Trade ideas
QQQ: Runaway or Exhaustion Gap?QQQ just printed a strong bullish gap on the daily chart, but context suggests caution. With widening SOFR spreads signaling a dollar funding shortage, this move may represent an exhaustion gap rather than a continuation breakout.
Runaway Gap Characteristics
Mid-trend breakout with moderate volume
Price holds above the gap for several sessions
Liquidity and macro conditions remain supportive
Exhaustion Gap Characteristics
Occurs after an extended trend
Large gap accompanied by a volume spike
Fails to hold above the gap and quickly reverses
Macro Context
SOFR–OIS spreads are widening, pointing to tightening dollar liquidity.
Similar conditions in Q4 2018 and February 2020 preceded major reversals in QQQ as funding stress reduced leverage and weakened follow-through in risk assets.
Current Read
Estimated odds: 35 percent runaway, 65 percent exhaustion.
A close below the gap low or a rapid fill within a few sessions confirms exhaustion.
Sustained price strength on steady volume favors continuation.
What to Watch
SOFR–OIS spread trend next week
Dollar index strength and its correlation with QQQ
Volume and RSI behavior near the gap zone
Bottom line:
This gap looks bullish on the surface, but underlying liquidity stress could turn it into a final pop before a corrective phase. Monitor liquidity data before assuming a continuation.
QQQ Will Collapse! SELL!
My dear followers,
I analysed this chart on QQQ and concluded the following:
The market is trading on 617.00 pivot level.
Bias - Bearish
Technical Indicators: Both Super Trend & Pivot HL indicate a highly probable Bearish continuation.
Target - 605.94
About Used Indicators:
A super-trend indicator is plotted on either above or below the closing price to signal a buy or sell. The indicator changes color, based on whether or not you should be buying. If the super-trend indicator moves below the closing price, the indicator turns green, and it signals an entry point or points to buy.
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
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WISH YOU ALL LUCK
$QQQ Tomorrow’s Trading Range 10.21.25 NASDAQ:QQQ Tomorrow’s Trading Range 10.21.25
Alway’s know where your 35EMA is. It is underneath the implied move right now, which means tomorrow has a high probability of being flat or down. ATH’s are in tomorrow’s range above us, and 35EMA underneath us with that 30min 200 and also the bull gap from open as well… let’s go…
QQQ Failed PullbackOn a 15m chart, a bullish pennant is usually a 1-3 day setup, with the actual breakout move finishing within the same or next trading session
The breakout should occur before price drifts beyond two-thirds of the way to the apex of the pennant
If nothing happens after that, it’s likely morphing into sideways consolidation rather than a continuation thrust
1. The “failed pullback”
Sometimes what looks like the perfect setup for a fade gets front-run by buyers; especially, in strong index products like QQQ
When enough traders expect a dip, the first sign of weakness attracts dip buyers & short covering instead
That buying pressure prevents the retrace and squeezes price higher - exactly what forms a pennant breakout
2. Breadth & flows
If equal-weight tech (QQQE) & SPY are both firm, algorithmic inflows overwhelm local exhaustion signals
That’s what creates those shallow consolidations instead of proper retracements
It’s not that the overbought condition vanished - just that the market is digesting through time, not price
3. Where your pullback may still appear
The pennant breakout could run into $616-$620 (the measured-move zone)
Then a more meaningful pullback could occur back to $610-$608 to retest the breakout area
That’s often the second chance entry for traders who expected a dip earlier
4. How to adapt intraday
Price >VWAP & holding higher lows
Stay neutral-to-long; pullback unlikely yet
5m closes back under VWAP with volume
First confirmation of real selling
RSI divergence + volume spike at new highs - good cue that the delayed pullback is starting
Momentum is stretched
The difference is that strength absorbed the selling before it could cascade
Watch the VWAP ($604-$606) as the “true mean” since that’s where a genuine pullback would likely target once the breakout exhausts
Alphabet is one of the largest weights in QQQ (6-7 %)
When it reports after the bell, implied volatility in QQQ options & intraday price movement both spike, often producing head-fakes
Even if the pennant breakout looks clean intraday, the move can stall or reverse sharply after hours on the headline
A surprise beat could launch QQQ higher in one gap; a miss could invalidate the pattern instantly
If you’re trading intraday, tighten your exposure or take partial profits before the close
Don’t hold an unhedged position through the report unless it’s sized small enough to handle a gap
CPI is the next index-level volatility event
The market often “coils” ahead of CPI - exactly the kind of price compression a pennant shows
That means the real breakout may not sustain until after the CPI release confirms or challenges inflation trends
You can get false starts between now & Friday as traders reposition
Treat any breakout between now & Friday morning as range expansion, not confirmation, until post-CPI follow-through appears
Pattern still valid, but its resolution is dependent on catalysts
The “measured-move” projection ($622-$625) is realistic only if GOOGL’s report & CPI don’t introduce negative surprises
Until those hit, expect lower volume & tighter ranges with consolidation inside $609-$613 likely persists
QQQ’s bullish pennant is technically sound, but timing is hostage to this week’s catalysts
If you trade intraday, keep it mechanical - above $613 bullish, below $610 defensive & be flat or hedged going into tonight’s GOOGL print
Why My Stop Loss Didn’t Trigger?”🛑 “Why My Stop Loss Didn’t Trigger?”
