Date: November 4, 2024

S&P 500 E-mini futures (ESZ24)

Overview: As of today, S&P 500 E-mini futures (ESZ24) are trading in a relatively tight range amid anticipation of key events later this week, including a Federal Reserve meeting and market-sensitive data releases. The current trading range reflects cautious optimism, yet technical indicators suggest potential resistance ahead that traders should monitor closely.

Key Technical Levels

Current Price Range: Approximately 5,740 - 5,800

Resistance Levels: 5,800 and 5,840

Support Levels: 5,720 and 5,700

Critical Pivot: 5,760, which may signal intraday directional bias.

Scenarios for Today’s Trading

Bullish Scenario

If ES holds above the critical pivot of 5,760:

  • Upside Momentum: Sustaining levels above 5,760 with momentum could push prices towards resistance at 5,800 and potentially test 5,840 if bullish sentiment persists.
  • Catalysts: Positive developments, such as optimistic Fed guidance or unexpectedly strong corporate earnings, may fuel this scenario.
  • Strategy: Consider entering long positions above 5,760, with stops slightly below and profit targets around 5,800 and 5,840.

Bearish Scenario

If ES falls below 5,720:

  • Downside Risk: Breaking below 5,720 could lead to a test of 5,700, especially if market sentiment shifts toward risk aversion.
  • Catalysts: Concerns over upcoming Fed actions or weaker economic data may put downward pressure on the index.
  • Strategy: Short positions may be considered below 5,720, targeting 5,700 with stops just above this level to manage risk.

Range-Bound Scenario

If ES remains between 5,720 and 5,800:

  • Consolidation Range: Cautious trading within this range may indicate a wait-and-see approach as traders position ahead of the Fed’s statements.
  • Catalysts: Balanced market sentiment without clear direction could keep ES trading within these bounds.
  • Strategy: Range-trading could be effective, focusing on buying near 5,720 and selling near 5,800 with tight stop-loss placements.

Market Sentiment and Indicators to Watch

  • Federal Reserve Meeting: The Fed’s upcoming guidance on interest rates and economic outlook may heavily influence market movement. A dovish tone could support higher prices, while hawkish commentary may weigh on ES.
  • Corporate Earnings: Continued strength in corporate results, particularly in technology, can help lift sentiment, while any weakness may add downward pressure.
  • Volatility Index (VIX): Hovering near key levels, a rise in the VIX could signal increased caution, which may favor the bearish scenario.

NASDAQ-100 E-mini futures (NQZ24)

Overview: NASDAQ-100 E-mini futures (NQZ24) are trading within a critical zone, with resistance near 20,200 and support around 19,900. Technical indicators provide further insight into market sentiment, helping to refine today’s trading strategy.

Key Technical Levels

Current Price Range: ~20,000 - 20,200

Resistance Levels: 20,200 and 20,400

Support Levels: 19,900 and 19,700

Critical Pivot: 20,100

Technical Indicators

Moving Averages (MA)

  • 50-Day MA: Currently near 20,150, this average serves as immediate resistance. If NQ moves above this level, it could signal a bullish reversal, particularly if followed by high trading volume.
  • 200-Day MA: Positioned around 19,750, this average is acting as strong longer-term support. A break below this level would imply a shift toward bearish sentiment.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

  • Current RSI: The RSI is hovering around 55, indicating a neutral stance. However, a push above 60 could support bullish momentum, whereas a drop below 50 might signal further downside, especially if other bearish indicators align.

MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)

  • The MACD line remains slightly above the signal line, suggesting mild bullish momentum. Watch for crossovers as they could signal shifts: a downward crossover may confirm a bearish trend, while an upward crossover would support long positions.

Bollinger Bands

  • Range: Bollinger Bands are relatively tight, indicating low volatility but potentially hinting at an impending breakout. A close outside the bands (especially above 20,200 or below 19,900) could indicate a continuation in that direction.

Volume Analysis

  • Volume has been below average in recent sessions. An increase in volume around the pivot (20,100) would add conviction to the chosen direction, whether above or below the critical levels.

Scenarios for Today’s Trading

Bullish Scenario

If NQ holds above the pivot at 20,100, and indicators (e.g., MACD positive crossover, RSI moving above 60) align:

  • Upside Momentum: A move above 20,200, with strong volume, could lead to a test of 20,400.
  • Strategy: Consider long positions, targeting profit levels around 20,200 and 20,400, with stops just below 20,100.

Bearish Scenario

If NQ drops below 19,900, and the RSI heads toward oversold territory (below 45):

  • Downside Risk: Breaking below support at 19,900 may indicate a move toward 19,700.
  • Strategy: Short positions could be effective here, especially if MACD crosses negatively, with stops near 19,900.

Range-Bound Scenario

If NQ remains between 19,900 and 20,200:

  • Strategy: Range-bound strategies may be ideal, leveraging Bollinger Band upper/lower bounds and buying near 19,900 while selling near 20,200.

Market Sentiment and Indicators to Watch

  • Upcoming Election Impact: Watch for any policy or regulatory signals that may impact tech stocks.
  • VIX Index: A rise above 20 may signal increased risk, favoring short positions on NQ.

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Disclaimer: The analysis is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Futures trading carries significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
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