clothing Electronics Dining out This shift affects sectors differently in the stock market. 7. Impact on Businesses Companies face several challenges during inflation. a. Higher Operating Costs Input costs such as raw materials, transportation, and wages increase. Companies must decide whether to: Pass higher costs to customers Absorb the impact and reduce margins b. Uncertain Forecasting Inflation makes it difficult for businesses to plan: Budgets Future investments Expansion strategies High unpredictability leads to slower business growth. c. Wage Inflation Employees demand higher salaries to maintain living standards. Companies face increased payroll costs, which affects earnings. 8. Impact on Economic Growth Inflation influences the broader economy through multiple channels. a. High Inflation Slows Growth If inflation rises too fast: Consumption decreases Investment slows Borrowing becomes expensive Business expansion reduces This leads to slower GDP growth. b. Risk of Stagflation Stagflation refers to a situation where: Inflation is high Growth is low Unemployment is rising This is considered the worst-case economic scenario. c. Central Bank Intervention To control inflation, RBI raises interest rates and tightens monetary policy. Although this helps reduce inflation, it can slow economic momentum. 9. Impact on Investment Strategies Traders and investors change strategies based on inflation trends. a. Portfolio Rebalancing Investors move money from: Growth stocks → value stocks Bonds → commodities Domestic investments → foreign markets b. Defensive Stocks Become Attractive During inflation, sectors like: FMCG Utilities Pharma perform better because demand for their products remains stable. Conclusion Inflation plays a central role in shaping financial markets, economic conditions, business decisions, and investment strategies. While mild inflation indicates a healthy and growing economy, high or unpredictable inflation can create wide-ranging negative effects—market volatility, currency depreciation, reduced corporate earnings, and slower economic growth. Understanding how inflation impacts different sectors and asset classes helps investors make informed decisions and adapt their strategies based on current economic conditions.
CME_MINI:MES1!Education
by GlobalWolfStreet
ES UpdateSee..... I told you to wait for the Fed meeting. Much easier trading this afternoon. Easy money with calls. Held a few of my calls because RSI has not hit overbought yet. Not sure if it's going to be a pump and dump or just more whipsaw after, but I'm panning on cashing out tomorrow morning (assuming a gap up), and possibly taking Friday off. Made enough money today anyways. Based on some major stocks like MSFT, V, NVDA, NFLX and META staying red today, I do not anticipate a huge melt up. I'm doing my best to avoid the whipsaw and trading only when I see a good opportunity. Worked pretty well today.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by hungry_hippo
Sustainable Investing in the World Market1. What Is Sustainable Investing? Sustainable investing integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into investment decisions to generate long-term financial returns while having a positive global impact. Environmental (E) Focuses on: Carbon emissions Renewable energy adoption Waste management Water usage Biodiversity protection Social (S) Covers: Labor standards Diversity and inclusion Community impact Health and safety Human rights Governance (G) Includes: Board structure Executive compensation Shareholder rights Ethical business practices Transparency in reporting Companies with strong ESG practices often demonstrate operational efficiency, lower regulatory risk, and a forward-thinking culture—all of which contribute to stable and sustainable long-term value. 2. Why Sustainable Investing Is Growing in the Worldwide Market a. Climate Change and Global Environmental Risks Climate change has become a financial risk, not just an environmental issue. Floods, extreme heat, rising sea levels, and supply chain disruptions influence corporate earnings. As a result, global investors now demand that companies disclose climate risks and decarbonization plans. b. Government Regulations and Global Policies Countries like the U.S., European Union, Canada, Japan, and India have introduced regulations requiring: ESG disclosures Carbon neutrality targets Green finance frameworks Penalties for environmental violations The EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and India's BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) are strong examples. c. Consumer and Stakeholder Expectations Modern customers prefer brands that: Use renewable energy Maintain ethical supply chains Treat workers fairly Millennials and Gen Z, who will dominate future investment flows, strongly prefer sustainable portfolios. d. Corporate Responsibility and Reputation Companies with strong ESG scores often enjoy: Better credit ratings Lower cost of capital Stronger brand loyalty Higher employee productivity This drives more corporations