Top ES Trades Of The Week: ES and MES Trade Zones
Top ES Trades Of The Week
Saturday August 16, 2025
Micros Trader’s weekly breakdown highlights a strategic approach to ES and MES futures trading using a zone-based methodology. The “Battle Plan” offers a pre-market roadmap with visual charts, defined entry levels, and dynamic risk management strategies. Emphasis is placed on anticipating price reactions, managing positions with flexibility, and staying disciplined amid market noise. Through live sessions and real-time commentary, the strategy fosters a proactive, structured approach to navigating intraday volatility.
Opening Remarks
In this video, Micros Trader breaks down the top ES and MES trade zones of the week using the “Battle Plan” strategy — a pre-market roadmap that helps identify high-probability zones before the RTH or even the ETH session begins. The foundation of this approach is anticipation. As Micros Trader puts it, "Great bulls know where the bears are and great bears know where the bulls are."
Core Philosophy: Anticipating Market Movements
At the heart of the “Battle Plan” strategy is the proactive identification of potential market reaction zones. Micros Trader emphasizes the importance of understanding where larger market participants are likely to engage. By anticipating these movements, traders can create structured plans for both long and short setups well before the opening bell.
This mindset shifts a trader from reactive to proactive. Instead of chasing the market, the trader patiently waits for price to come into predefined zones where specific behavior is expected.
The "Battle Plan" Document: Visual & Detailed
The “Battle Plan” is a detailed visual guide, published regularly for subscribers. Each day’s plan includes:
- Numbered Entries: Typically between one and five, each representing a discrete opportunity.
- Visual Charts: These charts use arrows and boxes to show price paths, areas of interest, and directional bias.
- Detailed Notes: MicrosTrader.com/battleplane hosts accompanying commentary that explains context and rules.
- Specificity: Some plans offer clear invalidation criteria, although the presenter admits these aren't always explicitly outlined.
As Micros Trader states, “You get a chart that shows you visually what I'm expecting.” This bridges the gap between conceptual ideas and real-time execution.
Identifying Key Price Zones: Bulls and Bears
A recurring theme throughout the video is the recognition of price "zones" where either bulls or bears are expected to show up. This analysis is used to guide entries and exits. For example, during the Sunday open, if price pushes into a defined zone but appears messy, Micros Trader says, “I’m out.”
He points out specific levels by saying things like, “I like the bottom here... this is where I’m interested in gauging price.”
The objective is to engage only when price behavior aligns with expectations: “Once again, we're in this zone where we're expecting there to be a reaction.”
Trade Execution and Management
Execution and management are key to this strategy. The Battle Plan highlights where bulls and bears might act, but the actual entry depends on each trader’s individual model.
Targeting is clear, particularly when using the three-contract system. One example includes holding trades to target number three, with a comment like, “Still long and we finally made it all the way up to target number three.”
Micros Trader explains how stop-losses are managed dynamically — typically five points below the RTH low or above key resistance. As profit accumulates, stops are trailed. One example described being up 200 points, then adjusting the stop to five points below a new structure.
Additionally, there’s discussion around carrying "lotto runners" into the weekend if already up over 100 points. He references a situation where they were “up 215 points,” showcasing the plan’s flexibility to hold into extended targets.
Live Sessions and Member Benefits
Micros Trader offers a deeper experience for subscribers:
- Live Zoom Sessions: These allow members to engage in real-time with Micros Trader during market hours.
- YouTube Live: On Tuesdays, Micros Trader goes live on YouTube, providing transparency and updates on trade ideas.
“If you were live with us on Zoom, you can do that by being a Battle Plan member,” he notes, underscoring the importance of community and discussion in the trading process.
Importance of Discipline and Adaptation
Even with a clear strategy, the video stresses the need for trader discipline and flexibility.
Invalidation rules are sometimes specified, reminding traders to exit if the plan breaks down. In one key moment, Micros Trader states, “I cannot trade the news candle, I’m not doing that at my cash account — no thank you,” reinforcing a cautious approach to high-volatility scenarios.
He also discusses adapting stop-losses after strong profits, saying, “We’re up 215 points now,” and describing how stop levels can evolve within the plan’s framework.
Importantly, he acknowledges that not every day offers execution opportunities. “None of those trades played out,” he admits, pointing to the need for patience and respect for current market conditions.
Key Takeaways & Actionable Insights
- Prepare thoroughly in pre-market.
- Trade zones, not emotions.
