ES: Testing Yearly Open at 5950
Current Market Structure
Market completed successful retest of 2024 value area low (~20% correction from ATH)
We are currently engaged in value discovery journey back toward developing POC near ATH
Yearly open at ~5950 serves as current battleground level.
Friday's Action Analysis
Multiple rotations between yearly open (5950) and value area low (5925-5930)
Staying within and expanding above yesterdays upper distribution
Bulls eventually won the day, pushing +20 points to 5975
Key concern: Post-close liquidation break erased gains, returning to 5950
Suggests weak hands accumulated during the drift higher
Technical Structure Issues
White House announcement-driven moves created weak structure below current levels
Multiple unfilled gaps and single prints underneath
Weekly & Monthly VPOCs (virgin points of control) present structural vulnerabilities
Path of least resistance technically up, but lacking conviction
While the path of least resistance is upward, we really don't have a lot of people looking to start new positions here. Unless other timeframe traders come in and start finding value, we're just going to chop around. The market wants to get back to that POC near the highs, but it's getting artificial help every time we hit a pivotal point which is creating weak structure underneath us.
WSP1! trade ideas
S&P 500 Technical Analysis: Testing the Axis LineThe S&P is now reaching the axis line, where heavy selling emerged months ago. It’s reasonable to expect a pause at this level, followed by a continuation of the strong uptrend.
Volume Analysis
Looking at the recent chart pattern, we can observe that the volume became quite climactic right on the break. It’s particularly noteworthy that the current bar is at the same level as previous significant price action. This pattern suggests we’re essentially going through the same cycle again, repeating familiar market behavior.
The Critical Axis Line
This axis line is critical for traders to monitor. If the market can successfully break above this level and then consolidate, spending sufficient time above this resistance, we’re likely going to experience a rally.
Chart Pattern Observations
The chart shows several technical elements:
Multiple touch points along the resistance level
Previous price action at similar levels
The market cycling through similar patterns again
Conclusion
The S&P is at a critical juncture, testing a well-established axis line. If we can get above it and then just consolidate, spending some time there, we’re probably going to have a rally.
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Liberation, Altercation & Boom: US China Trade talks CME_MINI:ES1!
Pointing to our previously written blog post (Liberation, Altercation or Doom) on March 31st. A mix of all scenarios played out.
Global universal tariffs with reciprocal tariffs layered on top. It resulted in a huge sell-off on April 2nd.
After months of tit-for-tat tariffs and growing economic friction, the US and China have agreed to hit pause. In a joint statement that’s given markets some breathing room, both countries announced a 90-day suspension on a large portion of their punitive tariffs—an initial step toward dialing back tensions and restarting dialogue.
Key Tariff Measures from US-China Joint Statement (90-Day Pause)
US Tariff Reductions:
Tariffs on Chinese goods were reduced from 145% to 30% for a 90-day period.
24 percentage points suspended, leaving a 10% base tariff in place.
China Tariff Reductions:
Tariffs on US goods reduced from 125% to 10% for the same 90-day period.
China also suspends 24 percentage points of additional ad valorem duties.
Retains a 10% baseline tariff on US imports.
Non-Tariff Measures: China to suspend or remove all non-tariff countermeasures imposed since April 2.
Includes sanctions on certain US companies.
Lifts export controls on some critical minerals.
Timeline & Commitment:
Both parties agree to implement these actions by May 14.
Commitment to continue trade and economic talks through a new bilateral mechanism.
Talks may be held in alternating locations (US/China) or via third-party venues.
No Agreement On:
Currency policy.
E-commerce “de minimis” exemptions.
Sector-specific tariff frameworks.
Future Key Dates and Timeline:
May - Potential US semiconductor tariffs.
May/June - Potential US pharmaceutical tariffs.
July 8th - 90-day tariff lowering for "worst offenders" expires.
July 14th - US tariffs on Mexican agriculture goes into effect.
August 10th - US-China tariff relief expires.
Was this really mutual or just a game of chicken?
There’s an argument to be made that this is more of a tactical pause than a full reconciliation. With China’s GDP in purchasing power parity terms now surpassing that of the US, and its continued technological advancements across sectors like aerospace, semiconductors, and critical minerals, the balance of economic leverage is shifting. For investors, this isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about the evolving structure of global trade.
Geopolitical undercurrents continue to shape the backdrop. China’s strategic influence in regional security, technology supply chains, and commodity access adds another layer to its negotiating position. Recent developments—such as China's reassertion of dominance in strategic corridors and growing control over key mineral exports—suggest its economic posture is becoming more assertive. This, in turn, has implications for US firms dependent on Chinese inputs or facing retaliatory restrictions.