to adopt ESG policies, reinforcing the trend. e. Performance and Profitability Contrary to old beliefs, sustainable investing does not sacrifice returns. Many ESG-focused indexes—such as MSCI ESG Leaders—have matched or outperformed traditional benchmarks over the years. Sustainable businesses tend to be: More resilient Less exposed to environmental fines Better at governance More adaptable to technological change 3. Global Sustainable Investment Strategies Sustainable investing is broad and flexible. Major strategies include: 1. ESG Integration The most widely used approach. Here, ESG scores are systematically used in traditional financial analysis. Portfolio managers evaluate: Carbon footprint Board diversity Risk governance Labor policies Investment decisions balance ESG data with revenue, valuations, debt, cash flows, and other financial metrics. 2. Negative or Exclusionary Screening This strategy excludes industries like: Tobacco Weapons Coal mining Alcohol Gambling Hazardous chemicals It allows investors to avoid supporting harmful sectors while focusing on ethical businesses. 3. Positive Screening Investors actively choose companies with: High ESG ratings Sustainable operations Strong governance practices For example, choosing energy companies that are rapidly shifting to renewables. 4. Green and Climate Themed Funds These funds invest specifically in: Green energy (solar, wind, hydrogen) Electric vehicles Sustainable agriculture Water technology Circular economy businesses Climate-focused funds are expanding fast across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. 5. Impact Investing Investments intentionally aimed at measurable positive impact, such as: Affordable housing Clean energy access Education technology Microfinance Impact investors target financial returns alongside social/environmental benefits. 6. Shareholder Activism Investors directly push companies to: Reduce emissions Improve labor rights Increase transparency Adopt ethical sourcing Large institutional investors (BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street) often lead these engagement strategies. 4. Major Global Markets Leading Sustainable Investing 1. Europe Europe holds the highest share of ESG capital globally due to: Strict regulations Strong public awareness Policy commitment to carbon neutrality Countries like Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, and the UK dominate green investments. 2. United States Despite political debate, the U.S. houses massive ESG funds run by: BlackRock Vanguard Fidelity Clean energy and tech-driven sustainability are fast-growing segments. 3. Asia-Pacific Countries like Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and India are catching up quickly. India, specifically, has growing ESG ETFs, BRSR reporting rules, and rising green bond issuance. 4. Emerging Markets Brazil, South Africa, UAE, and China are investing heavily in: Renewable power Green infrastructure Electric mobility This makes emerging markets hotspots for future ESG growth. 5. Financial Instruments for Sustainable Global Investing a. ESG Stocks Companies with strong ESG scores (ex: Tesla, Ørsted, NVIDIA’s governance upgrades). b. ESG Mutual Funds & ETFs Popular global ETFs include: MSCI Global ESG Leaders ETF iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF Vanguard ESG International ETF c. Green Bonds Issued to finance: Renewable energy Clean transportation Waste reduction The green bond market has surpassed trillions of dollars globally. d. Sustainability-Linked Loans Loan interest rates shift based on a company’s ESG performance. 6. Challenges in Global Sustainable Investing 1. Greenwashing Some companies exaggerate their sustainability. Regulators now require stricter guidelines to prevent misleading claims. 2. Lack of Standardized ESG Ratings Different rating agencies often score the same company differently, creating confusion. 3. Short-Term Market Cycles Oil prices or political shifts may temporarily favor non-ESG sectors. 4. Limited Data in Emerging Markets Smaller companies often lack transparent ESG reporting. 7. Future of Sustainable Investing in the World Market The future is optimistic. Key drivers include: Global push for Net Zero by 2050 Rise of ESG-focused fintech AI-based sustainability analytics Corporate decarbonization roadmaps Growth in green hydrogen, EVs, and carbon markets By 2030, sustainable investing is projected to form a major share of global assets under management. Conclusion Sustainable investing in the world market is no longer a moral choice—it is a strategic financial decision. As environmental pressures intensify and societies demand ethical business practices, companies with strong ESG foundations gain competitive advantage. Investors focusing on sustainability benefit from lower risk, stronger governance, long-term resilience, and alignment with the future global economy. Sustainable investing enables individuals and institutions to earn returns while supporting a cleaner planet, fairer society, and more transparent global marketplace.