Let’s talk about Stop Orders, Stop Limits, Spreads, and the Outside-RTH trap.
Before we blame the broker, it’s crucial to understand how each order type actually works:
🔹 Market Order
Executes immediately at the best available price.
✅ Guarantees execution
⚠️ Doesn’t guarantee price (can slip during volatility).
🔹 Limit Order
Executes only at your specified price or better.
✅ Price control
⚠️ Might never fill if market doesn’t reach your limit or gap down.
🔹 Stop Order (Is a Stop “Market” Order)
Activates when price hits your stop level, then converts into a market order.
✅ Great for stop-loss protection
⚠️ May fill at much lower price than your stop due to slippage.
🔹 Stop Limit Order
Activates at the stop trigger, then becomes a limit order — meaning it only executes if the market trades at your limit price or better.
✅ Full control over fill price
⚠️ Risk of not executing at all if price moves away quickly.
Regular Trading Hours (RTH):
Market orders are supported → Stop Market
Outside RTH (Pre/Post-market):
Market orders are not supported therefore, only Stop Limit works.
Now, Why Your Stop Might Not Trigger?
1- You used a Stop-Limit (not Stop Market)
If the market gaps beyond your limit, there’s no fill (Buyer) at this price.
Price “touched” your stop — but never traded through your limit price.
2- You traded Outside RTH
During pre-market or after-hours, If you didn’t enable “Outside RTH” trading, your stop simply didn’t activate.
3- Thin Liquidity
Low volume = fewer buyers/sellers near your stop → delayed or partial fills.
This is especially true Outside RTH, where spreads widen and depth disappears. Or you are trading an equity or ETFs with slim volume (check the volume first before trading any asset)
✅ Recommendation:
Use Stop-Limit + “Allow Outside RTH+GTC” and make your limit “marketable” to ensure execution.
Offset guide for Stop-Limits (Δ):
• At least 0.5× spread
• Or ¼ to ½ ATR(5) for your timeframe
Example for a long position:
• You bought at $100, want to exit if it breaks $99.80.
• Pre-market spread = $0.12
• Set: Stop = 99.80, Limit = 99.68 (≈0.12 below stop)
→ Gives room for spread expansion and slippage so the stop fills quickly.
How to Set a Reliable Stop-Limit
Market Order Type Settings Notes
Equities & ETFS (RTH) Stop Market Standard stop Fastest execution
Equities & ETFS (Outside RTH) Stop Limit + GTC Limit offset = Spread Needed for after-hours fills
Futures / FX / Crypto Stop Market 24h trading Market fills OK
The Best Setup
✅ Inside RTH → Stop Market (guaranteed execution)
✅ Outside RTH → Stop Limit + GTC enabled with marketable offset
✅ Always give buffer beyond supply/demand levels (0.1–0.3%)
✅ Watch spread and volume before placing stops
Final Takeaway
Your stop loss isn’t just a line on the chart — it’s an engineered safety net.
Use the right order type for the session, give it breathing room, and understand how spread, liquidity, and RTH rules impact execution.
Because a stop loss that doesn’t trigger… isn’t a stop loss at all. 🛑
Global Financial Markets and Their StructureIntroduction
The global financial market represents the interconnected network of institutions, systems, and instruments through which money and capital flow across borders. It forms the backbone of the world economy, enabling governments, corporations, and individuals to raise capital, invest, trade currencies, and manage risks. With globalization, technological innovation, and liberalization, financial markets have become increasingly integrated, influencing economic growth, monetary policy, and international relations. Understanding the structure of global financial markets is essential to grasp how capital is allocated worldwide and how financial stability is maintained.
1. Concept of Global Financial Markets
A financial market is a platform where buyers and sellers engage in the trade of financial assets such as equities, bonds, currencies, and derivatives. When these markets operate across countries and connect multiple economies, they form what is known as the global financial market.
In essence, the global financial market:
Facilitates the flow of funds from surplus units (savers) to deficit units (borrowers).
Provides a mechanism for price discovery and risk management.
Enhances liquidity, enabling participants to easily buy and sell assets.
Plays a crucial role in economic growth, investment, and stability.
The global market is not a single entity but a network of interconnected markets functioning through institutions such as banks, stock exchanges, hedge funds, insurance companies, and central banks. Modern communication technology, digital trading platforms, and financial integration have turned it into a real-time, 24-hour global system.
2. Structure of the Global Financial Market
The structure of the global financial market can be broadly categorized into several interrelated segments:
Money Market
Capital Market
Foreign Exchange Market
Derivative Market
Commodity Market
Insurance and Pension Market
Each segment serves a distinct purpose, yet all are interlinked and essential to the smooth functioning of the global economy.
3. The Money Market
The money market deals with short-term funds and financial instruments with high liquidity and short maturities, typically less than one year. It provides a means for governments, financial institutions, and corporations to manage short-term funding needs and liquidity.
