Morning Session:

• Pre-Market Outlook: PTGDavid identified an initial upside target zone of 5765 – 5770 in ES, which was achieved early in the session. He emphasized the expectation of Mean After Trend Day (MATD) rhythms, setting the stage for a balanced trade structure.
• Crude Oil (CL) Strategy: PTGDavid signaled an OPR short trade, which successfully fulfilled all target levels, reinforcing disciplined execution in trading predefined zones.
• Market Structure and Bearish Scenario: A bearish scenario was outlined, with key levels identified—5745 as a pivot for downside movement, targeting the 5725 – 5720 zone. The market initially tested these levels but found support, leading to a structural shift.
• Bullish Shift: After an initial rejection, bulls reclaimed 5738, signaling a shift to a long bias. This level became a critical threshold for buyers to hold, as noted by PTGDavid’s commentary on maintaining a structural bull stance.
• News Impact: Headlines surrounding tariff tensions, including Macron’s response to Trump tariffs and Mexico’s planned response, were highlighted as potential market-moving events.

Midday Session:

• Sustained Bullish Momentum: The 5765 level was marked as a crucial inflection point. As bulls pushed through, PTGDavid anticipated further upside squeezes.
• VWAP Rejection: The market attempted to sustain above VWAP but failed to hold, leading to a pullback and a reassessment of bullish conviction.
• Patience in Pullback Structures: PTGDavid advised waiting for the next long setup rather than forcing trades, emphasizing disciplined trade execution.
• Short Plays in NQ: He noted a premium short setup in the Nasdaq (NQ), which played out effectively, demonstrating a balanced approach to both long and short opportunities.

Afternoon Session & Market Close:

• 2 PM Volatility: The anticipated “Shake n Bake” move at 2 PM materialized, testing the strength of intraday structures. Bulls managed to absorb sell pressure, reinforcing the consolidation theme of Cycle Day 2.
• Power Hour Insights: As the market entered the final hour, PTGDavid identified VWAP as a gravitational force, limiting breakout potential. Buyers showed resilience, but the session largely remained within a controlled two-way range.
• Market-on-Close (MOC) Data: A reported $634M buy imbalance was noted as insignificant (“Mice Nutz”) compared to what would be needed for a meaningful directional push.
• Final Observations: The session concluded with a reaffirmation of Cycle Day 2’s two-way consolidation lean, setting up expectations for potential volatility in the next trading day (“Freaky Friday”).

Key Takeaways & Educational Insights:

✅ Technical Levels Matter: Identifying and respecting key levels like VWAP, POC, and OPR Midpoint aids in framing trade setups effectively.
✅ Adaptability is Key: Transitioning from short to long bias based on structural shifts is crucial in dynamic market conditions.
✅ News Impacts Markets: Geopolitical and economic headlines can create directional biases; traders should remain aware of macro developments.
✅ Cycle Day Awareness: Recognizing the rhythm of the market (trend vs. balance days) helps in aligning trade expectations and risk management.
✅ Patience in Execution: Waiting for high-probability setups rather than forcing trades ensures disciplined risk management and consistency.

PTGDavid’s real-time commentary provided a robust framework for navigating intraday price action, balancing technical precision with fundamental awareness.