CME_MINI:MES1!Education
by GlobalWolfStreet
How AI is Revolutionizing Risk ManagementIn a world where bots can fire off hundreds of orders in the time it takes you to sip your coffee, risk management isn't a checkbox at the end of your plan it's the core operating system. AI has given traders incredible leverage: Faster execution than any human Exposure to more markets and instruments Complex position structures that would be impossible to manage manually But that same leverage cuts both ways. When something breaks, it doesn't trickle it cascades. The traders who survive this era won't be the ones with the most aggressive models. They'll be the ones whose risk frameworks are built to handle both human mistakes and machine speed. Why Old-School Risk Rules Aren't Enough Anymore For years, the standard advice looked like this: "Never risk more than 1–2% per trade" "Always use a stop loss" "Diversify across assets" Those principles still matter so much. But AI and automation helped improve and changed the landscape: Orders can hit the market in microseconds your "mental stop" is useless Correlations spike during stress what looked diversified suddenly moves as one Multiple bots can unintentionally stack risk in the same direction Feedback loops between algos can turn a normal move into a cascade In other words: the classic rules are the starting point , not the full playbook. How AI Supercharges Risk Management (If You Let It) Used well, AI doesn't just place trades it monitors and defends your account in ways a human never could. Dynamic Position Sizing Instead of risking a flat 1% on every trade, AI can adjust size based on: Current volatility Recent strategy performance Correlation with existing positions Market regime (trend, range, chaos) When conditions are favorable, size can step up modestly. When conditions are hostile, size automatically steps down. The goal isn't to swing for home runs. It's to press when the wind is at your back, and survive when it's in your face. Smarter Stop Placement Fixed stops at round numbers are magnets for liquidity hunts. AI can analyze: ATR-based volatility bands Clusters of swing highs/lows Liquidity pockets in the book Option levels where hedging flows are likely Stops get placed where the idea is broken, not where noise usually spikes. Portfolio-Level Heat Monitoring Most traders think in single trades. AI thinks in portfolios. It can continuously measure: Total percentage of equity at risk right now Sector and theme concentration Correlation clusters (everything tied to the same macro factor) Worst-case scenarios under shock moves If your "independent" trades are all secretly the same bet, a good risk engine will tell you. The 4-Layer Risk Stack for AI Traders Think of your protection as layered armor: Trade Level Clear stop loss Defined target or exit logic Position size tied to account risk, not feelings Strategy Level Max number of open positions per strategy Daily loss limit per system "Three strikes" rules after consecutive losing days Portfolio Level Total open risk cap (for example: no more than 2% at risk at once) Limits by asset class, sector, and narrative Rules to prevent over concentration in one theme (AI stocks, crypto, etc.) Account Level Maximum drawdown you're willing to tolerate Hard kill switch when that line is crossed Recovery plan (size reductions, pause period, review process) AI can monitor all four layers at once every position, every second and trigger actions the moment a rule is violated. Kelly, Edge, and Why "More" Is Not Always Better The Kelly Criterion is a famous formula that tells you how much of your account you could risk to maximize long‑term growth. Kelly % = W - ((1 - W) / R) Where: W = Win probability