Key Instruments
Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Commercial Papers (CPs)
Repurchase Agreements (Repos)
Bankers’ Acceptances
Major Participants
Central Banks (e.g., Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Reserve Bank of India)
Commercial Banks
Financial Institutions
Corporations
Money Market Mutual Funds
Role in the Economy
The money market stabilizes short-term interest rates, supports monetary policy operations, and ensures liquidity in the financial system. It acts as the link between the banking system and capital markets, influencing credit flow and investment activity.
4. The Capital Market
The capital market is where long-term securities, such as stocks and bonds, are issued and traded. It enables corporations and governments to raise long-term funds for development and expansion.
Subdivisions
Primary Market: Where new securities are issued (Initial Public Offerings or IPOs).
Secondary Market: Where existing securities are traded (Stock Exchanges like NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, BSE, NSE).
Key Instruments
Equity Shares
Corporate Bonds
Government Securities
Debentures
Mutual Funds
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Major Participants
Institutional Investors (pension funds, insurance companies)
Retail Investors
Investment Banks
Stock Exchanges
Regulators (like SEC in the U.S. or SEBI in India)
Importance
The capital market promotes economic development by mobilizing long-term savings into productive investments. It ensures efficient capital allocation, wealth creation, and corporate governance through market discipline.
5. The Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market
The foreign exchange market is the largest financial market in the world, with daily transactions exceeding $7 trillion. It facilitates the exchange of one currency for another, supporting international trade, investment, and tourism.
Structure
Spot Market: Immediate currency transactions.
Forward Market: Agreements to exchange currencies at a future date.
Swap Market: Simultaneous purchase and sale of currencies for different maturities.
Major Participants
Central Banks
Commercial Banks
Multinational Corporations
Hedge Funds
Currency Traders and Brokers
Functions
Enables global trade and investment by providing currency convertibility.
Determines exchange rates through supply and demand.
Facilitates hedging against currency risk.
The forex market operates 24 hours a day due to overlapping time zones, making it a truly global and decentralized market.
6. The Derivative Market
The derivatives market deals with financial instruments whose value derives from underlying assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies, interest rates, or commodities.
Common Derivative Instruments
Futures
Options
Swaps
Forwards
Purpose
Derivatives allow investors and corporations to hedge against risks such as fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, and commodity prices. They also provide opportunities for speculative gains and portfolio diversification.
Examples
Interest Rate Swaps (used by banks)
Currency Options (used by exporters/importers)
Stock Index Futures (used by institutional investors)
The derivative market is an essential part of the global financial system, enhancing liquidity and risk management, though excessive speculation can contribute to systemic risk—as seen in the 2008 global financial crisis.
7. The Commodity Market
The commodity market facilitates trade in raw materials and primary products. It includes both physical trading and derivative contracts based on commodity prices.
Types of Commodities
Hard Commodities: Metals, oil, natural gas.
Soft Commodities: Agricultural products like wheat, coffee, and cotton.
Major Commodity Exchanges
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
London Metal Exchange (LME)
Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX, India)
New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)
Role
Commodity markets allow producers and consumers to hedge against price fluctuations, promote transparency in pricing, and support global trade and industrial production.
8. Insurance and Pension Market
The insurance and pension market plays a stabilizing role in the global financial system by pooling and redistributing risks. Insurance companies and pension funds are major institutional investors in capital and bond markets.
Functions
Provide financial protection against unforeseen losses.
Accumulate long-term savings for retirement.
Channel funds into productive investments through capital markets.
Importance
These markets support long-term financial stability, complementing government welfare systems and reducing the economic impact of uncertainties.
9. Key Global Financial Institutions
The functioning and regulation of global financial markets rely heavily on international and national institutions.
Major Global Institutions
International Monetary Fund (IMF): Ensures global monetary stability, offers financial assistance to countries in crisis.
World Bank: Provides long-term loans and support for economic development.
Bank for International Settlements (BIS): Coordinates among central banks and promotes financial stability.
Financial Stability Board (FSB): Monitors and makes recommendations for global financial regulation.
Regional Development Banks: Such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and African Development Bank (AfDB).
National Regulators
U.S.: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
U.K.: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
India: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Japan: Financial Services Agency (FSA)
These institutions promote transparency, protect investors, and maintain confidence in the financial system.
10. Global Financial Integration
Over the last few decades, financial globalization has deepened the interconnections between markets. Capital moves freely across borders, driven by liberalization policies, technology, and innovation.
Benefits of Integration
Greater access to capital for developing economies.
Efficient resource allocation.
Risk diversification for investors.
Lower cost of borrowing.
Risks
Contagion effect of financial crises.
Increased volatility and speculative capital flows.
Exposure to global shocks (e.g., 2008 crisis, COVID-19 market crash).
Therefore, effective global coordination and regulatory oversight are essential to balance the benefits of financial integration with the risks of instability.
11. Technological Transformation of Financial Markets
Technological innovation has revolutionized global financial markets:
Algorithmic Trading enables high-speed, automated trading.
