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MES1!

ES/SPX Levels & Targets Aug 26thOn Thursday/Friday, I called the 5588-93 buy zone with a target of 5653, and ES has hit it four times since Friday morning. As of now: No changes—I'm still holding my runners from Friday mentioned in plan. The 5642 level, which has been tested twice but remains weak, is the key support. If we can hold above that, I’m eyeing 5672 and the 5687-90 range as potential targets. If 5642 breaks, I’ll look to sell around 5630. Full Plan for today was posted Sunday Morning
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg
Navigating NVIDIA Earnings Led Volatility with S&P 500 OptionsNVIDIA will announce its Q2 2025 results on 28th August. The semiconductor giant is expected to deliver USD 28.6 billion in revenues. Even a mild shortfall can send its stock prices tanking. The firm is slated to scale even greater heights on continued AI hardware demand & explosion in data centres. ANALYSTS REMAIN BULLISH NVIDIA enjoys buy rating with 12-month price targets ranging from USD 90 to USD 200 per share across 52 analysts. Forty-seven analysts have strong buy rating followed by nine buys and five holds based on 61 analysts issuing ratings over the last three months. The firm has a commanding position in the AI-driven chip market. Booming demand for GPUs in data centres and cloud computing serve as relentless tail winds. NVIDIA EXPECTED TO DELIVER INCREDIBLE RESULTS ON GROWING AI DEMAND AI demand is palpable. This demand is vindicated by eye popping financial performance. Few can deliver higher earnings without comprising margins. NVIDIA has crushed both. Its revenues have risen 5.6x since 2019 while its net income has risen 10.6x during the same period. Its net income margins have expanded two-fold from 25.6% to 48.9% in the same time frame. Little surprise that its shares are up 162.71% so far this year far surpassing S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and other mega caps. NVIDIA IS EXPECTED TO EXTEND ITS DOMINATION Tech firms are in early stages of AI hardware adoption, driving demand for NVIDIA’s chips. Its data center business is a key revenue driver, benefiting from growing AI workloads. Source: Statista NVIDIA’s AI GPUs are crucial for machine learning and neural network tasks. GPUs will contribute to 40% of its total revenue in 2024. The firm continues to expand its CUDA software ecosystem. CUDA enables developers to optimize AI workloads. Combination of hardware and software makes its ecosystem extremely sticky. It locks in developers & clients contributing to long-term revenues. Furthermore, NVIDIA’s long-term roadmap includes innovations in AI chips designed for specific tasks, such as inferencing and deep learning, areas where its competitors have struggled to gain traction. RECAPPING NVIDIA’S RECORD SHATTERING Q1 2025 EARNINGS The firm delivered record quarterly revenues of USD 26 billion (up 18% QoQ & 262% YoY), primarily driven by a 427% surge in Data Center business. Its net income of USD 14.88 billion and diluted EPS of USD 5.98, marked 21% and 629% increase respectively YoY. The gross margin rose to 78.4%, up 2.4% QoQ & 13.8% YoY. The firm also announced ten-for-one forward stock split effective 7th June. It increased quarterly dividend by 150% to $0.10 per post-split share. On such stunning results, its share prices rose 9.3% after announcement. Even though NVIDIA share prices have risen, its price-to-earnings ratio have come off thanks to even sharper rise in its earnings. The price paid for each dollar of earnings is cheapest over the last eight quarters based on P/E ratio. The P/E ratio is down to 51x as of Q1 2024 compared to 144x as of Q1 2023. EARNINGS SURPRISES & SHOCKS AND ITS IMPACT ON STOCK PRICES NVIDIA’s quarterly earnings has crushed expectations 21 out of the last 22 quarters since 2019. Beating earnings has become par for the course for this firm. Even mild shocks can cause tremors in its share prices. It is no surprise then that the 12-month rolling beta of the firm is 2.78x making it highly volatile. Beta measures share price sensitivity to the overall market. It quantifies price moves of a stock to the broader index. BETA HEDGING NVIDIA STOCKS WITH S&P 500 MICRO INDEX OPTIONS Portfolio Managers holding NVIDIA stocks can cleverly use deeply liquid CME