Pre-Market Analysis of NASDAQ: Session Overview

Jul 3, 2024

Pre-Market Analysis of NASDAQ: Session Overview

Trading Schedule

  • Trading hours: 8 to 11:15 a.m. EST
  • Why? Statistics show a 65-67% probability of retracing to the midnight open during this window.
  • Fridays: Risk or no trade days to maintain weekly momentum.
  • Approach: Capture 25 points per trade.
  • Psychological Discipline: Consistency over greed.

Midnight Open Line Strategy

  • Midnight Open Line: Key point of reference for trade decisions.
  • Below Midnight Open at 8:00 am: Look for Longs.
  • Above Midnight Open at 8:00 am: Look for Shorts.

Footprints and Market Context

  • Objective Buy/Sell Pressure: Indicated by Footprints on the chart.
  • Provide context on price movement: Where price is likely to react.
  • Simplifies trade decisions avoiding subjective elements like Far Value Gaps and Order Blocks.

Higher Time Frame Considerations

  • Mainly use the hourly time frame.
  • Look for continuity in market structure (bullish, bearish, consolidation).
  • Usage of last 170-180 days of data for distribution analysis.

Distribution Trades

  • Back-up trade when there isn’t a midnight open retracement opportunity.
  • Based on average movement on respective days (e.g., 1.15% on Fridays).
  • Capturing the first two distributions after the midnight open retracement

Key Insights on Trading Methodology

  • Data-Driven Approach: Use statistics to predict market behavior.
  • Footprints Analysis: Understand where objective pressure points lie.
  • Trade Small, Trade Consistent: Prefer 25 point trades and small gains over trying to capture entire moves.
  • Adapt Strategies: Align the strategy with current market climates.

Psychological and Strategic Discipline

  • Repetitive Learning: Stick to the process and don’t attempt to optimize endlessly.
  • Objectivity and Consistency: Show up every day with discipline, focus on long term results.
  • Avoid Overcomplicating: Stick to essential indicators (Footprints, Midnight Open line) and avoid excessive analysis (correlated assets, fair value gaps).
  • Operate Above Current Level: Trade with the mindset of handling larger funds and acting professionally.

Conclusion and Summary of Steps

  1. Determine Midnight Open Position: Above for shorts, below for longs.
  2. Identify Relevant Footprints: Closely related to the Midnight Open position.
  3. Use Distributions Information: Average percentage distribution for the specific day.
  4. Keep Strategy and Goals Consistent: Stick to process, don't get greedy or try capturing too big moves.
  5. Maintain Proper Mindset: Think and act as if managing substantial funds, focus on growing through disciplined and repetitive actions.

Final Note

  • Treat Trading as a Business: Maintain rationality. Losses are business expenses, and winning comes from a consistent strategy.
  • Take Time Off: Appreciate the autonomy trading offers, like taking an extended weekend when it fits.