Blockchain Technology enhances transparency and reduces transaction costs.
Fintech companies offer digital banking, peer-to-peer lending, and robo-advisory services.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have introduced decentralized finance (DeFi), challenging traditional systems.
These developments have made markets more accessible and efficient but also raised concerns about cybersecurity, regulatory gaps, and market manipulation.
12. Challenges in Global Financial Markets
Despite progress, the global financial system faces several challenges:
Systemic Risk: Interconnectedness can amplify crises.
Regulatory Arbitrage: Differences in national regulations create loopholes.
Market Volatility: Geopolitical tensions and policy shifts cause price instability.
Climate Finance: Need for green investments to support sustainable growth.
Digital Disruption: Balancing innovation with investor protection.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global governance and adaptive policy frameworks.
13. The Role of Emerging Markets
Emerging economies like India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia play a growing role in the global financial system. They attract foreign capital, develop strong financial institutions, and influence commodity and currency markets.
Their inclusion in global indices and financial reforms has diversified global portfolios and increased market depth. However, they remain vulnerable to capital flight, exchange rate shocks, and global interest rate changes.
Conclusion
The global financial market is a dynamic, complex system that channels capital across borders, drives economic growth, and fosters innovation. Its structure—comprising money, capital, forex, derivative, commodity, and insurance markets—forms a cohesive yet intricate network of interdependent segments. Financial institutions, both domestic and international, ensure the system’s stability and transparency.
While globalization and technology have enhanced efficiency and accessibility, they have also introduced new risks that demand vigilant regulation and international cooperation. In the 21st century, the resilience and adaptability of the global financial market will determine not only the prosperity of nations but also the stability of the global economy itself.
QQQ Weekly Outlook (Oct 21–25): Bulls Defend the Channel Testing the $616 Resistance Wall 🚀
📆 Daily Chart — Macro Structure and Market Context
Market Structure:
The NASDAQ ETF (QQQ) continues to ride a steady ascending channel since March, maintaining a higher-low structure. The recent CHoCH at $583 was followed by a rebound and BOS (Break of Structure) above $600, confirming that the pullback phase has likely completed.
Price is now pressing into the upper channel resistance near $611–$616, which coincides with heavy liquidity and prior supply zones. Despite the overhead resistance, the broader structure remains bullish, with price action consolidating in the upper half of the channel — a typical mid-trend continuation behavior.
Supply & Demand / Order Blocks:
* Demand Zone: $583–$590 (key defended base from last CHoCH).
* Mid-Demand Zone: $558–$560 (38% fib + historical OB).
* Supply Zone: $611–$616 (upper channel cap and recent BOS level).
Indicator Confluence:
* 9 EMA > 21 EMA: bullish alignment with widening slope.
* MACD: Momentum recovering from midline, histogram expanding positively.
* Stoch RSI: Mid-range reset around 43 — plenty of room to rise.
* Volume: Rising on breakout days, confirming accumulation.
The daily chart suggests a continuation setup with bullish pressure intact. As long as QQQ holds above $600, bulls control the trend toward $616–$620.
⏱️ 1-Hour Chart — Near-Term Trend and Swing Setup
Market Structure:
The 1-hour view highlights a strong recovery leg after multiple CHoCH → BOS sequences. Price broke out of a descending wedge and reclaimed the $608–$610 level, a crucial pivot area aligned with gamma resistance.
Currently, QQQ is consolidating beneath the $612–$616 resistance wall. A clean breakout with volume could trigger a test of the upper trendline near $620.
Supply & Demand / OB Zones:
* Demand Zone: $605–$608 (retest area for dip buyers).
* Supply Zone: $612–$616 (active resistance zone).
Indicator Confluence:
* 9 EMA > 21 EMA: bull control intact.
* MACD: still strong, histogram shows gradual expansion.
* Stoch RSI: hovering near overbought but showing no divergence yet.
Trade Scenarios:
* Bullish Setup: Buy dips near $606–$608 → Target $616 / $620 → Stop $601.
* Bearish Setup: Short rejection at $616 → Target $605 / $600 → Stop $618.
A close above $616 opens the door for momentum continuation toward $622–$625, while losing $605 would likely trigger a retest of $590 demand.
🕒 15-Minute Chart — Intraday Scalping Structure
Market Structure:
The 15-min chart reveals QQQ’s short-term compression after a morning rally. Price remains within a rising micro-channel but is stalling near resistance at $612–$614. Several BOS patterns confirm trend continuation, while the latest CHoCH at $611.3 marks minor cooling.
This looks like a controlled pullback rather than a reversal, with liquidity building around $610.
Supply & Demand / OB Levels:
* Demand Zone: $608–$610 (intraday support and EMA confluence).
* Supply Zone: $614–$616 (scalp resistance).
Indicator Confluence:
* 9 EMA vs 21 EMA: still trending upward but flattening slightly.
* MACD: weakening histogram — possible short-term cooldown.
* Stoch RSI: cycling down from overbought, indicating temporary pause.
Scalp Plan:
* Bullish Bias: Buy near $609–$610 → Target $614 → Stop $607.
