Friday Jul 25: ES & MES Levels and Setups and Plans for Today’s Trading Session

Friday July 25, 2025

Microtrader.com’s Friday AM Briefing emphasized discipline and market structure in futures trading. The session highlighted the value of “no trade days” as a sign of patience, especially when the first 30 minutes of price action show less than a 15-point range, indicating potential chop conditions. Technical guidance included the “second ladder” approach for shorting in strong uptrends and the importance of defined chop zones for building tradeable levels. Upcoming economic releases such as GDP and FOMC were noted as catalysts for heightened volatility in the coming week.
📚 RESOURCES
📄 TRANSCRIPT

Opening Remarks

The Friday AM Briefing [Ep 478] from Microtrader.com focused on the intersection of trader psychology, technical analysis, and current market conditions. The session opened with a reading from 2 Corinthians, setting the tone with a message of perseverance:

"Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolute incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

This scripture was used as a parallel to trading, emphasizing resilience and persistence in the face of challenging markets.

Trader Mindset and the Importance of “No Trade Days”

One of the session’s key psychological themes was the importance of patience and restraint. The speaker stressed that if a trader “never ever ever has a no trade day,” it might be worth reflecting on whether they are pushing too hard. A “no trade day” is not a failure but a sign of discipline, only taking trades when the market aligns with your system.

The concept was likened to dating: “Every person you go out on a date with is different. Every day the price action is different. Sometimes you love that price action; sometimes you don’t.”

Essay Format Questions

  1. What rule are you currently struggling to obey in your trading?
  2. How can you embrace “no trade days” as part of a disciplined trading plan?

Practical Trading Strategies and Technical Analysis

  • First 30 Minutes Rule for Chop Days: If the price movement in the first 30 minutes is 15 points or less, the day is often not worth trading. The prior session, which opened with a 14-point range, became a “no trade day.”
  • Shorting an Uptrend – The Second Ladder Strategy: Wait for a trendline break, a retest, and two distinct “ladders” away from the retest before shorting.
  • Market Structure and Chop Zones: Two days of chop create defined support and resistance levels, improving trade setups.
If the first 30 minutes move 15 points or less, treat the session as a potential chop day and consider standing aside.

Current Market Conditions

  • ES is “not bearish” and remains in the middle of the previous day’s range.
  • NQ hit an all-time high overnight.
  • Desire for chop to build a tradable support/resistance zone.

Upcoming Market Events

Expect increased volatility next week due to key releases: JOLTS, GDP, FOMC, PCE, unemployment claims, and non-farm payroll.

Microtrader.com Resources

  • Live trading groups.
  • Journaling and trade performance software (“trader meditations”).
  • “Battle plan” strategy for structured trading.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Trader FAQ

Q: What is the central philosophy emphasised for traders?
A: The core philosophy, rooted in biblical scripture, encourages perseverance and focusing on long-term goals over temporary setbacks. It teaches traders to maintain resilience and patience even during difficult periods.

Q: What is the significance of "no trade days"?
A: "No trade days" are a sign of discipline, helping traders avoid forcing trades when the market doesn’t align with their setup. It prevents emotional decisions driven by the urge to make money every session.

Q: How can traders improve their discipline and adherence to trading rules?
A: Regular journaling about the rules they struggle to follow helps traders identify behavioural patterns and work on consistency. This reflection builds stronger adherence to their trading system.

Q: What is a key indicator for identifying a "complex chop day" in trading?
A: When the first 30 minutes of trading show 15 points or less of price action, it often signals a complex chop day with limited directional movement.

Q: What is the strategy for shorting an uptrend?
A: The "second ladder" strategy involves waiting for a trendline break, retest, and two distinct moves away from the retested level before entering a short position.

Q: What market conditions are currently observed and desired by the presenter?
A: ES is currently in the middle of the previous day’s range and not bearish. The presenter desires two days of chop to build a clear tradable structure.

Q: What is the importance of a "battle plan" in trading?
A: The "battle plan" provides a structured approach to entries, exits, and risk management based on early price action and market structure.

Q: What major economic events are anticipated in the upcoming week?
A: JOLTS, GDP, FOMC, PCE, unemployment claims, and non-farm payroll releases are expected to drive significant market volatility.

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