R = Average Win / Average Loss Example: Win rate (W) = 60% Average win is 1.5× average loss (R = 1.5) Kelly = 0.60 - (0.40 / 1.5) ≈ 0.33 → 33% On paper, that says "risk 33% of your account each trade." In reality, that's a fast path to a margin call. Serious traders and any sane AI risk engine treat Kelly as the ceiling , then scale it down: Half‑Kelly (≈ 16%) Quarter‑Kelly (≈ 8%) Or even less, depending on volatility and confidence AI can recompute W and R as fresh trades come in, adjusting risk when your edge is hot and cutting risk when your edge is questionable. Designing Your AI‑Era Risk Framework You don't need hedge‑fund infrastructure to think like a pro. Start with five questions: What is my absolute pain threshold? At what drawdown (%) would I stop trading entirely? Write that number down. Build backwards from it. How many consecutive losses can I survive? If you want to survive 10 straight losses at 20% max drawdown, your per‑trade risk must be ~2% or less. How will I shrink risk when volatility spikes? Tie your size to ATR, VIX‑style measures, or your own volatility index. What are my circuit breakers? Daily loss limit Weekly loss review trigger Conditions where all bots shut down automatically Is everything written down? If it's not in rules, it's just a wish. Rules should be clear enough that a bot could follow them. Four AI Risk Mistakes That Blow Accounts Quietly Over‑optimization - Training models until the backtest is perfect… and live trading is a disaster. Ignoring tail risk - Assuming the future will look like the backtest, and underestimating rare events. No true kill switch - Letting a "temporary" drawdown turn into permanent damage. Blind trust in the model - Assuming "the bot knows best" without understanding its logic. AI should be treated like a high‑performance car: powerful, fast, and absolutely deadly if you drive it without brakes. Discussion How are you handling risk in the age of automation? Do you size positions dynamically or use fixed percentages? Do you cap total portfolio risk, or just think trade by trade? Do your bots or strategies have clear kill switches? Drop your thoughts and your best risk rules in the comments. In the future of trading AI will be the one watching your back.....
CME_MINI:MES1!Education
by officialjackofalltrades
How I Use SMA Angle + Pullbacks for High-Probability EntriesIn today’s video I reveal a powerful strategy using my SMA Angle Alert Indicator combined with precision pullback entries. This setup helps filter fake breakouts, avoid chop, and only take trades when momentum AND price structure align. 👉 SMA Angle + Pullback Entry Indicator www.tradingview.com ➡️ Core Concept: Use the SMA Angle to confirm trend direction + strength, then wait for a pullback into value before entering. This creates high-probability continuation trades that work beautifully on MES, ES, NQ, MGC, and Forex pairs. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Video How the SMA Angle detects trend strength The exact pullback entry trigger I use How to avoid chop and false breakouts How to time entries with precision (no guessing) My personal tips for SL/TP placement Live chart examples How to add alerts for automated entries 💡 Why This Works Most traders enter too late. This strategy forces you to: ✔ Identify strong trend ✔ Wait for a clean pullback ✔ Enter when momentum returns ✔ Avoid over-trading ✔ Catch the meat of the move—not the noise This video is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trading futures, Forex, and derivatives involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Always trade with money you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You are responsible for your own trading decisions.
