ICT Technical Review \ NQ Futures March \ February 03, 2026

Summary

In this technical review of the NASDAQ futures contract for March 2026, the speaker discusses key trading concepts like suspension blocks, gradient levels, and fib settings. Emphasizing the current volatility and market manipulation, they advise novice traders to wait for less turbulent conditions, ideally by spring, to better navigate price action. The video highlights risk management strategies, including using smaller positions and staying cautious with trades. Detailed market analysis is provided for experienced traders, but the speaker stresses the difficulty of trading in the present high-risk environment, offering guidance for those aiming to succeed in challenging market conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The March 2026 NASDAQ futures contract is showing a positive balance with volume bounces at both the low and high, forming a suspension block.
• 😀 The midpoint of the daily suspension block is critical. As long as the price stays below it, the market remains bearish.
• 😀 The market is currently within a range, which makes trading difficult, especially due to geopolitical manipulation and market volatility.
• 😀 For new traders, it may be beneficial to take a break and return in the spring when the market becomes cleaner and more predictable.
• 😀 Trading within a range is challenging; without experience, it’s easy to blow your account due to poor technical timing and frustration.
• 😀 The concept of grading wicks and identifying inefficiencies is a key part of the trader's methodology, focusing on gaps and levels for trade entries.
• 😀 Short trades can be entered when the market rallies into inefficiencies or premium zones, particularly when it takes out old highs.
• 😀 The market tested levels such as the new week opening gap and found resistance, confirming the bearish outlook for the day.
• 😀 High volatility and risk make it harder to stick with a trading plan, even for experienced traders. Position size should be reduced to manage risk.
• 😀 Using micro contracts for trade executions is recommended in high-volatility environments to minimize losses and improve risk management.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this analysis on the NASDAQ futures contract for March 2026?

The focus is on identifying key price levels, such as the daily suspension block and the consequent encouragement line, to predict market movement and provide insight into potential trading strategies.

Why is the midpoint of the daily chart important in this analysis?

The midpoint of the daily chart, indicated by the dotted line, is a crucial level. As long as the price remains below this point, the market is considered bearish. If it moves above this midpoint, it could signal a potential bullish scenario.

What are 'quadrant levels' and how are they used in trading analysis?

Quadrant levels are specific price points within a market range that are used to gauge where price action could shift. They help traders identify areas of potential support and resistance. The analysis includes these levels and how they relate to 'eighths' to provide more granular insights.

What does the term 'discount wick' refer to in this context?

A discount wick refers to a price level where the market trades down to, often seen as a gap or inefficiency in price action. Traders monitor these levels because they may signal areas where price can either reverse or continue its trend.

What is the significance of the new week opening gap in this analysis?

The new week opening gap is an important price level where the market often shows reactions. The analysis tracks this gap closely to identify areas for potential reversals or continued price movement.

How do volatility and geopolitical factors impact market behavior according to the transcript?

The transcript highlights how volatility and geopolitical factors are creating a difficult trading environment. High volatility leads to unpredictable price movements, and geopolitical manipulation adds to the complexity of the market, making it challenging to stick to trading plans.

What is the advice given to new or inexperienced traders in the script?

The advice is to take time off if struggling with current market conditions, especially given the high volatility and range-bound market. New traders should avoid risking real money until the market conditions stabilize, typically around springtime.

What is the 'SMT divergence' and how does it help with trading decisions?

SMT (Symmetry Market Trend) divergence is a method of comparing price action between related markets, such as the NASDAQ and the S&P 500. Divergence signals can indicate inefficiencies or potential reversals in the market, offering traders insights into where to take positions.

Why does the speaker mention using micros instead of minis in their trading examples?

The speaker suggests using micros instead of minis to reduce risk in high-volatility markets. Micros offer a smaller position size, allowing traders to manage risk more effectively and avoid large losses in uncertain market conditions.

What does the speaker mean by 'trading against the direction of where the market's going to go'?

The speaker refers to entering trades at price levels where the market is temporarily overbought or oversold. Instead of chasing price, they prefer to trade when the market reaches areas of inefficiency or when it has moved too far in one direction, anticipating a reversal.