Unlock Today’s Most Surprising ES and NQ Trading Setups Now

by | Jul 2, 2025 | Market Insights

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? Daily Outlook Report – July 2, 2025

For: ES (S&P 500 E-mini) and NQ (Nasdaq E-mini)
Target Audience: Active day traders using NinjaTrader


1. ? Market Overview

  • Overnight (Asia/Europe): Asian markets mixed ahead of July 9 U.S. tariff deadline. Tech indices in Asia trended lower, while Europe and U.S. index futures traded flat to slightly higher in cautious trade.
  • Macro factors:
    • U.S. Senate passed a major tax and spending bill; eyes on the House vote.
    • Tariff headlines remain a source of uncertainty for equities.
    • Crude inventory data in focus today; oil steady amid OPEC+ discussions.
  • Upcoming Events:
    • 8:15 AM ET: ADP Non-Farm Employment Change (est. 95–105k)
    • 10:30 AM ET: EIA Crude Oil Inventory
    • Tomorrow: June Non-Farm Payrolls, Unemployment Rate
  • Pre-market sentiment: VIX remains below 20 (calm). Futures neutral to slightly bullish. Traders cautious ahead of data and tariff developments.
  • Technical context: Indices near record highs; uptrend remains but approaching key resistance zones.

2. ? Technical Levels to Watch

ES (S&P 500 E-mini)

  • Overnight High/Low: Within prior day’s range.
  • Globex Volume Profile:
    • Value Area High (VAH): 4,530–4,540
    • Value Area Low (VAL): 4,505–4,515
    • Point of Control (POC): ~4,520
  • Key Resistance: 4,560
  • Key Support: 4,500–4,510
  • Notable Gaps: Minor gap from Monday around 4,565; watch for liquidity in the 4,500 area.

NQ (Nasdaq E-mini)

  • Overnight High/Low: Tight range near previous session highs.
  • Globex Volume Profile:
    • Value Area High (VAH): 22,900–22,920
    • Value Area Low (VAL): 22,800–22,820
    • Point of Control (POC): ~22,870
  • Key Resistance: 22,930–22,950
  • Key Support: 22,800–22,820
  • Gaps: Gap from June 30 at ~22,780 may be tested if volatility spikes.

3. ? Market Sentiment Snapshot

  • Sentiment: Retail traders remain bullish with VIX low, while institutional models also show a long skew. This creates risk of a downside move if data disappoints.
  • Positioning: Futures are pricing in substantial Fed cuts by year-end. Markets are sensitive to any surprise in jobs or oil data.

4. ? Trade Scenarios & Setups

ES Scenarios

  1. Bullish continuation above 4,540
    Trigger: Positive ADP or tariff clarity.
    Entry: Breakout above 4,540.
    Targets: 4,560, then 4,585.
    Stop: Below 4,530.
  2. Pullback to 4,510–4,520 support
    Trigger: Mixed data, lack of momentum.
    Entry: Bounce from this zone.
    Targets: 4,540–4,550.
    Stop: Below 4,505.
  3. Bear trap fade above 4,560
    Trigger: False breakout above resistance.
    Entry: Short reversal.
    Targets: 4,530–4,520.
    Stop: Above 4,570.

NQ Scenarios

  1. Momentum play above 22,920
    Trigger: Tech leadership on strong data.
    Entry: Breakout above VAH.
    Targets: 22,960–23,000.
    Stop: Below 22,900.
  2. Retrace and hold at 22,800–22,820
    Trigger: Mixed jobs or oil numbers.
    Entry: Bounce from VAL.
    Targets: 22,900–22,920.
    Stop: Below 22,780.
  3. Reversal from gap fill around 22,780
    Trigger: Quick washout and reversal.
    Entry: Fade off gap fill.
    Targets: 22,820–22,850.
    Stop: Above 22,800.

5. ? Backtesting / Statistical Edge

Since 2018, ADP misses combined with oil inventory builds have led to an average -0.3% to -0.5% intraday move lower on ES. Use this edge to calibrate risk on scenario #2 if data comes in weak.


? Final Notes

  • Mark value area levels (VAH, VAL, POC) and overnight range on your NinjaTrader charts before the open.
  • Stay patient around the economic data—let the market react first.
  • Focus on execution and risk discipline. No bias, only scenarios and probabilities.
  • Trade safe and review your setups after the session!

Written by NinjaTrader Indicators

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