CME_MINI:MESZ2025Education
by readysetfire
ES1! S&P 500 E-mini Futures - The Fed Week Pivot📈 Executive Summary - The Setup Current Price: 6,862.50 | Date: December 8, 2025 | Change: +6.75 (+0.10%) The S&P 500 E-mini futures are sitting less than 1% from all-time highs on the eve of the Federal Reserve's most anticipated meeting of 2025. After a four-day win streak that added 0.3% to the index, markets are now in a classic consolidation pattern at resistance, waiting for Wednesday's 2PM ET catalyst. The Technical Picture: Pattern: Ascending channel (intact since November) Current Position: Testing upper resistance at 6,880-6,900 ATH: 6,904.50 (December 3) - 0.6% away Support: 6,750-6,780 (mid-channel), 6,640-6,670 (lower channel) The Fundamental Backdrop: FedWatch shows a near-90% probability the FOMC will cut the target range for the federal funds rate by another 25 basis points. But here's what markets are REALLY pricing: not just the cut itself (that's a given), but Powell's guidance on 2026. Minutes from the October meeting showed "many" FOMC members saying no more cuts are needed at least in 2025. Yet the market now indicates an 80% likelihood of a December rate cut, following dovish statements from NY Fed President John Williams and Fed Governor Christopher Waller. The Trade: This is a tactical long from 6,850-6,870 targeting 6,950-7,050, with stop at 6,820. Risk/reward: 1:2.5. But the real opportunity? Buying any Fed-induced dip to 6,750-6,800 for a swing to 7,000+. 🔎 Market Context - What's REALLY Happening The Pre-Fed Calm US stock futures stall as traders wait for the Fed meeting, with the S&P 500 just below record highs. This is textbook behavior: The indexes have quietly stitched together consistent gains. The Dow and Nasdaq scored back-to-back positive weeks; the S&P 500 added another 0.3% and now sits only a touch from record territory. S&P 500 futures (ES) traded around 6,880-6,885, roughly 0.1% higher by 6:00-7:30 a.m. ET on Monday. But don't mistake the calm for weakness. Even after November's wobble, dip-buyers came back as shutdown fears faded and AI jitters cooled. The Fed's Dilemma The Federal Reserve is in an impossible position: Argument FOR cutting: Concerns about a softening labor market Employers cut more than 1.1 million jobs through November, the most since 2020 and a 54% increase from the same period a year ago Job growth remains too low to keep up with labor supply growth and a rising unemployment rate Argument AGAINST cutting: Latest inflation scorecard, the Fed's preferred PCE index, is running at 2.8 percent a year, close to its 2 percent goal but not quite there The annualized inflation rate grew to 3% in September from 2.9% in August and 2.7% in July Officials expressing skepticism about the need for an additional cut that markets had been widely anticipating, with "many" saying that no more cuts are needed at least in 2025 The Missing Data Problem: Here's something CRITICAL that most traders don't know: The U.S. central bank will have to make its decision without some key government data. Hiring data for November and the latest inflation number have been delayed until mid-December, after the Fed's meeting, because of the U.S. government shutdown. The meeting minutes indicated the decision-making was complicated by a lack of government data during the 44-day federal government shutdown. Powell himself compared this to "driving in the fog". Translation: The Fed is making a $28 TRILLION (SPY market cap) decision BLIND. The Internal FOMC War "It's difficult to recall a time when the Federal Open Market Committee has been so evenly divided about the need for additional rate cuts than the upcoming December meeting," Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, said. Jerome Powell faces a credibility issue as he tries to satisfy hawks and doves on the most divided Fed in recent memory. The October meeting vote was 10-2, but the 10-2 vote was not indicative of how split officials were at an institution not generally known for dissent. The minutes revealed multiple camps: Some favored cutting Some supported cutting but could have supported holding Several were against cutting For December, Mericle expects at least two dissents in favor of no rate cut as well as one in favor of a larger rate cut. 