Micro E-Mini S&P 500 Index Options (CME Micro S&P 500 Options) to hedge against potential earnings linked price shocks. Holding NVIDIA shares while hedging the holding via CME Micro S&P 500 Put Options helps to build effective portfolio resilience. Investors are assumed to hold one-hundred shares for illustration. The notional value of NVIDIA shares is calculated using close of market price on 23rd August. Trading View publishes twelve-month rolling beta for each stock. It can be used for calculating the required number of S&P 500 index puts to hedge against downside price risk. We suggest adjusting the beta upwards (“Earnings Linked Beta”) by 50% to cater for earnings linked excess volatility. The notional value of options is calculated using Earnings Linked Beta. Two lots of CME Micro S&P 500 Options are required to hedge 100 NVIDIA shares. The table below demonstrates overall Beta Hedged P&L based on various price scenarios for NVIDIA share prices and S&P 500 futures price after earnings. Single stock options can be used to hedge. The cost of hedging using them would be expensive due to elevated IV levels during earnings. Investors must balance cost savings against basis risks. Please note that beta hedging involves basis risks. If the stock and index prices fail to move in tandem as expected, then beta hedge may not provide adequate protection from adverse price moves. The table below illustrates Beta Hedged P&L if index moves in a muted manner which is unlikely. The table below illustrates Beta Hedged P&L if index moves inversely to NVIDIA share prices. This scenario is a highly unlikely but is included for clarity of understanding and illustration purposes only. Investors can consider exploiting elevated implied volatility in NVIDIA options by selling calls to partly fund the purchase of index put options. By selling a 25-delta options expiring on 30th August, the investor creates a covered call strategy on the underlying NVIDIA stocks. A 25-delta call translates to a 142 strike and the last traded price on 23rd August was USD 2.70 per share. Investors can view up-to-date pricing sheets along with various options analysis tools on CME QuikStrike . The P&L of beta hedge plus covered call assuming expected index moves is as shown below: MARKET DATA CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs tradingview.com/cme . DISCLAIMER This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
NASDAQ:NVDALong
by mintdotfinance
Full ES Trading Plan for Aug 26thPlan For Monday: supports are 5642, 5630 (major), 5620, 5616, 5612 (major), 5605 (major), 5598, 5594, 5588-86 (major), 5576, 5572, 5566 (major), 5560, 5547, 5534-38 (major). Levels to Bid: • Still holding my runner from the 5588-93 long Friday night and letting it ride. I added another 25% around 5647 late in the day because my cost basis is low, so as long as we’re above break-even, I’m holding. • It should be clear by now that ES is setting up a new consolidation range between 5659 and 5588-92. This range is wide and could become a bit of a battleground. Must take profits level by level. Overtrade within this range, the market will eat your lunch. • Everything in this range is choppy with poor follow-through, so it’s best to wait for failed breakdowns, trade level to level, leave runners on, and stop overtrading. Since Tuesday, the structure looks like a “megaphone” or early bull flag. There are several critical levels in this range that have been heavily tested, so you’ll need to be nimble. • First Level Down: 5630. It’s been worked a lot, so I’ll watch the volume in real-time. Ideally, I’d want to see it flush and reclaim, maybe down to 5620 before considering entries. • This only applies if we haven’t broken out of the 5659 range first. If we break to new highs, then any new longs below are off the table. • Below 5630: We’ve got the 5612 and 5605 cluster. Watch for failed breakdowns of Friday's low, and if we can hit 5605 or so and reclaim, I’ll be looking to go long. If things are looking particularly bearish, I might wait for 5612 to recover before jumping in. • If 5588 fails: I’ll probably be flipping to shorts and won’t be interested in longs until around 5534-38. Resistances: • 5654, 5659 (major), 5662, 5672, 5679, 5687-90 (major), 5694, 5705 (major), 5714, 5720 (major), 5730 (major), 5737, 5746, 5749 (major), 