Key Zones for ES & MES Futures: Live Trading Room
Tuesday August 19, 2025
In Tuesday's AM Briefing, Micros Trader emphasized the continued uncertainty in the futures markets, citing a range-bound environment defined by volatility and indecision. Despite aggressive overnight moves that took out multiple key levels, the market held strong above the 62 level, indicating bullish resilience. Traders were encouraged to reference the “Battle Plan” for pre-planned engagement levels, particularly in light of potential breakdown scenarios. The briefing reinforced a disciplined, level-based approach to trading, while cautioning against overreliance on predictions in an unpredictable market.Opening Remarks
Micros Trader kicked off the August 19th AM Briefing by addressing the challenging nature of the current market, describing it as “literally the definition of slop and chop.” According to Micros Trader, this indecisive and volatile environment makes directional trading particularly difficult. A small opening range has proven to be about 95% accurate in signaling when to avoid staring at the chart, reinforcing the idea that sometimes the best trade is no trade at all.
Overnight Activity and Key Levels
Overnight price action was intense, with both the RTH high and low taken out, along with the overnight low during the Asia session. Despite this apparent volatility, the market is not considered bearish. A critical level—62—is “holding like crazy,” providing strong support and reinforcing a continued bullish bias, though a tenuous one. Micros Trader vividly described the situation by saying, “this still is not bearish but man it feels like the bulls are hanging onto a still bar with sweaty palms.”
Desire for a "Vomit Day"
Micros Trader expressed a desire for what he called a “nice vomit day,” suggesting that a significant downward move might help reset the structure and break the current stagnation. This kind of movement could offer clarity and set up cleaner opportunities for entries. “I’m not afraid, I’m actually excited. If it releases price here and goes there, reference those Battle Plan entries,” he said, encouraging traders to be ready for any breakout from the current indecisive structure.
Battle Plan Emphasis
The Battle Plan was heavily emphasized during the briefing. Available free on Mondays, it helps traders prepare for the Tuesday livestream. Micros Trader urged the community to make use of it, noting, “please go read the Battle Plan ‘cause I talk about it.” These resources are specifically designed to outline key levels, potential traps, and strategic trade entries, especially in difficult trading environments like this one.
Key Levels, Traps, and Structure
Micros Trader focused heavily on identifying and reacting to specific levels and market structure. He pointed out areas where traps may occur—especially beneath key levels—and emphasized looking for “Battle Plan trades” that might take price back to the top of the range. The “A period single prints” were also highlighted as a potential target, suggesting that this could be a magnet if buyers regain control.
Trading Discipline and Mindset
Reiterating the philosophy of “one good trade,” Micros Trader reminded viewers that quality outweighs quantity in trading. “How many good trades do you need a day? You just need one,” he said. He also encouraged viewers not to get caught up in opinions or predictions, adding, “What do I know—we’ll trade the levels as they develop.”
Live Stream Engagement and Closing Thoughts
Micros Trader concluded the AM Briefing by reminding traders to join the livestream 15 minutes before market open on YouTube. The livestream is a time to map out trades in real-time, identify quality entries, and mentally prepare for the session ahead.
"Do not be conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewing of the mind so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
AM BRIEFING VIDEO SERIES – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the 'AM Briefing' video series?
The 'AM Briefing' video series, presented by Microtrader.com, aims to provide traders with insights and a "battle plan" for engaging with the market, particularly focusing on key price levels and potential trade setups. It's designed to prepare viewers for live trading sessions and help them make informed decisions.
How can I access the "battle plan" and what is its significance?
The "battle plan" is a crucial resource accessible via Microtrader.com. On Mondays, the entire battle plan is made available for free to help viewers prepare for the live stream on Tuesday mornings. It details where to "engage in price," providing key levels and strategies for trading. This free access on Mondays is a consistent offering as long as Tuesday morning live streams continue.
What is the "tip of the day" for Monday access to resources?
The "tip of the day" specifies that on Mondays, the entire "battle plan" is made free and unlocked on Microtrader.com. This allows viewers to prepare thoroughly for the Tuesday morning live stream, understanding the intended engagement points and strategies discussed by the presenters.
What is the significance of the "small opening range" mentioned in the briefing?
The "small opening range" is highlighted as a highly accurate indicator (95% accurate) that advises traders when they "shouldn't even be looking at the chart." This suggests it's a critical signal for identifying periods of low volatility or indecision, indicating when it's best to refrain from trading.
What is the current market sentiment according to the briefing?
Despite some wild market movements, including taking out previous highs and lows, the market is described as "still not bearish." Key levels, such as the '62', are holding strong, indicating that bulls are maintaining their position, albeit with some perceived struggle ("hanging onto a steel bar with sweaty palms"). The presenter even expresses a desire for a "nice vomit day," implying a significant downward correction that could create new opportunities.
What kind of trading opportunities are being sought?
The focus is on identifying "traps" below current levels, which could present opportunities to re-enter the trading range and potentially push towards the top of the range. Specifically, the strategy involves "getting back into the range and hopefully going to the top of the range and finally taking the A period single prints." The goal is to find "good entries" for trades.
How can one join the live trading sessions?
Individuals interested in joining the live trading sessions can do so by following the link provided in the video description. The live sessions typically begin 15 minutes before the market opens, offering participants the chance to map out trades and seek good entry points together with the presenter.
What is the long-term trading philosophy highlighted in the briefing?
The briefing emphasises that traders only need "one good trade" per day, rather than many. This philosophy underscores the importance of quality over quantity in trading, focusing on well-planned and executed entries based on the "battle plan" and live market analysis.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
- Day Traders Blog – Microtrader.com Updates and Recaps
- CME Micro E-Mini Overview – Learn About Micros Contracts
- CME Trading Simulator – Practice Futures Without Risk
- AM BRIEFING Archive – Aug 5th Emini & Micros Prep Session
- ES Trade Plan – Access the Latest Battle Plan Strategy
- Today’s AM Briefing – Key Zones for ES & MES Futures
- MES Micros Blog – August 19th Live Zones & Chart Review
- Rumble Video – ES/MES Technical Levels & Scalping System
- Community Post – Join the Conversation with Microtrader
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