AM BRIEFING
ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS
MicrosTrader’s Monday morning briefing for March 16th highlighted a Level 10 volatility week ahead, featuring an 188-point expected range driven by FOMC announcements, contract rollover, quad witching expiration, and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil markets. The session showcased major Battle Plan improvements including enhanced visual design, expanded economic calendar integration, and Battle Plan Buddy 2.0 upgrades. Despite bears maintaining overall control below the key range, specific battle plan entries delivered exceptional results with potential 70-point gains for traders using the three-contract system with proper runner management.
CRITICAL WEEK AHEAD SCHEDULE
| Monday | Empire State Manufacturing (7:30 AM), New Home Sales |
| Tuesday | Contract Rollover Day |
| Wednesday | FOMC Meeting (Live trading planned) |
| Friday | Quad Witching/Triple Witching Options Expiration |
- Expected Range: 188 points for the week
- Volatility Classification: Level 10 (maximum)
- Additional Catalysts: Geopolitical tensions driving oil volatility
BATTLE PLAN PLATFORM UPGRADES
The Battle Plan received comprehensive visual and functional improvements designed to enhance trader experience and clarity. The new color palette provides better visual appeal while maintaining professional functionality for serious traders.
- Enhanced Graphics: Session-specific icons now clearly indicate coverage (Sunday-Monday vs Monday RTH) for better self-explanation
- Dark Mode Toggle: Complete dark theme option available at bottom of Battle Plan interface
- Expanded Economic Calendar: Now includes trading-specific events not found on standard calendars (contract rollovers, OPEX, witching days)
- Improved News Integration: Beyond red-folder events to include all relevant trading catalysts like New Home Sales
- Member Tools Tracking: Version control system showing last update dates (Strong Levels v3.15, Battle Plan Buddy v2.0)
- Trial Offer: For our latest trial offer, click here.
BATTLE PLAN BUDDY 2.0 FEATURES
The updated Battle Plan Buddy application provides real-time news alerts and enhanced customization across multiple operating systems. The flashing alert system ensures traders never miss critical economic releases.
- Cross-Platform Support: Available for Mac, PC, Chromebook, and Linux systems
- Customizable Interface: Adjustable font sizes, button sizes, and alarm pixel dimensions (current: 30px)
- Real-Time Alerts: Flashing countdown notifications for upcoming news events in user’s local timezone
- Data Refresh Feature: Update information without relaunching application
- Collapsible Battle Plan Views: Click-to-expand/collapse individual battle plan entries
- Compact Mode: Additional space-saving view option
MARKET STRUCTURE & POSITIONING
The ES futures market remains below the critical 130-day range, with bears maintaining control despite strong overnight recovery moves. Key technical levels and trend lines provide specific entry guidelines for the week ahead.
- Range Status: Currently trading below 130-day support range where “longs were better than shorts”
- Bear Control Confirmed: Market structure favors short-side bias with longs as counter-trend only
- Critical Trend Lines: Multiple resistance levels must break for bullish reversal
- All-Time High Reference: Upper boundary remains distant target requiring significant level breaks
- Current Strategy: Focus on range recapture levels for long entries, avoid longs near trend line resistance
BATTLE PLAN EXECUTION RESULTS
Previous session battle plans demonstrated exceptional performance despite challenging market conditions, with Battle Plan 3 and 4 delivering significant point captures using proper entry techniques and runner management.
- Battle Plan 3 Performance: Initial 10-point move followed by 22-point extension, total 50+ points available on runners
- Three-Contract System Results: Potential 70-point total using proper scaling (10+20+50 point distribution)
- Runner Management: Critical emphasis on holding single contracts during high volatility periods
- Entry Criteria: Strong level triangulation with battle plan zones for optimal risk/reward
- 35-Point Candle Rule: Stand down and wait during extreme volatility moves
CURRENT SESSION ANALYSIS
Monday’s opening showed strong acceptance across major timeframes with proper VWAP behavior, though maintaining bearish bias awareness remains crucial. The trap-the-trader-low pattern provided textbook long opportunities within Friday’s established range.
- Range Acceptance: Good acceptance across the board inside Friday’s range
- VWAP Configuration: Upward slanting with healthy distance from price
- Trap Pattern: Classic trap-the-trader-low followed by upper distribution move
- Bear Control Caveat: Strong moves north don’t indicate bull control – can be lower highs
- Position Management: Either already long holding runners or flat waiting for new setups
“In bears control, you get beautiful moves to the north. You’d be up 70 points while the bears control in a long. Not bad.”
COMMON QUESTIONS FOR ES FUTURES TRADERS
What makes this a Level 10 volatility week?
A: The combination of FOMC meeting, contract rollover day, quad witching expiration, ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil, and a 188-point expected range creates maximum volatility conditions requiring heightened risk management.
How does the three-contract system work with battle plan entries?
A: Take three contracts at battle plan levels, scale out by taking profits on first contract at 10 points, second at 20 points, and hold a single runner for extended moves. This session showed potential for 70 total points (10+20+50).
What is the 35-point candle rule?
A: When you see a 35-point candle or similar extreme volatility move, stand down completely and wait. Don’t attempt to trade during these violent moves – let the market settle first.
Why focus on longs when bears are in control?
A: Even in bear-controlled markets, strong counter-trend moves to the north can provide excellent profit opportunities. The key is proper entry at battle plan levels and not assuming bull control from these moves.
What’s the significance of being below the 130-day range?
A: For 130 days, this range provided support where “longs were better than shorts.” Now below this range, bears control the structure and longs should be treated as counter-trend trades only.
How does Battle Plan Buddy 2.0 improve trading preparation?
A: It provides real-time flashing alerts for upcoming news events, cross-platform compatibility, customizable interface elements, and the ability to refresh data without restarting the application.
What should traders avoid near trend line resistance?
A: Avoid going long anywhere near trend line resistance. Give the market opportunity to reject off the trend line first. If rejection occurs, don’t attempt longs close to that resistance level.
How do you identify trap-the-trader-low patterns?
A: Look for initial moves lower followed by quick reversal and acceptance back into the previous session’s range, often accompanied by upward slanting VWAP with good distance from price.
What’s included in the expanded economic calendar?
A: Beyond standard red-folder events, it now includes trading-specific items like contract rollovers, OPEX dates, witching days, and secondary events like New Home Sales that can impact ES futures.
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