5758, 5770 (major), 5778, 5785 (major). • As usual, I have a strict “no shorting strength” rule when we’re in an uptrend. I just don’t do it. For those who are into that kind of risky play, 5659 has been tested a lot and has worked for shorts a few times already, so it’s probably losing reliability. • Next risky short spot: 5687-90, then 5730 and 5785 if you’re feeling brave. Buyers Case: • I’m seeing 5588 to 5659 as a chop zone now, so the “buyers case” is the default as long as 5588 keeps holding. With this structure intact, I see the 5588-5659 range as just another bullish continuation pattern. • Remember, in an uptrend, most traders assume all structures will break to the upside—because 80% of the time, they do. I’m not trying to be a hero and predict which 20% will fail; I’ll just short when one does. It's literally that simple. Til then, you stay with the trend. • The buyers case for Monday would be more range filling, followed by a breakout targeting 5673, then 5687-90. After that, it’s probably on to all-time highs, with 5785 being the next big magnet. • Ultra bullish scenario: ES doesn’t dip at all and goes straight up. This would likely see ES flagging below 5659 and above 5630, maybe without even hitting 5642 first. I’d consider adding in this case, especially if we probe under 5642 and recover, but it’s hard to get too specific without seeing how things play out Sunday night/Monday morning. Sellers Case: • Starts with a break below 5588. I’d need to see a final bounce/failed breakdown/reaction at 5588. After this plays out and its clear there is minimal demand left at the level, I will be shorting. Perhaps 5583 trigger. Level to level profit takes. In general, defer to the trend as always. 5659 to 5588 = pure chop. We can fill this out in many ways. As long as this structure is intact, we push to 5672, 5687-90 next. Maybe a dip there, then on to 5705, 5730. If 5588 fails, we finally get a short trigger and start the leg down to 5538.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg
Resend: Full ES Plan For Today // Sent Out YesterdayPlan for Friday: Supports are: 5593-5588 (major), 5582, 5572, 5567 (major), 5560, 5555, 5540-45 (major), 5528 (major), 5519, 5512 (major), 5502. Tomorrow is the Jackson Hole speech at 10am, and it could be as unpredictable as FOMC or CPI days, so trade cautiously. First off, size down—there's no point in risking big money in a market driven by algos and noise. Losing money on a known volatile day is a choice. Most professional traders have already called it a week and are skipping tomorrow—take note. Professionals focus on preserving profits, while retail traders often chase quick gains. This difference in mindset is why pros size down or stay out, while retail traders often lose money. Expect traps tomorrow—like with CPI/FOMC days, the first few moves might be fakeouts. It’s smart to wait for failed breakdowns rather than diving in. Also, avoid overtrading. Stick to level-to-level trades because price action could get complex and hard to predict. My approach will be to take one trade and protect it, only risking profits on a second trade if necessary. Tomorrow is all about preserving capital for me, and I’m only risking 10% of this week's profits. Keep in mind that last year’s Jackson Hole reaction was very bullish, but 2022’s was extremely bearish. Be ready for anything. First support is 5593-88, which we’ve been holding for a couple of hours. I’ll watch for flushes and reclaims of this zone. Given that it’s Jackson Hole day, if the market wants to sell off, it could blow through multiple supports, so I’ll be patient and wait for failed breakdowns before considering any longs. 5567 is the next support down, but I’m not interested in catching a falling knife tomorrow. Below that, 5540-45 is another level to watch. On a regular day, I’d look to buy here, but tomorrow I’ll wait for reactions before making any moves. Resistances are 5604 (major), 5610, 5618-20 (major), 5623, 5630 (major), 5636, 5643, 5653 (major), 5661 (major), 5668, 5672, 5678, 5685 (major). I don’t short in uptrends, especially on Jackson Hole day. If you’re into risky trades, 5685 and 5705 might be worth considering, but it’s not my style. Buyers case tomorrow, even after 11 days of rallying, a pullback would be normal and healthy. Remember, pullbacks in ES tend to be