- Adapt stop-losses as the trade develops.
- Participate in the live community for deeper insight.
- Know when to sit out — because sometimes, the best trade is no trade at all.
Foundational Principles & Philosophy
Biblical Guidance
The briefings consistently open with scripture, particularly Genesis 1:27-28, which affirms that humanity is made "in the image of God" and blessed to "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it; rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth." This spiritual anchoring is a recurring theme that sets the tone for disciplined and principled trading.
Recovery Mindset
A foundational concept in the briefings is the notion of recovery, applied to trading psychology. Micros Trader refers to themselves and others as "recovering wild ass futures trader[s] that used to do crazy things." A key quote illustrates the redemptive arc:
"In my recovery I learned that the pain of my defects is the very substance God uses to cleanse my character and to set me free."
The idea is that past trading mistakes—emotional decisions, revenge trading, overleveraging—become the raw material for developing great character, and by extension, becoming a "great traitor" (i.e., trader).
Risk Management as the True Success Metric
A consistent measure of a successful trading week is simple: no single loss greater than your ideal loss. This ideal loss is determined by one's leverage metrics, not emotional reactions. It's a non-negotiable rule repeated frequently. The emphasis is on protecting capital over chasing profits.
August Seasonality & Strategic Caution
Micros Trader repeatedly warns that August is a difficult month, describing it as "choppy" and a "no follow-through month." It's referred to as a "see money, take money" month—where scalping and quick exits often outperform swing holds. Traders are encouraged to reduce size, trade smaller, and avoid spreading risk across multiple accounts during this seasonal slowdown.
The "Battle Plan" and Trading Methodology
Battle Plan as the Central Trading Tool
The Battle Plan, available for free on Microstrader.com, is the cornerstone of each day's preparation. It outlines anticipated setups, areas of interest, and potential trade entries. The plan is updated throughout the trading day, offering both static and dynamic insights into execution strategy. Members also receive audio briefings of "Today's Setups."
Mapping Trades and Key Levels
The Battle Plan charts out areas where "great bulls know where the bears are, and great bears know where the bulls are." It includes strong levels, anchored VWAPs, and significant trendlines. This mapping helps identify ideal entry/exit zones and manage expectations.
3-Minute Core Strategy
Micros Trader encourages using a 3-minute chart as the default strategy. Dropping down to a 1-minute timeframe is only advised when there's a "clear, clean, crisp 3-minute level" and the trader seeks a greedier entry with a tighter stop. This ensures structure isn't sacrificed for scalping impulses, particularly important during volatile months like August.
"Keep a Runner Back" Strategy
One of the most emphasized tactics is keeping a "lotto runner." After partial profit-taking, traders are encouraged to let a small portion ride, especially when trading in the direction of the controlling force (usually the bulls). Stops for runners are typically placed "five points under the RTH low" or under a predefined strong level. This approach allows for massive upside while maintaining strong risk controls.
Trading with the Dominant Trend
In the current market context, Micros Trader notes that bulls are in control. The briefings stress aligning trades with the trend and avoiding emotional, aggressive shorts. A common reminder: "When the bulls are strong, they don’t need to grab that RT liquidity to keep the train going north." Countertrend setups should not override directional bias unless clear structural failure is visible.
Confluence of Horizontal and Diagonal Lines
Micros Trader highlights the power of technical confluence. A key teaching is that "when a horizontal line matches a diagonal line, this is a great place to engage in price." This intersection often serves as a high-probability zone for entries.
Knowing When Not to Trade
Micros Trader encourages patience and discretion, frequently reminding traders: "You don't have to make a trade today." Recognizing when conditions are suboptimal is seen as a mark of maturity and discipline. This also ties back into the ideal loss threshold—better to stay flat than force a trade.
Current Market Outlook – August 2023
ES/MES Futures Remain Bullish
As of the August briefings, ES/MES futures have shown consistent strength, forming "higher lows and higher highs" daily. The market is "marching up to the all-time high" and was "just a measly 42 points away" at the time of analysis. The sentiment remains bullish, with the market finding acceptance above key levels like Friday’s high.
All-Time High Acting as Price Magnet
The all-time high is described as "the biggest magnet on the chart." While a fade trade off a failed all-time high attempt could be a viable short, Micros Trader defaults to long setups. The lean is always with the prevailing force unless proven otherwise.