📊 Technical Analysis - The Ascending Channel At Decision Point The Pattern: Ascending Channel (Bullish Structure) Your chart annotation is PERFECT. The yellow dashed ascending channel captures the exact structure driving ES1! since the November bottom. Channel Characteristics: Lower Support: 6,640 (tested Nov 15, Nov 29) → 6,670 (current) Upper Resistance: 6,850 (Nov 25) → 6,900 (Dec 3-6) → 6,920 (projected) Angle: ~25° (strong bull trend) Tests: 6 touches (3 upper, 3 lower) = highly reliable pattern Current Position: We're at the UPPER boundary of the channel, testing 6,880-6,900 resistance. Key Technical Levels: 🔴 RESISTANCE (Selling pressure zones): 6,880-6,900: Current test, upper channel boundary 6,904.50: All-time high from December 3 6,920-6,950: True breakout zone (if we clear ATH) 7,000: Psychological milestone 🟢 SUPPORT (Buying interest zones): 6,850: Immediate support, bull/bear line 6,800-6,820: Minor support cluster + FVG 6,750-6,780: Mid-channel support + 23.6% Fib 6,700-6,720: 38.2% Fib retracement 6,640-6,670: Major support (lower channel + 50-day MA + November accumulation) Technical Indicators: Moving Averages: 50-day MA: ~6,680 (rising, bullish) 200-day MA: ~6,450 (rising, bullish) Golden Cross: Active since mid-November = long-term bullish RSI (Relative Strength Index): Current: 58-60 (neutral/slightly bullish) Not overbought (room to run to 70+) Not oversold (not panic selling) Interpretation: Healthy consolidation before next leg Volume Analysis: Declining volume into Fed decision = normal pre-FOMC behavior Stock volatility averages around 22.5% in the month preceding rate cuts, compared with roughly 15% during normal periods Expect volume spike Wednesday 2PM-4PM (100K+ contracts) VIX (Fear Index): VIX at 15.41, down -0.37 (-2.34%) This is LOW = market complacency Pre-FOMC, VIX typically rises to 18-22 IF VIX spikes to 20+ Wednesday = sell signal 🎯 Scenario Analysis - Three Possible Outcomes SCENARIO A: Dovish Cut (60% Probability) - BULLISH What Happens: Fed cuts 25bps to 3.50-3.75% range ✓ Dot plot shows 3-4 more cuts in 2026 ✓ Powell says "labor market concerns outweigh inflation" ✓ Balance sheet runoff stops as planned (December 1) ✓ Market Reaction: Immediate: ES pumps 1-1.5% to 6,930-6,950 Day 1-3: Consolidation at 6,920-6,950 Week 1-2: Breakout to 7,050-7,100 Month 1: Target 7,150-7,200 (+4.2%) Sector Leaders: Small caps (Russell 2000) +2-3% Tech (Nasdaq) +1.5-2% Financials +1-1.5% Trade Setup: Enter: ANY dip to 6,850-6,870 before Fed Add: On breakout above 6,910 with volume Target: 7,050 (+2.7%), 7,150 (+4.2%) Stop: 6,820 (-0.6%) Risk/Reward: 1:4 SCENARIO B: Hawkish Cut (30% Probability) - NEUTRAL/CHOPPY What Happens: Fed cuts 25bps to 3.50-3.75% range ✓ BUT dot plot shows only 1-2 cuts in 2026 ❌ Powell says "we're near neutral, will pause to assess" ❌ Market had priced in 3-4 cuts for 2026 = DISAPPOINTMENT Market Reaction: Immediate: ES drops 0.8-1.2% to 6,790-6,820 Day 1: Volatility, chop between 6,780-6,850 Week 1-2: Dip-buying brings it back to 6,870-6,900 Month 1: Grind back to 6,950-7,000 (+1.3%) Sector Rotation: Small caps (Russell 2000) -1.5-2% Tech holds up better (mega-caps) Defensives (utilities, staples) outperform Trade Setup: DO NOT chase before Fed (risk of -1.2% drop) Buy: Dip to 6,750-6,800 (mid-channel support) Target: 6,900-6,950 (+2-3% from dip entry) Stop: 6,720 (-1%) Risk/Reward: 1:2 SCENARIO C: No Cut OR Very Hawkish (10% Probability) - BEARISH