* Bearish Bias: Short rejection from $614–$615 → Target $609 → Stop $616.
Expect small consolidation before breakout. Trend remains bullish until $608 breaks decisively.
📊 GEX (Gamma Exposure) & Options Sentiment
The GEX structure shows heavy call positioning at $612–$616, with a clear gamma ceiling near $616 — currently acting as resistance. Below $604 lies the highest liquidity void (HVL) where dealers might provide support.
Key GEX Levels:
* Highest Positive GEX / Call Wall: $616 (major gamma resistance).
* 2nd Call Wall: $613.
* Put Wall / Support: $604 and $593 (dealer hedging floors).
* IVR: 22.9 — low, suggesting compression and potential volatility pop.
* Put/Call Ratio: 48.5% puts — slightly bearish skew but stabilizing.
Dealers are in neutral gamma territory, meaning price may grind within $604–$616 until a breakout forces delta hedging momentum in either direction.
🎯 Closing Outlook
The broader QQQ structure remains bullish inside an uptrend channel, supported by strong demand zones and recovering momentum indicators. The short-term price action is coiling for a potential breakout above $616 — a key level to watch for momentum confirmation.
As long as QQQ holds above $605, the trend bias stays bullish toward $620–$625.
If $604 breaks, expect a deeper pullback to $590 before buyers re-engage.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Always perform your own due diligence and manage your risk carefully.
QQQ Early Topping BehaviorShort-term momentum is stretched so watch for a potential pullback to $608 then $603 if selling follows through
1. Price vs MTD VWAP
MTD VWAP ≈ $603.7, with +1σ ≈ $611 & +2σ ≈ $613
QQQ is pressing the upper (+2σ) edge of the VWAP envelope & that’s statistically extended
Historically, price rarely sustains above this zone without cooling off toward +1σ ($608-$609) or the VWAP itself ($603-$604)
Overbought short-term; risk of mean reversion if momentum fades
2. Volume Profile
Volume into the close rose sharply, but without broad range expansion
That kind of volume spike after an extended move often means distribution (profit-taking at highs) rather than fresh breakout energy
The closing volume spike without strong follow-through suggests distribution (smart money selling into strength)
That’s also characteristic of the transition from Wave 5 to wave a (meaning the first corrective down-leg may already be starting)
Likely aiming for $588-$590 first & potentially $532 over the next 4-6 weeks if the full correction unfolds
3. RSI (15m)
RSI ≈ 68 & curling lower from overbought
A bearish cross of RSI below its signal line after sitting near 70 is a classic short-term momentum-loss trigger
Supports the idea of a pullback or consolidation within 1-2 sessions
4. Stochastic Oscillator
Fast %K & %D have both rolled over sharply (≈ 34 & 18)
Coming off multiple overbought resets above 80, this steep drop signals short-term exhaustion with traders locking gains
5. Intraday Structure
You can see bearish divergence forming where price neared ATHs (~$613.18) while RSI & Stoch made lower highs
That divergence plus rejection at +2σ VWAP = early topping behavior on the 15m timeframe
Start of wave a
Post $613 tag
Pullback to $608–$609
+1σ VWAP support
Mid-wave a acceleration
Next 1-2 sessions
Sharp dip to $603-$604
MTD VWAP mean
End of wave a
Within ~3-5 days
$588-$590
Prior breakout base
Wave b "bounce"
Late this or next week
Rebound to $595-$600
Lower high under prior peak
Wave c
Following weeks
Down to $540-$532
61.8% daily retracement
QQQ Probable RetracementThe current leg (mid-2025 onward) is the steepest recovery yet & that slope just broke
This indicates a possible mean reversion phase rather than another leg up
Steep advance > rounding top > 8-12% correction
Then a multi-month basing period before recovery
If that rhythm repeats, the current topping area around $613 could imply a pullback to $560-$580
That would be a “standard” correction, not a crisis
The red projection mimics the 2024 & mid-2023 patterns that featured a short distribution, decline & support at the previous breakout area
The support shelf sits near $580-$585, where prior resistance turned support (June-July 2025)
Below $575 would confirm a more durable trend break & that’s where longer-term funds start de-risking
Large-scale corrections on this timeframe (daily, spanning 6-12 months) usually take 2-4 weeks to play out from first break to low, followed by a 1-3 week consolidation near the floor
So if the current roll continues, your next decisive move window is late October into early November
If you’re trading via options, it reinforces using 2-3 week puts since they align with both the short-term structure & this macro corrective window
October 20 - 24 2025
1. Macro
Due to the government shutdown inflation-indexed bond data is delayed, however what we are seeing based on data from Thursday (as shown on the white vertical line) suggests that forward inflation expectations $(US10Y+US03MY)/2-DFII10 may be reverting back to the mean, which is supported by TVC:US10Y rising slightly. The long term vs short term yield spread TVC:US10Y -US03MY has tightened and is very close to inverting, which was driven by long term yields plunging last week - a rush to safety. Another long-term bond rally could invert the yield curve, often a risk-off signal if it remains inverted and widens. The dollar is finding support near its average and gold is sitting at all time highs (more on gold later).
