April 29th Market Context & Game Plan: Trapped in Tight Ranges
Welcome back to another Tuesday morning market session.
After a series of impressive rallies in the last two weeks, we now find ourselves boxed into a tight, frustrating range — and today’s open is a continuation of that same indecisive behavior.
Let’s break it down:
Current Market Snapshot (as of 9:00 AM ET)
ES is trading around 5540, with a defined range between 5480 – 5550
NQ is holding around 19,450, stuck between 19,250 – 19,600
These are incredibly well-respected levels — we’ve seen them tested multiple times in recent sessions, but no real breakout or breakdown has followed. That’s your first sign: this is a range-bound market until proven otherwise.
Game Plan & Key Mindset
Patience Over Prediction
Friday’s session was a perfect example — it took over 90 minutes before we saw any meaningful direction. If you tried to guess early, chances are you chopped yourself up.Respect the Ranges
Until ES clears 5550 with volume — or fails below 5480 — expect fakeouts, whipsaws, and mean-reversion setups.Avoid the Noise
This is not a time to preempt a breakout. Wait for confirmation. Let price prove its intent.Know When to Sit Out
Skipping a morning full of false moves is just as much a win as catching the trend. If the range is too tight, there’s no shame in preserving capital and confidence.
Levels to Watch
Final Word
Markets don’t owe us a breakout just because we want one.
This is where discipline shows.
➡️ If we break and hold outside these ranges with conviction, we’ll be ready.
➡️ Until then, stay tactical, stay sharp, and don’t confuse motion with opportunity.
Shawn
Disclosure
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Trading and investing in financial markets involve substantial risk, and it is important to conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. The author is not responsible for any financial losses or gains that may result from actions
Trading futures, stocks, and options involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.