ES MES Futures Trading: Key Levels, Tips, Technical Analysis. Thursday "AM Briefing"

Preparing ES Emini & MES Micros Traders
For Our Emini and Micros Futures Trading Room

Markets remain volatile as traders navigate post-FOMC price action and upcoming options expiration. Overnight, price followed expected liquidity zones but showed weakness in reclaiming strong levels, leading to an 80-point decline. Bulls remain fragile, and traders are advised to approach today with caution, implementing risk management strategies such as "Friday Rules." Looking ahead, next week's key event will be the PCE report on Friday, while other economic indicators like PMI and durable goods orders are expected to provide additional market direction. RESOURCES:
            

▶️ Free "Futures Foundations Course"             

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▶️Youtube Community Updates             

▶️ Website for ES MES Trading Room (Back Up)


TRANSCRIPT:

Morning Market Briefing & Trading Strategy

Morning Scripture

"Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourself."

- Philippians 2:3

Market Overview

Today presents a unique trading environment as we navigate the day after the FOMC meeting and the day before options expiration. Additionally, unemployment claims data is being released, which could influence price action.

Overnight Battle Plan & Price Action

• Last night, I mapped out an overnight battle plan for the group, outlining key liquidity zones and potential trade setups.
• Ideally, I was looking for price to grab liquidity, return to key levels, and then offer a solid long opportunity.
• If price moved below the FOMC candle, I cautioned to "watch out below."
• The green pathing was my ideal scenario, and we mostly followed that script.

Trade Execution

• I initially entered a short position, but it came back to take me out before I went to bed.
• I had another short positioned higher up with a stop above a strong level, but it didn’t get hit.
• Upon waking up, we saw an 80-point downward move that went deeper than expected.
• The key resistance zone that I wanted price to reclaim was extremely difficult yesterday, requiring an FOMC-type candle to push through.

Current Market Watch

• If price can reclaim the strong level with momentum, I am looking for a long entry.
• If we break below key levels, I will look for short opportunities.
• Right now, bulls are very weak, and often, the day after FOMC, price action retraces.
• We are closely watching the FOMC wick for clues on future price movement.

Key Market Levels & Trendlines

• We are currently sitting at a major trendline support that has held for a long time.
• If bulls fail to defend this level, we could see price head lower to the next major support zones.
• A move above resistance could offer a solid long opportunity.
• If the trendline breaks, we could see further downside movement.

Trade Journal & Strategy Notes

• Given the market conditions, today and tomorrow are likely to have highly volatile, choppy price action due to options expiration.
• I recommend using "Friday Rules" today, meaning one loss and you're done to protect your mental capital.
• In my Trade Journal template, I mark today as a special day due to its unique conditions.
• If you are using my trade tracking system, be sure to document today’s challenges for future reference.

Upcoming Market Events

• Next Week's Key Events:
• PMI
• Consumer Confidence
• Durable Goods
• Final GDP
• PCE (Friday) – a level 10 trading event

Final Thoughts

• What is your trading goal today?
• What will you ensure NOT to do today?

Markets are unpredictable, and trade discipline is key. Stay patient, follow the plan, and protect your capital.

To join our live trading sessions:

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MORE INFORMATION:

• 🌐 Website: https://MicrosTrader.com
• 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@microstrader
• 📚 Free Foundations Course: https://academy.microstrader.com/foundations-dashboard/

KEYWORDS:

trading strategy, futures trading, E-mini, Micro ES, MES trading, day trading, FOMC, options expiration, trade journal, technical analysis, liquidity grab, trendlines, VWAP, price action, strong levels, trading discipline, market structure, long and short positions, trade planning, trader psychology, risk management, trade execution

SUMMARY:

• ✅ Overnight Market Plan Worked Well The price action followed the overnight battle plan, respecting liquidity zones and key levels. However, the bulls remain weak, and price action is choppy.
• ✅ Trade Execution & Missed Opportunities I attempted short positions, but they did not hold as expected. I later observed an 80-point drop overnight but missed an ideal entry.
• ✅ Critical Levels to Watch The FOMC candle wick and major trendline support are key areas. If bulls reclaim strong levels, longs are viable. If they fail, expect further downside.
• ✅ Today & Tomorrow Are Tricky Trading Days With options expiration and FOMC aftermath, price action is likely to be unpredictable and volatile. Consider using "Friday Rules"—one loss and done.
• ✅ Next Week's Market Outlook The only major level 10 event next week is PCE on Friday. Otherwise, price action should return to normal trading conditions.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

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