On the commodity side, Oil NYMEX:CL1! continues to slide, aided by fragile stability in the middle east. My ag/industrial gauge $(COPPER1!+ZC1!)/2/DXY is still elevated but lacks momentum. Nothing interesting to glean here other than the fact that higher commodity prices are not significantly affecting forward inflation expectations (for now). Oil’s continued downtrend is certainly playing a factor, however the pause in Fed data could also make any potential inflationary impact more delayed than usual.
When it comes to bonds, watch closely and proceed with caution.
2. FX
The dollar index is still well below other currency indices for the year but I have all of the charts on this layout indexed to 100 to show recent relative activity. The dollar TVC:DXY has recently seen stronger performance compared to other currencies, though the others have been on the uptick in recent days .
The important takeaway here can be seen on the 10Y yield comparison chart. Since the beginning of October, aside from Japan, buyers have pushed 10Y yields in the US, Eurozone and Britain down. This may suggest a rush to safety due to economic fears beyond just the US.
3. Risk
On the top left chart, you can see that the corporate bond option-adjusted spread average (high-yield & investment-grade) could have either peaked or is on the uptick. Since this data is only available at the end of the day, it’s best to proceed with caution.
Next, I want to highlight something I recently noticed when comparing the TVC:GOLD chart to its volatility index CBOE:GVZ . Last week while Gold was reaching all time highs, there was heavy buying of AMEX:GLD puts (GVZ was up over +20% on Thursday), which has pushed Gold down on the $GOLD/GVZ spread recently. I have included Gold on the bottom chart and marked the points where the ratio fell far below the standard deviation of (1) as shown via the Keltner Channel indicator on all of the charts. Looking at the previous three points where this extremity occurred, there seems to be some alignment with severe underperformance of S&P 500 Futures vs gold and stock market bottoms.
Since asset prices are currently seen as elevated and Gold is close to crossing above the CME_MINI:ES1! return since January 2020, the message this sends to me is that the gold rally is fear-driven rather than fundamentally-driven. Investors are aware that gold may be overstretched and are buying insurance. Fear without fundamentals can quickly become a buying opportunity for equities, especially when continued rate cuts (which in theory should help both Gold and Equities) are taken into consideration. If nothing fundamentally changes, and investors decide to start dumping gold, it would be expected to see equities catch a bid.
I’m also continuing to watch $SPY/RSP (SPY vs equal-weight ETF) and $NQ1!/YM1! to assess risk-on vs defensive bias. Right now the momentum towards risk is flat but the Russell TVC:RUT has slid more compared to the other indices recently, suggesting a rotation out of small caps, which supports the bias that both spreads could continue higher in favor of Risk, however that is just an assumption.
When looking at specific sectors, despite Consumer Staples ( AMEX:XLP ) finding support, I’m not yet seeing signs that the market is abandoning tech. All of this shows that recent volatility has not changed the market’s sector positioning in a significant way, however keeping an eye on XLP for now will be very important, as it could signal a risk-off day if $XLP/XLK rises strongly.
4. Bias ( CME_MINI:NQ1! )
I have changed my approach to trading to be more short-term, so I will not try to draw any weekly conclusions via this chart, however from Friday’s volatility action (lefthand side), it appears we may have seen a peak in near-term volatility last week. I would expect to se some volatility mean reversion on Monday ( TVC:VIX and CBOE:VVIX -VIX may open higher). If the volatility is absorbed by buyers (price is relatively flat or volatility is quickly absorbed by buyers), I think dealers will sell volatility (puts) and buy futures to raise the price of AMEX:SPY .
On the other hand, when more bearish factors (as described above) are considered, I can’t help but wonder when looking at the CME_MINI:ES1! chart if futures are forming a top. I would not have a problem playing the bull side if volatility activity suggests dealers are short puts, however if it shows indecision or short call positioning it may be best to sit out or wait for confirmation.
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Conclusion:
Put simply - I am cautiously bullish on stocks.
I think the gold volatility is still mostly implied, so it will take a few more sessions before we find out if it will be realized or provide liquidity for more Gold buying. The extreme put buying has me fairly confident that the gold rally will stall out or pull back from around the 4,200 level.
Aside from news-related volatility, the only major threat I’m seeing to stocks is that institutions may start to rotate out of tech mega caps AMEX:XLK , communications AMEX:XLC , and consumer discretionary AMEX:XLY into safer sectors like consumer staples AMEX:XLP and healthcare AMEX:XLV . This can be tracked intraday so I will be watching it this week for early clues. $XLK/XLP will be an important gauge to watch, as well as $NQ1!/YM1! and $SPY/RSP for confirmation.
I’m not too worried about treasuries either. The lack of data will likely keep yields close to the average, and as I’ve said before, if the TVC:US10Y -US03MY curve inverts because 10Y declines while 3M is flat, it’s the less concerning way it could occur. Corporate bond spreads will be important to watch for a potential risk-off continuation, however that data will only be available once per day.
