Cycle Day: CD2
Series Context: Post-CD1 continuation with anticipated MATD consolidation rhythms
Theme of the Day: “Go With The Flow – Jellyfish Mode Activated”
Market Overview
The S&P (SPX) continued its ping-pong act between 6,700–6,750, anchored by the now-infamous “Captain Condor” gamma complex. Positive gamma held firm above 6,730, keeping upside advances sticky yet controlled. The 6,700 underbelly softened early, hinting at a possible probe lower — but buyers again absorbed pressure, forcing yet another short-cover retreat.
With FOMC Minutes at 2:00 PM ET, traders braced for a potential “seek-and-destroy” magnet move toward the Captain’s 6,670 leg, but the morning strength and absorption kept the tone constructive. Bulls once again maintained structure dominance — the bears still couldn’t hold a sustained advantage.
Cycle Structure & Key Levels
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CD1 Low Benchmark: 6747.25
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Opening Tone: CD2 consolidation bias
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Bull Scenario: >6750 triggers 6770–6775 target → ✅ Fulfilled early AM
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Bear Scenario: <6750 targets 6740–6725 → Unfulfilled as bulls held the line
Morning Flow
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Manny and David synced seamlessly on structure + time confluence.
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Manny’s Clock provided surgical guidance:
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🕓 Low Window: 10:00–10:55 (hit perfectly on time)
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🕓 High Window: 11:00–11:45 (formed slightly late)
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🕓 Lunch Low: 12:00–1:00 (pivot formed 12:55 – aligned beautifully)
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Open drive higher, followed by tactical pullback buys from 6785–6787 offered “chip shot” longs right into the morning continuation zone.
Trade Execution Highlights
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Manny: Shorted early off ONH rejection, flipped long into the AM Low Window, executed multiple precision scales (+3, +5, +8, +10).
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PTGDavid: Emphasized using timing windows as management tools, not prediction traps.
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Key Pivot: 6796 emerged as “hold or fold” support for the afternoon advance.
Both traders emphasized process over perfection: writing the day, trusting structure, and “letting time do the heavy lifting.”
Afternoon Session
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Lunch Low @ 12:55 confirmed, providing continuation fuel into the 2:00–2:55 FOMC Timing High Window (center 2:30).
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Manny’s long from 6796.50 achieved multiple scale targets before tightening risk into breakeven as momentum waned.
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David clarified that Timing High/Low ≠ Higher High/Lower Low — rather, it’s a swing pivot within the time window. Perfect alignment of price, structure, and time drove the learning moment home.
Notable Quotes & Lessons
David: “Management of long into timing high is the play.”
Manny: “Fear is a MFer — but trust the process and even a loss becomes a win.”
Yumi Wisdom: “If you’re going to enter, don’t hesitate. If you hesitate, don’t enter.”
David (early note): “Be like a Jellyfish — Go With The Flow.”
Summary
Character: Classic Cycle Day 2 consolidation → trend extension
Bias: Bullish control with controlled rotations
Execution Focus: Time + Structure confluence
Discipline Quote of the Day: “Jellyfish don’t fight the current. They move with it — gracefully profitable.”