sharp drops, not slow grinds. Big picture, buyers are still in control above the breakout around 5450. Short-term, as long as we’re above 5588-93, they could push higher, targeting 5630 and 5652, with potential new highs after that. Sellers case: it starts with a break below 5588-93, but be cautious—Jackson Hole days are tricky and full of traps. Ideally (on a normal day), I’d want to see perhaps one more bounce and/or failed breakdown here. After this, I am short 5584 or so. Level to level profit takes. In general, Its Jackson Hole day, and the market will be on a mission to take your money. Size down. I don’t like “predicting” ahead of a day like this (since its impossible) but if I had to give a lean, its always to defer to the trend. As long as 5588-93 holds, we can simply resume up back to 5630, 5653. Perhaps final reaction, then breakout to 5685+. Sell<5588.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg
Full ES/SPX Trading Plan For Monday Aug 12thPlan for Monday: Supports are: 5363 (major), 5351, 5337-42 (major), 5324 (major), 5312-10 (major), 5302, 5288, 5273 (major), 5260, 5247-50 (major The key focus now is that ES has finally cleared the critical 5338-42 support, but it needs to hold this level to avoid a move back down. The first target below from here is 5363. Since this level has already been extensively tested friday and is too close to the highs, it’s not appealing for a long position, but flushes and reclaims remain possible. Below there is 5338-42 yet again. This area has been heavily tested and remains a significant trap zone, which likely won’t change soon. While it’s possible to buy directly at this level, it requires quick, agile trading. I’d rather see a setup similar to what I played multiple Friday today: a dip down to 5324 followed by a recovery. However, I’ll stay flexible and ready to react in this zone in real time, with volume. Below 5324, the 5312 level comes into play. I'm open to a small bid in this area. If you're unsure, you can wait for a potential failed breakdown of Friday's low before entering. If this zone doesn't hold, selling momentum could pick up again, so I'd be cautious with buying any supports. Areas of interest might then be 5250 and 5186-91. For Monday, I view the entire range between 5324 and 5372-78 as a potential new consolidation zone, playground for traders. Resistances are: 5372, 5378 (major), 5388, 5393, 5400 (major), 5414 (major), 5424, 5432, 5438-40 (major), 5450 (major). If the squeeze resumes on Monday, next spot for those who want to try shorts would be 5438-40 in terms of higher confidence areas. 5414 is another. Buyers case: After two days of relentless rallying, a correction on Monday wouldn’t be surprising. For buyers, it’s crucial that the discussed supports hold, with 5312 as the lowest level they want to see. Dropping below that increases the likelihood of another leg down. The 5338-42 zone, which served as major resistance throughout the week, is now support. Ideally, on Monday, ES could consolidate between 5372-78 and 5338-42. From there, the next leg up could target 5400, 5424, and then 5438-40. In terms of spots to add on strength, this is tough to provide when we close at the lows but I’d generally see flagging below Fridays high, and above 5338-42 as being bullish (especially if we flush 5362 and recover). Sellers case: This setup begins with the failure of 5312. As I mention frequently, these types of trades come with a strong disclaimer. Trades below support levels, known as breakdown trades, carry inherent risks. My main edge lies in trading failed breakdowns because most breakdowns (about 80%) tend to trap traders. Even when executed skillfully, breakdown trades have a low win rate, with over 60% expected to fail. However, the risk/reward ratio is high—two or three trades might fail, but the fourth could yield significant returns. If you’re uncomfortable with these odds or the possibility of getting trapped, it’s best to avoid these trades. Breakdown trades are advanced setups, so if you’re a newer trader here, there’s no harm in passing on them. As always, I avoid chasing the market. I’d want to see a bounce or a failed breakdown around 5310-12 first. Once this plays out and there’s clear evidence of weak demand in that zone, I’d consider shorting around 5302 or slightly higher if a clear structure forms from the bounce that I can short beneath. In general, my lean for Monday is that 5324 to 5372-78 is now a new consolidation zone, with 5338-42 being s mid-pivot. As long as we continue consolidating in this zone and really above 5338-42, buyers can just continue to work higher to 5400, 5414, then 5438-42. If 5324 fails, it’s a warning shot for buyers, with 5312 fail triggering short back down the levels.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg
