Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Tony’s Pre-Market Playbook

Holding Higher Lows or Rolling Over?
by Tony Rago

Bulls tried to string a day together, but momentum stalled before it could really build. Now it’s about structure. On the higher time frames, they need to start carving out higher lows — that’s how trends stabilize and regain traction. For ES, 6,850 is the line in the sand. If buyers can defend that area and push for a close back above 6,900, it keeps upside structure intact and opens the door for continuation. On NQ, 24,750 needs to hold, with 25,000 reclaimed on a closing basis. Big round numbers like that often act as psychological pivots — above it, confidence builds; below it, pressure lingers.

This morning is about leadership. Do buyers step in with intent, or do sellers press yesterday’s weakness and test those lows again? I’ll be locked in on those key levels and yesterday’s lows as decision zones. If higher lows start building, that’s information. If they crack, that’s information too. No guessing — just reacting to what price confirms. Let’s get after it 💪

👉 Full breakdown is inside today’s Pre-Market Playbook. Check it out here and trade it smart.


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