War Headlines and a Volatile Open
by Tony Rago
Big gap down on geopolitical headlines overnight, and with VIX pushing over 23, we’re walking into a high-volatility open. When the VIX gets elevated like this, it’s signaling expanded expected ranges — which means faster moves, wider rotations, and less forgiveness for poor entries. I’ll be laser-focused on 6796 in ES. That level is going to be a tell. If ES can stabilize and reclaim it, that could give NQ room to find footing. If it rejects and rolls, tech likely follows. In environments like this, levels matter even more because liquidity thins out and reactions tend to be sharper. 📉
This is not the type of morning to get loose. Big gaps plus headline-driven emotion can create opportunity — but only for traders who respect risk. Stay on your toes and USE STOPS. A new month is also underway, which often brings repositioning flows and added noise, so I’ll be wading in slowly and letting structure develop before getting aggressive. No need to be a hero at the open. Protect capital first, then press when the setup earns it. 💪
👉 Full breakdown is inside today’s Pre-Market Playbook. Check it out here and trade it smart.

