ES & NQ Combined Outlook – Post Friday Recap & Current Ranges

August 8, 2025

https://youtu.be/TljZLhtEPlg

Market Context

From July 31 to August 1, both ES and NQ posted back-to-back heavy red daily bars, marking a sharp two-day sell-off.

What followed? A V-shaped recovery, pushing both indices back toward higher ground.

On Friday, NQ showed clear relative strength—leading the upside and dragging ES higher in the process.

📊 Side-by-side chart analysis:

• NQ: Now trading very close to the high from the sell-off day and nearly closing the gap entirely.

• ES: Still lags behind, with part of the sell-off gap yet to be filled.Current Key Ranges

NQ (Nasdaq Futures)

• Consolidation zone: 23,653 – 23,750

• This is a tight range with low reward-to-risk if trading inside.

Preferred Approach:

• Avoid trading inside the range unless fading edges with tight stops.

• Breakout above 23,750 → potential long opportunity (smaller size due to August breakout risk).

• Breakdown below 23,653 → consider shorts, but only with confirmed structure.

---

ES (S&P 500 Futures)

• Key support: 6400

• No-trade zone: 6410 – 6430 (Sunday evening & pre-market range)

Preferred Approach:

• Hold above 6400 → avoid shorts; wait for upside breakout structure.

• Break below 6400 with momentum → short setup opens up.

• Avoid trading in the mid-range chop.

---

Execution Mindset

• Structure First → No bias without a clear technical setup.

• Direction Neutral → Will trade either side, but only at range extremes or on confirmed breakouts/breakdowns.

Intraday Read:

• If NQ breaks its range high → ES may follow to the upside.

• If NQ fails at range high → could pressure ES back toward key supports.

---

Bottom Line

We’re mid-range in both ES and NQ, with well-defined highs and lows.

The best trades will come outside these ranges.

Inside them? Expect chop and false signals.

Patience is not optional—let the market show its hand

📺 Want Live Pre-Market Context?

Join us every weekday at 8:30 AM EST for real-time levels, trade planning, and execution strategy.

👉 Watch Live Here – TV.TheSmartTraders.com

Join the membership:

Access Here

---

⚠️ Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any trading or investment decisions.

---