Most importantly, if volatility seems to have peaked (at least in the short term) it will solidify the bullish case. As I hope I’ve explained, I think the market is in a confused and defensive state, even if the situation doesn’t necessarily call for it. US economic data is still on hold so dealers are firmly in control of the narrative. Since dealers prefer to be short gamma on puts, that is the only reason why my bias is slightly bullish. On the contrary, if there is a sudden rush into puts that creates a significant Implied/Historical volatility imbalance, I will not hesitate to take the short side.
QQQ: Bull Trap or Bounce Time? The $593 Line in the SandQQQ is gapping down right into a massive technical test: the $593 Gap Support.
This is not a regular drop. Our chart is showing a rare conflict:
Bullish Setup: A Hidden Bullish Divergence (HBD) is screaming for a bounce.
Bearish Risk: A loss of the low could trigger a rapid descent to the $580 Zone.
The bias right now is neutral-bullish — cautious optimism.
If bulls hold the gap, expect a short-term rebound toward $603–$605 where sellers will likely re-emerge.
But if $593 gives way, this turns into a full-on correction targeting $582 → $560, completing the wedge breakdown target.
This is the moment of truth.
Bulls need to defend $593 or risk a complete sentiment shift.
Key Levels:
$603.85 — Breakout Zone
$593.24–$597.23 — Gap Support
$589.05 — Structural Floor
$580–$582 — Breakdown Zone
$555–$560 — Rising Wedge Target
Bias: 🟡 Neutral-Bullish (Cautious)
Timeframe: 1H
Indicators: RSI Hidden Bullish Divergence, Rising Wedge Breakdown
QQQ No Man's LandRising wedge pattern clearly broke to the downside
The price is consolidating just below the MTD VWAP, which now acts as resistance (~$600-$601)
The lower bound of the wedge (~$596) is being tested; breaking that increases odds of a retest of $589-$590 (prior support from 11 October)
RSI (47) is just under neutral, leaning bearish with no strong oversold bounce signal yet
Stochastic (≈58) is curling higher, but still mid-range, implying a weak rebound attempt
Volume is rising slightly into the close, suggesting distribution, not accumulation
The intraday structure is bearish, as long as QQQ stays below $601-$602
Any close above VWAP would invalidate the short-term down bias
If $596 breaks, expect acceleration toward $592, then $589 (bottom Bollinger band)
If $595 holds & RSI rebounds, you could see a short squeeze back toward $602 before sellers reload
The 15m chart shows a rising wedge breakdown, confirming sellers in control short-term
The 4H trend remains intact but fragile, with the 50d MA around $599.5-$600
Momentum compression (RSI mid-40s, Stoch flattening) implies a volatile swing into Friday with an expected 1d move ±1.0% (≈$6 range)
Implies QQQ could trade between ~$588 & $610 short-term
Bearish Path (favored 60%)
Fails at VWAP (≈$600-$602)
RSI rolls under 40 on 15m chart
Next leg to $595 to $590 test
Acceleration possible into close Friday
Bullish Path (40%)
Defends $596, closes >$602 with volume
Short squeeze to $606-$608, but likely capped below $610
Still a countertrend rally unless above $610
QQQ Compression CoilThe bulls trying to extend the prior double-bottom rally while bears defend the neckline of a new head & shoulders
Volume contraction is key as it means bears haven’t confirmed their pattern yet
RSI ≈ 51 is perfectly neutral; momentum flat, but not diverging yet
Stoch ≈ 82 is in showing short-term overbought, which often precedes a minor pullback; unless, volume expands upward
Volume is declining through right-shoulder formation which suggests indecision, not conviction selling
Double-bottom support vs emerging head & shoulders resistance
Until $595 or $606 decisively breaks on volume, expect sideways consolidation
The edge slightly favors bulls because the neckline hasn’t been challenged with volume
RSI & structure still lean constructive
1. Continuation of relief rally; neckline retest from above (55%)
Break above $606-$610
2. Rejection & neckline (35%)
Test ($595)
3. Controlled fade; could create a larger base (10%)
Clean neckline breach
Would target $585–$586 quickly; momentum flush
QQQ Momentum TakeawayQQQ is carving out a constructive double-bottom reversal base
Needs a confirmed breakout above $604 to unlock $613–$619 upside
Structure supports the idea that the market is beginning to self-correct after the tariff-shock overreaction
Bullish divergence confirmed; momentum rising while price tests resistance
The highest volume occurred during the first bottom (panic flush) & volume at the second bottom was lower (classic exhaustion signal)
The right-side rally back to $600 printed increasing volume, suggesting dip buyers are active
If QQQ closes above $604 on elevated volume, measured move becomes active with short-term bullish bias toward $613–$618
Panic becomes opportunity once price stability returns
QQQ : Stay heavy on positionsQQQ : Stay heavy on positions (QLD, TQQQ)
Entering a risk-on, high-volatility zone.
In stay light on positions zones, I hold QQQ and reduce exposure.
In stay heavy on positions zones, I increase allocation using a mix of QLD and TQQQ.
