ES Daily Plan | May 25/26, 2026
Market Context & Key Levels for the Day Ahead
— For new subscribers
The yellow levels highlighted at the bottom left of the chart are the primary intraday levels I focus on. To avoid impulsive decisions at poor trade locations, I follow a simple but effective rule: exercise caution when initiating trades outside of these yellow levels.
This means I’m cautious about chasing longs above the Final Upside Target (FUT) and shorts below the Final Downside Target (FDT). It’s important to understand that not chasing does not imply initiating a trade in the opposite direction, discipline over impulse.
Be sure to review the Weekly Plan for a broader perspective, key levels, and market expectations for the week ahead.
Contextual Analysis & Plan
Friday’s session opened with a small true gap higher, which was filled in the B-period following an early Look Above and Fail (LAAF) of 7509. In the process, the Smashlevel at 7479 was tagged almost to the tick, offering a clean reversal (LOD: 7478.75). Beyond that, the session offered limited opportunities.
Smashlevels Recap
Friday’s session opened with a small true gap higher, which was filled in the B-period following an early Look Above and Fail (LAAF) of 7509. In the process, the Smashlevel at 7479 was tagged almost to the tick, offering a clean reversal (LOD: 7478.75). Beyond that, the session offered limited opportunities.
As discussed in the Weekly Plan, the weekly timeframe has developed into a 2-week balance following a period of one-sided trade.
In the short term, however, buyers are attempting a move away from value, which can clearly be seen in the composite profile on the far right of the chart.
The key now is to monitor for continuation, or lack thereof, with the LVN at 7484 as the immediate reference of interest.
Intraday strength would be indicated by a reclaim of 7516 (UT1), targeting all-time highs, while weakness would be signaled by a break and hold below 7456 (DT1), opening the door to a rotation back to value.
In terms of levels, the Smashlevel is 7484, a low volume node (LVN). Holding above 7484 signals stability and targets Friday’s IB High at 7516 (UT1). Acceptance above 7516 would signal intraday strength, targeting the ATH at 7540 (UT2), with a final upside target at 7565 (FUT) under sustained buying pressure.
On the flip side, failure to hold 7484 would shift focus to 7456 (DT1), with a final downside target at 7420 (FDT), the HVN, under sustained selling pressure.
Visual Representation
Levels of Interest
Going into tomorrow’s session, I’ll closely observe the behavior around 7484.
Holding above 7484 would target 7516 / 7540 / 7565
Break and hold below 7484 would target 7456 / 7420
Additionally, pay attention to the following VIX levels: 17.58 and 15.84. These levels can provide confirmation of strength or weakness.
Break and hold above 7565 with VIX below 15.84 would confirm strength.
Break and hold below 7420 with VIX above 17.58 would confirm weakness.
Overall, it's important to exercise caution when trading outside of the highlighted yellow levels. A non-cooperative VIX may suggest possible reversals i.e trade setups.
Thanks Smash!
Thank you buddy