OPEX Friday & Pinned Price Behavior
On Options Expiration (OPEX) Fridays, the briefings predict low follow-through and "pinning behavior," where price hovers around a fixed level. As a result, traders are advised to reduce size and maintain a smaller daily loss limit. These sessions are best approached cautiously.
Intermarket Confirmation
Micros Trader regularly reviews the Dow (YM), Nasdaq (NQ), and Russell (RTY) for confirmation or divergence. For instance, while the Dow hit an all-time high, the NQ or RTY might lag, indicating hesitation or relative weakness. These signals inform directional bias and confidence.
Engagement and Community
Microstrader.com runs a live trading room, and the AM Briefing goes live 15 minutes before the open on YouTube. Micros Trader frequently reminds viewers to "hit the like button, subscribe, and turn on the notification bell."
Members of the Battle Plan or full community get access to live Zoom rooms, where trade ideas are discussed in real-time and mapped out with context. This community-based approach reinforces learning and accountability.
In addition to the paid offerings, the website offers "today's setups" and recaps of "what happened today" for free. These provide valuable insight into how ideas played out and what adjustments were made during live trading.
FAQ – AM Briefing and Trading Methodology
What is the primary purpose of the AM Briefing, and what are its core components?
The AM Briefing, presented by microtrader.com, serves as a daily preparation session for futures traders. Its primary purpose is to provide insights, trade plans, and market analysis before the market opens, helping traders "trade better." Key components include:
- Weekly Scripture: A spiritual opening, often from Genesis, focusing on themes like God's creation and blessing.
- Tip of the Day/Week: Practical trading advice, frequently emphasising risk management like "no single loss greater than your ideal loss."
- News Drivers: Upcoming economic announcements that could impact the market (e.g., CPI, PPI).
- Market Analysis (Chart Talk): A detailed review of current price action, trend lines, key levels (strong levels, anchored VWAP), and market sentiment (bullish/bearish control).
- Battle Plan Review: Discussion of previously mapped-out trades, their performance, and how traders can access the detailed "Battle Plan" for future entries and exits.
- Daily Reminders and Strategy: Reinforcement of core trading principles, such as trading with the trend, managing runners, and adapting to market conditions.
What is the "Battle Plan," and how does it support traders?
The "Battle Plan" is a crucial resource for microtrader.com members, providing mapped-out trade ideas and analysis for the upcoming trading sessions. It's published the night before the market opens and includes:
- Visual Chart Map: Showing expected price movements, entry zones, and key levels.
- Detailed Notes: Explaining the rationale behind trades, specific rules for invalidation, and insights into market dynamics.
- Trade Idea Numbering: Entries are numbered visually on the chart (e.g., #1 for the highest, #2 for the next), not by importance.
- Recap of Previous Day's Trades: An analysis of how the prior day's mapped trades played out, including successes and lessons.
It supports traders by giving them a pre-defined plan, helping them understand where "great bulls know where the bears are and great bears know where the bulls are," and encouraging disciplined trading based on prepared levels rather than impulsive reactions.
What is the significance of the "ideal loss" concept, and how is it determined?
The "ideal loss" is a crucial risk management metric emphasised in the AM Briefing. It represents the maximum acceptable loss for any single trade. The significance lies in preventing catastrophic losses and promoting capital preservation, particularly in volatile markets. Traders are encouraged to measure a successful week by ensuring "no single loss greater than your ideal loss." This ideal loss is determined by "leverage metrics," which are part of the free "leverage metrics training" available to all, whether through the core strategy academy or as a general resource. This metric is a cornerstone of responsible trading and financial self-discipline.
How does the AM Briefing incorporate spiritual and personal development alongside trading advice?
The AM Briefing uniquely integrates spiritual and personal development themes into its content. Each session begins with a "weekly scripture," often from Genesis, focusing on creation and blessings, serving as a foundational, uplifting message. Additionally, the briefing frequently shares personal insights, such as a passage read to the host's wife about recovery from "defects." This message highlights that the "pain of my defects is the very substance God uses to cleanse my character and to set me free." This applies directly to trading, framing emotional or undisciplined trading behaviours ("revenge trading," "entering trades we're not supposed to") as "defects" that, through their painful consequences, lead to character development and improved trading discipline. The host believes that to become a "great trader, you have to become a great character."
What are the main market sentiments and strategies discussed for ES/MES futures trading?
The primary market sentiment often discussed is the bullish control, characterised by consistent "higher highs and higher lows" over multiple sessions. Key strategies and observations include:
- Trading with the Trend: The strong bullish trend means traders should lean long, as counter-trend shorts are "counter small if at all."