Plan For Friday SessionPlan for Friday: supports are 5343, 5338 (major), 5328, 5322, 5308-10 (major), 5306, 5298 (major), 5278 (major), 5268 (major). Yall should know what I’m going to say here. We had a monster rally today, 160 points. My absolute least favorite time to trader is after a big trend day. Longs are risky - chasing with no pullback after this large of a rally is non sense. Shorts are risky - we are in a squeeze. And the odds of complex, messy chop are high. As a result, tomorrow is capital preservation Friday for me, and I’ll just be taking it light, protecting what I have from this week. From here, 5338-42 is first down. This has been the brick wall resistance all week, and now, for the first time, we are closing above it and its now support. A possible entry could be something like if we test 5328 and recover the zone. Below there, we flush down the levels again, and this may be a sort of macro failed breakout. If so, that means all longs will be very risk and should be done with small size. 5308-10 is first support down. If we are knifing down, one could try it micro sized, or better yet, wait for it to flush and reclaim. Use common sense. Below there we knife down the levels. 5268 would be one spot of interest to watch for a bounce, and if we test it then recover 5280 it is even better. Below there we probably flush down to 5228-33 again, reaction zone, then down to 5186-91, which I would be willing to try one final small long at before we start the next macro leg lower into the 4900s. Resistances are: 5351 (major), 5362, 5372, 5378 (major), 5388, 5394, 5398 (major), 5409, 5414-16 (major), 5427, 5433, 5439 (major). I am currently long and I won’t be flipping short tomorrow on strength. For those who are looking for spots to try reaction shorts though, 5378 would be one zone, then 5438 would be another. Either could provoke sells. Buyers case: Bulls did some good work today, holding 5186-91 major support, then recovering the 5338-42 area. We are only a few points above now so its still chance for a trap - we need to take it level to level. Generally though, we remain in a recovery leg since Monday, as long as above that 5186-91 level. Buyers want to defend 5338-42 level now (or if it does fail, quickly flush to something like 5328 and reclaim), and begin working up towards the next major backtest magnet which is now 5438. There are big resistances en route like 5378 any of which can end the leg. I normally give spots to add on strength, but I cannot do so here when are at the highs of day. I can only say that I would see any overnight flagging above 5338-42 and below todays high as being bullish, and favoring continuation. Sellers case: the real sellers case begins on the fail of 5186-91. Obviously 5186-91 is very far away now, so in order to short there I obviously would not just be blindly shorting below. I’d need to see a strong reaction there or failed breakdown and good final bounce, then I’d consider short 5180ish. On a shorter-term basis, 5269 is also a level I’d consider a breakdown short of. Same drill - I need to see a bounce there and/or failed breakdown first. On the shortest term basis, 5308-10 failure likely provides a good level to level short. Same drill, I need evidence the zone is used up (this zone is already fairly well tested). After this, I’d look short 5304. In general, Today I was looking for a rally to 5338-42, and we got there and beyond. Post-rally trading is the worst trading, so I will be in capital preservation mode tomorrow. My general lean though is to respect the 5338-42 late day breakout. As long as it holds, we can work up to 5378 next. Decision point there - and if bulls can push through, we likely head all the way to 5414, 5438. If 5338-42 fails, ES has to do more work on the downside as per the above plan.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ESMorg