Summary Box
Bullish above: 6740
Bearish below: 6730
Primary Bias: Bearish while trading under 6730
Partial Targets: 6721 → 6716 → 6705 → 6685
Market Context and Directional Bias
The S&P 500 E-mini hovers just beneath resistance between 6728 and 6735. According to tradeCompass, the bearish threshold sits at 6730, meaning sellers remain in control unless price reclaims 6740. A sustained drop below 6730 could accelerate toward lower value zones, while a close above 6740 would shift focus back to the 6750–6760 range.
At this stage, bears hold the advantage. The structure favors short opportunities beneath resistance, but as always, activation depends on price behavior relative to these thresholds.
Today’s Key Levels and Partial-Profit Plan
Bearish Scenario (active below 6730)
6721 – Initial short target near the October 14 Value Area High.
6716 – Next support zone and liquidity pocket from recent sessions.
6705 – A structural magnet tied to intraday balance.
6685 – The October 12 VWAP region and likely major test for bears.
Bullish Scenario (if price sustains above 6740)
6744 – Yesterday’s Value Area High and first resistance.
6747 – Aligned with the October 7 Value Area Low.
6753 – Short-term breakout extension.
6764 – Upper VWAP deviation and the final bullish objective.
The risk-to-reward profile is stronger for shorts at present, but tradeCompass remains flexible to both outcomes based on which threshold is triggered.
Background: What’s Driving the S&P 500 Today
European equities opened firm with Euro Stoxx futures up 0.2 percent as traders assess mixed global sentiment. Earlier this week, strong Q3 results from BofA and Morgan Stanley helped stabilize the broader market. Still, our recent Nasdaq analysis highlighted the risk of exhaustion near key resistance, which now extends to the S&P 500. Risk appetite also softened after Japan’s move to ban crypto insider trading, a reminder that global regulatory tightening can ripple through all risk assets.
Educational Corner: Understanding VWAP and the Value Area
VWAP—the Volume Weighted Average Price—is a crucial benchmark for institutional traders. It shows the average execution level for the day and serves as a dynamic magnet for price. Hedge funds and market-making algorithms often buy below VWAP and sell above it in range conditions, or use its standard deviations to gauge trend extensions.
The Value Area, which contains roughly 70 percent of traded volume, highlights where fair value was established. When price trades below both the Value Area High (VAH) and VWAP, it signals selling pressure and often continuation toward deeper supports.
Trade Management Reminders (tradeCompass)
Only one trade per direction.
After TP2 is hit, move your stop to entry to secure the position.
Stops should sit just beyond the activation side with a small buffer but never beyond the opposite threshold.
Confirmation can be price-based (two closes) or time-based depending on your approach.
Clarification on Using the Compass
If the market fails to sustain above the bullish threshold, it often signals a potential short setup. Conversely, consistent trading below the bearish threshold points to a deeper downside phase. Always use partial profit-taking and protect capital by managing stops as price progresses.
Professional Disclaimer
This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Trading futures and CFDs involves substantial risk, and you should trade only with capital you can afford to lose.
This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.