- Keeping a Lotto Runner: A core principle is to keep a portion of a winning trade ("lotto runner") open with a trailing stop to capture extended moves, especially in trending markets, reinforcing the "power of keeping that runner back."
- Adding to Winning Trades: The concept of "adding to your winning trade a two for one special" is reinforced.
- Liquidity Grabs: In strong trends, bulls may not need to "grab that RT liquidity" (retest previous lows) to continue their ascent, meaning relying solely on such setups can lead to missed opportunities.
- Horizontal and Diagonal Line Confluence: A "key beautiful concept" is that when a horizontal price level matches a diagonal trend line, it's often a "delightful place in which to engage in price."
- August Seasonality: A consistent warning is given about August being a "choppy," "no follow-through month" ("see money take money month"), historically not an "easiest month to trade." Traders are advised to "trade smaller," "dial down everything," and possibly focus on fewer accounts or specific trade types.
What are "strong levels," and how do they relate to the "Battle Plan" and market analysis?
"Strong levels" are predefined price points on the chart that are considered significant support or resistance areas. They are a core component of the "Battle Plan" and are regularly updated. These levels are critical for:
- Mapping Entries and Exits: The Battle Plan uses strong levels to outline where traders should consider entering or exiting positions.
- Risk Management: Stops are often placed in relation to strong levels, such as "under this strong level."
- Identifying Market Structure: They help in understanding potential turning points or areas where price might find acceptance or rejection.
- Visualisation: Along with trend lines and VWAP, strong levels contribute to the visual price map that guides traders' decisions. They represent areas where significant supply or demand is expected to emerge.
How does the trading system adapt to different market conditions, specifically during "OPEX Friday" or choppy months like August?
The trading system emphasises adaptability and adjustments based on specific market conditions:
- OPEX Friday: This day has specific rules and expectations. Traders are warned to "never give your week back," "trade with a smaller daily loss limit," and expect "no follow-through" and a tendency for price to "pin" or hover around a specific level as the market seeks a finishing price. It's suggested it might be a "good day to just go play golf" due to potential choppiness.
- August Seasonality: August is consistently highlighted as a difficult, "choppy," "no follow-through" month. The advice is to "dial down everything," "trade smaller," avoid "multiplying your trades across multiple accounts," and potentially "just focus on one trade and you're done every single day." This prepares traders for the anticipated "September move."
- Trend vs. Counter-Trend: The system advocates trading with the trend (bullish control is dominant) and keeping counter-trend trades "small if at all," adjusting contract size (e.g., using only one contract instead of three) when going against the prevailing trend.
- Clean Levels: Emphasis is placed on taking trades only when there's a "clean clear crisp level," especially during choppy periods. If a level isn't clear on a higher timeframe (e.g., 3-minute chart), traders are cautioned against dropping to lower timeframes to force a trade, unless seeking a "greedier entry for a smaller stop" with an already confirmed clear higher-timeframe level.
What is the "three-contract system," and how does it relate to managing trades and runners?
The "three-contract system" is a method for managing trades that allows traders to take profits at different targets while maintaining exposure to further price movement. Although not explicitly detailed in its mechanics, the concept is implied:
- Profit Taking at Targets: Traders would likely scale out of their position by taking profit on one or two contracts at predefined targets (e.g., target 1, target 2).
- Keeping a Runner: A key aspect is to keep the last contract (the "lotto runner") open to potentially capture much larger moves, especially when trading in the direction of the dominant trend. This allows traders to participate in extended rallies without giving back all their profits.
- Risk Management for Runners: The stop for the runner is often trailed up, sometimes to break-even or a strong level, to protect initial profits while allowing for continued upside. The goal is to survive drawdowns while still being long into significant moves, as exemplified by traders being "still long going into the all-time high" or being "up 250 points" on a mapped-out trade.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
- Day Traders Blog Featuring Top ES and MES Setups
- CME Micro E-Mini Equity Futures Overview (MES/ES)
- CME Group Futures Trading Simulator for Practice
- Micros Trader YouTube Community Tab – Updates & Posts
- AM BRIEFING Archive – Daily Pre-Market Futures Insights
- AM Briefing for Micros Scalping System – Top Trades Review
- Live Emini Trading Room Recap – Weekly ES & MES Breakdown
- Rumble Video: ES/MES Technical Analysis & Scalping Strategy
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