What Happens: Fed HOLDS at 3.75-4% range (SHOCK) ❌ OR cuts but says "this is the last one for 6+ months" ❌ Powell cites inflation persistence, tariff risks ❌ Market has 90% priced in for cut = PANIC Market Reaction: Immediate: ES flash crashes 2-3% to 6,650-6,750 Day 1: Volatility, VIX spikes to 25-30 Week 1-2: Bounce attempt to 6,750-6,800 fails Month 1: Retest 6,600, then recovery to 6,800-6,850 Sector Carnage: Small caps (Russell 2000) -3-4% Tech -2-3% Everything bleeds Trade Setup: Exit ALL longs immediately on no-cut announcement Wait for VIX to spike above 25 Buy: Capitulation at 6,600-6,650 (lower channel) Target: Recovery to 6,850-6,900 (+3-4%) Risk/Reward: 1:3 (but high stress) 🎯 THE TRADE SETUP - Professional Execution Plan 🟢 PRIMARY LONG SETUP: BUY ES1! Entry Strategy (Scale In): Option A: Conservative (Wait for Fed) 50% at 6,750-6,780 (IF hawkish cut dips) 50% at 6,720-6,750 (IF deeper dip) Best for: Risk-averse traders Option B: Tactical (Enter Now) 40% at 6,860-6,870 (current - small position) 30% at 6,820-6,840 (IF pre-Fed dip) 30% at 6,750-6,780 (IF post-Fed dip) Best for: Experienced traders comfortable with volatility Stop Loss: 6,620 (HARD STOP) Below 6,620 = channel break on daily close Below this = technical structure invalidated Max loss from 6,862 entry: -3.5% Take Profit Targets: TP1: 6,950-7,000 (Probability: 70%) Initial breakout above ATH Psychological 7,000 level Action: Take 40% profit, move stop to 6,850 Gain: +1.3-2.0% | Risk/Reward: 1:2 TP2: 7,050-7,100 (Probability: 50%) Momentum continuation Channel projection Action: Take 30% profit, trail stop to 6,920 Gain: +2.7-3.5% | Risk/Reward: 1:3 TP3: 7,150-7,200 (Probability: 30%) Full breakout extension TradingView puts it, with a potential breakout in S&P 500 futures above the 6,900 area Action: Take 20% profit, let 10% ride Gain: +4.2-4.9% | Risk/Reward: 1:4 Entry Confirmation Checklist: Before entering, CHECK: ✅ Price holding above 6,850 (bull/bear line) ✅ Volume spike on bounce (80K+ contracts on 15min) ✅ RSI crosses above 60 (momentum shift) ✅ VIX drops below 16 (fear subsiding) ✅ Fed announces 25bps cut (as expected) ✅ Powell's tone is dovish or neutral (not hawkish) WAIT FOR 4/6 BEFORE FULL POSITION Fed Day Volatility Protocol: December 10, 2PM ET - Fed Announcement: 1:45 PM: Tighten stops to 6,830 (before announcement) 2:00 PM: Fed statement released - READ IMMEDIATELY 2:00-2:05 PM: Algorithmic reaction (ignore, volatile) 2:05-2:30 PM: Human digestion of statement 2:30 PM: Powell press conference begins - WATCH LIVE 2:30-3:15 PM: Powell Q&A determines direction 3:15-4:00 PM: Final positioning for overnight IF DOVISH: Add to position on dip to 6,900 IF HAWKISH: Cut 50%, trail rest tight at 6,820 Weekly Monitoring: Check EVERY DAY: Fed speakers: Any 2026 guidance changes Economic data: Jobs (Dec 16), CPI (Dec 18) Technical levels: Is channel intact? VIX: Spikes above 20 = warning Volume: Declining = weak trend Emergency Exit Conditions: ❌ Daily close below 6,620 = EXIT ALL (channel break) ❌ VIX spikes above 25 = EXIT 50%, tight stop on rest ❌ Fed announces NO cut (10% scenario) = EXIT ALL immediately ❌ Powell says "this is the last cut for 2026" = EXIT 50% ❌ ES gaps down >1.5% overnight = reassess, likely exit 📊 Fundamental Analysis - Why This Matters CATALYST #1: The Fed's Impossible Position Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to cut interest rates at this week's meeting despite inflation remaining above their target amid concerns about a softening labor market. This is the classic Fed dual mandate dilemma: Mandate #1: Maximum employment (FAILING - 1.1M layoffs in 2025) Mandate #2: Stable prices (FAILING - inflation at 2.8% vs 2% target) They can't fix both. So they have to choose. David Mericle, chief U.S. economist at Goldman Sachs notes job growth remains too low to keep up with labor supply growth