** This analysis is based solely on the quantification of crowd psychology.
It does not incorporate price action, trading volume, or macroeconomic indicators.
QQQ RSI high + Stoch 98Expect a cool-off or pullback within 1-2 sessions - not necessarily a trend reversal, but enough for those gap fills ($625 to $617), historically ~2-3% fade over the next few sessions
Market-makers and dealers are short gamma after a week of heavy call buying (Fed cut bets + tech earnings)
As QQQ keeps rising, they must buy more QQQ shares to hedge, which pushes prices even higher
It’s a self-reinforcing loop… until call buyers stop pressing or IV rolls off
Stochastic at 98 is extremely overbought
Each prior time the 4H Stoch hit this zone (see late June, late August & mid-October), QQQ pulled back 1.5-3 % within 1-3 candles (roughly 12-24 hours)
RSI: 70.5 is at the classic “overbought” threshold
RSI’s slope is still positive, but you can already see momentum flattening which is a common pre-fade signal
When RSI ≈ 70 + stoch > 95, QQQ often pauses or retraces to the 20d EMA or VWAP on the 4H chart
In this case, that support sits near $616-$618, lining up with the open gap from last week
If momentum fully resets, a deeper test toward $610-$612 (previous breakout base) becomes possible before bulls step back in
The rally from ~$604 to $628 happened in less than three sessions - a parabolic extension
It was likely fueled by gamma-hedging flows (dealers buying stock to cover short calls)
Once those flows slow, momentum traders often take profits & dealers sell back shares - fast, but contained dip
$626-$628
Short-term resistance
If rejected here, fade likely
$618
First support/minor gap
Ideal first-target for any pullback
$610–$612
VWAP/20d EMA confluence
Stronger support, potential re-entry
$635-$640
Upside extension
Only if RSI resets & buyers rotate back in
RECAP TODAY. USING THE SIGNALS AND TOOLS Fellow traders - followers,
I have some today to recap on the day.
Now I will say this. Today went the way they said it would go UP! All the overnight new, the morning media and the tech headlines all made today a profitable day for the bulls! I will also say this: it is a scary situation, because we have no resistance levels up here, so where does all this up trend movement stop? What do we know or where to put our stop losses?
In building these indicators, I'm learning a few things. I'm learning more about myself and about what to look for exactly. There will be days where I will lose. Just like Friday: -$280! The price action was just not as consistent and friendly like it was today.
Let me break down today:
1. I attached the 5min chart to show you what the " Golden Pocket " of my indicator resembles.
A confirmation of price action and direction.
It reacted perfectly. 10:15am Bear candle - 10:20am Bull Doji inside pocket - 10:30am Engulfing Bull candle with a long signal! You couldn't ask for a better set up to the upside to make your money!
2. The 15min time frame was a little more of a bulky solid read. Bull candles with wicks.
The 10:15am candle carried the long signal with it. The wick within that candle was our 5min candles playing out.
Weather you waited for the 15min plays or you entered in the 5mins. You won.
3. So, with all this, there is another indicator I play. That is my 0dte Context bundle. How this works in our favor is that in this specific situation you want to make sure your trends are moving where they need to go. The EMA, SMA and VWAP lines all had same up direction. The Green EMA/SMA Cloud all indicated up is where it's going.
You have the tools to assist in decisions. If you need more help with reading these indicators. Let me know. I'm always down to help out.
Patient is still key. Confirmations are still key. Remember that when trading. Do not get antsy and enter in trades that are not strong or that will not check all your entry boxes.
Thank you again for the follows and the support. I hope these are helpful.
God Bless,
Trades with B!
QQQ: Double Gap: Continuation or Exhaustion?QQQ has printed two consecutive upside gaps on the daily chart, signaling strong momentum but context matters. Back-to-back gaps this late in a trend often mark a climactic phase, especially when dollar liquidity is tightening.
Possible Interpretations
Runaway and Measuring Gap:
The first gap confirms a breakout. The second marks the midpoint of a continuing move. Price holds above both gaps and volume stays steady.
Runaway and Exhaustion Gap:
The first gap signals continuation. The second marks the final surge before reversal. Volume spikes, RSI overheats, and price slips back into the second gap within a few sessions.
Macro Backdrop
Widening SOFR–OIS spreads suggest a dollar funding shortage and tighter liquidity, a backdrop where exhaustion gaps are more likely. Similar setups in late 2018 and early 2020 preceded sharp pullbacks after euphoric double gaps.
Key Levels
Holding above 628 keeps the structure constructive. A close below 622 would confirm exhaustion and open a potential retrace toward the 600-level volume shelf.
Takeaway
Momentum remains strong, but two gaps in a row during liquidity stress often mark the final push, not the start of a new leg. Watch the gap lows closely; liquidity will decide whether this move runs or reverses.
Lockout rally in wave 3 of (3)Oct 27's daily candle is significant because it's the first time that bursts out of the daily Bollinger Band and remains outside. This is typical action for wave 3 of (3). Full-on lockout rally mode. Any pull back will retest the outside of the band. I believe another gap up tomorrow.






