In short, the 90-day window presents a tactical opportunity, but the structural story remains complex. Investors would be wise to monitor not just tariff updates, but broader shifts in trade alliances, export controls, and supply chain vulnerabilities—especially in sectors like tech, energy, and defense-adjacent industries.
ES Futures:
ES Futures and risk on assets are positive across the board following this announcement.
Key Levels:
Key LVN/ Key LIS: 5861-5837.25
200 Day MA: 5872.99
0.786 Fib Retracement level: 5921.75
0.618 Fib Retracement level: 5688.75
pWkHi: 5741
mCVAL 2025: 5639.75
Expectations for the week ahead:
US CPI and Retail Sales data on the docket this week along with slew of FED speakers.
Scenario 1: Risk on
ES Futures get back above 200-day moving average clearing the key LVN resistance zone and our key LIS, head towards 0.786 Fib retracement level before pulling back and consolidating for the remainder of the week.
Example trade:
Entry: 5861
Stop: 5837
Target: 5921.75
Risk: 96 ticks
Reward: 243 ticks
Risk/Reward ratio: 2.5 R
Scenario 2: Further consolidation
Markets consolidate below the key LVN resistance zone and prior weekly high.
Example Trade:
Entry: 5837
Stop: 5861
Target: 5741
Risk: 96 ticks
Reward: 384 ticks
Risk/Reward ratio: 4 R
Glossary:
VA: Value Area
VPOC: Volume Point of Control
VAL: Value Area Low
C: Composite (used as a prefix: VA, VAL, VAH, VPOC, etc.)
mC: micro Composite (used as a prefix: mCVA, mCVAL, etc.)
LNV: Low Volume Node
LIS: Line in Sand
Important Notes:
These are example trade ideas not intended to be a recommendation to trade, and traders are encouraged to do their own analysis and preparation before entering any positions.
Stop losses are not guaranteed to trigger at specified levels, and actual losses may exceed predetermined stop levels.
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Disclaimer:
There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
Cautious Optimism: What’s Next for the S&P 500US500 My Outlook for the Next Week:
Given the relentless bullishness on the chart and the current backdrop, here’s how I see the next week playing out:
Short-Term: The S&P 500 may continue to consolidate or experience mild pullbacks as investors digest recent gains and await fresh catalysts. Sector rotation could create choppiness, especially if tech underperforms.
Catalysts: Watch for key economic data (inflation, employment, Fed commentary) and any major earnings surprises. These could trigger renewed momentum or a sharper correction.
Risk/Reward: The risk of a sharp correction is rising, but the underlying trend remains bullish unless there’s a significant negative surprise. A shallow pullback or sideways action would be healthy and could set up the next leg higher if fundamentals remain intact.
In summary: The S&P 500’s relentless bullishness is being tested by mixed sentiment and cautious analyst forecasts. Fundamentals are still supportive, but risks are rising. For the next week, expect consolidation or mild volatility, with the potential for renewed upside if economic data and earnings remain strong. Stay nimble, watch for sector rotation, and be prepared for both short-term pullbacks and longer-term opportunities.
Not financial advice.
S&P Futures weekly chart analysis 5-25-25S&P Futures weekly chart analysis 5-25-25
Overall, a bear trend with a strong reversal, and now a L2 sell signal. The sell
signal is right on the EMA, so a lower probability short for Bears, just like the buy on
the bar of April 28th forced bulls to buy right at the EMA and bears got a scalp down.
Likely that the bar of May 19th will trigger. If bears get a strong follow-through bar, then
expect 2 legs sideways to down. It's more likely to trigger and bounce, leaving the bar on the
Monthly chart a small bear or bull doji.
On this chart, the trap bar below should act as support. Also, typically the end of the month
has a bullish bias to it, while the very first of the month often has a bearish bias.
A better setup for the bears will be a reversal up from here. Bears will sell from higher prices.
Best guess for this week - end up down with a tail, allowing the monthly chart to complete as
expected. After this week, I expect a test up but unlikley to get strong continuation up.
Much more likely that we will test down in the coming weeks. Strong bullish trend continuation
in the coming weeks is not expected. This is a strong bear breakout and now a 3 push retracement
to test the BO levels. Bears will want another leg down from here.
Bottom line - expect last week's sell signal to get trigger and some more down from there, but
buyers below at the trap BO above a bear doji. Lower Pb is directly up from here only to set
up a better sell structure for the bears later in the week.