and a rising unemployment rate. My take: The Fed will prioritize employment over inflation. That's dovish = bullish for stocks. CATALYST #2: Corporate Earnings Remain Strong Despite all the macro noise, corporate profits are SOLID: S&P 500 earnings: +8.7% YoY Tech sector leading: +12-15% earnings growth AI spending driving margins higher Q4 guidance mostly positive Carvana (CVNA) stock rose 8% before the bell on Monday following news on Friday that it will join the S&P 500 as part of the index's quarterly rebalancing. Translation: Fundamentals support higher prices, Fed just needs to cooperate. CATALYST #3: Seasonal Tailwinds Could spark a "year-end melt-up", as TradingView puts it, with a potential breakout in S&P 500 futures above the 6,900 area. December-January has positive seasonality: Holiday spending strong Tax-loss selling done (Nov-early Dec) January effect (fresh capital inflows) Pension/401k rebalancing (buy equities) Historically, S&P 500 averages +1.3% in December and +1.1% in January. CATALYST #4: Institutional Positioning Bloomberg's interviews with 39 investment managers show that most are still planning for a risk-on 2026, citing expectations of continued AI-driven productivity and earnings growth. But here's the key: Asset managers such as EFG Asset Management and BNP Paribas Asset Management caution that with 2025 already a strong year, they are reluctant to increase equity exposure into thin year-end liquidity, preferring instead to wait for better entry points in early 2026. Translation: Institutions are WAITING to buy. Any Fed-induced dip to 6,750-6,800 will be AGGRESSIVELY bought. ⚠️ Risk Factors - The Bear Case RISK #1: Hawkish Powell Tanks Market Feroli noted that the firm is anticipating at least two dissents in favor of no rate cut as well as one in favor of a larger rate cut. If Powell leans hawkish to appease the dissenting hawks, market could drop 1-2%. RISK #2: Tariff-Induced Inflation Minutes mentioned Trump's tariff policies in forecasts they provided in early September, projecting higher inflation and unemployment, slower growth and a lower federal funds ratel. If inflation accelerates in 2026 due to tariffs, Fed might have to HIKE again = very bearish. RISK #3: Labor Market Deterioration Employers cut more than 1.1 million jobs through November, the most since 2020 and a 54% increase from the same period a year ago. If this accelerates, could trigger recession fears. RISK #4: Technical Breakdown Break below 6,620 = channel invalidated → target 6,500-6,550 (-4.5-5.2%) 🔥 The Bottom Line Here's what I KNOW on December 8, 2025: ✅ 81% probability of 25bps cut Wednesday ✅ S&P 500 less than 1% from ATH ✅ Your ascending channel is PERFECT technical structure ✅ 39 investment managers planning risk-on 2026 ✅ Corporate earnings strong (+8.7% YoY) ✅ Seasonal tailwinds (December +1.3% avg) ✅ Support at 6,750-6,800 = institutional buy zone Here's what I DON'T know: Will Powell be dovish or hawkish? How many 2026 cuts will dot plot show? Will Q&A reveal recession concerns? But here's what the MATH says: Risk: 6,862 → 6,620 = -3.5% (if channel breaks) Reward: 6,862 → 7,050 = +2.7% (base case) Extended: 6,862 → 7,150 = +4.2% (bull case) Risk/Reward: 1:2.5 minimum The Play: Small position NOW at 6,860-6,870 (20-30% of intended size) IF hawkish dip to 6,750-6,800 → ADD 50-70% IF dovish → ADD on breakout above 6,910 Stop at 6,620 (non-negotiable) Target 7,050, then 7,150 This is a PROBABILITY game. 60% dovish, 30% hawkish, 10% shock. Position accordingly. 📍 Follow officialjackofalltrades for institutional-grade technical analysis, professional risk management, and trades backed by data. Drop a 📊 if you're trading the Fed decision. Drop a 🎯 if this helped your ES1! analysis. Drop a 💰 if you're ready for 7,000+ SPX.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by officialjackofalltrades